vol 106 iss 26, March 18, 2020

T H E

M A N I T O B A N

THEMANITOBAN.COM

MARCH 18, 2020

VOLUME 106

COVID-19PANDEMIC PUBLISHING STATEMENT Responding to the developing COVID-19 pandemic Friday, the U of M announced that it was limiting inperson instruction and moving courses to on-line or remote delivery for the remainder of the term.

Health care professionals have recommended practicing social distancing and are urging people to stay home to slow transmission of the virus.

To that end, this will be the Manitoban’s last print issue of the term. We will continue to report ongoing developments of the pandemic and critical campus news — including the struggle to maintain the U-Pass transit program — through to the end of the term.

The Manitoban’s website will be updated regularly and weekly editions will be published digitally as a downloadable PDF. Stay tuned to our social media networks for updates.

— The Manitoban editorial board

ISSUE 26

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Index

VOL. 106 NO. 26 March 18, 2020

Extensive damage

Student-group offices, UMSU businesses hurt by Friday blaze NEWS PAGE 5

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Matthew Doering

editor@themanitoban.com / 474.8293

BUSINESS MANAGER Alice Teufack

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EDITORIAL

MANAGING EDITOR Garett Williams

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NEWS EDITOR Garett Williams

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NEWS EDITOR Ty Brass

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ARTS AND CULTURE EDITOR Grace Paizen

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NEWS Damien Davis NEWS Amira Tekle

Fundraising camp-out

Students take to the elements to raise funds for homeless youth NEWS PAGE 4

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News Editor: Garett Williams and Ty Brass Contact: garett@themanitoban.com ty @themanitoban.com / 474.6770

Campus reacts to COVID-19’s arrival in Winnipeg

Classes moved online, public events cancelled GILLIAN BROWN AND AMIRA TEKLE, STAFF

PHOTO BY QUINCY HOUDAYER

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s the number of COVID-19 cases in Manitoba climbs, the U of M continues to expand precautionary measures.

Health Canada has issued a number of precautionary measures to control transmission of the virus — including social distancing — and has urged people not to gather in crowds larger than 50 people.

All classes at the U of M were cancelled Monday and Tuesday as administration moved to deliver nearly all courses remotely or online.

Courses are scheduled to resume today with nearly all instruction completed remotely. Only in rare exceptions — which will be communicated directly — will any classes resume on campus.

All non-essential events involving more than 50 people have been cancelled.

On Monday, the university announced that the voluntary withdrawal deadline for the term has been pushed to April 13.

In a letter issued late Friday, U of M president David Barnard said the intention is to keep the univer-

sity as operational as possible and to the week but was unsure if they would students in a way that will set them For the time being, the UMGSA continue to provide students with “as re-open given the precautions. up for success in their final exams office remains open but will be closed many essential services as possible “It’s a really difficult situation,” he but also to ensure they are getting to anyone but staff and executives. under the circumstances.” said. “I think everyone is doing the the proper value they want out of the Executives will remain accessible by “The COVID-19 threat is new to best they can. We’re working with course.” email. all of us; none of us have dealt with the university collaboratively on this.”

U of M Graduate Students’ precisely this situAssociation Residence services “normal” ation before,” said (UMGSA) While the university is taking Barnard.

“The UMGSA is continuing its advocacy for grad president Carl more drastic precautions, residence “We are acting said the services director Barry Stone said in students during these difficult circumstances” Neumann out of an abunassociation plans a letter to residents that daily life will dance of caution to follow the uni- continue in a mostly regular fashion.

— Carl Neumann, president and with the best versity’s precau“At this point in time, residence interests in mind tions and cancel and dining operations will continue of this and the larger community. We Sanderson said UMSU is still public events and move all meetings to function as normal, with the are all dealing with this together. We making arrangements to best man- online. exception of some larger residence are committed to doing our best and age the “fluid situation” but that his “The UMGSA is continuing its programming events being cancelled making the best decisions.” focus remains on students. advocacy for grad students during or postponed until further notice,” On Monday, all UMSU busi“Our number one priority is stu- these difficult circumstances,” he said. he wrote. nesses were closed after a weekend fire dent safety,” he said, “and then from “We are participating in university Stone acknowledged that students outside UMSU planning meet- will face more difficulties practicing University Centre ings related to social distancing in a communal set“Our number one priority is student safety” but other busiCOVID-19 ting but said students can individually nesses, including and will con- make an effort to wash their hands — Jakob Sanderson, UMSU president the campus booktinue to work more frequently and utilize proper store, remained along with uni- coughing and sneezing etiquette to open. U MSU versity staff and mitigate risk. president Jakob Sanderson said the that, with classes being moved online, UMSU to minimize the problems union’s businesses will likely be pre- how are we ensuring that the course and uncertainties that students are Continued Labs | Page 7 pared to resume operations later in content is being communicated to and will be facing.”

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News Editor: Garett Williams and Ty Brass Contact: garett@themanitoban.com /ty @themanitoban.com / 474.6770

Students sleep outside to raise cash for homeless youth Critics laud the effort, question the experience DAMIEN DAVIS, STAFF

PHOTO BY QUINCY HOUDAYER

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ive U of M students took to the elements last week to raise awareness and funds for local initiatives battling homelessness.

The U of M Commerce Students’ Association organized this year’s annual 5 Days for the Homeless campaign, a fundraiser that universities across the nation participate in to raise awareness and money for local charities.

The fundraiser supported Resource Assistance for Youth (RaY), a non-profit street-level agency that works to support homeless youth up to the age of 29 through a harm reduction approach.

The fundraiser is set up so five to seven volunteer students spend five days living in a camp set up outside UMSU University Centre (UC) and raise money through donations.

Quinn Desrochers, a fourth-year engineering student, said he has been involved with the initiative since his first year at the university.

“I’m in my fourth year now,” he said, “and I’ve been sleeping for three out of the four years and I think it’s just the best way I can help out and give back.”

Ashar Khwaja, a second-year student in the faculty of arts, is an international student who said he

volunteered because he has experi“Each year, we clean up the sleepenced homelessness first hand. “I was ers area under UMSU University homeless for a week. It was hard for Centre and leave all pallets and mateme,” he said. rials in a pile that is then picked up by “It’s a good initiative for me,” he University of Manitoba physical plant. added, “and if it’s helping society, This was the case this year as well.” then why not?”

Across campus in the University This year’s campaign ended early College Great Hall, facilitaafter the campers packed up Thursday tors of a Poverty Awareness and afternoon due to concerns with the Community Action (PACA) workdeveloping COVID-19 outbreak. The shop Wednesday expressed mixed volunteers left behind several pal- feelings about the initiative. lets and cardboard that caught fire Ray Troughton, a community just before 1 p.m. Friday, resulting in volunteer with the event, lauded extensive water damage throughout the effort to raise funds but said just UC. sleeping outside doesn’t recreate the No injuries were reported, and the experience of homelessness. total extent of the damage and cause I think it’s great what they’re doing of the fire are still being investigated, with [5 Days for the Homeless], but but it has been reported that a ciga- they’re in a group,” he said. rette likely ignited the pallets.

“They still have social inclusion, “We are heartbroken by the fire they still have a social group — and and damages caused outside of you’re usually very alone when you UMSU University Centre,” said a are homeless.”

Commerce Students’ Association “The reality is different, but what release signed by three executives. they are doing is awesome,” he said.

The association’s president, Tony While he said he didn’t want to Quach, said this is the first time there attack anyone, he acknowledged the has been an issue with material left event tends to trivialize his and others’ behind. real experience with homelessness “We have done the 5 Days cam- and recalled that one camper was paign for the last 12 years now and overheard saying they were “really have never had any issues,” he said excited about this coming up.” in an email.

“You’re not really excited when it’s

really happening,” he said.

Kae Normandeau, a PACA assistant who co-ordinated the workshop, explained how, at age 18, both her parents passed away and she ended

“The reality is different, but what they are doing is awesome” — Ray Troughton up homeless and was left to couch surf, sleep outside or squat in empty houses.

Normandeau said the fundraiser does amazing things for RaY, but emphasized that “When you’re a homeless youth, people won’t even make eye contact with you, let alone bring you food and water.”

“I think that the fundraising aspect of this is absolutely amazing and I do appreciate that these students are working to build their empathy and try to get some experience that they can use to do so,” she said, “but I don’t want people to mistake this for an actually real experience with

homelessness.”

The volunteers outside UC acknowledged the criticism and Desrochers said the volunteers were lucky so many students brought donations, saying “We’re trying to get a small experience of what [homelessness] is.”

“It’s just a small taste,” he said.

“We definitely know we are not at all homeless, we are temporarily displaced and in a good disposition.

We have lots of support here.”

Khwaja called the initiative a “small gesture” that he hopes will at least raise awareness of homelessness to students who might not otherwise come across it.

“A lot of people don’t know about [homeless youth] and at the end of the day they turn a blind eye,” he said.

“So, what we do is provide a little bit of exposure, a little bit of friendliness so that the people who are actually passing by know that these things exist and […] you can actually support them.”

The fundraiser has collected $23,431 and continues until the end of March, including a silent auction.

Quach said it is too early to consider what will happen with next year’s event but the group will be working closely with the university.

VOL. 106 NO. 26 March 18, 2020

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Extensive damage following Friday blaze

Water, smoke damage throughout UMSU University Centre GILLIAN BROWN, STAFF

damage from crews suppressing the blaze.

PHOTO STILL RETRIEVED FROM YOUTUBE

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fire outside of UMSU University Centre (UC) Friday caused extensive property damage and destroyed student group merchandise.

No injuries were reported in a fire that university spokesperson John Danakas said was likely caused by a discarded cigarette that came in contact with a pallet left behind by students participating in last week’s 5 Days for the Homeless campaign.

Five students lived and slept outside the east entrance to UC — facing the administration building — to raise awareness and funds for local youth homelessness initiatives.

Most of their things were packed up Thursday but several pallets, some with stacked cardboard, were left behind.

The Asper School of Business Commerce Students’ Association, which organized the event, issued a release Saturday saying “We are heartbroken by the fire and damages caused outside of UMSU University Centre. The sleepers and volunteers are all safe as none were present at the time of the fire.”

A spokesperson for the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service said crews responded just before 1 p.m. The fire

caught on to one wall of the building but was under control by 1:30 p.m.

“Upon arrival on scene, crews found a number of pallets stacked on the exterior of University Centre engulfed in flames,” reported the spokesperson.

An update posted to UM Today Saturday called the damages “extensive” and recommended that UC be avoided Monday.

UMSU indicated all its businesses will be closed until further notice while water and smoke damages are assessed.

The damage is primarily water

don’t really have much of an update.”

All UMSU businesses were closed Monday. As of publication, it remains unclear when they will re-open given precautionary measures taken in the “Poor choices from face of the COVID-19 pandemic. multiple people UMSU chief returning officer Karan Saxena said Friday that much led to a lot of of UC, including his office, was damage and ruined flooded.

He said other offices in the buildmany irreplaceable ing had been badly damaged.

“A lot of the stuff was soaking, items” — Vatineh covered in ashes, it was really bad,” Magaji, Justice for he said.

Saxena said the office for student Women president group Justice for Women “took the hardest hit of all of them.”

“I couldn’t see the roof. It was all Water made its way through completely gone.”

Campo and as far as the tunnel to The homeless fundraiser had the Allen Building. set up camp outside UC, very near Smoke damage reached all five Justice for Women’s office. floors.

“It’s a really unfortunate situa“The scale of the impact and dam- tion and we probably won’t know age is extensive,” said the university for a long time why or how it haprelease, “but efforts are being made to pened but I feel pretty safe in saying return the building to operations in it was preventable,” said Justice for most areas as soon as possible.”

Women president Vatineh Magaji A building and decorating com- in a statement. pany has been brought in to help “A series of poor choices from mulcleanup efforts and engineering and tiple people led to a lot of damage architecture resources will be brought and ruined many irreplaceable items.” in as needed.

The group lost merchandise and Jakob Sanderson, UMSU presi- items intended for fundraisers with dent, said Monday that damage to the charitable organizations around the union’s recently renovated offices was city. still being assessed but it appeared “At this point, our group is eagerly contained to the boardroom and awaiting a response from [UMSU] washrooms. and the organizers of the initiative He said student group offices that is associated with the fire,” said and potentially food storage for Magaji. union businesses were more severely “We’re looking for answers about affected. what steps will be taken to replace “There might be some significant what can be replaced in our office ramifications but we’re still assessing and re-homing our group into more everything,” he said. “We’re still in suitable arrangements.” conversations with insurance and we The fire is still under investigation.

Facebook is so 2015.

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News Editor: Garett Williams and Ty Brass Contact: garett@themanitoban.com /ty @themanitoban.com / 474.6770

UMSU challenges city’s U-Pass numbers

‘The public service presented numbers that were factually incorrect,’ UMSU president GARETT WILLIAMS, STAFF

U

MSU president Jakob Sanderson is questioning the logic of a city committee that unanimously supported a Winnipeg Transit budget proposal that recommends cutting the U-Pass, saying it isn’t working with sound numbers.

“People are voting on stuff that they don’t even know what they are voting on,” he said. “The public service presented numbers that were factually incorrect.”

The public works committee unanimously supported the proposal following a marathon 11-hour session Thursday.

Despite hearing numerous presentations from post-secondary students and leaders in support of the pass — in addition to nearly 20 additional written submissions — the committee passed the budget without amendment.

craft a budget in this city.”

Sanderson said he is still organizing University of Winnipeg and studentsU of M students voted over- to have as many students present as at-large — U of M Graduate Students’ whelmingly in support of continu- possible.

Association (UMGSA) vice-presiing the program at a cost increase of As precautionary measures in dent academic Tanjit Nagra accused nearly $25 per term just last month but response to the COVID-19 pandemic the city of dishonest negotiations. were caught off guard when the city have seen the U of M move all of its Nagra — who negotiated the unveiled its proposed budget March courses out of the classroom and inaugural U-Pass contract as UMSU 6. The service currently runs at $136.25 numerous public events have been president — noted that while the city per four-month term. cancelled or postponed, Sanderson informed graduate students that a The current contract expires in said UMSU has been looking into summer extension to the U-Pass May. the possibility of having delegates would no longer be an option for Sanderson said UMSU plans to present through a video link or other the UMGSA’s own referendum to publish its own costing early this alternative measure. approve the fee increase, “We were week. not told at this time that we shouldn’t It was not available before even bother asking the question.”

“It really calls into publication.

“We weren’t even given an email An UMSU board of directors or a phone call prior to the [executive question the type meeting the same day left some stupolicy committee] meeting last week of process that PHOTO BY ALEX DECEBAL-CUZA dents frustrated after it quickly broke on [March 6] to let us know that the into closed session to discuss developU-Pass was being proposed to diswe have to craft a It now moves to approval from the ments on negotiations with the city. continue,” she said in the committee executive policy committee, which When the session opened up again presentation. budget in this city” is scheduled to hear public delega- more than an hour later, no public “This […] is why I believe us, the — Jakob Sanderson, tions today. update was provided. students, were misled and why I Sanderson questioned transit’s Sanderson — who remained at believe the City of Winnipeg was UMSU president claim that continuing the service into city hall and was absent from the negotiating with us in bad faith, plain the 2020-21 academic year would cost meeting — said the board needed and simple.” the city $15 million over four years, to discuss the strategic direction it For the time being, the UMGSA saying the department hasn’t made would take with the city but that But he said he still intends to be referendum remains scheduled for a full breakdown of the cost available. he regretted there was no public present and it remains crucial for stu- early April, after city council is He presented an alternative to the discussion. dents to be heard. scheduled to take its final vote on committee but admitted that, withHe said the board wanted “to “We are exploring options to try the budget March 26. out a fuller disclosure from transit, ensure that we are operating at an and do this in a safe way but, at the North Kildonan Coun. Jeff “it was very difficult to challenge the optimal level in our discussions going end of the day, the city does need to Browaty voted in support of the city’s numbers on this.” forward with the city [and] we made hear from us,” he said. “I will be there budget but agreed students were “If I were a member of council, I a difficult decision to have to be in personally, for sure.” not treated fairly by the city, telling would have a lot of difficulty, honestly, camera.” media last week that “I would feel voting on the budget of public works, As of publication, the executive “Negotiating in bad faith” somewhat betrayed by the way this or at all, because they are voting with policy committee remains scheduled Among the number of presenta- all played out.” incomplete and incorrect numbers,” to hear public delegations in a spe- tions to the committee from post-sec“I think that was unacceptable and he said. cial meeting today. The meeting has ondary students — which included very disgusting on behalf of some of “And it really calls into question been moved up a day — it was ini- incoming and outgoing UMSU my colleagues on council,” he said. the type of process that we have to tially scheduled for March 19 — and executives, student leaders from the

UMGSA candidates discuss priorities

Potential councillors take questions TY BRASS, STAFF

PHOTO BY ASHA NELSON

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andidates for next week ’s Universit y of Manitoba Graduate Students’ Association (UMGSA) general election fielded

questions and outlined priorities in the organization’s annual election forum last Wednesday.

With the withdrawal of Danielle

Milln as a candidate for vice-president academic, only the position of president is in contention, with two independent candidates and a candidate from the Change slate.

Independent presidential candidate Gift Amadi was absent due to a “work arrangement.”

In the wake of the city’s proposed budget that will cut the U-Pass, many questions from the audience were related to the pass.

When asked how they planned to have an effective relationship with the city and the provincial government, independent presidential candidate Saeideh Mirzaei cited a lack of any clear lines of communication as a major issue.

“They stopped the U-Pass, they added per-semester passes, they added annual passes for $905,” she said. “They clearly knew what their plan was. The only point is that they

didn’t let us know. So, we should have built a route: for any decision you are making that is going to affect students, you have to give us a notice of at least three months or two months.”

William Dowie, senatorial candidate for Change, answered that both the city and province must be addressed individually by forming political relationships with each, independent of each other.

“It’s a political issue that you’re speaking of. It’s not something that you would go to the legislative assistant to talk to. You need to have some sort of direct communication.”

Asked how the candidates would continue advocacy for the U-Pass, Mirzaei affirmed her plan to continue fighting for the pass.

“We have to show them what the effect of the U-Pass [is],” she said. “It’s not all about money, maybe we can afford $200 more, but it’s not fair —

at the least, they should have told us in advance.”

Change presidential candidate Silvia Sekander said she is “hopeful” about the future of the U-Pass

“It is all dependent on ourselves, how we protest” — Silvia Sekander if students make their voices heard.

“It is all dependent on ourselves, how we protest,” said Sekander. She suggested students continue protesting not just for the pa ss, but for future issues they care about as well.

Voting for the 2020-21 UMGSA general election takes place March 16 and 17.

VOL. 106 NO. 26 March 18, 2020

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‘Labs are extremely important, and there’s no way to do a chemistry lab online’

Continued from Page 3 He said there are plans in place in case a student living in residence

contracts COVID-19.

“We have established protocols to deal with any resident who might require self-isolation if they have received a health care directive to do

has changed in the residence since the outbreak hit Manitoba, but cleaning efforts appear to have increased.

“There has been a substantial increase in the frequency that the common areas are being cleaned with the cleaners even coming in on the weekend now,” she said.

“Other than that, there are no obvious changes within my dorm.”

Will Scofield, University College Residence Students’ Association publications representative and American international student, acknowledged in a statement the difficulty of maintaining social distancing within tight quarters.

“The challenges of self-isolation and social distancing are made nearly impossible by shared bathrooms, doors, elevators, hallways and dinPHOTO BY QUINCY HOUDAYER ing areas,” he said.

“My fear lies not with contractso,” wrote Stone. ing COVID-19, but in my ability — and the ability of my peers — to These protocols remain unclear.

Katrina Framst, a student cur- spread this illness to more vulnerable rently living in the Arthur V. Mauro populations.” student residence, said that not much

Student experience Leah Handford, a first-year sciences student, said the cancellation of in-person instruction has “greatly affected a lot of classes not only for me but my peers as well.

“Labs are extremely important, and there’s no way to do a chemistry lab online,” she said.

“Honestly, I’d rather them cancel the labs altogether for the rest of the year and take that percentage and put it on our final, because I know so many students who are scared of how the labs will fluctuate their marks if it’s all online,” she added.

In faculties that are so hands-on, students may depend on those labs to understand the course material.

“A big part of a course is group discussion in class, and we can’t exactly do that anymore either,” she said.

“But at the same time, [the university] had to adjust to this super fast so I understand why there’s some holes in the plan.”

THE MANITOBAN IS HIRING Position: Editor-in-Chief Company: The Manitoban Salary: $25,000 annually Contract: May 1, 2020 – May 14, 2021 Duties: The Editor-in-Chief (EiC) is responsible for the day-to-day running of the editorial portion of the paper, and has final say over the editorial content within. The EiC is also the chair of the Editorial Board.

Qualifications: The ideal candidate will have experience in student media and will be familiar with the Manitoban. They should have a strong understanding of the English language including spelling, punctuation, and grammar, as well as a working knowledge of Canadian Press style. Previous experience managing employees and working in a non-profit environment will be considered an asset.

Position: Business Manager Company: The Manitoban Salary: $25,000 annually Contract: May 1, 2020 – May 14, 2021 Duties: The Business Manager is responsible for overseeing the business functions of the Manitoban newspaper including accounting, payroll, taxes, human resources, marketing, and management. Day-to-day duties include managing accounts receivable and payable, invoicing, and general administrative duties. Long-term duties include strategy development, marketing, and process planning.

Qualifications: The ideal candidate has business experience through work or school that includes basic accounting knowledge. They have ideally worked in an office setting and have experience in a decisionmaking role.

How to apply: Email your resume and cover letter to chair@themanitoban.com by March 20, 2020.

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U of M’s viral response reveals reactionaries in charge

Absence of direction, cohesion of reccommendations during outbreak frustrates community MATTHEW DOERING, STAFF

GRAPHIC BY EVAN TREMBLAY

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ith the COVID-19 virus changing life more every day, society looks to our leaders to find our individual ways forward through the pandemic.

With Parliament suspended and the provincial government quickly developing a strategy to reduce possible transmission in public schools, it is clear that such leadership and quick decision-making is possible.

And when direction is not provided, an uncertain situation becomes unnavigable.

This is where graduate students find themselves: essentially part of the operation of the campus but not employees that would be encouraged to work from home. And if they choose to self-isolate to protect the vulnerable people in their lives, there is no guidance from the university.

From the first message issued by the university March 12, any response the U of M might take had focused on undergraduate classes and social distancing options for staff to work from home. This is most possible for administrative staff.

However, for staff in research positions — whose materials, resources and equipment necessary for doing their jobs are available solely on campus — no provisions were planned at this early stage. Graduate students were not mentioned as they are neither staff nor undergraduate students.

At noon on March 13, the university’s statement on COVID-19 was updated to encourage departments and units to complete the University of Manitoba Business Continuity Plan Template. This creates a plan for the continuity of the university’s operations, dealing with research spaces only to the extent that they affect vendors and clients. Where graduate students fall in this is unclear, though they may conceivably be at some of the points of contact with those vendors and clients outlined in the template to ensure the continuity of university operations.

A later March 13 update provided more clarity for staff, academics and others who planned to work remotely.

IST support — for questions related to computing — would be available to them.

The final March 13 update, at 4 p.m., said in-person classes on campus are ending for the 2019-20 academic year. Non-essential events have been cancelled, but the campus

In a climate lacking direction, only the fittest will survive remains open.

The implication here is that graduate students are integral to the functioning of a research university. But they are not being communicated with. Nor communicated about.

Unlike Manitoba’s other universities, the U of M’s response — 30 minutes before the end of business hours for the week — was obviously rushed. The University of Winnipeg communicated a plan in place for faculty and staff to develop contingency plans for research programs.

Brandon University ensured that students were clear about libraries remaining open during a week-long break. Red River College also implemented, in Friday, a week-long break this week.

These other institutions were more agile and able to to respond faster and more appropriately than the U of M, with even the provincial government apparently able to change its mind on the status of public-school closure more quickly than the U of M on its operations.

At a time when rapid decisions are needed in response to a rapidly changing situation, the University of Manitoba has seemingly reacted based on the actions of the city, the

provincial government and the other to protect people vulnerable to this time — fewer in the case of labs large universities and colleges in the COVID-19 virus in their lives. being moved online — or if the time the province. As the only medical Others are working harder, or pack- spent away from campus, while paid, and doctoral university in the prov- ing materials for off-campus work. will mean more unpaid time in the ince, this was a chance for decisive Monday’s updates did little to future. The bits, and inconsistenleadership. clarify with the faculty of architec- cies, of communication does little to Individual graduate students ture suspending in-person meet- assuage confusion. have sent more reassuring emails to ings between students and advisors Faculty members are feeling the students in their classes than they entirely — which by extension uncertainty as well, with wishful received on Friday or over the week- means no year-end in-person com- thinking of extensions to graduate mittee meetings — and the faculty of programs being readily provided end from administration.

Graduate students and instruc- graduate studies’ stance of video calls and the winter, spring and summer tors are scrambling to figure out a allowed, but not mandatory, for those semesters not counting toward teachway forward with no clear direction. year-end meetings, without which ing evaluations and research output metrics, including for purposes suck Some professors are even unclear registration will be restricted. themselves about when and how And that weak statement that pro- as for promotion. classes are being taught, receiving vided insufficient clarity for students But all this is temporary. The conf licting messages from their across faculties was dated Thursday, best-case scenario is the spread of department heads and other levels the COVID-19 virus slows, not as of administration. many people in the country, in the With this complete While on-campus classes are canprovince, in the city and at the U of celled, where does that leave research?

M are infected as could have been. lack of central If university staff begins working Everything will return to normal. direction, everyone remotely, will the university librarAnd that’s the reason for all the cloies be open? So far, the libraries on sures and cancellations of large events is left to make their campus are maintaining their own set — for nothing to happen. own decisions of updates, separate from the broader So, if social isolation is needed at university updates. There is no cohethis point, communication and consive approach to sharing updates with sistency are also needed. students.

With about three times as many With this complete lack of central March 12, with a file creation date of graduate students as full-time faculty direction, everyone is left to make Friday evening. Yet it took till early members and about as many graduate their own decisions. And these deci- afternoon Monday for even that bit students as support staff at the U of sions are often in stark contrast to of information to be circulated to M, this is too large a group to not be each other and only fuel frustration students. included in the published planning and the fear of the unknown. The The variety of communications measures to ensure the health and unknown of committee meetings appears due to a lack of communi- safety of an entire campus commuand other degree requirements. The cation among administrative levels. nity, and an entire city. uncertainty of paycheques with The only communication from the Despite promises made in the classes moving online. The lack of faculty of science having been to sparse communication to graduate communication regarding work share the brief faculty of graduate students Monday and the 12 bulexpectations. studies thesis defence and commit- let points from the vice-president Over the weekend, some research tee meeting statements, the research research and international that groups were informed by their prin- protocol statement having gone to additional info would be posted on cipal investigators that they would students through the faculty of grad- the university’s coronavirus page, the be completely shutting down, as far uate studies. only update was at 4 p.m. to delay the as possible, till the end of semester.

In addition to tenure-track faculty, voluntary withdrawal date to April 13.

Others were going to be continuing students — at all levels — suffer. In This approach to responding to to operate normally pending univer- a climate lacking direction, only the a continually changing situation is sity updates. And others seemed to be fittest will survive. not one of planned co-ordination. It wrapping up experiments in preparaStudents across faculties remain is one of every faculty, every departtion for a university closure. unclear whether incoming salaries ment, every research group setting Some students are self-isolating and stipends for teaching during policy details for themselves.

Comment Comment Editor: Kenny Ingram Contact: comment@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

10

City of Winnipeg should prioritize job creation

Low quarterly hiring rates should be met with municipal solutions MEAGAN HUGHES, STAFF

A

recent study shows employers in Winnipeg are looking to hire less new employees this spring. Only seven per cent of employers surveyed plan to hire during the second quarter of 2020 — April 1 to June 30 — with three per cent expecting employee cutbacks.

With less available job positions on the market, this information will surely have an impact on people seeking employment in the coming months. If fewer jobs are available, obtaining the available positions becomes more competitive for job

GRAPHIC BY ERNEST ZARZUELA

seekers and people will be left without work.

Though Winnipeg’s unemployment rate is currently sitting at five per cent, we may see an increase in this data if opportunities dwindle.

Our municipal government should consider the benefits of making job creation a top priority in our city.

If the City of Winnipeg steps up and makes jobs available for those who are eager to work, we may be able to remedy the issue.

This needs to start with jobs that

need to be done, but currently are not being addressed nearly fast enough.

For years, Winnipeggers have expressed concern over the city’s crumbling infrastructure. From bridges to the infamously holey roads and highways, Winnipeg is in desperate need of restoration and modernization.

If the city were to create more jobs in other areas like infrastructure, we could see a potential decrease in issues like road closures and traffic delays due to more staff working on repairing damaged roadways.

This would be a definite benefit to the many Winnipeggers familiar with the traffic backups and the endless supply of potholes our city seems to have.

But more than just the benefit in job creation and efficiency, as Manitoba Liberals pointed out in 2019, many of these infrastructure projects can have a high return on investment.

Thus, perpetuating a healthy cycle of job creation, efficiency and reaping the benefits of having robust infrastructure.

But public spending isn’t the only way to ensure Winnipeggers are employed.

Allowing more companies to operate in the city — by providing a more favourable landscape for them to operate — will allow the opportunity to create more private-sector jobs.

Uber coming to Winnipeg is another step in the right direction.

Companies like Uber not only contribute to the creation of more jobs, but have the added benefit of diving drivers a flexible work schedule.

According to data from Uber,

nearly a quarter of its drivers in the U.S. were unemployed before becoming drivers for the company.

Having available avenues for ondemand work like driving for Uber is a great way to allow people to work who have scheduling constraints or other issues that may make shift work difficult or impossible.

This could include students as an example due to classes and studying taking up a lot of time, though they may wish to find part-time or casual work.

It also allows students the benefit of being able to take on far more work between semesters, when many other jobs require a longer-term commitment.

If our city shifts their budgeting focus away from cuts and instead toward investing in our citizens — in the form of infrastructure spending or incentive for private business to come to Winnipeg — we could see economic growth and help our city to thrive.

We can hope that those with the influence to make such decisions make the right ones.

Let Uber be a lesson in corporate welfare managment

Large corporations will enter a market regardless of regulation or tax breaks KENNY INGRAM, STAFF

T

wo years ago, ridesharing giant Uber threw a tantrum and opted to avoid Winnipeg entirely over Manitoba’s regulations.

Manitoba Public Insurance regulated that anyone using their vehicle to earn money must register the vehicle using timebands — essentially, making people purchase insurance specifically for when they would be driving for a ridesharing company.

And that was one step too far for Uber.

If people can’t be Uber drivers whenever they want and have to

potentially pay between $200 and $400 more each year to be insured as a ridesharing vehicle, operating in Winnipeg wasn’t worth it to the company.

Until this past week.

Yes, after a two-year stalemate, Uber caved and will be coming to Winnipeg this spring according to its head of Western Canada operations — even with the increased regulation.

This shouldn’t be surprising.

Winnipeg is the last major city in Western Canada without Uber, and it’s an incredibly big market for Uber

The most public case of this was Except less than a year after the Amazon, who in 2017, issued a docu- fanfare over losing the opportunity ment that basically told major met- to be Amazon’s second headquarters, ropolitan cities to submit proposals Amazon decided to open a 335,000 — essentially, a bidding war between square-foot office space and create countless municipalities over who over 1,500 jobs in New York anyway. could offer Amazon the most in corCompanies are constantly playporate welfare — for a chance to be ing games with city councils to get the city for Amazon’s second corpo- more favourable terms — whether rate headquarters. it be skirting regulation, tax breaks or both.

But if a company really wants into If a company really a market like Winnipeg, they’re going to come regardless of decreased reguwants into a market lation or tax breaks. like Winnipeg’s, Did True North Sports and Entertainment — a company centred they’re going to in Winnipeg that has the vast majorcome regardless of ity of its investments within the City of Winnipeg — really have any leg decreased regulation to stand GRAPHIC BY ERNEST ZARZUELA on when it negotiated $16.6 or tax breaks million in corporate welfare from the to draw profit from. city and province in 2019?

What’s most important is that Of course not. people learn from this saga so that But as long as it maintains the ruse the next time a large corporation puts After a ridiculous number of of being able to pull out and move pressure on our representatives they proposals from cities across North shop out of Winnipeg at any moment, don’t cave.

America, it narrowed the list to 20 no one blinks an eye when city counBut it’s not just Uber that has cities, including New York City. But cil hands over millions of dollars. pulled this move before. after a pushback from representaIt’s important that the takeaway Just south of the border, in 2016, tives over the $3 billion in corporate from these lessons be that large comFargo, N.D., city council voted to welfare Amazon would receive if panies — from Uber to FedEx to give FedEx tax breaks in order to it moved to New York — and the Amazon and even True North — will move a facility to the city — even potential threat of the billions of move into markets like Winnipeg after a representative from the com- dollars being reduced — Amazon regardless of whether they receive pany admitted the company would decided against moving its second favourable legislation and millions come with or without the incentive. headquarters to New York. in tax breaks or not.

2019-2020 EXECUTIVES

Mahder Teffera

Okechukwu Efobi

HSGSA President

VP Services & Support

Tanjit Nagra VP Academic

Cody Ross

Ehsan Tahmasebian

VP Finance & Administation

Carl Neumann

Senator 2

Julia Minarik Senator 1

President

Models in images. Intended as illustrative.

— SURVIVOR OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE MATERIAL

Learn more about our work with survivors at

CYBERTIP.CA/SURVIVORS

SUPPORTED BY:

“Cybertip!ca” is registered in Canada as a trademark of the Canadian Centre for Child Protection Inc. The logo for the Government of Manitoba is used with permission.

12 Comment

Comment Editor: Kenny Ingram Contact: comment@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

A tone-deaf spectacle that misses the point

5 days performing poverty ‘extremely insulting’ CAM CANNON, STAFF

GRAPHIC BY ERNEST ZARZUELA

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ast week, from March 8 to 12, a outside — it’s not exactly an invis- attempt to experience it themselves that is at the very core of any capital- systems that produce these social ills. group of students camped out- ible issue. to maybe glean some insight into our ist society. The issue has never been Profit is understood by Marxists side of UMSU University Centre to On the level of ideology, philan- struggles while raising money. whether there’s enough to go around as being the unpaid wages of the raise funds for Resource Assistance thropy is a strange beast. It gives To this, I have to ask: Why don’t working class, allowing those with for Youth (RaY) as part of a national resources to organizations that sup- you just talk to any of us? Why do you property to reap the benefits of the To put it lightly, campaign called 5 Days for the port under-served populations, but at have to have a simulated experience labour of others. The way forward Homeless. the same time, it generally presents that not only in concept is extremely is certainly not in counting on those this campaign is To date, the group has raised these issues in an apolitical way. It insulting to anyone with these expewith the resources to contribute vol$23,431 — over $3,000 more than its reduces issues like poverty to essen- riences? An experience that, to add profoundly tone-deaf untarily, especially when those same original goal for the week. tially being ones of a quantitative lack further insult to injury, makes videos people tend to have a vested interWhile putting funds into essential of resources and leaves the political- for Instagram giving an almost MTV est in perpetuating the systems that community services like RaY is to economic system that produces such Cribs-style, tongue-in-cheek tour of for everyone — it’s a political issue. produce poverty so that they may be applauded, there are significant issues completely untouched. your camp?

Millions of homes sit empty accumulate wealth. issues with this style of charity work Further, philanthropy tends Poverty is baked into the system. while millions of people are homeMost importantly, talk to the peoor “philanthropy.” toward a view of whoever they are A general characteristic of any given less. Unsold food is destroyed rather ple who have experienced poverty.

To put it lightly, this campaign trying to help as being monolithic capitalist society is the guaranteed than distributed. It is the system of We are aware of the issues and how is profoundly tone-deaf. It is highly — as being one unwashed mass existence of the proletariat — the wage-labour and production for profit they are created, we also have ideas reminiscent of other campaigns such that’s counting on the generosity of working class — simply as a class, rather than directly meeting needs about how to better serve us. Direct as the CEO Sleepout — performing those fortunate enough to have the not as individuals. that must be exposed and dismantled. service provision and integrating into poverty to raise awareness of it, and resources to do so.

Either find someone willing to This is what awareness needs to be our communities, with a genuine funds for organizations that assist Campaigns such as 5 Days for the hire you, rely on what public assis- raised about. concern for our well-being, will be far these populations.

Homeless demonstrate this well. tance is available, rely on the generosWant to eradicate poverty and more rewarding and better received Students experience homelessness The young philanthropists ity of individuals, or starve. homelessness? Engage in an explic- than starting a poverty live-action — youth, especially Indigenous and involved in the campaign keep themAs individuals, we are regarded as itly political project that aims to roleplay group.

LGBTTQ* youth experience it at selves completely separate from the replaceable — there is always some- abolish capitalism, imperialism and Until any of these things hapdisproportionately high rates. day-to-day struggles of those they are one to take our place, and there is settler-colonialism. Anything short pen, let’s call campaigns like 5 Days Anyone who has spent any time claiming to be helping. Instead of just always the threat of being thrown is nothing but a performative move for the Homeless and the CEO in an urban setting is made aware of talking to any of us that have expe- into the cycle of poverty. to innocence that assuages guilt for Sleepout what they are: PR and this almost every time they step foot rienced homelessness, they decide to Poverty is a product of the violence playing a role in perpetuating the very resumé-padding.

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Arts & Culture Arts & Culture Editor: Grace Paizen Contact: arts@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

SubCity Dwellers back together for one weekend

Guitarist Johannes Lodewyks talks reunion shows KAELEN BELL, STAFF

not forgotten.

Lodewyks said fans were vocal about their desire for a reunion, and 2020 felt like the right time to bring the band’s freewheeling dynamism back to the stage.

PHOTO BY JOEY SENFT

ohannes Lodewyks always knew JSubCity Dwellers would find them-

selves back together — it was simply a question of when.

“When we broke up eight years ago, we were all still really good friends, and we kind of kept those friendships going for the past eight years,” he said.

“The reason why we kind of disbanded at that point was, you know, when a band goes for a decade, people’s lives just grow in different ways.”

After a decade of playing their high-energy blend of swirling ska, punk and reggae across Canada, SubCity called it quits. Lodewyks said the band members felt as if they were going out on top.

“We all decided, ‘It’s probably the time, we’re going to call it,’” he said.

“We’ve accomplished what we wanted to accomplish with the band way back when.”

However, SubCity was gone but

“We’ve been asked lots over the last five years if we were going to do a reunion, and so we knew that the demand was there” — Johannes Lodewyks, musician “It certainly is a bit of fan service,” he said “We’ve been asked lots over the last five years if we were going to do a reunion, and so we knew that the demand was there.”

Lodewyks said SubCity always

seemed to have the power to bring “You know, in 2020, I’d be lying people together — fans have if I didn’t say that it’s very important recounted meeting partners and to have different demographics repfriends at shows, the music’s unruly resented on stage. rhythm becoming a bonding force.

“We wanted to make sure that Perhaps even more importantly, we had women on stage each night, the music also brought SubCity because that’s very important to us. together, way back in 2002 and again We want to make sure we share the in 2020. stage with everybody.”

“There’s certain types of music It’s this spirit of connection, of that just speak to certain people,” shared experience, that’s bringing Lodewyks said, “and that was the SubCity back to the stage, though one that spoke to all of us and so we Lodewyks stressed that it’s a oneall kind of came together under one time event — a celebration of what umbrella and decided we were going was, not the start of something new. to do it for real and went for 10 years, It’s a chance for fans, and the band, to bask in what they accomplished all so, pretty good run.”

“We’ve all played in different bands those years ago. before,” he said, “and we’ve all played “We’re stoked to bring that kind in different bands afterwards, but of energy to the stage and do what there was always something special we do best.” about SubCity.”

The band’s two reunion shows will SubCity Dwellers were set to play feature an eclectic mix of Winnipeg the West End Cultural Centre March bands that Lodewyks said encap- 27 and the Royal Albert Arms Hotel sulate the SubCity worldview — March 28. After this article was pubstrange, energetic and inclusive. lished online, the band postponed their “We wanted to make sure that two reunion shows because of coronavithere was the kind of bands that rep- rus concerns. This story will be updated resented kind of the ethos of SubCity,” on our online platforms when the shows he said. are rescheduled.

New film a love letter to all things Winnipeg Sean Garrity’s ‘I Propose We Never See Each Other Again After Tonight’ debuts March 20 ZACHARY SIGURDSON, STAFF

PHOTO PROVIDED BY BED BUGS FILMS

C

anadian director Sean Garrity returns to the screen March 20 with his latest film I Propose We Never

See Each Other Again After Tonight.

A romantic comedy set in the depths of a Winnipeg winter, the film

follows the story of a Mennonite boy and a Filipina girl falling in love, and released internationally, have been “So I started meeting with a lot ends at a wedding social. translated into multiple languages of Filipino friends of mine, and […]

Billed as “a romantic comedy and have received numerous awards. people in the arts community and the about love, and loss, and winter and However, after making films larger Filipino community, and just banana sauce,” the movie’s synopsis in Toronto, Ont., for several years, floating story ideas past them, and humorously reads “Girl meets boy. Garrity — originally from Winnipeg floating scenes past them and collectGirl loses boy. Girl tries out some — decided our city was the place to be. ing stories that they had of their own other boys. Girl gets original boy from growing up in a Filipino family back, but now she has a secret. Girl and then moving in with a white guy.” loses boy again. Boys suck, girl gets “When I moved With scenes involving Nalam’s drunk at a party.” character and her family, Garrity home again I wanted The pair of post-millennial messes took an even lighter touch, allowing to make a really meet when pushing a car out of a their own experience to dictate the snow drift. scenes, instructing Nalam to take Winnipeg movie” — Their sordid exchange begins with the reins. their faces covered by scarves and ski “I don’t really think I’m the guy Sean Garrity, director masks. to tell […] Filipinos how a Filipino The lead girl — Iris — is played family interaction would go,” he said.

by Hera Nalam, who is active in “I came back to Winnipeg out of a To see how well Garrity accomWinnipeg’s local theatre community sense of feeling that this would be a plished this will be determined by in various Shakespeare productions place from which I could tell authen- the reviews, but as far as the trailer and the Manitoba Theatre for Young tic stories,” he said. goes, it looks as though the film will People.

“Any story that I might tell based be a delight.

Joining Nalam is University of out of, I don’t know, Toronto, or “I want audiences to laugh, and I Winnipeg alumnus Kristian Jordan South America, or anywhere else, want them to be engaged and I want — a veteran at the Royal Manitoba would be kind of a story from the them to walk away having been told Theatre Centre, Prairie Theatre outsider’s perspective.” a good story,” he said.

Exchange, Manitoba Theatre for “When I moved home again I “I want them to walk away feeling Young People and Winnipeg Jewish wanted to make a really Winnipeg like they really know my characters.”

Theatre — as Simon. movie.”

Known best for the awardWhen Hera Nalam was cast as the winning sex-comedy My Awkward lead, Garrity was faced with both the I Propose We Never See Each Sexual Adventure — which premiered privilege and responsibility of having Other Again After Tonight is schedat the 2012 Toronto International a Filipina protagonist. uled to debut March 20 at Cinema City Film Festival — Garrity has made “If I’m going to tell a story and it’s Northgate. heartwarming and heart-wrenching going to be her story, maybe I need dramas and romances that have been to get a little more educated,” he said.

Arts & Culture

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Arts & Culture Editor: Grace Paizen Contact: arts@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

‘Canadian Strain’ full of comedic hits, witty one-liners New film a hilariously real take on the bureaucracy of cannabis legalization GRACE PAIZEN, STAFF

“the enemy,” and ends up having to work in an overly-conservative blue dress shirt and tie, grinding it out at the CDCBO alongside enthusiastic bureaucrat Judy.

The film is at its best when it focuses on the strange reworkings of Canadian law and order However, making friends with Judy is the best thing to happen to comedic news reel-esque moments Anne. to explain the creation of the Liquor In fact, Judy — played by actress Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) Naomi Snieckus of Mr. D fame — is and the Beer Store, followed by the the highlight of the movie. Snieckus’s film’s humorous take on the Ontario comedic timing is perfect from the Cannabis Retail Corporation by moment she enters the film, with naming the government-run pot Anne pleading her case to work for shops in the film the Cannabis the CDCBO to Judy in an empty Distribution and Control Board of room.

When the film gets slow, which Ontario, or CDCBO. The humour comes from the bla- happens on occasion, scenes with tant exposure of how hilarious the Snieckus bring the humour and bureaucratization of cannabis in pace back to the screen. It is also a Canada has become. It’s best put by true touch of comedic gold that Judy Anne’s grandmother, who says “the plays the unlikely hero by the film’s government finally did it, they man- end, Snieckus exiting the screen with aged to take the fun out of legal weed.” the same comedic vigour with which Needing the money, Anne joins she entered.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY PACIFIC NORTH WEST PICTURES

W

hat happens when you’re a enough let alone losing your customsavvy weed dealer living in ers, wooed away by “Tinder of weed” Toronto, Ont., and dating a cop, only apps and Shoppers Drug Mart points for the government to legalize can- programs — “Shoppers is carrying it. nabis and take your job away from I have a points card.” you? Canadian Strain shows the rocky Unfortunately, Anne’s customanswer to this question. ers leave her in the dust, but, by the Written and directed by Geordie end of the film, they begin to suffer.

Sabbagh, Canadian Strain is a delight. Anne’s pharmaceutical-level knowlIn true Canadian fashion, the film edge of cannabis made her the perfect serves as a comedy sprinkled with dealer, pairing her customers with the brutal realities of real life. the proper strain to curb their pain The story revolves around can- or increase their focus, or as Anne nabis dealer Anne who is forced puts it, “I’m like a good tailor […] I to make tough decisions when the cut to fit.”

The movie is a truly Canadian — Canadian government decides to legalize the substance. Not making and Ontarian — take on the legalienough money selling weed is hard zation of weed. The film includes

Department of Psychology Teaching Award

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS The Department of Psychology has established a Teaching Award to recognize outstanding psychology teachers. All academic staff with faculty rank in the Department of Psychology are eligible.

The TTeaching Evaluation Committee of the Department of Psychology invites students and faculty to nominate academic staff for this award by completing a confidential nomination form.

Nomination forms are available from outside of the Main Office in P404 Duff Roblin Building or on the psychology website

umanitoba.ca/faculties/arts/departments/psychology/about/teaching_award.html

Nominations are encouraged and accepted year‐round; Those received by April 15, 2020 will be considered for the current academic year.

The Psychology Department Teaching Award is awarded in the spring of each year. Last year’s Teaching Award recipient was:

DR. RYAN GIULIANO

Ψ

The film is at its best when it focuses on the strange reworkings of Canadian law and order.

By beginning the film with a brief mid-20th century news reel about the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and its job to stop illegal substances from getting into the hands of Canadians, Sabbagh perfectly juxtaposes the turn of events where the government’s weed dealers are now being protected by the same system that oppressed them, as long as the proper paperwork is filed to become a “legitimate” dealer.

It also highlights the bureaucratization of recreational substances and how restrictive our law-abiding forms of consumption really are.

Each member of the cast is perfectly suited to their role in the film and leaves an eerie realty to their lines and the roles they play. Notably, Jess Salgueiro gives a stellar performance as the frustrated Anne, and Canadian screen darling Colin Mochrie is a delight in his heartwarming and heart-wrenching role as Jack, Anne’s father.

For those looking for a laugh or for a not-so-fictional dose of the current Canadian cannabis climate, this film is a must-see and will, at the very least, leave you entertained with its witty one-liners.

Canadian Strain has its Winnipeg premier March 20 at Towne Cinema 8.

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Sports Sports Editor: Jason Pchajek Contact: sports@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

U Sports cancels men’s volleyball championship

Emergency meeting results in four tournaments shuttered amid COVID-19 concerns JASON PCHAJEK, STAFF

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n the eve of what for some would have been the pinnacle of their careers, excitement turned to disappointment.

Hours after Bison Sports announced that the 2020 U Sports men’s volleyball national championship would go on as scheduled — though without fans in attendance — U Sports itself convened an emergency meeting.

The final decision was to cancel all ongoing national championships,

PHOTO BY QUINCY HOUDAYER

including the event in Winnipeg slated to have begun Friday.

“Over the past 24 hours, many things have changed in sport across Canada and it’s a really difficult position to be in as these types of important decisions impact so many people,” U Sports chief sport officer Lisette Johnson-Stapley said in a statement.

“Our host committees have worked tirelessly for two years on these events and we thank them for their support and the great experience they wanted

to provide for the student athletes, coaches and officials as well as family, friends and fans.”

Bison Sports athletic director Gene Muller said he was heartbroken by the news and disappointed for the teams and families involved.

“We’re just obviously so disappointed and wrapping our head around it,” he said.

“We put a whole lot of time and energy and effort into this, and we’re obviously really disappointed for

the players and the teams that this 2020 U Sports men’s and women’s would’ve been the highlight of the hockey national championships. season for them.”

The cancellation came after the The decision to cancel the cham- first day of competition for both tourpionship was made public about naments had already been completed, six hours after Bison Sports and U and from there the decision was made Sports released a joint statement to cancel volleyball as well. announcing the tournament would “The same people who made the be played without fans in attendance. decision around hockey made the decision on volleyball,” Muller said.

“So what happened is […] there was a disaster committee meeting “There was no that U Sports had gathered. They put decision on delay or together a disaster planning committee and this committee made rescheduling, it was the decision that we are not going cancelled” — Gene to be having any of the national championships.”

Muller, Bison Sports At this point there are no plans to reschedule the tournaments, leaving athletic director U Sports without four champions in 2020.

“We had made our arrangements “I think there’s too much unceraround that,” Muller said. tainty right now,” Muller said.

“And then probably at about 9:30 “No one really knows how long this [p.m.] U Sports […] had decided to thing will run its course.” cancel all national championships.”

“There was no decision on delay or Just after 9 p.m., Manitoba rescheduling, it was cancelled.” time, U Sports released a statement announcing the cancellation of the

Drake Burgin shows up big in award-winning season

MJHL defenceman of the year looks forward after shortened year ISAIAH WAGNER, STAFF

Winnipeg Monarchs and Winnipeg Wild, where he accumulated 41 points over two seasons.

He then moved on to Winkler where he scored 75 points in his first two years.

Burgin has improved drastically every year, something he gives the team support staff a lot of credit for.

“I had great teammates, great coaches and family pushing me to work my hardest day in and out and the hard work paid off,” Burgin said.

PHOTO BY RYAN SAWATZKY

A

lthough the playoffs were cut short by the outbreak of COVID-19, the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) was able to play out its full regular season.

This left more than enough time for Winkler Flyers defenceman Drake Burgin to take the league by storm and win the 2019-20 MJHL Defenceman of the Year award.

He finished the 60-game season with 12 goals and 41 assists for 53 points — 31 more than in his previous season.

The 19-year-old Winnipeg native is now set to close out his junior

hockey career in Winkler, Man., a rogate family. town he’s come to love.

“Junior hockey has had a huge “Playing in Winkler is great,” he impact on my life,” Burgin said. said. “Our whole coaching staff have “Going into junior hockey, I had been great as well as our trainers and joined a team where I really only people behind the scenes who don’t knew one person. The other guys regularly get recognized. embraced me quickly and eventu“The fan support is amazing and ally it becomes a brotherhood.” the rink really comes alive during Winning defenceman of the home games.” year is quite an accomplishment at Playing junior hockey usually any level of play, but at the juniorforces players to move away from A level, it is outstanding — and for home at an early age. However, this Burgin especially so, considering how major change helps them become quickly he’s grown as a player. closer and better friends with their Before joining the Flyers, Burgin teammates, who often become a sur- played AAA hockey with the

“The fan support is amazing and the rink really comes alive during home games” — Drake Burgin, Winkler Flyers defenceman

Junior hockey can take its physical and mental toll, as players grow from boys into men.

Games get tougher and the competition gets fiercer, but the hard work Burgin mentioned is all part of his dedication to the game.

“Junior hockey is a whole new experience,” Burgin said.

“Guys are bigger, faster and stronger, so to compete you have to work on yourself off of the ice as well.

So, for any young guys who want to play, you really have to dedicate yourself.

“It’s a 60-game season of getting beat up constantly, so you have to be mentally and physically prepared.”

This preparation starts before the puck is even dropped, and most high-end players have a huge pregame routine that they follow every game. Burgin, though, has his own way of doing things.

“My routines are pretty light, I try to have fun and enjoy myself before games,” he said.

“It helps me stay loose and keep a level head while I’m in the game. Of course I have a couple handshakes with the guys, but other than that stuff that’s about it.”

Junior hockey in Canada is meant to prepare players for the next level, whether that’s the college league, a league overseas or, for those lucky few, the NHL. Even though going pro is an uncertain path, Burgin has big future hockey plans — he wants to go to college.

“When it comes to hockey, it’s pretty hard to tell what the future will be like, there are so many minor things that can mess with where you might go,” Burgin said.

“My goal is to eventually play college hockey at the [Division 1] level.”

Diversions Graphics Editor: Evan Tremblay Contact: graphics@themanitoban.com / 474.6775

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