vol 106 iss 27, March 25, 2020

T H E

M A N I T O B A N

THEMANITOBAN.COM

MARCH 25, 2020

VOLUME 106

ISSUE 27

CAMPUS CLOSED AMID CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC PAGE 12

Sound in the time of isolation: Music for hope, music for a journey

THE OFFICIAL UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA STUDENTS’ NEWSPAPER

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Index

VOL. 106 NO. 27 March 25, 2020

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Matthew Doering

editor@themanitoban.com / 474.8293

BUSINESS MANAGER Alice Teufack

accounts@themanitoban.com / 474.6535

ADVERTISING CO-ORDINATOR Pauline Calinisan

Silvia Sekander, president

Rubel Chandra Talukder, VP academic

Etinosa Osemwota, VP services and support

ads@themanitoban.com / 474.6535

EDITORIAL

MANAGING EDITOR Garett Williams

me@themanitoban.com

NEWS EDITOR Garett Williams

garett@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

NEWS EDITOR Ty Brass

ty@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

COMMENT EDITOR Kenny Ingram

comment@themanitoban.com

ARTS AND CULTURE EDITOR Grace Paizen

arts@themanitoban.com

SPORTS EDITOR Jason Pchajek

sports@themanitoban.com

ASSOCIATE COPY EDITOR Megan Pietrus

megan@themanitoban.com

Nora Ampomah, VP finance and administration

Akeem Azeez, senator

William Dowie, senator

NEWS

Change slate sweeps election

Slate led by Silvia Sekander wins all UMGSA positions

COPY ASSOCIATE Ursula Chojko-Bolec

DESIGN

DESIGN EDITOR Joshua Wesey

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GRAPHICS EDITOR Evan Tremblay

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PAGE 3

DESIGN ASSOCIATE Kellie Huynh GRAPHICS ASSOCIATE Ernest Zarzuela

AUDIO AND VIDEO

VISUAL CONTENT EDITOR Quincy Houdayer

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AUDIO EDITOR Joseph Gonzales

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PHOTO ASSOCIATE Alex Decebal-Cuza PHOTO ASSOCIATE Ally Gonzalo VIDEO ASSOCIATE Nish Joshi VIDEO ASSOCIATE Paul Stabell AUDIO ASSOCIATE Tino Hove

REPORTERS

NEWS Gillian Brown

NEWS Damien Davis NEWS Amira Tekle NEWS (INDIGENOUS AFFAIRS) Kayla Lariviere COLUMNIST Cam Cannon COLUMNIST Meagan Hughes ARTS & CULTURE Kaelen Bell ARTS & CULTURE Zachary Sigurdson SPORTS Isaiah Wagner

EDITORIAL

Humanity’s habitat COVID-19 is the reminder we need PAGE 6

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The newspaper’s primary mandate is to report fairly and objectively on issues and events of importance and interest to the students of the University of Manitoba, to provide an open forum for the free expression and exchange of opinions and ideas, and to stimulate meaningful debate on issues that affect or would otherwise be of interest to the student body and/or society in general. The Manitoban serves as a training ground for students interested in any aspect of journalism.Students and other interested parties are in-

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U-Pass may return at further increased price UMSU board to vote on undergraduate enrolment AMIRA TEKLE, STAFF

News

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

Change slate sweeps 2020 UMGSA general election No incumbent executives returning TY BRASS, STAFF

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Jakob Sanderson (left), UMSU president, and Coun. Janice Lukes were among those who spoke at a rally outside Winnipeg City Hall March 10 to protest the city’s cancellation of the U-Pass. The city budget initially proposed cancelled the U-Pass after a fee increase was taken to a referendum at the U of M and the University of Winnipeg.

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PHOTO BY QUINCY HOUDAYER

he City of Winnipeg’s execu- erendum of the student body. On something that didn’t make it tive policy committee passed March 6, the city’s executive policy into the budget and look what we an amendment March 18 to reverse committee brought forward a ver- found,” said Sanderson. “We found the proposed axing of the U-Pass sion of the budget with the U-Pass $4.3 million. So, that can happen program from the 2020-23 budget. cut out entirely, while knowing all over the place and […] it’s really City council as a whole passed that students at both the U of M hard for people to make this kind the revised budget March 20 — by and University of Winnipeg had of difference.” a vote of 11 to 3 — which could see recently voted in favour of continuSanderson said the rate of $200 the U-Pass come at a cost of $200 ing the U-Pass program at a rate of per term is “currently not bindper semester, over and above the $160.75 per semester. ing” and is pending ratification by $160.75 per semester approved by Sanderson said he believes the UMSU’s board of directors. He students in the U-Pass referen- process to reach this point was said the board will be making the dum in February. UMSU’s board unnecessarily long-winded and final call on whether to unilaterally of directors will meet March 26 to ridden with errors. make the decision on increasing ultimately decide the fate of the “It was a very, very flawed pro- the fee or to send the U-Pass to yet U-Pass for undergraduate students cess,” he said. another referendum of the student at the U of M. “The idea that there was a $4.3 body.

Students voted in unprecedented million mistake which has now “UMSU’s board of directors is numbers in the U-Pass referendum been publicly acknowledged and the highest decision-making body which took place from Feb. 12 to apologized for, that students, in this of UMSU and the UMSU Act 14 and chose to remain enrolled in case myself, had to find by indepen- states quite clearly that referendums the U-Pass program, with 39.5 per dently requesting financial docu- are only necessary on fees directly cent of eligible students voting in ments, going through them line collected by UMSU, and this fee is UMSU’s referendum. by line, continued calls and emails collected by the City of Winnipeg.”

UMSU president Jakob to departments and to councillors According to UMSU board Sanderson spearheaded the push and to the chief financial officer is members, UMSU directors were to save the U-Pass, which began reflective of a horrible process that instructed to sign non-disclosure weeks after the UMSU referendum allows for these types of things to agreements during closed session took place. happen and in fact almost encour- of the March 12 board of direcThe referendum was triggered ages these types of things to hap- tors meeting in order to maintain by the city’s decision to increase pen,” Sanderson said. secrecy over UMSU’s negotiating the cost of the service by $24.50 He is calling upon the city to strategy with the city. per term, bringing it to a total of change the process so mistakes like $160.75 per term, as UMSU believed these never occur in the future. such a fee increase required a ref“I looked at one tiny piece of Continued Further | Page 5

reliminary results of “I was really shocked,” she the 2020 University of said. “Even though I was Manitoba Graduate Students’ expecting to get many votes, Association (UMGSA) general because I have campaigned a election show Change, the only lot throughout the campaignfull slate in the running, taking ing period, I worked really every position. really hard to get this.”

Presidential candidate Silvia Sekander’s first priority is Sekander took 300 votes, vice- “lobbying for the international president academic candidate student healthcare.”

Rubel Chandra Talukder took Last September, inter536 votes, vice-president ser- national students saw their vices and support candidate health-care coverage costs Etinosa Osemwota took 579 sharply rise, just a year after votes, vice-president finance the province had cut universal and administration candidate health care for international Nora Ampomah took 559, and students. the two senatorial candidates With the March 25 Akeem Azeez and William UMGSA council meeting Dowie took 530 and 550 votes set to be held remotely due respectively. to the COVID-19 pandemic, Of the three independ- Sekander said the next few ent candidates announced at UMGSA council meetings the outset of the election, the — held on the last Wednesday two presidential candidates, of every month — may take Saeideh Mirzaei and Gift place remotely, and that she Amadi, took 255 votes and 159 is unsure how that will affect votes, while vice-president her early time in office, but she academic candidate Danielle was optimistic that the online Milln withdrew from the race process could be made to work before the voting period began. effectively.

“We will try our best, because the whole world is fac“We will try our ing the pandemic, not only us.”

Before these preliminary best because results are ratified, all comthe whole world plaints and appeals must be resolved. The only comis facing the plaint posted by the election’s chief returning officer to the pandemic” — UMGSA website resulted in Silvia Sekander, no penalty applied.

Sekander and her slate will UMGSA take over the executive roles in president-elect May, but will begin attending UMGSA council meetings in preparation beginning with the remote meeting scheduled for March 25, at which the general There will be no 2019-20 election’s preliminary results executives returning to their are to be ratified according the positions this upcoming year. organization’s election and refSekander said she was sur- erendum manual. prised upon learning the results.

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News

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

Campus clamps down as U of M responds to pandemic University closes in face of COVID-19, international students facing additional uncertainty GILLIAN BROWN, STAFF

PHOTO BY ALEX DECEBAL-CUZA

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he University of Manitoba is research personnel and might intro- through the International Centre, closed. duce the coronavirus into a vulnerable which continues to take appointIn an ever-escalating response to population. ments over the phone. the continuing global COVID-19 “The expectation is that researchStudents remain under the pandemic, the U of M announced ers will continue as much research as Manitoba International Student Friday afternoon that its buildings possible remotely, but only limited Health Plan and if required, would be closed to all but essential research will continue in university COVID-19 testing and treatment staff beginning 11:59 p.m. Monday. research facilities, including off-cam- will be covered.

The announcement followed a pro- pus research sites,” said the release.

“I’m glad that the university has vincial declaration of a state of emerEarlier last week, residences on taken such measures to ensure the gency hours earlier. campus required that all students safety of all of the members of the While all courses had already who could do so return home.

U of M community,” said Nwabuisi. transitioned to remote or online Those who were unable to leave “And I think that has really helped instruction earlier last week, librar- continue to have modified access to ease some of the anxiety that a lot of ies and other campus services had residence dining halls. Additionally, international students are currently been maintained until Friday after- the pharmacy is maintaining regular dealing with.” noon. Libraries will remain closed hours.

“I can’t imagine having to be in this week, but online resources will The turmoil is taking a unique toll school — dealing with all of the continue. on international students who not essays, final exam deadlines, [et cetThere will be no in-person exams only worry for their own health but era] — during a time like this when and the voluntary withdrawal date for their families at home. you’re worried about your family in has been pushed back to April 13.

“They’re very concerned,” said another country [and] your family is The announcement Friday also UMSU international community also worried about you.” directly addressed research, sus- representative Victoria Nwabuisi.

She added that moving classes pending most on-campus and field “Especially those who have families online was “a great relief for all sturesearch, scholarly works and creative in countries that are being severely dents in the U of M, but especially activities. affected by the virus. So it’s a very international students.”

A university release notes that scary time for a lot of people.”

“We have people from every walk all work will be paused that cannot International students in need of of life coming to the U of M for be completed remotely or that can- support are encouraged to seek guid- classes, and maybe somebody who’s not ensure the health and safety of ance, counselling and spiritual care just flown back in from one of the

affected countries passes on the virus to a student who lives [in residence].”

“Then, every single student on residence would be at risk.”

Caretakers in residence are taking additional safety precautions and sanitizing frequently-touched areas like door handles, elevator buttons and light switches. The dining hall is remaining open, and seating areas have been spread out to help practise social distancing.

“It’s global, it’s affecting every single person in different ways” — Victoria Nwabuisi, UMSU international community rep Nwabuisi added that local food business have offered free delivery to students.

The uncertainty around the

response to the pandemic is an additional concern for international students in their final year of school, she said, adding that “We are supposed to be finishing our degrees this semester, and our study visas only go until July, and as from July, we’re supposed to have finished our degrees.”

Nwabuisi said the administration’s decision to cancel classes for two days last week and push back the voluntary withdrawal date may not have targeted international students but helped the entire U of M community regroup.

“It’s very limited, what they can do for just the international community, I would say, because this is an issue that, it’s global, it’s affecting every single person in different ways,” said Nwabuisi.

“So even people who are here, who are Canadian citizens, some of them still have family who live in some countries that are being severely affected right now.”

VOL. 106 NO. 27 March 25, 2020

News

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Misko Fest postponed due to COVID-19

No word on length of delay, online community remains strong KAYLA LARIVIERE, STAFF

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he University of Manitoba formance. According to Beach, the read the statement. “The health and “Along with many other culIndigenous Students’ Association performance would have examined safety of the community is our main tural event cancellations, such as (UMISA) has postponed its fourth “the absurdity of imposed stereo- priority.”

Misko Fest, it is important that the annual Misko Fest due to COVID-19. types and how it shapes Indigenous The UMISA Womxm’s Council, Indigenous community on camPast Misko Fests have taken identity.”

University of Manitoba Indigenous pus knows that we are here for one place during either the U of M She added that it was included Concerns on the Environment another,” said Galvin. “As Indigenous Indigenous Awareness Week or U i n Misko student groups at of M Indigenous Awareness Month Fest this year the University of “Along with many other cultural event in March. because “the Manitoba strive to The university did not have an goal of the cancellations, such as Misko Fest, it is important keep cultural activiIndigenous awareness week or month fest iva l is ties at the forefront, that the Indigenous community on campus during this time we planned for this year, but UMSU had to integrate its first Indigenous students’ month Indigenous can still learn about knows that we are here for one another” in November. culture traditional medicines — Taylor Galvin, Misko Fest co-organizer This year’s Misko Fest was to directly in the and ways to prepare include powwow dancers, jigging, student hub them with our famiInuit throat singing, and a small trade of [University lies and elders.” show with local Indigenous organiza- Centre] “ Though the tions and was to be followed by a feast. through a powwow celebration.”

(UMICE) and the Metis University impacts of COVID-19 isolation are The planned festival also included UMISA cultural co-ordinator Students’ Association (MUSA) were disheartening on the campus envia performance by Annie Beach, a Mackenzie Anderson explained the involved in planning the event this ronment, we must continue to work student in the bachelor of fine arts cancellation in an emailed statement. year. together and share teachings and honours program.

“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic UMICE president Taylor Galvin, stories of ways to assist in our health Beach’s performance, “Wanted: UMISA and the Misko Fest com- despite the cancelling of all UMICE and well-being until further notice,” Red & Alive,” was to showcase con- mittee have decided to postpone our events, shared positive words in light added Galvin. temporary Indigenous art and per- annual celebration to a later date,” of current events.

MUSA has also postponed all

its events. MUSA president Kirsten Fleury said “we believe it was the best decision to be made to protect our whole community.”

“While the social isolations protocols are difficult for students in many ways, we have been seeing the Indigenous community showing great resiliency on social media platforms, whether it be by encouraging love and kindness, practicing traditional art and ceremonies and dancing and praying for good health for everyone,” said Fleury.

“The MUSA executives are so inspired by the strength of our community and we encourage everyone to keep doing what they are doing, and we want everyone to know they are more than welcome to reach out to us for support in whatever way we can offer it.”

Further cost increases needed to bring U-Pass in line with low-income transit pass, city says

UMGSA will be reviewing its options for a referendum.

“We also saw the message from Mayor Bowman saying ‘We found a way to save this program,’ and I would say ‘No you didn’t, we did,’ ‘We’ being the students” — Jakob Sanderson, UMSU president

PHOTO BY QUINCY HOUDAYER

Continued from Page 3

made by Mayor Brian Bowman that appear to be taking credit for saving “We were authorizing […] the U-Pass program are disingenuous.

UMSU’s board of directors to “We also saw the message from authorize the executive committee Mayor Bowman saying ‘We found to negotiate with the city and approve a way to save this program,’ and I up to a certain rate to allow us to try would say ‘No you didn’t, we did,’ and expedite these negotiations” ‘We,’ being the students, found a way Sanderson said, “$200 is outside of to save this program by diagnosing that rate and so that is why we will that [4.3 million-dollar] error.” have to go back to the board of direcAllard posted a statement on tors at this point.”

Facebook March 19, saying postSanderson acknowledged the secondary students are owed “a debt apology given to UMSU and U-Pass of gratitude for helping to save this proponents by infrastructure and great program.” public works committee chair and Allard also admitted to mathcouncillor for St. Boniface Matt ematical errors that were found Allard but believes that statements and corrected by Sanderson and

University of Manitoba Graduate Students’ Association (UMGSA) vice-president academic and former UMSU president Tanjit Nagra.

Allard wrote that Sanderson and Nagra “were correct that the estimated $15 million lost revenue and expense target projection in our report is off by several million dollars.”

Allard said the new increase, up by $63.75 per semester from the current rate of $136.25, will bring the cost in line with the new low-income pass, which not all students would qualify for.

“The U-Pass program will be preserved in the 2020-2023 budget,” Allard wrote.

Nagra said in an email that the

She said that although she does not use the bus as her primary mode of transport to and from campus and has “mixed opinions on the cost of the U-Pass at $200,” she will be voting “Yes” in the eventual UMGSA referendum.

“I see the U-Pass fee as an investment into our environment and I am OK paying a bit extra so that my fellow graduate students who rely on the bus are able to access this service [as] a more affordable option,” Nagra said.

Mohamed Soussi Gounni, a U of M student, had harsh words for the city, saying councillors went back on their word after giving UMSU the figure of $160.75 in order to keep the U-Pass program alive.

“This $160 number was voted on by the [infrastructure and public works] committee, was voted on by city council, and then proposed to us students,” he said.

“That was the city who told us, ‘Look, if you want to keep the U-Pass, it has to be $160,’ and we went ‘Oh, you know what, that’s fine, we accept.’”

Gounni said he feels that the city negotiated “in bad faith” and caused UMSU to spend time, money and resources on a referendum by including a dollar amount that is no longer relevant.

“We spent thousands of dollars on the referendum,” he said. “Since January our [UMSU] executive obviously had negotiated with the city to get the $160 number.”

“They blindsided us on March 6, with the cancellation of the U-Pass.”

According to Gounni, a councillor on the infrastructure and public works committee told delegates March 12 that the budget had been in its current form since the beginning of February, prior to the U-Pass referendums at both the U of M and the U of W. “They knew they were negotiating in bad faith because they knew [the U-Pass continuation] was never going to happen.”

In response to the city drawing out the process to continue the U-Pass program, Gounni had this to say: “You disrespected students, you don’t respect our time, you don’t respect our money and you certainly don’t respect our voice.”

The UMSU board of directors will be meeting remotely to discuss the U-Pass and other matters March 26 at 6:30 p.m. Students are encouraged to attend.

More details regarding the remote meeting will become available in the coming days via UMSU’s official channels.

Editorial Editor-In-Chief: Matthew Doering Contact: editor@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

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COVID-19 is the wake-up call humanity needs Let the virus serve as a reset button and slow down the world’s pace EVAN TREMBLAY, STAFF

GRAPHIC BY EVAN TREMBLAY

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efore the COVID-19 pandemic began its march across the continents, the media was filled with stories of our failure to adjust the path of our societies to the reality of a climate increasingly harsh and a biosphere collapsing.

If the headline has changed, the analogy invoked is the same: the need for massive, collective action is likened to war footing.

Although the worst of the pandemic is yet to come, in the past few weeks we have witnessed a massive, sudden global pivot such as is beyond the living memory of those born since the conclusion of the Second World War. The ancient, intimate fear of bodily sickness has accomplished what the more rarefied, existential dread of climate change — which is still by far the greatest threat to our communal wellbeing — has failed to do: inspire collective, immediate action.

Although the economic damage of the present disruption will be severe — again, such as is outside the memory of many now living — the communal consensus under which a neoliberal, globalized world laboured

is revealed to be false. Rents to be The eternal gridlock of Los frozen, mortgage payments are sus- Angeles has dissipated, and with it pended, utilities are forbidden to be the city’s seemingly eternal smog: the shut off, so that individuals can do occlusion of the sun has lessened in what must be done for the good of that sunny city. their communities.

Cities whose dignity had been A guaranteed living wage for all eroded by throngs of tourists — for citizens seems more like a necessity example, Venice, Barcelona and Paris day by day.

— are revealed in their dignity, the Humans and their societies are squares and streets and monuments more able to take sudden, dramatic returned to the quiet peace that befits action than we have been accustomed ancient seeds of culture. to think, provided we are scared Though eerie, the emptiness enough. allows all of us to marvel at the We see already the effect of the human expressions of beauty and lessening of the tyranny of that hall- civilized urban life. mark of the world — modern, frenIf we are eager to see these places zied transportation of human bodies. filled again with crowds, we perhaps The sudden and precipitous drop understand that by right those crowds in long-distance movement, by both should be composed mostly of the plane and automobile has inevitably people who now shelter in those left the air cleaner. Satellite images places. show a marked drop in smog and Emptied of gawking tourists and vehicle emissions over cities whose those who pander to them, these are names were synonymous with places of great beauty — testaments pollution. to the long labours of generations A researcher suggests that thou- now passed to dwell meaningfully sands of premature deaths have been in a specific place. staved off from the increase in air In Venice, canals long muddied quality in Beijing due to the tempo- by motorboats stirring up sedirary shuttering of factories. ment columns have become crystal

clear, exposing the canal bottoms covered in seaweed that are inhabited by schools of fish. Birds have returned to the water’s edge. Without cruise ships disgorging hourly their throngs, the city is again enchanted: La Serenissima, the Most Serene Republic.

This may be the reset button we needed but thought we would never get Rome regains her dignity as the Eternal City of seven hills when the many fountains flow only for her inhabitants, and no tourist must be fined for bathing in them. If the long streets of Paris seem to yearn for crowds in the cafés, the Champ de Mars seems a more pleasant place without the endless line at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.

Where national parks are closed, the wildlife has respite from the clamour of tourists and the rumble

of engines.

Dolphins have been spotted cavorting in silent harbours. Nature is quick to venture into the spaces voided by humans — this offers evidence, in the end, that humans are the damaging element which must be restrained.

It is good if, even temporarily, the non-humans of the world have a chance to stretch their legs.

This pandemic will pass, as have all before it. What would be a shame would be to return to the antebellum rush which it has thankfully paused. As we shelter in place, the world around us becomes by measure more like it once was: quieter, slower and less filled with pointless comings and goings. Surely this is a desirable result of a most undesirable situation.

We come to a new appreciation of the powers of telecommunication and the risks of constant movement. This may be the reset button we needed but thought we would never get.

Perhaps the greatest move this generation can make is to take advantage of this time to reflect on the pace of life after COVID-19.

WWW.UMSU.CA | 204-474-UMSU (8678) | 101 UMSU UNIVERSITY CENTRE

UMSU ON COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS

Here are some things to know!

The arrival of COVID-19 here in Manitoba has triggered a chain of events that has affected each of our lives in a multitude of ways in our daily lives.

Economic Support

Academic Supports & Services

The federal government announced $82 billion in economic measures to help support those in need during the fight against COVID-19. Part of this includes a six-month pause on federal student loan payments. UMSU will be releasing a detailed breakdown of the plan in the coming days to help inform students of the financial supports available to them.

Academic advisors, student supports and other services offered through the university are all still available, even though you may have to access them in different ways. And effective immediately students will not be required to provide medical notes in support of absences from class activities/requirements and from evaluations including final examinations.

In-Person Classes

Voluntary Withdrawal

There will no longer be any in-person classes held on U of M campuses for the remainder of the winter term, as well as no in-person final examinations to be held for any courses in inter 2020 term. We urge you to stay in contact with your instructors to see how your courses and evaluation will be shifting to alternate delivery methods as things progress.

The university has decided to change the Voluntary Withdrawal date to April 13, 2020 and changes to the Limited-Access ‘Policy’ Section 2.5. (a) of the ‘Repeated Course’ policy be suspended indefinitely – stipulating that any student who has voluntarily withdrawn from, or received a final grade in a course is prevented from repeating the course for the immediately subsequent three consecutive terms.

Summer Term Registration Registration for Summer Term courses will be suspended indefinitely with no in-person instruction or assessment for any courses to take place until at least September 1, 2020. All summer courses – courses that were scheduled to take place between early May and the end of August – will now begin no earlier than June 1, 2020 and take place online and/or via distance education.

Follow us for more updates as they become available!

Read the full UMSU Statement on COVID-19 Precautions at: umsu.ca/news/umsu-statementon-covid-19-precautions/

@MyUMSU

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Comment

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

COVID-19 has drawn us together with a common goal This type of unification has the power to combat the world’s biggest problems MEAGAN HUGHES, STAFF

GRAPHIC BY ERNEST ZARZUELA

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e are currently living through we may never know if our own social one of the most significant distancing practices have had a direct periods of uncertainty in our lifetime. impact on the life of someone else, Not even halfway through 2020, this is how we choose to contribute our daily lives and routines have come to public health. to a halt as we shift into social isolaIt is the same as getting vaccinated tion and distancing to contain the — we may never know if being vacCOVID-19 virus. cinated directly saves someone close Over 2,000 cases have been to us from getting sick, but we do it reported in Canada thus far with over anyway because we are contribut400,000 cases reported worldwide. ing to herd immunity and creating Our highly-connected and glo- healthier and safer communities. balized world may have been a cataBy staying home, we are looking lyst for the spread of the virus, but it out for those around us. We are in also may be what keeps us sane while solidarity with each other. We can we sort through this pandemic. feel a sense of connection in knowing As humans, we are very adaptive we are in this together and we are — we have found innovative ways to doing what is best for the betterment achieve balance, stay connected with of public health. each other and continue to support COVID-19 has found a way to our local economy during this time. unite people as we are all powering This crisis has, in its own way, through this crisis on a global scale. shaken up our daily lives to wake us Social media currently plays up to our own fragility. People have an important role in allowing us a newfound appreciation and respect to keep in touch with family and for public human health. Although friends while we remain at a physi-

COVID-19 has found a way to unite people as we are all powering through this crisis on a global scale cal distance.

There have been online support groups popping up in Canada, amassing hundreds of members quickly.

Members have offered support in the form of deliveries of supplies to those in need as well as advice and emotional support during this time.

Local artists and businesses have taken to the internet to keep people together through online groups, online classes and even online music

shows.

Winnipeg dance studio Drop In Dance has ceased all in-studio classes until further notice but is hosting online dance classes with pay-whatyou-can donations from $5 to $20 to keep the local dance community alive.

Local hair salons have also been offering delivery of hair care products to keep revenue coming in and connect with their clients since many salons have closed during the pandemic.

Musicians have taken to social media to connect with fans and host online shows in order to spread their art during this time. Among many, musician Ashley MacIsaac from Cape Breton, N.S., is planning to host an online music festival April 1 with low-cost — or free — tickets.

The COVID-19 pandemic has invoked an immediate and decisive global response. But this immediate response to an urgent threat is what’s needed for another existential

threat — climate change. In the same way that it has for COVID-19, the world must band together to initiate change and do what is best despite any inconveniences.

COVID-19 has had the advantage of being an almost instant crisis, with a clear and detrimental effect on every population it encounters. Climate change is different because its effect on the would cannot be immediately seen in the same way.

But it is a crisis that necessitates the type of response COVID-19 has received, or else the world may end up longing for the days when the largest issue it faced was a global pandemic.

The people of the world need to understand that, in both cases, everyone is in this together, and the more we act responsibly now the sooner we can all really be together again.

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

Pandemic is opportunity for more equitable society Reformist policies to simply return to normal are not enough CAM CANNON, STAFF

GRAPHIC BY EVAN TREMBLAY

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n recent weeks, practically the entire world has been shaken by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The stock markets have been plummeting, thousands have been laid off from their jobs and a state of emergency has been declared in Manitoba.

The government response to the crisis has been unsurprising to say the least. Nonetheless, from a political and economic standpoint, it is intriguing. We are experiencing history.

Billions of dollars in stimulus are set to be given to suffering industries such as airlines and the oil and gas sector. The Bank of Canada is dropping interest rates to less than one per cent. Mortgage payments are being deferred and wages are being subsidized.

All of these measures are excellent news to anybody lucky enough to own businesses or properties.

For the vast majority of people, the direct financial support is being given

through tax credits such as the GST credit availability. top-up payment, which promises Only people who are up-to-date roughly $400 payable to single adults on their taxes will receive the GST who filed taxes. But in Manitoba, this top up — not to mention that this does not even cover a rent payment support will not be available until for many people.

May. Another way direct financial supOverwhelmingly, these measures port is being given to Manitobans is benefit those with the most wealth in the form of enhanced employment — people who own businesses and insurance (EI) benefits, which can properties and are therefore able give up to $900 bi-weekly for up to to extract profits or rents from the 15 weeks to those workers who are labour of others. unable to work due to the pandemic Economic logic dictates that in a and do not qualify for EI. crisis such as this, the most effective Massive amounts of financial aid way to prevent a downward spiral are about to be sent directly to sectors which leads to another economic like airlines — which failed to keep depression is to dramatically increase cash reserves and instead opted for government spending and get money stock buybacks — and the oil and into the hands of the majority of gas sector, which for years has been people — who will more than likely in decline and needs to be phased out. immediately spend it on necessities — Mortgage payments can be keeping the economy running. deferred, yet renters are expected to Keeping in line with this logic, continue paying rent. across the political spectrum there Business owners are further have been widespread calls for the being helped with their bottom line introduction of a policy called unithrough wage subsidies and increased versal basic income (UBI).

The premise of UBI is simple: announced overwhelmingly support since the boom and bust cycle inher- business and property owners — after ent to capitalism tends to be caused all, we do live in a capitalist society by a lack of effective demand from where the state serves only the bouraverage people not having enough geoisie — or at the very least maintain money to buy products, giving people an acceptable enough institutional money to spend — regardless of their environment for profit to occur at a employment status — would ensure reasonable enough rate. effective demand is maintained at a Income taxes were introduced as minimum level. a temporary emergency measure and However, there is a risk associated remained beyond the initial crisis that with such measures. birthed them — the same could hapWithout the elimination of rents, pen with UBI. or at least tight control of them, UBI The emergency care benefit, an could potentially serve as nothing but enhanced form of employment insura subsidy for landlords, enhancing ance, is close enough that it could their ability to accumulate wealth serve the same purpose. while renters remain in exactly the Throughout the history of capitalsame position. ism, crises have almost always led to a If such a thing were to happen, massive change in political economy. the macro-economic benefits of UBI Think about the rise of Keynesianism would essentially be lost — inequality after the two world wars, and the rise would likely only continue to grow as of neoliberalism after the economic property becomes evermore concen- crises of the 1970s. trated in the hands of a few people.

We are experiencing history.

Of course, it is no surprise that Where we go as a society is in flux, the emergency measures already and now is not the time to be quiet.

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

Capitalism’s disgusting behaviour revealed in pandemic Greed of those price-gouging in crisis emblematic of a system that turns people into monsters KENNY INGRAM, STAFF

GRAPHIC BY ERNEST ZARZUELA

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ver the past few weeks, even led companies — from Amazon large percentages of the population COVID-19 has gone from a to eBay to Kijiji — to crack down — like Johnson & Johnson and Philip slight concern to global pandemic. on the multitude of people price- Morris International — or the planet, In that time, grocery stores began gouging on their platforms. like ExxonMobil, as long as they conselling out of products like toilet But it cannot be overstated just tinue making millions for themselves. paper, hand sanitizer and other how unsurprising this development This type of behaviour — the essentials.

— of opportunistic people attempt- one that urges people to go out and But it wasn’t just the unfounded ing to profit off of other people’s pain hoard thousands of bottles of essenpanic-buying that led to the empty and suffering — really is within the tial goods — is exactly the kind of shelves. There was a much more sin- framework of a system that rewards it. behaviour that allows for someone to ister plot in the minds of some of the This is exactly what capitalism be successful within the framework people who contributed to the tem- turns people into: monsters looking of a capitalist system. porary shortages of essential goods. for ways to make a quick dollar at With the world’s two richest In the United States, a man went every turn. people able to amass and hoard over to every store he could find around But it’s clearly not just people like US$100 billion each — contributing Tennessee and Kentucky with a Ranga and Perez who are guilty of to a situation where eight people own U-Haul truck and purchased nearly this mindset. Capitalism turns well- more wealth than than the poorest 18,000 products — from hand sani- meaning people into self-interested 50 per cent of the world — and with tizer to disinfectant wipes. barbarians. even developed, industrialized counSome people from Canada had When researches come up with tries like Canada having nearly 10 the same idea. A couple from British a life-changing or life-saving drug, per cent of people living in poverty Columbia — Manny Ranga and it’s often handed over to the worst being an all-time low, something is Violeta Perez — were seen buying possible people — where citizens who very wrong. obscene amounts of disinfectant actually need it are either gouged or Whether it’s hoarding essential wipes from Costco. forced to go without. goods or hoarding wealth, capitalThey ended up selling over It’s seen in all aspects of society. ism is a system that encourages and $100,000 worth of products in the Where executives of the largest com- rewards both. first three or four weeks. panies are fine withholding inforBut just as society has condemned In a surprising twist, the gouging mation leading to the poisoning of the opportunistic people who stack

their carts with sanitizer, it must also condemn the people who have amassed the billions of dollars that have contributed to the global crisis of poverty.

time like this, you can very quickly be accused of greedily trying to snatch up the last of the essential goods for yourself.

In a system that’s supposed to reward innovation with profit, it often seems to reward those who innovate the least.

Capitalism turns That is, unless you view shovwell-meaning people ing people out of your way as you fill up your cart with the last of the into self-interested hand sanitizer as being something “innovative.” barbarians Basic human decency is incompatible with a ruthless system like capiThis behaviour is contradictory talism, and the COVID-19 pandemic to the behaviour that can be seen is only more evidence of it. within a family, where everyone gets We need to get beyond a system what they need, when they need it. that rewards the monstrous, opporEveryone is given access to the best tunistic behaviour that capitalism resources available to the family. fosters and move to a system that No one is asked for money — that treats everyone like the human they would be absurd. When you sit down are. Where, in times of crisis like this, to eat, everyone is fed and there’s no everyone gets access to the resources money to be made. they need. Like a family.

But the moment you step outside A better society is possible, but it the door, everything changes. You’re won’t come about by denying the realtreated like an outsider. ity of the current system — a system If you walk into a grocery store in a that rewards the worst of humanity.

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

Jonas Chernick’s road to ‘James vs. His Future Self’ U of M alumnus set to debut new film April 3 GRACE PAIZEN, STAFF

PHOTO PROVIDED BY JONAS CHERNICK

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icking a major can be one of the most difficult decisions one can make as a university student.

However, U of M alumnus and Toronto-based filmmaker Jonas Chernick knew he was going to be a film major from the very start.

“I was an arts guy and other than whatever other required courses I had to take to get my [bachelor of arts degree], all I took were film classes and theatre classes,” Chernick said.

“I was heavily involved with the Black Hole Theatre […] but most of my time was spent sitting in the movie theatre classes — I would call them — and watching movies.”

Taking three to four film courses a year exposed Chernick to movies and film theory that would ultimately help him throughout his career.

“It was very, very informative and I would say over the course of my four-year [degree] I saw hundreds of films that I would not have otherwise

seen, and that helped turn me into a film artist that I consider myself to be today,” he said.

After graduating from the U of M in the mid-’90s, Chernick maintained his ties with the students he had met in his program. Together, they took their acting ambitions to the professional stage.

“We formed our own independent theatre company and we started to do productions at the Winnipeg Fringe Festival,” Chernick said.

“We would collaboratively create a show from the ground up.”

“I handled a bit of the business side of the company. So, I was also doing the financing and the marketing and the producing, all of which ended up feeding into me making my own films […] about five or six years later,” he added.

However, it was the acting that launched Chernick’s career. After getting the attention of a casting

company while performing at the Fringe, Chernick was part of the television and movie boom happening in Winnipeg.

“I started booking TV jobs and film jobs, smaller parts, and just kept doing that through the ’90s,” he said.

“And then around 2000 [I] made my first film, which we thought was just a little artsy, indie kind of movie that nobody would ever see, but it got into [Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)] and it won an award […] and suddenly I had an acting career, which is what I always wanted.”

The film was Inertia, Winnipeg filmmaker Sean Garrity’s first full-length film, which won Best Canadian First Feature Film at TIFF. After a taste of success, Chernick moved to Toronto and kept up his acting career. However, he kept coming back to Manitoba to make films.

“When I wasn’t acting on some-

body else’s project, to keep myself and went to ‘find myself,’” Chernick sane, I would write scripts and try to said. get them made,” Chernick said.

“I didn’t ‘find myself,’ but I started “So, by default […] I accidently to wonder what would happen if I became a writer-producer while I literally found myself. […] What was waiting for other people to hire would that conversation be like — me as an actor. I started to make my what would you ask and what would own films and all of them, by the way, you want to know, what wouldn’t you want to know and how would were shot in Manitoba.”

“I kept coming [back to Manitoba] it change you to have met yourself?” to make films — my own films — “Eventually, I acted in a film in 2015 and as those films found some success […] and the director of that film is a […] it dovetailed nicely with this act- friend of mine, Jeremy LaLonde, and ing career that I was also nurturing. we had a good experience working And then that all culminated with together. He said to me afterwards making this film, James vs. His Future ‘Hey, I’d like to develop my next film Self, which is the biggest, most ambi- and I’m thinking of something that’s tious, most extensive film I’ve made kind of sci-fi. Do you have any ideas?’

And I just threw this idea out.” to date.”

Collaborating and developing the film together, Chernick and LaLonde didn’t set out to make a sci-fi film per “When I wasn’t se — they wanted to “use time as a acting on somebody device to explore character.”

Described by Chernick as “a else’s project, to warm hug of a movie,” he’s finding the release of his biggest project keep myself sane, I serendipitous. would write scripts “I want people to feel good, especially right now — we need a distracand try to get them tion, we need something positive and made” — Jonas full of life and love and humour,” he said.

Chernick, filmmaker “The movie is ultimately about learning to be present and to be in the moment […] And so, hopefully the Set to be released April 3 on digital movie will also make the audience streaming platforms, James vs. His think a little bit about what they’ve Future Self has been a film in the mak- got and take a moment to stop and ing for many years now. Focusing on smell the roses and just take a deep a time-travelling obsessed scientist, breath and ‘be.’”

Just like his movie, Chernick’s he meets his future self who has time travelled to tell James not to become future in the film industry looks positive, proving you can be a kid from the world’s first time traveller.

Starring Chernick as James and Winnipeg and make it big. Hopefully Daniel Stern of Home Alone fame as he can now take his own advice to James’s future self, Chernick’s friend relish in the moment.

“Because everything has been canand fellow Canadian filmmaker Jeremy LaLonde directs the sci-fi celled and all the work is put on hold rom-com, having helped Chernick and everything, all you have is what develop the screenplay. you’ve got right in front of you […]

“When I was 19, I went backpack- so it’s a good moment to kind of take ing through Europe with my friend stock of that.”

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Arts & Culture

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

’Toban turntable Basia Bulat — ‘Are You in Love?,’ 4.5/5 KAELEN BELL, STAFF

Juniper Bush — ‘Healing Through a Sonic Figure,’ 4/5 KAELEN BELL, STAFF

ALBUM ART PROVIDED BY BASIA BULAT

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o hear Basia Bulat sing is to be cram them with psychedelic washes reassured — each note feels like of sound or stampedes of pounding a friend’s hand on your knee, under- drums. standing and encouraging.

The record feels in conversation Her music has always held a with U.S. Girls’s recently released warm, hard-won wisdom, and Are Heavy Light.

You in Love? is no exception. The Bulat’s self-discoveries and record sways and shimmies with deeply-felt declarations act as the a deeply human abandon, telling cosmic foil to Meg Remy’s bodycompassionate stories of love, heart- driven and percussive opus. The break and life. two women share writing credits In fact, it’s arguably Bulat’s most on each other’s records, an inspiring dynamic record yet. musical partnership that seems to have pushed both parties to their best works.

A satisfying The highlights on Are You in Love? are spread evenly throughmarriage of Bulat’s out, and it rarely loses its sense of soul-folk origins, momentum and discovery. The twinkle of “Electric Roses,” the the arrangements heat-wave shimmer of the stunning “Light Years,” the stomp of “Pale are playful and Blue”— each song adds dimension sparkling without and depth to the richly glowing whole, a collection of vivid truths becoming discovered in the desert. overstuffed The album reaches its peak, fittingly, at its conclusion. The driving “Love is at the End of the World” — an optimistic approach to the Composed and recorded pri- end-times — explodes in a corromarily in the deserts of Joshua sive guitar solo, stealing the record Tree National Park, in California, away in a swirl of whipping winds U.S.A., it glitters brightly and shifts and desert sands. like dunes.

That Are You in Love? ends on a Each song seems to emit a moment of such vibrant catharsis — warmth all its own — a tender, and immense hope for our capacity skin-awakening light to close your to love in the face of nothingness — eyes and bask in. is Bulat’s appeal captured in amber.

Are You in Love? is a record with Her music asks you to be better — a lot of ideas and a solid sense of to yourself, to those you love and to what it’s meant to be — a satisfying those you’ll never meet. marriage of Bulat’s soul-folk oriThe least we can do is heed her gins, the arrangements are playful call. and sparkling without becoming overstuffed.

Producer Jim James employs a Want us to review your light touch, letting Bulat’s outsized band? Email arts@thepresence fill the spaces rather than manitoban.com today!

ALBUM ART PROVIDED BY JUNIPER BUSH

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he corrosive pink that colours Figure has just enough awareness of Juniper Bush’s press photo is an the album’s loudness to allow for accurate foretelling of the music the the occasional detour — as when band creates. everything save a single twanging The acidic shade has a deep his- guitar drops out midway through tory, recalling the dreamscape of the pummelling “Follow My Lead.”

My Bloody Valentine’s Loveless, the The quiet strums that open the feathered fantasy of Garbage and meditative “Turn” are also a weleven Pearl Jam’s Ten. come reprieve from the onslaught, a brief chance to breathe and take stock amidst the swirl.

The band is adept But there is a brightness to Juniper Bush’s riffs, a surf-swing at crafting crafty that sends the listener hurtling in the sun rather than wallowing in hooks as well more downcast corners of shoegaze. as conjuring As well, Healing Through a Sonic Figure is a fitting title. There’s someatmosphere thing balm-like about the warm rushes of sound that Juniper Bush creates.

That these records are all ’90s Even at its loudest, there’s staples is fitting — Juniper Bush a comforting insularity to the operates in the always-fertile album’s sound, a sensation of being ground where grunge, shoegaze swept up in something larger than and jangle-pop unite, creating a yourself. sugar-sweet swirl of thunderous It’s the kind of album that can guitars and reverb-drenched vocals. wipe your mind clear. Let it wash The band’s debut full-length over you and you’ll likely find album, Healing Through a Sonic yourself somewhere different from Figure, is a disorienting swell of a where you started. record — a wave of texture and feelIn fact, the record closes on the ing that revels in a sea of hooks and steady “And You,” a hypnotically Lizzy Burt’s haunting voice. inactive march into quietude. It’s As with their forebears My a stabilizing end to a record that Bloody Valentine, Juniper Bush whips and twirls with such abanseems interested in utilizing the don, blowing each sound out to its voice as another piece of the enor- obliterating endpoint. mous sonic puzzle, less centrepiece In the age of isolation, Healing than equal player.

Through a Sonic Figure feels like Burt coos and hums as often as a journey to somewhere else, a she sings out, layering her voice chance to disappear into sound. over top and underneath the walls of guitar, creating dense washes of human sound amongst the Want us to review your thrashing. band? Email arts@themaniThe band is adept at crafting toban.com today! catchy hooks as well as conjuring atmosphere. Healing Through a Sonic

VOL. 106 NO. 27 March 25, 2020

Arts & Culture

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Revitalizing the power of storytelling

New online docu-series focuses on traditional teachings ZACHARY SIGURDSON, STAFF

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torytelling is an important part of our lives. The artform can pass down valuable information from generation to generation and teaches us about ourselves and our ancestors.

The new online docu-series Tell Our Stories seeks to do just that.

With its debut March 16 online at tellourstories.ca, the series was created to protect and promote Indigenous storytelling, and one of the five short documentary films has a serious Manitoba connection.

Directed by Indigenous filmmaker Taina Da Silva from Grassy Narrows First Nation, the film Revitalizing Untold Stories of Indigenous Foods follows Winnipeg-based Indigenous chef — also originally from Grassy Narrows — Chantelle Bone as she returns home to learn traditional recipes from her elders and gain knowledge of the land.

The short film subtly catalogues teachings that became lost through the horrendous practices of colonization.

Bone first learns how to hunt and how to pay her respects to the animals she hunts before learning how to traditionally prepare and cook the food. The chef quickly realizes the relationship to the land lives on in her community and that the simplest of ingredients can be made into the most delicious of meals.

For filmmaker Da Silva, this documentary seems to be a long time in the making, her own stories culminating with the project to revitalize Indigenous cuisine and an opportunity to showcase the injustices faced

by Indigenous peoples and against the environment.

“I’d say my greatest success so far is being able to reach young Indigenous audiences” — Taina Da Silva, filmmaker “I come from a reserve that has a lot of social injustices,” Da Silva said.

“I really want to just focus on the storytelling of Indigenous peoples and going back to the culture and “I’d say my greatest success so far is just everything to do with bring- being able to reach young Indigenous ing that back and showing that in audiences,” she said. documentaries.”

“My main goal is just to reach those Da Silva’s main goal is to be audiences — the Indigenous youth able to share these stories, but most — show them what they can do or importantly to encourage and mentor show them […] what it means to be Indigenous youth, hoping this film Indigenous.” will add to her own role of teaching The collaboration between Da Indigenous youth about their culture Silva and Bone began simply with and traditions the two knowing each other from

PHOTO PROVIDED BY FRIENDS OF CANADIAN BROADCASTING

growing up in Grassy Narrows and wanting to work together. The Tell Our Stories campaign became the perfect way to promote their own goals of reacquainting themselves and their audiences with their culture.

Whereas in the short film Bone hopes to incorporate traditional food into future recipes as a chef, Da Silva hopes to continue her role as a storyteller with more projects — including

both film and writing — educating future generations about their cultural heritage.

“I love to write about the land and my people.”

Revitalizing Untold Stories of Indigenous Foods is available to stream for free on tellourstories.ca along with the other four Tell Our Stories short documentary films.

Renowned Indigenous artist gains deserved recognition Ruth Cuthand wins Governor General’s Award in Visual and Media Arts ZACHARY SIGURDSON, STAFF

One of the immediate and most unfortunate casualties of the pandemic is the closing of our many art galleries and exhibitions. One such casualty was the Endurance…..

Patience exhibit at the Urban Shaman Contemporary Aboriginal Art gallery.

The exhibit featured Ruth Cuthand’s visual piece “Boil Water Advisory.” The good news for Cuthand is that during her exhibit’s tenure at the gallery, she won the Governor General’s Award in Visual and Media Arts.

A renowned artist, activist, mentor, teacher and member of Little Pine First Nation, Cuthand said she was inspired to be a visual artist at a young age by professional Indigenous artist Gerald Tailfeathers.

“I remember visiting his studio and seeing all the paints, the brushes and his work,” Cuthand said.

“He had this huge studio all by himself. I think that’s what I liked most — he was by himself and just making art and I thought ‘That would be a great thing to do.’”

Her work has covered a bevy of subjects including white liberal attitudes toward Indigenous women, the 1990 Oka Crisis, MormonIndigenous relations in Alberta, the

diseases brought to Indigenous communities by European settlers and the deplorable living conditions that many Indigenous communities are forced to live with.

“It’s really hard to get the rest of Canada to notice you” — Ruth Cuthand, artist Now a Governor General’s Award recipient, Cuthand feels she has had some of the national recognition she has struggled for as an Indigenous woman from the Prairies.

“It’s really hard to get the rest of Canada to notice you,” she said.

“I’ve been working at this for a long time, so I really like having that recognition of my work. It just feels great.”

The collection that changed her as a visual artist — and the most relevant to where we find ourselves today — is her “Trading” series of beaded images cataloguing the many diseases brought to the Americas by Europeans.

In fact, the “Trading” project

changed the meaning of beadwork for her.

“It became an artform rather than a craft form,” Cuthand said.

“And ever since I did that, I have influenced so many young beaders into doing contemporary beadwork.”

Her “Boil Water Advisory” piece in the Endurance…..Patience exhibit was a small piece from her larger series called “Don’t Breathe, Don’t Drink” — a brilliant collection of beaded approximations of harmful bacteria and parasites frozen in resin set within a mismatched collection of glassware, including baby bottles.

“There [are] reserves [that don’t] have decent drinking water, very inadequate housing and I wanted to bring that in a very public way through an art space to people,” Cuthand said.

As for her future work, Cuthand is currently working on some beading projects related to COVID-19.

“I’m working on COVID-19 [beadwork]. People have been asking me and there’s some institutions that would like to collect it. So, yes, I’ll do it.”

For more information on Ruth Cuthand and her artwork, go to ruthcuthand.ca.

PHOTO BY SWEET MOON PHOTOGRAPHY

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Sports

VOL. 106 NO. 27 March 25, 2020

Volleyball veterans left disappointed by cancellation

Negus and Leoppky react to the national championship that wasn’t JASON PCHAJEK, STAFF

PHOTO BY QUINCY HOUDAYER

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or Kevin Negus and Eric Loeppky, accommodate COVID-19 concerns. women’s volleyball, women’s hockey tion hurt just a bit more for Negus. the 2020 U Sports national men’s “In the morning practice they told and men’s hockey championships, “I was really looking forward to volleyball championship was sup- us that no fans were allowed, only would not continue. putting on the Bison uniform one posed to be special. family, then no family later in the Despite the disappointment, last time,” he said.

Both entered the tournament with afternoon,” Loeppky said.

Negus said he is certain that cancelLoeppky had his own reasons to exceptional careers behind them and “Then they finally pulled the plug ling the tournament was the right be disappointed, as the Steinbachhad plenty of reasons to be excited. late that night. Honestly we weren’t thing to do. born outside was ready to play in front Instead, with an 11th-hour cancel- surprised by the of friends and lation the night before the pair was fans but didn’t family — some “I was really looking forward to putting slated to square off at Investors Group think they would for both the first Athletic Centre, the two were left cancel. At the and last time. on the Bison uniform one last time” disappointed. time there was “Lots of family “Just completely devastated,” only one case in — Kevin Negus, Bisons men’s volleyball right side and friends were Negus of the U of M Bisons said.

Manitoba.” planning on being “Our team had been hearing On March there. [I] was so rumours all night that it would 12 — the day before the tournaHe said the decision “wasn’t ideal, excited to play in front of all of them be cancelled, but finally hear- ment was slated to begin — Bison but it was necessary.” for one last time,” he said. ing the news was just extremely Sports released a statement officially “As tough as it was to come to The Sioux Lookout-born Negus disappointing.” announcing the tournament would be terms with everything, I knew that was also ready to take to the court in Loeppky and the Trinity Western played without fans in attendance. By U Sports and Bison Sports were just front of family and friends.

University Spartans were also blind- 9:30 p.m., U Sports had convened an doing what was best,” he said.

He mentioned that a large consided by the news, even though they emergency meeting and decided the As the lone senior on the Bisons tingent of Ontario-based supporters expected changes would be made to men’s championship, along with the men’s volleyball team, the cancella- were ready to fly in to Winnipeg to

see him take to the court one last time.

“My parents and my sister had planned on coming as well as a lot of friends from my hometown,” he said.

“But they heard the news early enough to cancel travel plans.”

Now the pair of veteran volleyball players is looking toward the future and getting through the next stretch of uncertainty caused by the current viral outbreak. Loeppky made the long drive home to Manitoba from the West Coast following the closure of Trinity Western University housing to students who were able to travel home.

Negus is already planning his professional debut.

“Next up for me is hopefully flying overseas to play pro either this coming fall or the following year,” he said.

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

Historic goal ‘a moment I’ll never forget’

Amy and Ko look for silver linings following women’s hockey nationals cancellation JASON PCHAJEK, STAFF

PHOTO PROVIDED BY U-SPORTS

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he Daria O’Neill feed was perfect, slicing through coverage, right to Tatum Amy’s blade.

Then, as the Birtle, Man., native slid the puck home, her team’s bench erupted.

The Mount Royal University Cougars women’s hockey team had beaten the favoured University of Toronto Varsity Blues. In its first game at nationals, the club gained its first win and advanced to the U Sports national women’s hockey championship semifinals.

“As soon as [O’Neill had] the puck, I gave a stick tap and wasted no time to shoot it in the net,” Amy said.

“That goal was probably one of the biggest [highlights] of my hockey career.

“It’s a moment I’ll never forget.

Every time I watch it I get the same feeling I felt when I first put it in.”

The third-year forward was so wrapped up in the moment it barely registered, but luckily linemate Tianna Ko was right there to see it all unfold.

“Well I was laughing with onship due to COVID-19 concerns.

Both Ko and Amy found a silver [O’Neill] about this because […] I Riding high after a historic win, lining in the situation and are looking was still yelling at [O’Neill] to shoot the team was unaware of any discus- forward, not back. the puck because I didn’t see [Amy] sions going on about cancelling the “It was really disappointing sitting back door,” Ko said. tournament. because we were in a position to win But when head coach Scott Rivett the entire thing,” Ko said.

“And so when she passed it I was thinking ‘What are you doing?’ but brought the group together to tell the “So not knowing how it would’ve then I saw that [Amy] was there and team what was happening, the dream turned out sucks, but I think it’ll just then the puck went in and I don’t suddenly ended. motivate us for next season.” think I’ve ever been more excited.”

“A lot of us were just hanging out, With two more years left in a Being involved Mount Royal jerin such a historic sey, Amy, too, is “That goal was probably one of the biggest moment was huge looking toward for both players, [highlights] of my hockey career” — Tatum Amy, next season. setting the club She said the up for what looked Mount Royal Cougars women's hockey forward experience has like a magical run changed how to the national she’ll approach finals. Beating Toronto to open the excited about our big win, until we the game moving forward, and she’ll tournament for Ko “proved to a lot started looking on social media,” never take a game for granted. of people that even though it was our Amy said.

“I think how the tournament first time at nationals we deserved to “We didn’t want to believe it obvi- ended it was a huge eye-opener for be there.” ously. But when our coach called a a lot of us,” she said.

But just a few hours later, what meeting, it felt more real.”

“For me, every time I step on the looked like a magic run in the makNow the Cougars are left won- ice I will play like it will be my last ing turned to heartbreak as U Sports dering about how far the club could game. announced it was cancelling the have gone, but that doesn’t mean the “Nationals was the biggest stage remainder of the national champi- players are dwelling.

I’ve ever played on, and for some girls

that game was their last one with a Cougars jersey on, and they didn’t even know it.

“That win will be an experience none of us will ever forget, and I couldn’t [have] asked for better teammates to share it with.”

Despite the fact she’ll be able to pull on a Cougars sweater again, will have two more shots at getting to nationals and has the memory to look back on, Amy still wonders what could have happened if they had kept playing.

But the Manitoban sees the brighter side.

“I think one more thing that hasn’t left my mind is that despite the circumstances, I can’t help it but think about the ‘What if?’ and if we could [have] carried on and played,” Amy said.

“But, as athletes we are taught to always stay positive, so I choose to look at the good things and that’s the fact that my team is healthy, and we got to play one game that we will never forget.”

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

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