vol 107, iss 13, November 18, 2020

UMFA, U of M reach tentative agreement U of M adheres to provincial mandate of a zero per cent salary increase AMIRA TEKLE, STAFF

The University of Manitoba Faculty Association (UMFA) and U of M administration have reached a tentative deal to end the immediate threat of a strike.

Despite demands from UMFA for third-party binding arbitration, a deal was reached through mediation Sunday. The agreement is yet to be ratified by UMFA members.

Mediation took place over the course of four days, from Nov. 12 to Nov. 15. The strike deadline was moved once — from Nov. 14 to Nov. 15 — to allow more time for talks to continue.

The deal the U of M has offered includes a one-time COVID-19 stipend of $1,950, and a zero per cent salary increase in line with the demands of the province.

UMFA also retains its rights to legal action against the effects of the unconstitutional Public Services Sustainability Act and a guarantee on salary discussions in bargaining the upcoming collective agreement.

This agreement is a far cry from UMFA’s original ask, which called for “a more equitable salary grid, a modest increase to wages for the 2020-21 contract year and extra supports during the pandemic for those with dependent care responsibilities.”

In a release, UMFA president

Michael Shaw said “Premier [Brian] Pallister and his government continue to interfere in collective bargaining.”

“Rather than investing in postsecondary education as enrolments increase and Manitobans look for opportunities for re-skilling, Pallister is using the pandemic as an excuse to undermine public education and public sector unions.”

The release also stated that the U of M “refused to negotiate on COVID-related relief for dependent care, despite member pleas for support.”

In a statement, U of M president Michael Benarroch said “we are thankful that students are able to continue their classes and academic activities.

“To our faculty, we value and respect you as indispensable collaborators in our shared mission of advanced research and higher education. We are pleased that our community will be able to continue teaching, learning and researching at [U of M] without interruption while the voting process takes place.”

UMFA membership will vote on ratifying the agreement later this week.

Members of the U of M faculty association (UMFA) were joined by members of other unions Nov. 5 as they drove, cycled and walked around the Manitoba legislature protesting the provincial government’s interference in the salary re-opener negotiations between UMFA and the U of M administration. UMFA will vote on a tentative agreement later this week.

ARTS AND CULTURE

A creative form of therapy Odario Williams on his solo debut

SPORTS

‘Inactive Living Centre’ Code red closes the ALC PAGE 16

PAGE 14

VO L 1 0 7 · N O 1 3 · N ov e m b e r 1 8 , 2 0 2 0 · W W W.T H EM A N I TO B A N .CO M

Index

2

VOL. 107 NO. 13 November 18, 2020

Arts & Culture

15

PAGES 13-15

The 2020 Evie Awards A celebration of theatrical achievements

13 Measured hope and optimism

MTYP’s artistic director on the future of live theatre

News PAGES 3-5 3

Course changes Indigenous content requirement coming to faculty of arts

5

Strike averted, for now UMFA, UM tentatively agree

Diversions

PAGE 7

Sports PAGE 16 5 #SaveTheSemester

UMSU campaign urges action, provides information

16

North and south U-Sports cuts season as NCAA continues on

Editorial 8

PAGE 8

Growing above the line Could Winnipeg find itself at the centre of filmmaking in Canada?

Comment

PAGES 10-12

10

More American than apple pie Canada and U.S. will restore historic bond

12

Federal failings Food subsidy program comes with more costs than dollars

3

News

News Editors: Gillian Brown and Amira Tekle Contact: gillian@themanitoban.com amira @themanitoban.com

UMSU campaign to ‘mobilize students’ if UMFA strikes #SaveTheSemester urges action through petitions, emails, staying informed GILLIAN BROWN, STAFF

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s the labour dispute between the U of M administration and the U of M Faculty Association (UMFA) goes on, the impact it has on students continues.

“We’re seeing students reduced to a bargaining chip, meanwhile we are the largest stakeholders at the university and the reason why it exists,” said UMSU president Jelynn Dela Cruz.

Amid the still-possible faculty strike, neither UMSU’s endorsement of binding arbitration nor other campaigns plan to change.

“We still have a very important and collective role to play in minimizing its impacts and length.”

With that in mind, the union has begun the campaign #SaveTheSemester, which Dela Cruz

isn’t adding up is because we have that additional interference from the province.”

A central conflict between UMFA and the university is the university’s refusal to budge on a zero per cent wage increase mandated by the provincial government.

On Sunday, a tentative agreement between the two parties was announced.

In an email sent to all U of M staff and students, it was announced that PHOTO BY ALEXANDER DECEBAL-CUZA though the university will not disclose the specifics of the offer made said is meant to “mobilize students, to to UMFA, it did meet the provincial have us all focus in on the factors at mandate to freeze wage increases. play in [a possible strike].”

Rather than meeting UMFA’s Those factors include potential for original demands, the university binding arbitration to resolve the dis- administration offered the union pute and recognizing the influences members a one-time payment of outside of UMFA and the university, $1,950. according to Dela Cruz.

The agreement will remain tentaDela Cruz said UMSU’s focus tive until UMFA members vote on remains on the wellbeing of students whether to accept the offer by the both academically and financially. end of the week.

“We’ve seen so many things that To combat the negative consestudents have had to cope with since quences of the dispute, UMSU’s the beginning of remote learning,” #SaveTheSemester created a petition she said. to Premier Brian Pallister, Minister Through “reduced quality of edu- of Finance Scott Fielding and cation,” along with increased tuition Minister of Economic Development and a spike in enrolment, Dela Cruz and Training Ralph Eichler. said that “it just isn’t adding up.”

Rather than placing blame on “And I think the reason why it UMFA or the university, the peti-

tion urges students to look at the province’s role in what UMSU refers to as “the last straw in a long list of decisions by the province of Manitoba which have harmed post-secondary students” in “what is supposed to be an autonomously-governed institution and its faculty.”

Prior to the 2020 dispute, the province cut Research Manitoba’s previous budget by 20 per cent.

In 2018, U of M also saw provincial international student health care cut and the recommendation of a 3.75

“We’re seeing students reduced to a bargaining chip, meanwhile we are the largest stakeholders at the university and the reason why it exists” — Jelynn Dela Cruz, UMSU president

Along with signing and passing along the petition, Dela Cruz urged students to send emails to U of M president Michael Benarroch in support of binding arbitration.

For academic support, UMSU is looking to address concerns for students in an environment where “our quality of learning is already severely compromised.”

Dela Cruz said academic considerations include an option for automatic authorized withdrawal instead of having to voluntarily withdraw and possible refunds for those courses.

The last main issue that UMSU is aiming to draw attention to with #SaveTheSemester is informing students on the labour dispute and potential strike.

A recent UMSU poll revealed that over 65 per cent of participants received their information regarding the dispute by word of mouth.

“Many of these students are either misinformed or don’t have all the information,” said Dela Cruz.

That being the main source of information for many students, she emphasized the importance of staying informed and ensuring that others stay informed.

“There’s a lot of power in that.”

per cent average tuition increase.

UMSU optimistic on new Indigenous content requirement

UMSU would like to see Indigenous students supported and consulted through fall 2021 implementation AMIRA TEKLE, STAFF

“As long as I’ve been a student at the University of Manitoba, I know it’s been a key priority for UMSU to have some kind of Indigenous content requirement integrated into various programs,” said Dela Cruz.

UMSU Indigenous students’ representative Alicia Kubrakovich said the faculty of arts is “paving the way” for education on Indigenous peoples.

“Coming in as an Indigenous student with these [professors] not having that understanding of intergenerational trauma and just that PHOTO BY BASEL ABDELAZIZ background knowledge of what it’s like to be an Indigenous student,” t its Nov. 4 meeting, the courses as well as some history, politi- said Kubrakovich.

University of Manitoba senate cal studies and women’s and gender A Native studies major, passed a motion modifying gradu- studies courses.

Kubrakovich said she was the only ation requirements for students A committee within the faculty of Indigenous student in some of her in the faculty of arts to include an arts was established in 2018 to explore summer courses.

Indigenous content requirement the idea of an Indigenous content “It was really tough, and I was beginning in the fall 2021 term. requirement, with the goal being to happy that the [professor] was This will require all students “ensure every student graduates with Indigenous and she understood that beginning undergraduate studies a basic understanding of the impor- — she never forced me to speak, never that term within the faculty of arts to tance and contributions of Indigenous forced me to talk about my trauma.” complete a three credit-hour course peoples in Manitoba and Canada.”

“Sitting in a classroom with a lot that satisfies the requirement. It is A similar requirement was of non-Indigenous students [is] really required across general, advanced, implemented for all students at the intimidating,” she said. honours and integrated studies University of Winnipeg in 2016.

Dela Cruz said her support for the streams.

UMSU president Jelynn Dela move came from “the need that there Courses satisfying the require- Cruz said the requirement is a long is in our society and the role that ment include many Native studies time coming for UMSU. the university plays at the moment

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in graduating informed and wellrounded citizens who will be leading our various communities.”

“You want those individuals

implemented.

One glaring concern is “whether or not Indigenous students will be pinpointed, nitpicked on or singled out for being the Indigenous individual within that classroom,” said “There needs to be an Dela Cruz.

“Many, many students now [will] entire consultation not only [be] attending theses classes […] to learn more about the relationprocess again with ship to their land, to the Indigenous Indigenous students” peoples who were here long before us, but are doing so out of obligation.

— Jelynn Dela Cruz, There will be those individuals who UMSU president are a little bit more ignorant, unfortunately,” said Dela Cruz. “We don’t want their learning and their growing to have a full knowledge of their mindset to come [at] the expense of relationship to the land and the Indigenous students’ well-being.”

[Indigenous] peoples that were here UMSU will be consulting with long before us,” she said.

Indigenous students as this requireDela Cruz said UMSU has con- ment comes into play next fall “so cerns about support for Indigenous we can see what goes well, what students as this requirement is rolled goes poorly and ensure that we are out. proceeding carefully and taking into “There needs to be an entire consul- account our Indigenous classmates.” tation process again with Indigenous “The key priority at this point in students,” Dela Cruz said. time is that it isn’t coming at the She said that within the senate expense of Indigenous students and meeting, she brought up concerns potential re-traumatization despite from Indigenous students con- the various barriers they’ve already cerning what might happen in the had to overcome in order to get to classroom when the requirement is those institutions,” said Dela Cruz.

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News

News Editors: Gillian Brown and Amira Tekle Contact: gillian@themanitoban.com amira@themanitoban.com

‘Our learning shouldn’t stop in the classroom’

Second annual Indigenous students’ month celebrates Indigenous culture DAMIEN DAVIS, STAFF

able speakers and panelists has been, for the most part, easier than last year, where they found difficulty in finding panelists mainly because they were not in the city or weren’t able to make it down to [UMSU University

“We’re not often represented” — Alicia Kubrakovich, UMSU Indigenous representative

U

MSU is celebrating its second annual Indigenous students’ month open to the general public throughout the month of November.

This year, the organizers are taking a virtual approach to engaging and honouring the Indigenous community through events hosted by the University of Manitoba Indigenous Students’ Association (UMISA) along with other Indigenous student

PHOTO BY ALEXANDER DECEBAL-CUZA

groups.

In the coming weeks, participants will be able to join in and listen to Indigenous speakers on key issues as well as language tables and beading.

Despite Manitoba’s provincial COVID-19 response level reaching critical code red, UMSU Indigenous students’ representative Alicia Kubrakovich said that aside from some changes, organizing this

year’s Indigenous students’ month ran smoothly.

“We always had a backup plan,” she said.

“As soon as the restrictions hit, it set a barrier for us because we wanted to kind of plan [the events] more land-based,” she added.

UMSU president Jelynn Dela Cruz said that although organizing did have its difficulties, finding avail-

Centre], but this way it’s a little bit easier to connect.”

Kubrakovich emphasized the importance of paving the way for Indigenous leadership and representation at U of M. “Being an Indigenous student, navigating these paths for our youth and our students, our voices are often shunned […] we’re not often represented.”

“So, […] alongside Jelynn, I wanted to create this campaign to showcase all the Indigenous youth, all the Indigenous talent we have on campus

[…] we often don’t see that.”

Both Dela Cruz and Kubrakovich said they prioritize the continuation of Indigenous students’ month and its role in utilizing both Indigenous and settler voices in decolonizing the U of M, “an institution of higher learning that is historically colonial,” according to Dela Cruz.

“Our learning shouldn’t stop in the classroom,” she said.

According to Kubrakovich, a major benefit that participants get from this month is “the knowledge” that participants are exposed to.

“That’s why I’m really pushing for a lot of crowd at these panels because all these panels have a lot of knowledge that you can take from.”

“You may not know that. You’ll attend a panel discussion and maybe you won’t take anything out of it, but just attending that panel discussion kind of sets that perspective, or that sets that first step of understanding whose land you’re on.”

Details on events and event scheduling for the rest of the month can be found on UMISA’s social media.

VOL. 107 NO. 13 November 18, 2020

News

5

UMSU board meeting update

Motions passed include creation of a Black students’ rep. position and incoming structural changes to the board CAM CANNON, STAFF

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t the Nov. 5 UMSU board of directors meeting, two motions were passed — one giving the green light on incoming changes to the structure of the board, and the other creating a position on the board for Black students’ representation.

The board also received a presentation from the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA) — a student advocacy organization which lobbies at the federal level.

The presentation consisted of an overview of CASA and what the organization does. UMSU is not currently a CASA member.

The changes to the structure of the board with the passing of motion 0495 include reducing the number of

graduate students with elections are unaffected.” taking place one week after the elecThe changes come as part of efforts tion of the UMSU executive and representatives.

Directors are currently elected “By adding a by students in their respective faculBlack [students’] ties. Slates are typically used to elect a student association executive, which representative to the includes candidates for UMSU’s board of directors, board.

Those who unsuccessfully ran for UMSU is ensuring positions in the executive or reprethat someone on sentative elections will be ineligible GRAPHIC BY JENELLE MCCANN to run for a board director position. the board is actively board members to 11 from the current All candidates must be independent 53, the banning of proxies attending — not part of any slate. advocating for the meetings on behalf of board memOnce the changes come into bers and new rules limiting permit- effect, UMSU representatives — black students of ted absences of board members from such as those representing the Arts U of M” — Reem meetings to five in a year, or three Student Body Council or Indigenous Elmahi, UMBSU consecutively.

Students’ Association — will no “What [the governance committee] longer be required to meet a quorum president has been working on for these past for UMSU board of directors meetthree months is addressing Susan ings but will be “encouraged to come, Roger’s biggest concern with UMSU weigh in on debate, present, report as an organization, which is its board to the board and report back to their [of directors],” UMSU vice-president respective councils,” reads the motion. begun by last year’s UMSU executive, finance and operations Brendan Scott Current quorum for the UMSU for which Susan Rogers of Rogers said in presenting the motion. board of directors is a majority of the Leadership Consulting was commisFurther, the changes include 53 sitting members. sioned to file a report evaluating the new rules for electing the board of “Nothing is changed in terms of board’s structure and effectiveness. directors.

UMSU [representatives],” Scott said.

The second motion — motion Directors will be elected under“All council bylaws and operations 0496 — put forward by UMSU vice-

president community engagement Tino Dogo was to create a Black students’ representative position on the UMSU board of directors. The motion passed unanimously.

The motion is the result of shared efforts between UMSU and the newly created University of Manitoba Black Students Union (UMBSU).

Speaking in favour of the motion, UMBSU president Reem Elmahi said “By adding a Black [students’] representative to the board of directors, UMSU is ensuring that someone on the board is actively advocating for the Black students of U of M.” In speaking on the motion, Elmahi named Vimbainashe Daisy Gudu, vice-president advocacy for UMBSU, as a possible appointee to fill the new position in the interim.

“The creation of this position is a massive step toward a fully equitable UMSU where the needs of Black students can be directly advocated to the board,” Dogo said.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the [UMBSU] grow, since the community is the strength behind Black excellence on campus.”

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News

News Editors: Gillian Brown and Amira Tekle Contact: gillian@themanitoban.com amira@themanitoban.com

Wave of novel coronavirus continues JOSHUA WESEY, STAFF

Protesters gathered in small groups Nov. 11 in the St. Vital area, a day before the entire province moved under code red restrictions. Recent days have continued to see an increase in the test positivity rate with more than 200 people in hospital and dozens in intensive care. The current restrictions remain in effect until mid-December.

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Diversions Graphics Editor: Jenelle McCann Contact: graphics@themanitoban.com

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Editorial

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

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Homegrown filmmakers are setting a new standard for Winnipeg in Canadian film

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T

he film industry is transforming, and Winnipeg’s local film scene is no exception.

Winnipeg’s film industry has become a hotspot for quite a few large productions recently, and its independent filmmakers are starting to see more success on a national level. From indie films to union projects, a new bar has been set.

Within the past couple of years, the local film community in Winnipeg has made a significant effort to support its filmmakers, and the industry has seen a lot of growth as a result.

Organizations such as the Winnipeg Film Group (WFG) have been taking initiatives to help many filmmakers kickstart their journey into the industry. For example, in 2018, the WFG started offering free editing and sound workshops for women.

It also hosted the first annual Afro Prairie Film Festival in 2018. This was the first festival to thematically feature Black films in Western Canada. Not only has the organization played a conscious role in providing equitable opportunities to diverse communities, but it has continuously supported local filmmakers by providing spaces to host a variety of film festivals. Not to mention the constant flow of affordable workshops the organization provides.

It is a struggle to get into the film industry, but having these sorts of resources available opens opportunities for a large portion of Winnipeg’s aspiring filmmakers. This type of support drives the film community to excel in their passion. The WFG has played a large role in the growth of film in Winnipeg, and its contributions do not go unnoticed.

Local feature films, such as STAND! and I Propose We Never See Each Other Again After

PHOTO BY AHMED PESHIMAM

Tonight, exemplify Winnipeg’s jump into the scene as a film city. The former is a musical based on the 1919 Winnipeg General Strike and the latter is a romantic comedy about a Filipina woman and a Mennonite man who live in Winnipeg. Both films, however, have recieved great attention for Winnipeg’s central role in production and the storyline.

movie industry growth rate is larger than the majority of Canadian provinces. The community has had tremendous support from local organizations and even the provincial government. It is safe to say that the Winnipeg film sector has caught the eye of various governing bodies, displaying just how much promise the city has to become a central location for Canadian arts and film.

And Winnipeg is not just filming its own It is safe to say that the stories anymore — large production companies have taken notice of the local talent and are Winnipeg film sector starting to shoot their features and television has caught the eye of series here with local motion picture technicians. For example, Winnipeg has become a various governing bodies, hotspot for Hallmark Channel movies and, recently, Amazon Prime Video productions as displaying just how much well. The feature film Night Hunter was largely promise the city has to shot in Manitoba and starred award-winning actor Henry Cavill. Beyond this, the television become a central location series Tales from the Loop was shot in Manitoba for Canadian arts and film as well. Both productions are now found on Amazon Prime Video.

This is a big step in the right direction for Winnipeg. The larger productions are going It’s not often Winnipeggers see a film that to need filmmakers, and with companies like represents their hometown so well on the big these shooting projects here, our current indie screen. Films like these not only create job filmmakers are the ones who will fill this role. opportunities for our local motion picture techThere are several talented and hardworking nicians and actors, but they are also an active filmmakers in Winnipeg, and there is a strong example that Winnipeg is a city with stories to community being built to support them. Our tell. Winnipeg is often touted for its exceptional filmmakers today are meeting new challenges art scene but, up until recently, it seems this and setting a new bar for the industry. Local reputation has not been reciprocated in film. filmmakers and motion picture technicians are Now Winnipeg’s film industry is growing continuing to create more ambitious films with quickly. A report published in 2019 by On powerful storytelling, and in the meantime, Screen Manitoba, a non-profit media produc- they are putting Winnipeg on the scene in the tions organization, claimed that Manitoba’s Canadian film industry.

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The election of Joe Biden is a victory for Canada

The Biden administration will restore co-operation and close ties with Canada MATTHEW AVERBECK, STAFF

GRAPHIC BY DALLIN CHICOINE

O

ver the last four years, I have been contemplating whether to stay in Canada after graduating from the University of Manitoba. I’m from the United States, a country that constantly flaunts the promise of the “American Dream” for all of its citizens yet fails to live up to these promises in so many ways. High tuition costs and a rapidly dividing country led me to attend the U of M back in 2016, and I have stayed here ever since.

After the loss of President Donald Trump earlier this month, Americans may be more inclined to pack up and move home. The nation is well on its way back to normalcy. However, while I was relieved and even elated by the results of the election, it didn’t change my mind about where I see my future — here in Canada.

Canada already has many of the progressive policies that so-called “radical-left” Americans — including myself — have been calling for: universal health care, paid maternity and paternity leave, marijuana legalization, stronger unions and more.

President-elect Joe Biden is unlikely to bring about any of those so-called radical changes for Americans when he takes office on Jan. 20, 2021. Instead, it appears he will opt for a more measured approach to domestic policy, asserting to U.S. citizens that he is eager to

be more bipartisan considering the massive rift between the parties that has grown in the past four years.

However, where there will be dramatic change — compared to the Trump administration — is in regard to foreign policy. Most importantly to the readers of this newspaper, the Biden presidency will drastically improve relations and increase cooperation between the U.S. and Canada — likely to resemble the relationship that the two nations had grown accustomed to prior to Trump’s election in 2016.

This matters not only to me as an American attempting to gain citizenship in Canada, but it is important to Canadian and U.S. citizens writ large. Precedence can support this claim. Joe Biden, during his tenure as vice-president, was a strong ally to Canada, and that relationship will likely carry into his presidency.

The Biden administration will likely rejoin the Paris climate agreement — a landmark international climate change plan that the Trump administration officially left this month. This could potentially make ecological management for the Canadian government easier.

Unfortunately, the pollution caused by one nation does not stop at politically defined borders, displaying the importance of nations working

in unison to curb the degradation of our natural surroundings—especially those geographically close to each other.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is an advocate for this agreement, and he and his cabinet have placed combatting climate change on their agenda.

For the first time in four years, the

The election of president-elect Biden and vice-presidentelect Kamala Harris was not only a victory for the U.S., it was a victory for Canada as well

Liberal Party of Canada will meet with a U.S. government that has similar climate goals to them. This is a positive development for Canada and the rest of the world.

On the COVID-19 front, a Biden administration will seek to follow the direction and advice of scientists and

doctors to get the novel coronavirus policies, a Biden administration under control. will presumably seek to bring calm Since March, Canada and the U.S. and respect back to the United States. have closed their shared border to Canadians have had a front-row view non-essential travel. of the United States’ quick decline This has affected many Americans during the Trump era — like they and Canadians who have loved ones have been watching a close friend on the other side of the border and repeatedly make bad decisions — but has had an impact on businesses that the new government will hopefully rely on tourism. ease Canadian observer’s nerves.

Despite cases currently spiking A Biden victory also sends a at record-breaking levels in the U.S., message to conservatives across the a Biden administration will hope- world — including here in Canada fully improve the situation and work — that far-right populism will lose closely with Canada to safely re-open should it challenge the will of votthe border if COVID-19 cases can be ers. This is especially pertinent to the managed at an effective rate.

Conservative Party of Canada that Canada will also benefit from new has seemingly embraced right-wing trade deals as Biden will likely look populist rhetoric. to curb some of the more protecWhile there will certainly be chaltionist trade policies that the Trump lenges with the U.S. government over administration adopted. For the the next four years — including the last four years, Trump, along with probable death of the Keystone pipethe Republican party, consistently line — a Biden presidency will restore threatened and imposed tariffs on the neighbourly relationship between Canadian exports. the two countries.

While the U.S. is likely going to The election of president-elect maintain some of its protectionist Biden and vice-president-elect policies, the Biden administration Kamala Harris was not only a vicwill likely be far more willing to tory for the U.S. — it was a victory negotiate. for Canada as well.

This will be beneficial for steel and I hope that this election will aluminum companies and their work- return normalcy and strong relations, ers who have been hurt by the U.S.’s not just for my birth country, but for aggressive trade strategy. the country that I now choose to call Beyond tangible government home, Canada.

VOL. 107 NO. 13 November 18, 2020

Comment 11

Refuse to cross potential picket, show solidarity The U of M and Brian Pallister are negotiating in bad faith LUCAS EDMOND, STAFF

GRAPHIC BY JENELLE MCCANN

T

he University of Manitoba that a strike is called, students should Faculty Association (UMFA) consider not crossing the picket line. approved strike action in the first UMFA has been attempting week of November. After three days a new deal with the U of M since of voting and an 85 per cent mem- August after the PSSA was struck bership turn out, approximately 80 down by the Court of Queen’s Bench per cent of union members voted in on June 11. favour of striking.

For context, the PSSA was a Although a strike is not yet off piece of austerity legislation passed the table — a ratification vote on the by the PCs in 2017 to prevent saltentative agreement will be held by ary increases of public sector workUMFA members later this week — ers. This simultaneously meant that students are expressing significant the U of M could not — with legal anxiety about its potential during a backing at the time — raise salaries tumultuous semester. of faculty members.

It would be easy to blame UMFA Instead, in 2017 UMFA and the for the strike — as the administration U of M negotiated terms to re-open likely wants students to do seeing as discussions when the PSSA expired. they have a degree of influence in uni- So, while it seemed the 2016 strike versity affairs — but before students was resolved, it was effectively just make snap sentimental judgments, put off to a later date. consider the context that a strike may Since the PSSA was deemed a be called under. violation of the constitutional rights From the public services sustain- of public sector workers to partake in ability act (PSSA) being declared collective bargaining, salary discusunconstitutional this summer to sions should have taken place months the Brian Pallister-led Progressive ago without the PCs rearing their Conservative Party (PC) playing an heads. But, despite this, it seems the unfair union-busting role in discus- U of M is still in bed with the provinsions, students should be outraged by cial government’s anti-union stance. the University of Manitoba adminisThe provincial government has tration’s treatment of its faculty mem- been playing an active role in reducbers. Solidarity with our professors ing labour costs over the course of the should be a priority, and, in the event COVID-19 pandemic. The U of M

stated in a press release detailed by UMFA that the PCs will not allow salary increases because it may act as “precedent” for arbitration and strikes in the public sector. But if strikes across the public sector are called, it won’t be due to precedent — it will be because of Pallister’s careless treatment of workers during what is perhaps the largest crisis of the 21st century in Manitoba. This is simply another example of Pallister’s costreduction obsessed politics and his lazy public discourse tending toward blaming others for his own faults.

Recently, a report from the CBC suggested that the provincial government is insisting the U of M seek a two-and-a-half per cent reduction in labour costs in negotiations. With this coming to light, an agreement between UMFA and the U of M seems unlikely anytime soon.

If students are not yet convinced that the U of M is bargaining in bad faith, consider that despite the health and economic crises unfolding before our eyes, the U of M’s budget has not been dramatically affected. As a matter of fact, students were the ones that took a hit. Enrolment was up approximately 11 per cent this summer and has risen three per cent this fall.

Further, the administration raised

tuition by 3.75 per cent. Even if the university’s books are not completely balanced, I cannot imagine they are

Pallister’s baneful agenda affects the entire province and we should resist it together

taking in losses heavy enough to suppress negotiations with UMFA — negotiations that the U of M agreed to re-open in 2017.

What’s more, the U of M’s unwillingness to budge does not bode well for attracting new skilled labour to the university. Professors’ salaries at the U of M are low enough to do that already, but the administration’s behaviour is making matters worse.

Students’ ability to get the quality of education they deserve is influenced by the quantity of funds our professors are provided.

But, beyond the more tangible rationales behind this strike, UMFA

standing up for itself is important in principle for Manitobans writ large.

With the Pallister government bent on austerity politics as Manitoba’s economy falls deeper and deeper into recession, Manitobans are going to need unionism more than ever.

Leader of opposition, Wab Kinew, criticized Pallister’s government after “the premier ordered the biggest single-day budget cut in Manitoba’s history” in May. Considering the PCs have lost ground in its balancedbudget due to COVID-19, don’t expect Pallister’s administration to let up on its union-breaking, privatizing and budget-cutting momentum.

Pallister’s baneful agenda affects the entire province — students, professors and workers alike — and we should resist it together.

Workers must fight alongside each other when the time comes. The tides of unionism are changing in Manitoba. No longer can we rely on state-sanctioned arbitration to protect our rights from employers. Now, the government is an active proponent of union suppression.

When the time comes, students should work with UMFA and refuse to cross the virtual picket line, now divided by an abstract universe of network connections and Zoom links.

Comment Comment Editor: Lucas Edmond Contact: comment@themanitoban.com

12

Nutrition North Canada riddled with problems

Subsidy program serving northern communities discourages food sovereignty MAUREEN COOPER

GRAPHIC BY JENELLE MCCANN

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ndigenous leaders have continu- like a praiseworthy effort by the govously struggled to be heard when ernment to tackle the issue of food they call on the federal government insecurity in northern Canadian for a policy that contributes toward communities. However, there are restructuring our mainstream gov- numerous flaws. erning systems. Policies surroundAlthough the NNC program ing food and nutrition in northern serves northern Inuit and Indigenous regions of Canada are not excluded commmunities alike, the problems from this and should be of utmost with the program primarily stem importance to the federal government. from far-north Inuit peoples foodThe recent racist attacks perpe- ways and the diets they have historitrated against the Mi’kmaq people cally consumed.

According to the NNC’s official in Nova Scotia and their fishing livelihoods have brought mainstream webpage, the program currently attention to the mistreatment of subsidizes products such as fresh Indigenous people, their land and and frozen fruits and vegetables. their foodways.

Although many of these fruits and On April 14, the federal govern- vegetables are nutritious according ment announced that it would pro- to a Eurocentric diet, they have little vide an additional $25 million to the place in the diets of Canadian Inuit Nutrition North Canada (NNC) sub- people. sidy program so northern families can The same goes for milk, bread have access to better food and hygiene and beans. Having disproportionproducts during the COVID-19 pan- ately southern grown and produced demic. According to the 2018-19 fiscal foods covered under the subsidy year report, this is roughly a 32 per ignores community needs, and it cent increase from the subsidies usual is discriminatory due to the lack of allowance. attention paid to the benefits of the The NNC program provides diets historically consumed by Inuit northern retailers subsidies to allow populations. them to lower their prices for items The NNC fails to provide necessuch as flour, infant formula, milk, sary items such as hunting and fishing vegetables, fruits, meats and more. gear. It does not subsidize bottled For many well-intentioned policy water, despite the fact that many of analysts, this program may seem these communities are under boil

water advisories and cannot access be reallocating its funds to programs clean drinking water. The NNC has that provide sustainable nutrition in neglected to examine the context in northern communities. According to which it operates. a 2019 CBC article, many northerners As a result, they have simultane- will go to “great lengths” to curb the ously neglected what would actually heavy retail costs of food and water. benefit populations living in the Even with the NNC subsidies, food north. is too expensive for people to afford.

The NNC program was imple- According to Statistics Canada, since mented in 2012. The then-Conserv- the program was established, food ative federal government — the party insecurity in northern communities in power at the time — did not consider community demands and impleThe failure to mented the program despite their criticisms. The failure to consult with consult with Inuit Inuit and Indigenous communities, or communities, or implement culturally sensitive policy, mimics colonial governmentality. implement culturally In 2018, Inuit leaders called for policy changes that would meet the sensitive policy, needs of their communities — effectively calling out the NNC as an inef- mimics colonial fective program. governmentality The increase of funding for the NNC from the Justin Trudeau administration is not only disrespectful to communities who demanded has grown. change, but it is also a slap in the Unfortunately, it seems the NNC face to anyone who had hopes that a program does not view food as a Liberal-led government would take human right. steps toward reconciliation, or betIt appears that the only value the ter yet, steps to dismantle the deeply program places on food is monetarrooted colonialism that drives many ily measured. In places of extreme social inequities in Canada. poverty and malnourishment, makThe federal government should ing food slightly less expensive but

still not affordable to community members is unethical. Policy and programs developed to help food insecurity must first recognize food as a human right.

Over time, federal policies that favour industry have also led to significant environmental destruction.

For example, some rivers and lakes have become unsafe for fishing in many of these communities due to high concentrations of methylmercury caused by hydroelectric dams.

There is a lot of work that needs to be done by government officials in order to properly support communities while improving food security, living conditions and the dignity of Inuit people.

In place of the NNC, funding should be reallocated to conserving the knowledge and practice of traditional diets. Further, more focus should be placed on environmental protection.

The NNC is a colonial system that encourages Eurocentric lifestyles and simultaneously hampers Inuit food sovereignty.

Canadians must pressure the federal government to end financial support of the NNC and allocate funding to policies that work to reconcile their relationship with Inuit populations.

VOL. 107 NO. 13 November 18, 2020

Arts & Culture

13

A season of measured optimism Artistic director of MTYP discusses the pandemic and looking to the future ZOË LEBRUN, STAFF

IMAGE PROVIDED BY PABLO FELICES-LUNA

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hen the COVID-19 pandemic like amidst the pandemic. hit Winnipeg, theatres were In April, the company announced some of the first institutions to be it aimed to tackle the following seashut down. The Manitoban sat down son with what Felices-Luna called with the artistic director of Manitoba “measured hope.”

Theatre for Young People (MTYP), “We do want to come back together Pablo Felices-Luna, to learn more to do what we do for audiences in perabout how its programming was dis- son, but we also understand that [the] rupted by the onset of the virus in hope that we are trying to maintain Manitoba and its plans for the future. has to be qualified by the reality of At the time of the first Winnipeg what we are living through,” he said. lockdown, three major changes were Some changes to MTYP’s 2020made to the end of MTYP’s season. 21 season include shortening it, addThe first was the cancellation ing digital offerings and reducing of Windmill Theatre Company’s class sizes.

North American tour, Beep, as the “We looked at the summer and Australian company pulled back we said, ‘What can we do within its actors due to travel restrictions. public health guidelines and with Another cancellation was the sec- an abundance of caution, but still to ond portion of MTYP’s Gala per- offer opportunities for self-expression formance weekend, which musical and to support families?’” Felicestheatre students had been preparing Luna said. for in MTYP classes. Spelling 2-5-5, The result was a scaled-down vera tour that was to be the season’s last sion of on-site summer camps using show in May, was also shut down as cohorts — a practice that continued schools withdrew. into the fall session until Winnipeg During this time, MTYP had went into critical code red, forcing originally planned on announcing MTYP into strictly digital offerings. its 2020-21 season but postponed it As for productions, subscribers can to rethink what the year would look look forward to previously postponed

shows being remounted as well as new ones.

Felices-Luna also spoke about the complexity of making shows for young people during this pandemic.

Not only does MTYP serve multiple

“It’s a choice to remain hopeful” — Pablo Felices-Luna, artistic director audiences of varying ages, but it must also consider how guest companies fit into programming and keep all those involved with MTYP safe while seeking and creating programming that is reflective of current times.

“I love advanced planning,” FelicesLuna said.

“I think it helps everybody, the more we know early on, and we need to be completely prepared for [plans] to go out the window because things are changing constantly and we need to remain as nimble as possible to

adapt.”

Overall, Felices-Luna feels that the restrictions placed due to COVID-19 have been both creatively fruitful and frustrating.

“There’s been some really good opportunities for creation,” he said.

“Our school has been trying to sort of think about how to deliver programs differently, whether it’s in person or online […] there’s been lots of exploration in all of those directions.”

In this difficult time, morale is something that MTYP has sought to keep up as much as possible.

“MTYP is going to make whatever accommodations necessary for people to continue working and working in a way that they feel good about,” Felices-Luna said.

He stressed the importance of keeping all MTYP employees informed of the company’s path during these troubled times to reduce uncertainty.

On a personal level, Felices-Luna said his biggest struggle as MTYP’s artistic director is the limits on the creative process for both himself and artists he works with.

“There’s this thing that you’ve trained your entire life to do, and you’re not able to access it — I think it’s that loss that is really, really challenging for a lot of artists,” he said.

In regard to this, Felices-Luna mentioned how he finds encouragement in “moments of recharging” and spoke to the importance of this concept across MTYP as a whole.

Since the organization is supported by many other departments, maintaining optimism at each level of involvement is vital.

Until Winnipeg’s COVID-19 case numbers go down, Felices-Luna said that all MTYP can do is continue monitoring the evolving situation and head into its upcoming seasons with measured optimism, ready for whatever changes come next.

“It’s a choice to remain hopeful,” said Felices-Luna.

“It’s not something that just happens, and it’s not easy […] it’s not that we are unaware of the fact that things will have to change, but at least let’s hold onto hope, let’s make an active choice to say, ‘things are going to get better.’”

14

Arts & Culture

Arts & Culture Editor: Shaylyn Maharaj-Poliah Contact: arts@themanitoban.com

Creativity in a climate of constant change

Odario Williams talks about the evolution of his first solo EP KAELEN BELL, STAFF

PHOTO BY LINDSAY DUNCAN

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s we plunge headfirst into another wave of tightening restrictions, it’s hard not to look back at the pandemic’s tentative beginnings in March, when it all felt more like a temporary circumstance rather than the new world order.

Odario Williams remembers it

well. It was Friday the 13th — only two days before he was set to host the 2020 JUNO Awards — when he received two phone calls.

The first told him that he needn’t get on that flight to Saskatoon, Sask. as the JUNOs had been cancelled.

The second was from CBC — he

couldn’t come in to record his radio show, Afterdark, for the next two weeks until everything was under control.

“You can’t come in for two weeks,” he said. “‘We just need two weeks to clear things up, and then you can come back.’ I remember we were told that.”

Those two weeks stretched into a month, and then stretched on further.

For Williams, this didn’t just mean lost hosting opportunities, but a total overhaul of what was meant to be his first foray as a solo artist.

“The sound of it changed, the lyrics I was writing changed, the production, for sure [changed], even the process,” he said.

The EP was originally slated for release in May. When Williams first spoke with the Manitoban about his solo effort at the tail end of January, COVID-19 was just a whisper, but Good Morning Hunter finally arrived, a completely different animal than before.

Good Morning Hunter is a kinetic and meditative EP, seven tracks that span hip-hop, soul, jazz and strange detours into glittering electronica and swirling psychedelia.

The EP features an array of collaborators, with contributions from Angelita SB, Dawn Pemberton,

Chad Price, Kamilah Apong, Len Bowen, Adrian X and Grand Analog members Ofield K, Aubrey McGhee and Warren Bray.

“It ended up being like-minded

— they sounded terrible! The early demos sounded like it was remote […] but at the end of the day, it came together.”

Good Morning Hunter isn’t about the pandemic so much as the feelings it inspires — the loneliness and fear, the introspection and moments of “It sounds like we self-discovery and hope. got together and “It was such a spooky time,” he said.

“The city of Toronto [Ont.] was a jammed, but it was ghost town. And that’s how the song all remote” — Odario [‘Midnight: Ghosts’] came about — [it] was about that ghost town feeling.”

Williams, artist That solitude runs through Good Morning Hunter in tandem with the sense of community and togethermusicians that needed a creative ness — the EP wouldn’t be what it is outlet to get by,” Williams said. without the understanding that one “They needed a creative outlet as a can’t exist without the other. form of therapy.”

If anything, the tension that drives The music they created, mostly our current reality seems to have lit a over email and Zoom, is warm and fire in Williams, a desire to discover colourful, driven by deep grooves and what comes next. a sense of joyous comradery.

“I think the world over likes to hear “It’s amazing because it sounds like nice things, watch beautiful things a jam,” he said. and, if the powers that be can con“It sounds like we got together and tinue to help artists […] make beaujammed, but it was all remote.” tiful things, the world will accept it The next step was to stitch together and take it in somehow, some way,” these disparate demos — making he said. songs from sounds that, in some cases, “I know I have the hunger and the had traveled thousands of kilometres. energy to tap into whatever it is.”

“It’s a mess,” Williams said.

“I wonder if I kept those demos

’Toban turntable

Odario — ‘Good Morning Hunter,’ 4.5/5 KAELEN BELL, STAFF

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here is a notion that times of Hunter is uplifting without being political and social turmoil create cloying, a guest-heavy dash through incendiary music, the kind of essen- a multitude of colours and textures tial, galvanizing work that inspires that leaves room for moments of and unites people. quiet introspection. Most of these It’s true that sometimes certain moments are courtesy of spoken artists are able to capture the zeitgeist word artist Angelita SB, whose and make something definitive of a steely-eyed appearances on “Reprise” time and place.

However, oftentimes, this kind of turmoil sows little more than despair “Good Morning — COVID-19 has seen the closure of Hunter” is uplifting dozens of beloved venues, left artists unable to tour or record and cast the without being future of working musicians into the unknown. cloying, a guestOdario Williams, known profesheavy dash through sionally by the mononym “Odario,” after decades of making music with a multitude of Mood Ruff and Grand Analog, has colours and textures found a tentatively hopeful middle ground between despair and clear- that leaves room eyed truth-telling on his first solo EP. for moments of Good Morning Hunter is shaped by the extraordinary circumstances quiet introspection in which it was made, but it’s never about the pandemic — it’s about those living through it, what came other just so. before, what comes after and the and “Disastro” ground the EP in our “Midnight: Ghosts,” with its small fires that drive people through tumultuous reality. echoing insect-click backing, feverthe unknown.

The highlights are plentiful and ish build and twinkling chorus is A sparkling medley of hip hop, spread evenly throughout. The EP is an encapsulation of everything that jazz, soul and small, insular electronic properly sequenced, rising and falling Good Morning Hunter does well, music — think Mort Garson by way just when required, allowing sunlight sprinting through a series of styles of Erykah Badu — Good Morning and shadow to dance around each while still giving time to breathe. The

IMAGE PROVIDED BY LISTEN HARDER MUSIC PUBLICITY

title track’s skittering jazz percussion and floating guitar solo, courtesy of Adrian X, melts effortlessly into Ofield K’s kinetic dub remix, a onetwo punch of dynamic heat.

By the time things close out on “Hot Hot Heat,” featuring the dynamic Kamilah Apong, you’ll

likely feel more energized than you did when you first hit play.

Good Morning Hunter is a complex, insular EP, but its major motivations are movement and togetherness — finding a sense of complicated hope among all the despair.

VOL. 107 NO. 13 November 18, 2020

Arts & Culture

15

The Evies celebrate this year’s shortened theatre season Awards remember the best performances and technical work from before the pandemic PANTONE 101 C C 392 ENOTNAP SHAYLYN MAHARAJ-POLIAH, STAFF

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arlier this month, the fourth age of 89. last October and offered a colourful annual Winnipeg Theatre The awards are operated by a commentary of Canada’s colonial hisPANTONE 375 C Awards, known as the Evies, was volunteer committee that chooses a streamed online for the first time. diverse jury of Winnipeggers to select C 5321 ENOTNAP This year’s awards ceremony was winners of the awards from theatre The Evies celebrate hosted by Melissa Langdon and productions that run from September and recognize Matthew Paris-Irvine from local to August each year. theatre collective Out From Under Despite theatres closing their excellence in the Rug. doors indefinitely in mid-March, the PANTONE 323 C In lieu of ticket purchases, viewers Evies were able to honour some of the Winnipeg’s local were asked to donate to the Actors’ stars that shone prior to the lockdown. theatre community Fund of Canada or to the awards Among this year’s winners is C 5103 ENOTNAP themselves to support an arts com- Carson Nattrass for his portrayal of through both munity that, like many, has been dev- tormented father Bruce Bechdel in onstage and astated by the COVID-19 pandemic. the musical adaptation of Fun Home, The Evies celebrate and recognize Alison Bechdel’s comic book mem- backstage excellence in Winnipeg’s professional oir. Laura Olafson took home the PHOTO BY DYLAN HEWLETT contributions theatre community through both award for Outstanding Supporting Celie, was awarded the prize for cal. These latter awards will replace onstage and backstage contributions. Actress for her work in Ann-Marie Outstanding Lead Actress and the the current gendered performance A couple of years ago, the MacDonald’s Goodnight Desdemona show itself received recognition as awards of outstanding lead and outWinnipeg Theatre Awards were (Good Morning Juliet), which ran tory and the idea of reconciliation. renamed in honour of Evelyne “Evie” earlier this year as part of Royal Théâtre Cercle Molière swept an outstanding production with an standing supporting actor and actress.

An Outstanding Livestream Anderson, a prolific Winnipeg actor Manitoba Theatre Centre’s 20th the behind-the-scenes categories equally outstanding ensemble cast.

PANTONE 101 C it was announced that category has also been added to the In addition, who appeared in more than 100 pro- and final Master Playwright Festival, with its production of La Cantatrice ductions and whose career spanned ShakespeareFest. chauve et La Leçon, receiving awards the next year’s Evie Awards would award roster for next year to honour U of M alumnus Ian Ross for set design, costume design and introduce new categories, including the productions that kept theatre over 50 years.

Anderson was honoured with the was presented with the award for lighting design, while the big win- an award for the best production for alive during the pandemic and those Lifetime Achievement Award at the Outstanding New Work for his ner of the performance awards was young people and families and out- that will continue to enrich the lives inaugural award ceremony in 2017 dramedy, The Third Colour, which pre- the musical adaptation of The Color standing performance awards in three of Winnipeggers until theatres are drama, and passed away last February at the miered at Prairie Theatre Exchange Purple. Tara Jackson, in the role of genres: PANTONE 375 C comedy and musi- safely reopened again.

Whether you’re spending the term commuting or computing, we want to know how you get PANTONE 323 C where you’re going.

Share your thoughts about moving around Winnipeg and PANTONE 101 C help shape the future of our transportation network.

Participate in the Transportation Master Plan: 2050.

PANTONE 375 C

Visit winnipeg.ca/tmp2050 to: • •

Register for an online workshop PANTONE 323online C Take the survey

•

Download a discussion kit and host a small group

•

Share your thoughts on the future of transportation on social media: #tmp2050 #gettherewpg

If you require alternate formats or interpretation to participate, please contact tmp2050@winnipeg.ca or 204-927-3444 (ext. 231).

winnipeg.ca/tmp2050

Sports Sports Editor: Isaiah Wagner Contact: sports@themanitoban.com

16

Canadian athletes prepare for lockdown as Americans begin play

Active Living Centre closed due to COVID-19 pandemic

Athletes from both sides of the border discuss the pandemic

Recreation centre remained open before restrictions tightened earlier this month

MATTHEW MERKEL, STAFF ISAIAH WAGNER, STAFF

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n October, Canada West Association (NCAA), which has careers of students in America have announced the cancellation of proceeded with many of its sports been less affected than U-Sports the majority of its fall and winter schedules. Zelenewich highlighted athletes. sports seasons due to the COVID- the divergence between Canadian For Aasen, this has been the case 19 pandemic, and with the and American values in relation to for her and her Beaver teammates.

Manitoba government’s recent shut scheduling decisions.

“We’ve made adjustments, such down of all sports facilities as part “[Canada is] prioritizing health as wearing masks and sanitizing of the code red initiative brought while the U.S. is prioritizing equipment after use, so that we on by a high number of COVID-19 capitalism.” are able to continue practicing and cases, many athletes are unable to Zelenewich noted that the working out as normal,” Aasen said. work on personal skill development NCAA’s decision to continue with “No one knows if we will have a seaor increase their strength and con- scheduling made some sense eco- son, but we are practicing with the ditioning in the gym, leaving some nomically, considering how much expectation that we will.” mentally vulnerable. larger its endorsement and sponAs Aasen continues her acaFormer Bisons men’s hockey sorship deals typically are in com- demic and athletic journey in assistant coach Brent Zelenewich parison to those of its counterparts Minot, N.D., she empathizes with knows how integral athletics is north of the border. fellow Canadian athletes who have to young adults and their mental had their academics or athletics health. The former professional negatively affected by the pandemic.

“While the season hockey player now specializes in “Seeing Canadian universities the development of goaltenders at is cancelled, many [and] sports having shut down, I a variety of levels, emphasizing a think that it was the safe and caustudent athletes may tious decision, but I can sympathize focus on mental resiliency.

“While the season is cancelled, experience a great with the athletes especially because many student athletes may experiI know that can be very difficult as ence a great degree of stress and degree of stress and we had our last season cancelled anxieties,” Zelenewich said. when the pandemic hit earlier in anxieties” — Brent “In my opinion, mental health 2020,” Aasen said.

Zelenewich, former issues will be on the rise.”

It is safe to say that Manitoba “The game is a release from their is now taking a much stricter Bisons hockey academics. The game helps students approach to managing COVID-19 balance their emotions, both anx- assistant coach than its southerly neighbours. With iety and depression, with a great cases remaining high in Manitoba, emphasis on cohesion amongst the province has shut down for the their teammates.”

Winnipegger Rianna Aasen, next four weeks. For Aasen, her On the economic side, an outfielder for the Minot State home province shutting down has Zelenewich noted that financially, University Beavers women’s softball been a frightful thing to watch, universities and U-Sports will also team, has had a different semester especially as North Dakota has also be impacted by the loss of a season. than Manitoban students. had a high number of cases. Yet as “The future of Canada West and “All of my classes are hybrid, the semester has continued, adminU-Sports could be set back [five which means every other day the istrators at Minot State have helped or more] years,” Zelenewich said. class rotates between online and her and her fellow students feel safe “The economic impact could be felt in-class [instruction],” Aasen said. while case numbers remain high. amongst the budgetary constraints “We are required to wear masks “The U.S. hasn’t shown the and limited resources for those stu- everywhere on campus and sani- same sense of urgency to respond dent athletes.” tize everything before and after use.” as Canada has, which can be very U-Sports has prioritized health With most NCAA and other stressful, but Minot State has and safety over athletics this sea- American university athletic orga- really pushed to keep us running son. This is in stark contrast to nizations opting to continue to run as normal as possible in a safe the National Collegiate Athletic amidst the pandemic, the athletic environment.”

GRAPHIC BY DALLIN CHICOINE

PHOTO BY BASEL ABDELAZIZ

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he Active Living Centre (ALC) still do all my normal activities.” has been closed by the U of M “Since the ALC has now been until further notice due to the rising closed, I will have to improvise number of COIVD-19 cases in the like everyone else,” Turner said. province.

“I believe that the government is The Manitoba government doing the right thing for everyone announced on Nov. 10 that the and has our safety as their first province would be moved into the priority.” red stage on the pandemic response Since Oct. 2, only four possible system, which includes the closure exposures to COVID-19 have of recreation facilities. been at gyms around the city of Winnipeg. This is a relatively small compared to other areas, “I think once COVID is number such as schools.

Although there has been little over, the ALC is going exposure, Turner remains cautious. to be a different “Not many cases have been at gyms around the city, but I think place”— Devyn that a gym is actually a very easy Turner, ALC member place to get COVID if protocols are not followed properly,” Turner said. and U of M student “With the ALC following protocols, I never really saw it as an issue.”

Now, with the ALC’s closure, Until now, the ALC had stayed many students will have to find open and remained a safe place for other ways to stay active such as students and staff to come and enjoy hiking, biking, running, virtual physical activity for the day. fitness classes and at-home bodyU of M student Devyn Turner weight workouts or, for a lucky is an active member at the univer- few, working out using at-home sity gym, and said he was satisfied equipment. with the way the gym handled the “I will have to start working out protocols. at home or going for runs,” Turner “The staff has been very good said. “It is important for me to stay during this whole time,” Turner healthy, and even with a time like said. “They walk around and make this, it is no excuse to slack off and sure people are social distancing, not better myself.” wearing a mask and wiping down A question that is central to their machines.” many regular ALC-goers is what “They are making it a very safe the recreation centre will look like place for themselves and the people when restrictions are lifted and working out.” society returns to some semblance Many people might complain of normality. Will it maintain that their workout is affected by heightened sanitation protocols, having to wear a mask and follow or go back to how it was previously? other protocols, but that is not the Turner believes it will be the case for Turner. former.

“No, my workout has not been “I think once COVID is over, impacted,” said Turner. the ALC is going to be a different “The only difference is that I have place,” he said. to wear a mask, which is not a big “People are going to be more caudeal at all. Fitness is very important tious and sanitize more, which is to me, and a lot of others, and I can probably for the better.”