vol 107 iss 3, August 19, 2020

MANITOBAN the

T H E O F F I C I A L U N I V E R S I T Y O F M A N I T O B A S T U D E N T S ’ N E W S PA P E R

est. 1914 NEWS

‘They’re trying to silence the voice of the community’ Police involvement at root of Bear Clan leadership turmoil, James Favel says PAGE 5

NEWS

EDITORIAL

Supporting learning

New normal vs. new nightmare

Libraries, study seats among initiatives PAGE 3

The pros and cons of remote learning PAGE 9 COMMENT

More funding needed Lake Winnipeg on verge of ecological collapse PAGE 12

VO L 1 0 7 · N O 3 · Au g u st 1 9 , 2 0 2 0 · W W W.T H E M A N I TO B A N .CO M

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Index

VOL. 107 NO. 3 August 19, 2020

RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY

A new way to excel

Data science major to begin fall 2021 PAGE 3

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Matthew Doering

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VOLUNTEER CONTRIBUTORS

ARTS AND CULTURE

Cam Cannon Zoë LeBrun

Exploring Manitoba

Two museums to check out this summer PAGE 14

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3

News

News Editors: Gillian brown and Amira tekle Contact: gillian@themanitoban.com amira @themanitoban.com

Research and Technology

U of M announces major in data science

Faculty of science’s bachelor of data science to launch in fall 2021 SARAH DORAN, STAFF

T

he faculty of science has created a new interdisciplinary bachelor of science with a major in data science degree program, set to launch at the start of the 2021-22 academic year.

The program will require 120 credit hours of courses in mathematics, statistics and computer science, as well as courses designed specifically for the major.

Data science is a rapidly growing field involving recording, storing, managing and analyzing data of various kinds. While computers are often involved in the process, com-

GRAPHIC BY JENELLE MCCANN

puter science is a separate area because the underlying focus of computer science is writing and understanding the logic behind computer programs rather than a specific data component.

The University of Manitoba currently offers joint honours programs, such as between computer science and mathematics and between computer science and statistics, that are cumulatively similar to a data science program but do not have the interdisciplinary focus the new degree will.

Carson Leung, a professor in the department of computer science,

has long been interested in data science. He runs the Database and Data Mining Laboratory, which offers both undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to conduct research on theoretical and practical aspects of data science with real-life applications.

“In addition to participating in research, students interested in data science have had opportunities to acquire knowledge by taking data science-related courses,” Leung said.

Several data-related courses are being offered during the 2020-21 academic year throughout a range of programs, including computer science, environmental science, mathematics, management information systems and statistics.

Leung said the U of M is also in the process of creating several data science graduate programs, including a master’s in data science and a master of business analytics program.

The wide variety of fields in which data scientists can be employed is a major reason why Manitoba Economic Development and Training approved the creation of

the new degree program.

“As data science has emerged as a significant influencer in many sectors of our economy, data scientists are in high demand, but it can be challenging to find skilled employees,” Leung said.

“Data scientists are in high demand, but it can be challenging to find skilled employees” — Carson Leung, computer science professor Ben Li, faculty of science associate dean of undergraduate programs, explained further in a press release.

“The data science undergraduate degree aligns perfectly with the current needs of major employers and,

with the integration of co-operative education as a degree option, students will graduate with a competitive advantage,” he said.

“They’ll have actual work experience and be able to jump in and solve complex real-world issues from the get-go. [The degree] will also serve as a solid foundation for further studies at the master’s and PhD level.”

Across town, the University of Winnipeg is also launching its data science program this fall.

However, the program is a specialization within the U of W’s existing statistics degree. The course list is heavily focused on statistics and mathematics classes, including a few courses newly created for the program, but students are also required to take at least six applied computer science courses.

The U of M has not yet released the planned degree requirements for its data science major program. Leung said more details will be announced as they become available.

Campus libraries, computer labs reopen at limited capacity New systems to support students most affected by COVID-19 GILLIAN BROWN, STAFF

F

PHOTO BY ALEXANDER DECEBAL-CUZA

all semester is rolling in amid September. uncertain times, but the U of M Both will be open from 10 a.m. to is aiming to put supports in place for 6 p.m. Monday to Friday with limited students that are most affected by the occupancy to adhere to social distancchanges brought on by the COVID- ing guidelines.

19 pandemic.

Elizabeth Dafoe library will be “This is a real concern for us,” available for walk-in access only for said Laurie Schnarr, vice-provost students with U of M ID cards, and (students). the sciences and technology libraries The university is planning on reo- will have 80 pre-booked spaces. pening spaces on campus to provide Both libraries will have open a place for students that need it to computer labs with social distancstudy and to have access to internet ing guidelines in place. and technology.

The university is also working to This week, there has been a put in place 350 non-bookable study soft launch of the opening of the seats in lecture theatres across camElizabeth Dafoe library and the sci- pus to accommodate social distancing. ences and technology libraries, which “We’re going to continue reassesswill be followed by a hard launch in ing as we get a better sense of the

need,” said Schnarr.

Another study area is being prepared in the libraries, which Schnarr said will prioritize those most in need of a study space.

She said need will be determined based on referrals from advisers.

“Advisers and counsellors at the grassroots are often most wellattuned to which students are in greatest need, [whose] home situations are not good, or [students that] just do not have the technology or even internet to enable them to do the work that they need to do for school,” she explained.

“If [students in need] do not already have established relationships with advisers, they’re being referred there.”

For students in the city with limited access to technology, the U of M technology fund grants a $500 subsidy for those identified by advisers to be in need, along with an application form to complete through the U of M bookstore.

“In some cases, we shipped those computers to students who were in the far North and so on to make sure that they got the computers without having to come to campus,” she said.

The university has prepared resources for students for working with technology at home. Among them are guidelines for system

requirements for computers, which are available on Aurora during class registration.

The resources also include online tech support during exams, guidelines for best practices for technology use and a toll-free system that allows students with limited connectivity to join audio of live classes by phone.

“We’re going to continue reassessing as we get a better sense of the need” — Laurie Schnarr, viceprovost (students) A reduced data plan through Bell MTS for U of M students will soon be available as well.

UMSU president Jelynn Dela Cruz said the union is working with the university along with other community groups on campus to “create accessible funding for students who are particularly marginalized and impacted disproportionately by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“We’re absolutely putting lowincome students at the forefront and doing everything within our power

to ensure that students are receiving some kind of quality of learning now that is comparable to what they would have received had things been back to normal,” she said.

Dela Cruz said those being impacted disproportionately by the pandemic include international students.

“A couple of international students have approached us now, saying that in previous years they’ve already struggled to meet the tuition deadlines,” she said.

“So now that COVID-19 is happening, different countries across the world are impacted disproportionately.”

To assist with these changes, UMSU has been advocating for looser deadlines for both courses and tuition.

“It’s challenging now for parents to find work in their countries, so it’s harder to fill the tuition requirements as well.

“So one thing that we are planning on doing, and we have been doing, is ensuring that those stories are brought to the forefront and are fully considered by administration,” she continued.

“Whether they address [those stories] in action or not, we’ll continue to push to ensure that they’re being heard.”

4

News

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

Financial misuse and mismanagement allegations arise Office of the auditor general considering audit of the University of Manitoba GILLIAN BROWN, STAFF

A

n internal investigation at the University of Manitoba has found that a senior employee mismanaged and misused university funds and directed others to do so as well.

Allegations that the employee may have been former law dean Jonathan Black-Branch came forward last Friday in a confidential letter to the Law Society of Manitoba from a group of U of M-affiliated lawyers.

The letter cites details from the 2019-20 Annual Report — Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblower Protection) Act (PIDA), a report that annually releases disclosures received under the act.

The investigation results were made available in late July.

According to the report, from the fiscal year April 1, 2019 to March 31, 2020, PIDA received and acted on one disclosure. One investigation

PHOTO BY STAR ROXAS

was commenced and one finding of mer law professor at the university wrongdoing resulted.

— was appointed interim dean for the The report read “the investiga- remainder of Black-Branch’s term. tion concluded that wrongdoing University spokesperson John had occurred with respect to the pur- Danakas said privacy legislation chase of goods and services, conflict prevents the university from disclosof interest and mismanagement and ing any private information about employees. misuse of funds.

“There were also findings that the The Winnipeg Free Press sources employee directed other persons to said this year there was a change in commit wrongdoing.” how expenses were approved.

An anonymous staffer who spoke Staff typically would submit to the Winnipeg Free Press said the expenses to the financial officer for investigation’s aim was to solve the approval, and then the dean would disappearance of over $1 million. approve them after that.

The report disclosed neither They said Black-Branch recently the name nor department of the stopped giving his approval. employee engaged in misuse of funds.

After the investigation, the review In early May, Black-Branch went found “some internal control weakon leave from the university for rea- nesses in the [U of M] system of sons undisclosed. controls related to the use of discreFormer associate law dean Bruce tionary funds, the non-purchase order Curran took his place as acting dean, invoice process and the monitoring of and on July 1, David Asper — a for- spending patterns of expense claim

submissions, that require corrective

issues identified. The recommendation has been accepted by the university.

“Responsible, transparent financial “Responsible, stewardship is both a responsibility transparent financial and a core value of the University of Manitoba community,” said U stewardship is both of M president and vice-chancellor a responsibility Michael Benarroch in the university’s comment on the report. and a core value “Immediate corrective action is being taken with respect to internal of the University financial controls.” of Manitoba The university said the results of the investigation have been reported community” — to the office of the auditor general.

Michael Benarroch, In an email statement to the Manitoban, auditor general Tyson U of M president Shtykalo said the office is “aware of some financial irregularities at [the] University of Manitoba and are conattention,” according to the report. sidering a potential audit,” but that he The review recommended a fur- cannot provide any additional details ther analysis of the internal control at this time.

VOL. 107 NO. 3 August 19, 2020

News

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Bear Clan co-founder raises concern over police input Board membership, inappropriate conduct allegations led to James Favel’s removal CAM CANNON

PHOTO FROM BEAR CLAN PATROL WEBSITE

J

a mes Favel, c o-founder and f ormer executive director of the B ear Clan Patrol Inc., has raised concerns about the influence of current and former Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) officers as well as a board of directors that he described as increasingly unrepresentative of the communities they serve following his d ismissal announced July 31.

The Bear Clan is an Indigenous community organization that conducts street patrols, a ssists with rides and escorts and delivers food to those in need, among other services. The organization has been working with the WPS and its board includes current and former officers.

Beginning with disputes over how to continue to operate foot patrols and food delivery amid the COVID-19 pandemic in March, Favel said he became increasingly at odds with the board.

“The loudest voices [against continuing patrols] were [current] Winnipeg Police Service and retired Winnipeg Police Service [officers],” Favel said.

“I realized at that moment that it could be said that Bear Clan patrols were shut [down] vicariously by the Winnipeg Police through their membership on our board […] I started thinking in terms of reducing the amount of police on our board of directors and making sure they didn’t hold an executive role.”

In an Aug. 18 statement on the organization’s website , the Bear Clan

s tated two m embers with WPS ties currently serving on the board — B rian Chrupalo and D evon Clunis — were recruited by Favel himself, and that “seven out of the nine current board members” were similarly brought onto the board by Favel.

F avel was later s uspended amid allegations of inappropriate conduct and concerns over accepting reimbursements for travel costs — allegations he’s denied and has since h ired a lawyer to dispute.

Favel was the subject of a Workplace Health and Safety investigation, which resulted after complaints of intimidation and unprofessionalism by Favel against a Bear Clan staff member.

There was further tension between Favel and the board following c ontroversial statements made on social media by then-board member R éjeanne Caron — a W PS constable who has since s tepped down from the Bear Clan board amid public outrage, which included a petition signed by 2 ,000 people calling for her removal — which spurred Favel to publicly call for her removal.

Favel emphasized he stands by the decision to work with the WPS and his concerns are about the individuals on the board — not the WPS as a whole.

Favel also said he believes the current board is acting undemocratically — holding a virtual annual general meeting restricted to members rather than open to the public, as Favel said they traditionally have been.

“Proper notification was not given ,” he said.

“They’re trying to hijack the e lection. They’re trying to silence the voice of the community.”

The Bear Clan’s website message

“It saddens me to no end that we’re fighting this way about this organization that is providing so much for so many people” — James Favel, co-founder and former executive director of Bear Clan Patrol states they have not yet held an annual general meeting for the 2020 year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and that the date for the meeting is to be announced.

In an email, a spokesperson for the Bear Clan stated that the Bear Clan has been advised against speaking to the media.

C oncerns Over the Impact of Operating as a Charitable

Organization, Ties to Police The U rban Warrior Alliance (UWA) — another I ndigenous community organization operating in the city — was approached with a partnership by WPS in 2015.

For H arrison Powder, a member of the UWA, the partnership was unappealing — it would require denouncing other Indigenous organizations such as the C razy Indians Brotherhood, an anti-gang group he said was labelled a gang by the WPS. “We said there was no way we can do that. We [would] rather help youth who want out of the gang life, but we can’t do that if our name is no good to them,” he said.

“The police try to take control of our groups,” Powder said. “[They] offer funding and pay [you ] to be part of their visions. There’s also consequences if you don’t do things their way, like with [Favel.”

For B ronwyn Dobchuk-Land, assistant professor of criminal justice at the University of Winnipeg, this approach from the police is not surprising.

“Often community organizations want to respond to people’s problems in ways that are avoiding criminalization,” she said.

“The point of community involvement from the perspective of the police is to extend their reach, extend their information-gathering capacities and extend the network of policing,” she said.

“You don’t generally see these partnerships resulting in police

changing practices, they’re much more likely to change the practices of the organization that police are partnering with.”

Dobchuk-Land further stated that often, funding structures for community organizations — be they attached to the state or civil society — result in community organizations becoming less accountable to the communities they serve and more so to their funders.

“We actually don’t need funding to engage in the structural changes that would reduce people’s vulnerability to violence,” she said. “In fact, funding structures often limit our capacities to engage in that structural change.”

Favel expressed frustration in the direction the Bear Clan is going. “ To see it come to this point is just horrific,” Favel said. “It saddens me to no end that we’re fighting this way about this organization that is providing so much for so many people.

“The board is not representative of the community at this point, the community knows it. There shouldn’t be any discussion. The board should just step back and give it back to the community.”

The Bear Clan’s statement can be found on the organization’s website, on https://bearclanpatrol. org/a-message-from-the-board-ofdirectors-of-bear-clan-patrol-inc/.

6

News

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

Research and Technology

Class scheduling application created during pandemic

Build-your-own class schedule alternative to Aurora made by U of M students MARIO MENDEZ DIAZ, STAFF

News Briefs Former director of NCTR set to continue decolonization work at University of Victoria

of Canada’s residential school system and legacy,” and to house all materials gathered by the Truth and Reconciliation CAM CANNON Commission of Canada.

On June 24 it was Moran’s work has focused announced that Ry Moran, on ensuring approaches to founding director of the preserving and accessing such National Centre for Truth documents remain respectful and Reconciliation (NCTR) to survivors and faithful to the has been appointed the inau- historical record in a way that gural associate university empowers Indigenous peoples. librarian (reconciliation) at the As a member of the senior University of Victoria. libraries staff at the University Moran’s new position is the of Victoria, Moran is to confirst of its kind in Canada. tinue his work of decolonizThe NCTR was established ing approaches to preserving at the University of Manitoba knowledge. in the summer of 2015 with the goal to “preserve the memory

U-Pass not in effect for fall semester AMIRA TEKLE, STAFF

PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE UNISKEDUAL TEAM

U

nsatisfied with the experience of planning his class schedule through Aurora, fifth-year computer engineering student Laith Alsheikh decided to take matters into his own hands.

Alsheikh put together a team with computer science student Khaled Elzeiny, computer engineering student Habiba Mahmoud and law student Fayez Arheam. Together they set off to make class scheduling easier.

“We took advantage of the free time the pandemic lockdowns offered and got to work,” Alsheikh said.

The team adopted different roles according to their skill sets. Alsheikh acted as project and development lead, Elzeiny took on front-end software development and Arheam and Mahmoud tackled marketing and design, respectively.

“I have a strong passion for the arts as well as technology. For those reasons, I took on the opportunity to join the uniSkedual team as the design lead,” said Mahmoud.

Less than two months later, the team launched a web application that allows undergraduate students to plan for classes and visualize their timetable in a simple, easy-to-use interface: uniSkedual.

The motivation to build uniSkedual came from first-hand frustration when planning classes through Aurora.

“The main reason why we were

motivated to build uniSkedual was “One issue from a marketing perbecause we were personally affected spective was the failure to understand by the problem,” Alsheikh said. our value proposition, which [Fayez] “We all experienced frustration later tweaked to a more effective and when it came to [registering] for our compelling prop,” Alsheikh said. courses,” said the uniSkedual team.

On the technical side, building With the 2020-21 academic year the application required plenty of registration well underway, uniSked- learning. ual has succeeded in helping U of M Alsheikh said he and Elzeiny students since its July 7 launch. “faced difficulty when integrating complex and unfamiliar libraries as Why uniSkedual? well as having a short time frame to While it may seem that uniSked- build all the required components.” ual fixes a problem Aurora has already The team’s software developers think solved, Alsheikh disagrees. the knowledge acquired through “On the contrary, Aurora does not their U of M programs aided unioffer our functionality. Aurora lacks Skedual’s success. the visualization aspect, meaning Alsheikh said that Elzeiny “did that when going through the course find that the [computer science] curcatalogue and selecting courses, you riculum was useful in terms of underwill not be able to see your week at standing programming fundamentals a glance until after you register. This as well as best practices.” causes a lot of issues for students, such Alsheikh credits a humanas time conflicts and non-optimal computer interaction course taken selections. through the department of computer “The university’s current recom- science as being instrumental for his mended selection process involves contributions. manually entering course data on “It’s a class that definitely changed a sheet, which is error-prone and the way I think when it comes to softtedious.” ware products, and it stressed on the Developing an application for importance of building user-focused public use is no easy task. Team products rather [than] tech-focused members Arheam, Elzeiny and products, which was vital to the sucAlsheikh had to overcome several cess of uniSkedual,” said Alsheikh. obstacles.

The uniSkedual team is currently On the marketing side, Arheam in talks with the U of M’s administrastruggled with sending students a tion and exploring different paths for clear message. future work.

U of M students will not be seeing the U-Pass fee reflected on their fall semester account statements.

The U-Pass, which carries a $200 fee per semester, will not be in effect until the winter 2021 term at the earliest.

Due to fall term largely being offered remotely, the U-Pass program is not in effect during the term. However,

Former music professor Steve Kirby to receive $286,000 payout from the U of M after sex assault accusation AMIRA TEKLE, STAFF

Steve Kirby — a former U of M jazz professor in the Desautels faculty of music — has won a sizeable payout from the U of M. In June 2018, Kirby was charged with sexual assault, with the incidents in question allegedly taking place between September 2014 and January 2017.

The charges stemmed from allegations of sexual assault of a 19-year-old female who was

UMSU is offering a subsidy to students requiring a postsecondary pass that would bring the cost of the pass in line with the cost of the U-Pass.

A form to apply for the subsidy will be available online in the coming weeks.

For students in need of f inancial assistance, the UMSU hardship fund is currently open for applications until the fund is depleted. The form to apply for this fund is now available on the UMSU website.

his student at the time.

The charges were stayed.

Kirby filed a grievance in 2017 with the University of Manitoba Faculty Association, claiming — according to the grievance ruling by arbitrator Arne Peltz — “privacy breaches, including damages and the reinstatement of the grievor to his employment with the university.”

According to the Aug. 5 ruling, Kirby declined to be reinstated at the U of M despite the arbitrator being prepared to do so.

Following arbitration, Kirby is set to r eceive $286,000 from the university.

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

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

8

Remote learning puts education out of reach

Education’s ‘new normal’ has far-reaching consequences for students and society SHAYLYN MAHARAJ-POLIAH, STAFF

E

ver since COVID-19 reached tus and agency of students. will make their acclimatization to Manitoba this past March, stuMany students in the Canadian the new language that much more dents of all ages have had to adjust school system who live in rural areas difficult to cope with. to online learning. With the school lack devices and internet access at Though students are required to closures forbidding in-person instruc- home. Many of these students previ- engage with their online learning, tion through June, teachers and learn- ously relied on the technology pro- these factors — paired with heavy ers alike have had to make a quick vided by their school to access and workloads and potentially unreliable transition with a steep learning curve. complete their assignments — an technology — may prevent them Educators in primary, second- option that has since been stripped from doing so in a meaningful way. ary and post-secondary schools did from them.

Thus, the dreaded “summer learnnot have adequate time to plan for In the case of K-12 schooling, at ing loss” will be exacerbated by a the switch from in-person to online least one school division in Manitoba “quarantine learning loss.” classes and much of the necessary has provided laptops to families in A recent joint paper put out by training has been self-directed and need, but this is merely a Band- researchers from the Northwest impromptu.

Aid solution to the larger problem Evaluation Association, the Considering the circumstances, of the widened economic disparity University of Virginia and Brown distance learning is the most effective this new learning model highlights. University suggests that up to 33 per way to maximize public health and Unfortunately, solutions to this prob- cent of reading progress will be lost safety by minimizing physical contact. lem are not being implemented evenly and up to a 50 per cent loss in math It also saves time and money not across the educational sphere. progress will result. having to commute from school With this new remote learning In some cases, this is the equivato home, thereby reducing carbon model, the onus is placed on the stu- lent of missing a full school year. emissions, and provides f lexible dents to be responsible for their own This leaves students severely learning opportunities for people learning. underprepared for the fall, espewith full-time jobs, children or other However, the loss of routine, the cially for those students heading commitments. lack of constant support from peers into a graduated level of schooling Remote learning also has the and teachers and the anxiety caused such as middle school, high school potential to be cheaper for families by the developing pandemic are det- or post-secondary. than in-person classes because stu- rimental to the students’ still-develThere is potential for this learndents are spending less money on oping cognitive capacities. ing loss to persist with the hybrid textbooks and are not utilizing onIt has also caused anxiety for par- model proposed for grades 9 to 12 by campus amenities such as computer ents, who may not be able to offer Manitoba’s Minister of Education, labs, student lounges or food services. their children the support they need Kelvin Goertzen.

Yet, the University of Manitoba for a variety of reasons, such as work At this time, the model does is raising tuition costs almost four or inexperience with course material not have a set form and will most per cent for the fall 2020 term, even and technology. likely differ depending on the school though nearly all classes will be This is especially detrimental to division. taught remotely. newcomer students and students But, one thing is certain: all stuThere are some central issues with who speak an alternative language dents will have to learn to juggle more the distance learning model, however. at home. than one type of learning.

One of the most prominent issues Their language development will This means disrupted routines, is the assumption remote learning likely become stunted due to a lack of inconsistent support and anxiety surmakes about the socioeconomic sta- exposure to English or French, which rounding physical and mental health

GRAPHIC BY JENELLE MCCANN

will also persist.

It seems as though education has found itself in a situation where there is no winning: the school board should not risk going back to normal

It seems as though education has found itself in a situation where there is no winning when that normal jeopardizes the health and safety of students.

At this time, keeping students at home and having them miss out on learning the soft skills necessary for life outside of the classroom is worth the loss.

Manitobans and Canadians must make exceptional sacrifices to their habitual lifestyles in order to maintain our collective health and keep the pandemic’s case curve flat.

There is already speculation that some parents will refuse to send their children back to school to maintain their safety — an understandable decision considering the risks a packed classroom full of kids that forget to wash their hands every second trip to the bathroom poses.

Post-secondary students are not exempt from the downsides of digital learning.

Many professional programs around the world are becoming forced to find ways to continue with

practicum and clinical experiences necessary for graduation.

COVID-19 has placed professional programs in a precarious situation. Practicums in the faculty of education at the University of Manitoba are scheduled to resume in November — but the faculty has made it clear the dates for resuming in-person practicums are floating, awaiting approval from the province.

No strict plans have been published to date.

Online learning is not a viable substitute for these hands-on learning experiences, leaving some graduates ill-prepared for real field work.

Education leads to more employment opportunities, improved health and a higher quality of life. When society’s most vulnerable directly struggle to attain even basic education, they often access social assistance programs — programs that are funded through taxpayer dollars.

All taxpayers, whether participating in remote learning or not, are affected by its societal consequences.

Taxes may be increased, which could be debilitating considering Canada’s current economic recession, or government spending may be redirected to fund social assistance programs. As a result, the adverse outcomes of emergency remote learning for kindergarten through post-secondary school students has far-reaching ramifications in society that will reverberate for many years to come.

So, who does remote learning leave behind?

All of us.

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

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Winnipeg’s police chief publishes apologist opinion Invocation of social contract theory unveils nothing ‘lamentable’ but the chief’s contempt LUCAS EDMOND, STAFF

GRAPHIC BY JENELLE MCCANN

T

he idea that social contracts exist redefining their identity and their between peoples and institutions relationship with hegemonic norms which form the foundation of civili- and power. zation would suggest that there is a The social contract political thedeeply participatory and democratic ory is a dated and overly simplistic forum which people utilize to con- Enlightenment-era philosophy develsent to structures of power and social oped by a number of controversial organizations. figures to legitimize unequal modes Danny Smyth, the police chief of of government.

Winnipeg, recently wrote an opinThe original thinker to publish ion piece for the Winnipeg Free Press work on social contracts, Thomas discussing the “erosion” of a mythical Hobbes, vouched for absolutism as social contract between citizens and the only viable option to maintain police officers. peace.

Instead of working toward conAbsolute methods of ruling essenstructive ends, Smyth seemingly used tially provide an authoritarian ruler this platform as an opportunity to unlimited power to repress rights push a form of pity discourse which of the members of a society with many police officers have run to since impunity. Hobbes viewed humans as people have begun expressing their inherently greedy and self-interested. discontent with the system.

Therefore, he exclaimed institutions Contrary to Smyth’s assertions, of power, in this case an authoritarian no such forum or social contract truly ruler, would be tasked with restrictexists in the elitist society we live in ing peoples’ rights in exchange for today. People have not consented to peace — a suitable theory to help valitheir racial and class subjugation. date the expansion of the police state.

Beyond this, the existence of a Another liberal thinker, John social contract suggests that culture Locke, later built on the social is a bounded and homogeneous whole contract theory, establishing that it not subject to change. We are not was essentially rich white men that born into a social contract nor do were to be in charge of maintaining we ever re-negotiate them. A con- power and peace. Locke argued that tract implies a level of permanence, property played a central role in a but culture is in a continuous flux, person’s ability to participate in civil often from individuals collectively government. Due to the fact that

virtually only white, rich men could nor consented to. unrest with these so-called “checks own property — because African What is more disturbing about and balances” Smyth holds such faith Americans were largely unable to this article is that Smyth truly in. own land before the American Civil believes that over the course of the War — the ability of marginalized Winnipeg Police Service’s 145-year groups to influence government was history, the so-called checks and bal- The fact is, police radically suppressed. ances on police officers have worked. forces exist to I suppose checks and balances Locke was also an avid supporter and participant of the transatlantic were in place when Indigenous chil- protect status quo slave trade. As a matter of fact, Locke dren were ripped from their parents’ structures of power, was involved in the creation of the arms by the RCMP and forced into Fundamental Constitutions of Carolina, lives of precarity, abuse and malnot the people which supported the absolute author- nourishment. I suppose checks and ity of “freemen” over Black slaves. balances worked when J.J. Harper, The irony that the police chief is an Indigenous leader, was shot and using a theory developed by such con- killed by a Winnipeg police officer troversial and dated thinkers to vali- and the case was neglected due to This system’s roots are embedded date and rally support for the police racial assumptions and stereotypes. in a colonial soil and these hierarchidepartment is deplorable.

I suppose checks and balances are cal systems will forever grow to enrich The fact is, police forces exist to currently underway when the police racial and class discrepancies. protect status quo structures of power, officers who fatally shot 16-year-old This is precisely why “immediate not the people. Smyth’s article serves Eishia Hudson are still walking freely. and drastic” responses to injustices as a dangerous example of just how Even if Hudson’s death is ruled inherent in this system must be embedded the colonial rhetoric of within the legal parameters of lethal deployed. service and protection has become. force, police should not have the right Minor reforms have done nothThe paternalism that police forces to act with impunity and publicly kill ing for Black and Indigenous lives express daily is part of the issue — people, let alone children. Police must over the past century and, if anything, certain peoples are delegitimized in be held accountable for their actions. work to simply keep populations the eyes of the law.

If a social contract had ever existed, docile while maintaining underlyAnd now that the law has become it was never the people who were to ing power structures. delegitimized in the eyes of the peo- blame for its degradation — it was Defunding the police is not a ple, it is suddenly the masses who are and remains the deplorable actions “woke” or “instant gratification” moveto blame for the so-called “erosion” of of power, systemic racism and vio- ment like Smyth claims it is — it is a this mythical contract which, to my lence perpetrated against Black and response to centuries of injustice and knowledge, nobody living has signed Indigenous lives which has sparked a demand for a more equitable future.

VOL. 107 NO. 3 August 19, 2020

Comment 11

12 Comment

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

Ecological integrity of Lake Winnipeg is deteriorating With numerous solutions available, now it is a matter of political will LUCAS EDMOND, STAFF

A

fter cutting funding for environmental organizations during the pandemic, the Manitoba government seems to have had a change of heart in regard to the pivotal importance of climate action.

Premier Brian Pallister announced July 22 that $5.6 million will be invested in an array of projects to help protect lakes and rivers in Manitoba with the restoration of natural riparian areas.

While a step in the right direction, the government’s investments are but a Band-Aid on a shark bite.

Lake Winnipeg was named the world’s most threatened lake in 2013 and the eco-crisis facing the lake has not improved much since.

Interlinked issues that face Lake Winnipeg include phosphorus pollution leading to decreased oxygen supplies in the lake, a massive watershed that spans international, provincial and state borders — making saving the lake a political nightmare — and the threatened natural riparian areas which help reduce nutrient pollution and erosion.

These problems display just how expensive the lake we have spent centuries destroying will cost to save.

That blue-green gunk people sometimes see on a summer’s day when the city is too hot to bear is more than just naturally occurring alga — it is cyanobacteria, a nitrogenfixing organism that now dominates the lake due to the lake’s phosphorus pollution.

This bacterium is far from harmless — it is quite literally killing the lake and the surrounding ecosystem

GRAPHIC BY JENELLE MCCANN

that relies on it. policy agreements. of combined sewage. This system to incoming runoff and also prevent Plants and algae in lakes have The watershed that drains into was designed for the wet season, so erosion by holding soils together. adapted over billions of years to rely Lake Winnipeg is estimated at what backup the water treatment These areas are essentially nature’s on very little phosphorus and nitro- around one million square kilome- facilities cannot handle is diverted sponges and soil’s armour. gen in order to grow. But following tres. This means restoration cannot to a separate drainage system which Beyond this, reducing the phosrunoff from things like our sewage rely on provincial solutions alone goes directly into the rivers — subse- phorus and nitrogen runoff from system and industrial agriculture, due — rather, transnational agreements quently ending up in Lake Winnipeg. industrial agriculture is crucial. Big to the degradation of riparian areas, must be made if we wish to maintain Annually, billions of litres of raw agriculture has become virtually reliour lake has been overwhelmed by the integrity of our collective ecologi- sewage rushes into Winnipeg’s river ant on phosphorus fertilizers and the exponential growth of aquatic cal health. system. Numbers that edge up to industrially-produced nitrogen due plant life and algae.

Excluding the costs of infrastruc- about one million litres daily. to exhausted soils.

The overgrowth of aquatic plant ture and restoration projects, such Fixing the combined sewage As a result, much of the applied life in lakes might sound benign, interprovincial and international system in older developments of nutrients usually end up eroding into but it’s not. Overgrowth can lead to co-operation is costly in and of itself. Winnipeg would be a solid starting water systems. eutrophication — a process which Reaching a bilateral agreement is Building tile drainage to manage leads to thick mats of algae that block next to impossible when the decisions where the runoff from agricultural the sun’s penetration of the lake, kill- in one area can produce costs else- While a step in plots goes is a large but necessary proing other plants. These dead plants where. Unfortunately, bureaucracy ject in reducing much of the nutrient the right direction, and later the dead algae are then makes productive solutions painstakpollution facing Lake Winnipeg. decomposed by an influx of bacteria ingly long and expensive.

Manitoba is a province of the government’s which require oxygen. This influx of Nonetheless, it is worth the cost, extremes. The spring is often too wet, investments are bacteria then uses up all the avail- and there are initiatives Manitoba resulting in runoff, and the summers able oxygen, thereby suffocating the can pay for now that can significantly are too dry, forcing farmers to apply but a Band-Aid ecosystem. their own irrigation. ameliorate the damage done to the on a shark bite What’s worse, without an oxy- lake.

Tile drainage would capture rungen supply, decomposition creates Winnipeg’s sewage treatment off and store it in a place accessible methane — a greenhouse gas that plants alone contribute approximately for later use. is significantly more damaging than five per cent of the lake’s phosphoNot only would this make farms carbon dioxide. rus pollution annually. Manitoba can point in reducing our ecological foot- more sustainable, it would also allow Lake Winnipeg will sooner, rather start by eliminating pollution from print on Lake Winnipeg. But pollu- farmers to utilize the excess fertilizer than later, become a major contribu- man-made pipes and sewage disposal. tion from sources less easy to identify and water they applied earlier in the tor to the heating of our world if the Winnipeg has already passed than a pipe or drain still remains a year, ultimately preventing the risk problem is not addressed. plans to upgrade the North End large factor in the lake’s degradation. of polluting surrounding ecosystems.

So, how can Manitoba stop an Water Pollution Control Centre to Remedying this kind of pollution The ecological crisis facing Lake ecosystem from potentially collaps- include biological nutrient removal may be less straightforward. However, Winnipeg will take much more than ing? The answer is — likely not what systems which eliminate phospho- a few things can be done. a measly investment from the provinthe Manitoba government wants to rus and nitrogen from waste waters.

Investing more in riparian areas cial government. hear — more money.

However, this plant only regulates along stream banks, lakeshores and If more is not done soon, our lake Protecting the lake from nutrient roughly 70 per cent of the city’s wetlands can do much more than is at risk of suffocating under signifiand soil pollution is not a small task sewage. they appear to. cant stresses. and will require heavy infrastructural The other 30 per cent comes from By promoting the development of Lake Winnipeg is a pillar of our investments including a high degree older Winnipeg neighbourhoods natural communities of vegetation, ecosystem and if it falls, who knows of political co-operation and bilateral which are serviced by a dated model these ecosystems act as nutrient filters what will fall next.

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

Celebrate Folklorama your way, any day, in a safe way

Folklorama 2020 introduces programs to bring a customized cultural experience to your doorstep SHAYLYN MAHARAJ-POLIAH, STAFF

artists are screened pre-performance.”

Event attendees are also required to fill out a screening sheet, which provides a safety level to protect both performers and patrons.

For larger events, Folklorama at Play is planned for the fall when government public health regulations become less restrictive and more information will be provided at that time. With so many youth becoming involved in social protests and even leading human rights activities,

O

ver the last 50 years, Folklorama has become the longest-running and largest annual multicultural festival of its kind in the world. With the cancellation of major summer festivals in Manitoba to abide by COVID-19 health precautions, the pandemic has paused this run.

Yet, respect and appreciation for multiculturalism is needed now more than ever with marches against racism taking place globally and protesters collectively demanding changes to policies that give rise to societal inequalities.

With 40 pavilions representing unique ethnic communities within Manitoba, Folklorama serves as a

PHOTO PROVIDED BY TANYA WILLIAMS

valuable vehicle that creates respect and appreciation for multiculturalism through its mission of celebrating diversity and promoting cultural understanding.

While visiting pavilions is not possible this year, the Folklorama operations team has reimagined Folklorama for 2020.

Tanya Williams, Folklorama’s director of marketing and communications, outlines new programs offered this year.

A virtual experience is just a click away. Vibrant ethno-cultural performances may be caught online on both Instagram and Twitter at any time of day or night. These feeds are con-

stantly updated to showcase recent cultural performances in Manitoba.

For a more immersive, customized experience, you can now take Folklorama to your work, school or home. Just select your entertainment and choose your cuisine. Folklorama will work within your budget to tailor an hour-long cultural event just for you within a couple of weeks.

Many senior homes have taken part in these programs, including River Gardens residents who enjoyed the Franco-Manitoban entertainment of TiBert le Voyageur.

“Folklorama is very COVIDcareful when it comes to planning these events,” Williams said. “All

“The reasons people book these parties are truly beautiful” — Tanya Williams, director of marketing and communications

ings include bringing Irish culture to a 50th anniversary party when the planned Ireland trip was cancelled due to COVID-19 and recreating the excitement of Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival at a backyard party.

“The reasons people book these parties are truly beautiful,” Williams said.

These programs have been so popular that Folklorama has made them permanent, running 365 days a year.

Even with this source of income, many ethno-cultural communities are challenged to fund projects that sustain their culture, especially in light of lost pavilion profits this year. To provide financial support, Folklorama has announced the creation of the Folklorama Cultural Preservation Fund to preserve cultural history for many years and future generations. Assistance will be provided for music programs, outreach programs, language lessons and cultural summer camps, to name a few. Donations to this fund are accepted on Folklorama’s website.

At a time when it’s most needed, the reimagined Folklorama offers new programs to continue the tradition of breaking down cultural barriers to value diversity.

cultural awareness has become a vital part of education. Folklorama plans to work with reopened schools to customize cultural experiences that follow the Manitoba curriculum.

With Folklorama being the only Canadian festival to offer an inhome version of the festival, more For more information about than 60 bookings have been made Folklorama’s programming, as of early August. Reasons for book- please visit folklorama.ca.

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Arts & Culture

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

Two Manitoba heritage museums reopen their doors The Cooks Creek Heritage Museum and the New Iceland Heritage Museum welcome visitors after months-long closures ZOË LEBRUN

I

n the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and discouragement from travelling out of province, those looking for both a fun and educational outing without leaving Manitoba’s borders can look no further than the Cooks Creek Heritage Museum (CCHM) and the New Iceland Heritage Museum (NIHM).

Both museums reopened in early June and are excited to be accepting visitors this summer, under new COVID-19 safety precautions.

The CCHM showcases the history of Eastern European Slavic immigrants who settled in the Cooks

PHOTO PROVIDED BY NEW ICELAND HERITAGE MUSEUM

Creek, Man. area, what life was like by local families who have been in for them in Canada and the cultural the area for generations — and the items and traditions they brought museum’s knowledgeable tour guides with them from overseas. are always happy to share the stories The CCHM consists of the main and history of the people who settled building — converted from a rectory in the area. to a museum by priest Alois Krivanek However, in light of COVID-19, in 1968 — and many outbuildings there are some changes in the usual that include a blacksmith and wood- operations. working shop, a wayside chapel and Tour guides are required to wear restored pioneer homes, which show face masks and guests are required to visitors the types of buildings many use hand sanitizer upon their arrival. immigrants inhabited as they began Visitors are also encouraged to wear life in Canada. face masks and book tours for large The CCHM is jam-packed with groups ahead of time. Drop-in tour interesting artifacts — often donated groups of six or more are to be split

in two. journeyed to Canada.

Then, guests are walked through Additionally, the events usually hosted by the CCHM over the various facets of the living experience summer have been cancelled and are of an Icelandic settler through multiexpected to resume in the summer media exhibits that include interacof 2021. tive recordings, video installations For those unable to make it out and dioramas. to Cooks Creek in order to visit the Currently at the NIHM, there is a museum this summer, the CCHM’s visual arts exhibition called Déterré/ Facebook page is full of interesting Unearthed by Candace Lipischak, information about the museum and on loan from the Manitoba Arts the histories it offers.

Network until the end of August.

This exhibition speaks to how nature finds a way to evolve and of the enviThose looking for ronmental issues that affect our society today. both a fun and Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some changes to the NIHM’s usual educational outing procedures include mandatory hand without leaving sanitizer use by all visitors, encouraging guests to wear masks and mainManitoba’s borders tain social distancing standards, as can look no further well as controlling the flow of traffic into the museum and reducing building capacity.

Associated with the NIHM is the You can even take a virtual tour of Lake Winnipeg Visitor Centre, dedithe museum through their website cated to the fishing industry and the with audio provided by RiverCity 360. natural history of Lake Winnipeg.

The NIHM teaches its visitors about the story of New Iceland and For more information about the New the lives of the Icelandic people who Iceland Heritage Museum, please settled in the area of Gimli, Man. in visit nihm.ca. For more informathe 19th century. tion about the Cooks Creek Heritage The NIHM currently sets visi- Museum, please visit cchm.ca. tors on a self-guided tour that begins with a short video following stories of some of the Icelandic families that

Manitoban artist takes art lovers on journey to the past

Kandis Friesen explores her own history and identity in latest work at the Plug In ICA ZOË LEBRUN

banner divide the space this way and drawing viewers’ attention to it helps create a flow of movement in the space and sets us up for a narrative journey throughout the exhibition and engages the viewer in the space.

M

anitoba-born Kandis Friesen is a multimedia artist whose work mainly centres on archival processes, diasporic languages and cultures closely intertwined with her family history.

Friesen currently has an exhibition up at the Plug In Institute of Contemporary Art called The Cedar, The Birch, Our Hands At Full-Mast, Behind The After, which reflects on these topics, but particularly on the

PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE PLUGIN INSTITUTE OF CONTEMPORARY ART

exile of Russian Mennonites within the diasporic culture.

The exhibition itself is minimal, with no plaques on the walls detailing titles or explanations of the work.

However, for viewers without prior knowledge of Friesen’s work, the pure emotion conveyed throughout the exhibition is more than able to make up for the narrative details and impresses upon the viewer the sense of a home lost and a struggle

to maintain identity in relation to culture.

The first thing encountered upon entering the gallery space is the large black banner set up in its centre, facing away from the entrance and dominating the field of view. In a way, this builds anticipation as you set foot into the gallery, as the side with visual information is obscured from view and must be discovered.

In addition to this, having the

sources including Ukrainian anarchists, Soviet conceptualists, Friesen’s own writing and more. Behind this banner, there is a shift to Friesen’s wall-based works, which are pieces from an ongoing series, Our hands meet the sun at the edge of things. The focus of this section are four objects — a postcard, a painting, a stone and In a way, this a blanket — which give the sense of builds anticipation a specific geographical location.

Additionally, the lengths of the as you set foot wooden shelves and expanses of glass into the gallery that frame these objects amplify feelings of depth and convey a palpable distance of both time and space that separates the exhibit from the items’ The banner itself is cryptic to those origins. who are not clued into the specifics Despite the solemnity of Friesen’s of Friesen’s work — the wall of win- exhibition, and even a sense of dows facing the banner illuminates it aggression with its protest banner, just enough to catch a glimpse of the this set of work still leaves the viewer raised writing that covers it, which is with a feeling of hope and conveys written in Russian, speaking directly the connection Friesen feels to the to a small population of Russian land and culture that her family was Mennonites from the Soviet Union. exiled from, bridged by the language An English translation of what is and stories they brought with them written on this banner can be found as they fled Russia. on the windows facing out to the street. The translation reveals it to The Cedar, The Birch, Our be a protest banner, with the writ- Hands At Full-Mast, Behind ings a call to arms drawn from many The After runs until Aug. 22.

15

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

Seth Jarvis a potential Jets pick in 2020 NHL draft

Active Living Centre busy after reopening

Lots of opportunity at the draft for a great future ISAIAH WAGNER, STAFF

Rules and regulations provide successful reopen ISAIAH WAGNER, STAFF

I

t was a tough last couple weeks for the Winnipeg Jets.

With a span of injuries, the Jets ultimately lost the best-of-five series in four games to the Calgary Flames in the qualifying round of the 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs.

Despite the bad news, the Jets did receive some good news during the month of August.

After the NHL lottery draft, it was announced that the Jets will receive the 10th overall pick in the entry draft.

The New York Rangers landed the big fish in the sea as they were given the first overall pick and will in all likelihood be selecting Alexis Lafrenière. Lafrenière has been a top-ranked player through the 2019-20 season, leading the league with 112 points in 52 games.

Although the NHL draft typically takes place in June, the league decided to postpone the draft until Oct. 9 and 10, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Jets have many needs when it comes to their future.

Whether it be defence or a centre, the Jets will have plenty of options when Winnipeg’s name is called and they are on the clock.

One player that would be a great option for the Jets is Winnipegborn Seth Jarvis.

Jarvis played for the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League, in Oregon, for the past three years.

The 18-year-old centre put up

PHOTO PROVIDED BY SETH JARVIS

a whopping 98 points in 58 games last year which put him second in league scoring.

The year was an important milestone for Jarvis in his very early career.

“This year was massive for not only my on-ice development but off of the ice balancing school [and] hockey and interacting with teams was very busy but forced me to mature very quickly,” Jarvis said.

“On the ice, I was able to make massive jumps in my overall game and confidence on the ice.”

Jarvis’s outstanding year was no accident.

He has trained hard and treated every day like a day to better himself.

“A regular day looks like waking up around 8:30 [a.m.] and heading to the rink to work out and skate in the morning, then get home and work out again with my dad,” Jarvis said.

“The rest of my day is either golfing or just hanging around with friends for the most part and trying to see them as much as possible before we all leave again.”

Jarvis continues to train day in and day out with his hockey season in question for the year.

“My plans are to continue training and skating as normal and continue to stay in the gym to make more improvements up until the season [begins] then return to Portland to prepare for this upcom-

ing season with the team,” Jarvis said.

With all of this in mind, Jarvis still has the NHL draft to worry about and what his future holds.

His experience with this whole

I have looked up to through these calls which has been really fun.”

The Jets have plenty of options at the number 10 overall pick.

A player and a person like Jarvis might be the piece the team needs to be a powerhouse in future years to come.

With a bright future of Mark “It would be really Scheifele, Patrik Laine and Kyle cool to be drafted Connor, Jarvis would be a great fit for the team. by a team that I When he is ready, Jarvis could grew up watching. ultimately be slotted in as the second-line centre alongside Laine and It feels like I would Nikolaj Ehlers. be living a dream The five-foot-ten-inch Jarvis would be a great complement in the of getting drafted middle to right-wing sniper Laine.

Jarvis’s 56 assists in 58 games last to the hometown season would be something Laine team and the fact — who once scored 44 goals in a single season — could be grateful for. that I have an Jarvis and Jets fans alike will opportunity to is both have a chance to be very excited when the NHL entry draft very humbling” — takes place in October.

Seth Jarvis, NHL Getting drafted in the NHL is something that is amazing, but draft prospect Jarvis said being drafted by your hometown team is something that would be unbelievable. process has been life-changing and “It would be really cool to be has left him starstruck. drafted by a team that I grew up “My experience has been really watching,” Jarvis said. cool with this weird time,” Jarvis “It feels like I would be living said. a dream of getting drafted to the “Instead of in-person interviews, hometown team and the fact that they’ve been over Zoom and I’ve I have an opportunity to is very met some NHL legends and guys humbling.”

The Active Living Centre (ALC) reopening is something the students at the University of Manitoba have looked forward to for months.

After closing due to COVID-19, the ALC officially reopened July 27.

Although exciting, the health and safety of gymgoers and staff is extremely important.

To maintain physical distancing, some of the regulations in place include members being required to book 90-minute workout blocks; limiting capacity to 100 people; no water fountain usage; no towel service and the pool, shower and sauna remain closed.

The reopening of the ALC has been a great success as it has been maintained well and has reached the capacity limit most days.

This was confirmed by U of M student, Adam Guercio.

Guercio has been going to the gym since he first started at the U of M and has been pleased with the reopening.

“They have done a great job keeping [the ALC] clean,” Guercio said. “Machines are constantly washed by the staff and distance is usually maintained.”

Physical distancing measures include only some machines available for use, the interspersed machines bear “do not use” signage to maintain distance between people using the equipment.

Guercio added that the ALC has been busy since reopening.

“I have tried to book a session a couple of times and could not because it had reached the capacity.”

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Sports

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