U of M to lose millions from international student cap
Loss of $7M to $9M anticipated, tuition increase not ruled out
Milan Lukes, staff
The U of M anticipates to lose millions of dollars from the federal government’s intake cap on international student permit applications.
“Based on the numbers that we’ve seen, which is to see a drop […] close to 600 international students, we would expect that that will be somewhere in the nature of seven to nine million dollars,” said Michael Benarroch, U of M president and vice-chancellor.
“It’s going to be a fairly significant hit to our budget.”
A fall term enrolment report for the university indicates a 30 per cent decline in new international students compared to last year. Overall, international student enrolment has decreased by seven per cent.
“Even with positive growth in domestic enrolment, the international student drop can be expected to have a long-term impact on our institution,” said Eleanor Coopsammy, director of media relations for the university.
In January, Marc Miller, Canada’s minister of immigration, announced that the federal government would approve less study permits for international students. Approximately 360,000 study permits will be approved this year which is a 35 per cent decrease from 2023.
As part of the cap, international student permit applications will also require an attestation letter from a province or territory. Caps have been established for individual provinces and territories which are weighted by population.
This measure is being introduced to try and prevent some institutions from taking advantage of students. The restriction also intends to ease the burden on Canada’s housing market.
“It’s unacceptable that some private institutions have taken advantage of international students by operating under-resourced campuses, lacking supports for students and charging high tuition fees, all while significantly increasing their intake of international students,” stated Miller.
Miller added that “allowing bad actors to continue their operations would be a disservice to all the good institutions who pride themselves in providing a top-tier academic experience.”
Benarroch said that the cap “penalized the entire system, including those that were good actors. I strongly believe that universities and many colleges have been good actors in this.”
“I don’t believe the University
of Manitoba has been a bad actor. I believe that we have acted responsibly, […] we want to make sure that when international students come here, that we can provide them the services and the supports that they need to be successful.”
“I think that the policy, the way that it was introduced and implemented, has done a lot of damage to the post-secondary system,” said Benarroch.
When asked about the possibility of a tuition hike to make up for the loss in revenue, Benarroch stated, “it really is going to depend on how we see this move forward in the future. Tuition fees are only one of the sources.”
Benarroch mentioned that discussions between the provincial and federal government could amount to additional institution support, such that
an increase in tuition fees would not be necessary.
“I think we would put everything on the table at this point,” stated Benarroch.
“We’ve been committed to making university education affordable in this province. We want to continue to be in that place, but we do have bills that we have to pay and so we’re taking this step by step.”
The enrolment restriction will be in place for two years.
International students pursuing graduate level studies are not included in the cap. Study permit renewals will not be affected.
“The number of new study permit applications that will be accepted in 2025 will be reassessed at the end of this year,” said Miller.
Virinder Singh, staff Construction projects at the Fort Garry campus
The start of the new fall semester ushers in new construction across the campus and the neighbouring regions.
One of first projects will be the road construction on University Crescent by the City of Winnipeg.
Starting on Sept. 3, periodic lane closures are to take place on University Crescent and are expected to last until the end of November. As published by UM News, starting on or after Sept. 9, traffic will be reduced to one lane in either direction on the road from Thatcher Drive to Dysart Road.
The construction on University Crescent is required for the installation of an underground storm sewer and will also feature improvements to drainage.
During this time, transit services will continue with the exception of rerouting for special events. Temporary bus stop relocations can also be expected. A spokesperson for the City of Winnipeg indicated that there will be no schedule changes to Winnipeg Transit due to the ongoing project.
Road construction on Sifton Road is to continue, and at minimum, one lane of traffic is to reopen as of Sept. 9. The ABC parking lot is scheduled to reopen the same day.
Starting Sept. 3, Sidney Smith Street is planned to be extended into the Southwood Circle development area — formerly the Southwood Golf Course. Access to southbound University Crescent will be restricted.
Cont’d p.3 / One ›
photo / Milan Lukes / staff
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Road construction continues across campus and on University Crescent
One of the largest infill developments in the city’s history is underway on the 120-acre property. Possession of the land was officially transferred from the Southwood Golf and Country club to the U of M in 2011.
Greg Rogers, CEO of UM Properties, mentioned that the property has been approved for 11,500 residential units — all of which will be multi-family. “It will be a combination of rental and condo projects,” stated Rogers.
At the south end of the project and in the first phase, Rogers said that the approval included up to 500,000 square feet of retail space. Office and live-work spaces has also been approved throughout the community. The community will also feature 21-acres of parkland, nine of which will be along the waterfront.
Rogers mentioned that the parkland intends to weave through the community, based on the paths of the old growth forest. Already, 5,000 trees on-site have been catalogued by age and species, and 650 trees are to be planted this year. The goal is to plant 500 trees annually for the next five years to increase the level of biodiversity and replace trees that are near the end of their lives. In addition, the community will feature typical businesses — such as
a grocery store, bars, restaurants, a bank and retailers — and other amenities that already exist at the university.
“That all is available within walking distance to people who would live in Southwood, so it’s a pretty unique and special place, this urban city within a city that we’re creating,” said Rogers. “It will have everything that you need without need for a car.”
Rogers explained that there’s going to be affordable units,
as well as mid-market and luxury units. Buildings will also be tailored to those with disabilities.
Back on campus, a traffic calming pilot project was slated to start on Aug. 26.
The Maclean Pilot Project will take an approach of “tactical urbanism,” with the intent of testing flow changes on Maclean Crescent to limit traffic along Dafoe Road and in the campus core. The pilot project will utilize temporary
materials — such as concrete barriers, planters and picnic tables — to test how placing such items could affect traffic flow before making permanent changes.
Feedback about the future of Maclean Crescent is currently being sought. A survey is available online at umanitoba. ca/facilities/campus-planning-office to provide your input.
Northbound traffic to Dafoe Road from Maclean Crescent
will be restricted. Drivers will be required to head west onto Service Road 2S before exiting campus on Service Road 1S.
The east side of Maclean Crescent in front of the Taché Arts Complex will have on-street parking. A designated pick up and drop off zone on Maclean Crescent will be implemented in front of Pembina Hall and Mary Speechly Hall.
photo / Nischal Karki / staff
‹ Cont’d from front page
NDP end supply-and-confidence agreement
Jagmeet Singh ends agreement helping minority Liberal government stay in power
Milan Lukes, staff
J
agmeet Singh, leader of Canada’s New Democratic Party (NDP), announced the termination of the supply-and-confidence agreement with the federal government on Sept. 4. The agreement was signed between the NDP and the governing Liberals in March 2022 and was set to end in June of next year.
Under the agreement entitled Delivering for Canadians Now, the Liberals and NDP agreed to the prioritization of several policies. This included several changes to the healthcare system, such as the introduction of a new dental care program for low-income Canadians and progress toward a universal national pharmacare program. Other mutually agreed goals in the agreement focused on affordability, climate, worker deals, reconciliation, the tax system and democracy.
In return, the NDP would support the Liberal minority government — who is lacking the majority of seats in the House of Commons — on confidence and budgetary matters to ensure they had the necessary votes to govern.
“Today, I notified the prime minister that I have ripped
up the supply and confidence agreement,” said Singh in a video address.
“Canadians are fighting a battle. A battle for the future of the middle class. Justin Trudeau has proven again and again he will always cave to corporate greed. The Liberals have let people down. They don’t deserve another chance from Canadians,” said Singh.
Prime minister Justin Trudeau responded to the termination of the agreement while at an announcement in Newfoundland and Labrador.
“I am not focused on politics. I’ll let other parties focus on politics. I am focused on actually delivering the things that Canadians told me this summer that they need.”
Christopher Adams, adjunct professor in political studies at the U of M, described the supply-and-confidence agreement as unusual. “We haven’t seen an agreement like that at the federal level before,” said Adams.
“Right now, it’s not a surprise that this has happened. The NDP has been poised to pull the plug a couple of times already on this agreement.”
“Hitching their wagon to Justin Trudeau has been a
liability for the NDP and you can see it locally,” said Adams. “The signs for Colin Reynolds for the Conservatives [in the Elmwood-Transcona by-election] have Jagmeet Singh shaking hands with Trudeau.”
He mentioned that the NDP have “nothing to gain” by associating themselves with the Liberals under this agreement, stating that “the Liberal support is sagging horribly.” Even though the NDP-Liberal agreement has been terminated, people will still associate Singh with Trudeau, said Adams.
deal. “The union did want to go to arbitration,” said Adams. “Here’s the NDP, a labour-oriented party, hitching its wagon to Trudeau’s Liberals which
“Right now, if the House fell, the NDP would be in real danger of losing seats, so they’re taking a gamble by pulling the plug”
“Right now, if the House fell, the NDP would be in real danger of losing seats, so they’re taking a gamble by pulling the plug.” He added that this decision is “to their benefit if the House does not fall.”
— Christopher Adams, adjunct professor in political studies at the U of M
has just done something […] counter to the interests of organized labour.”
The Liberals are currently polling behind the Conservatives by doubledigits, according to the latest Nanos federal ballot tracking report.
Adams also mentioned that Singh was facing blowback from his caucus leading up to the agreement termination. The Liberals recently decided to go to binding arbitration after the Canadian Pacific Kansas City and Canadian National Railway locked out their workers, following the inability to reach a contract
Without the NDP’s reliable support under the formalized agreement, the government could fall at any point through a confidence vote, triggering an early election.
“If the government can’t do its business, can’t pass motions or bills, […] that means it’s lost the confidence of the House and it can’t operate,” said Adams. “The government falls and then we go into an election.”
“That could happen with a minority government any day, but at the same time, we’ve had of number of minority governments that have thrived for many years,” mentioned Adams.
Presently, support from the Bloc Québécois or the Conservatives to pass legislation with the Liberals is sufficient to ensure that the government does not fall. Though, Adams views any support from the Conservatives as unlikely.
The next federal general election is scheduled for Oct. 2025, though it may come as early as this year.
photo credit / Liberal Party of Canada
photo credit / New Democratic Party of Canada
Health and dental plan presented at UMSU meeting
Over $6 million estimated to have been paid out in insurance claims last year
Virinder
Singh, staff
Details of the UMSU health and dental plan by Studentcare was presented at the Sept. 4 UMSU board of directors meeting.
Ali Versi, the program manager of the UMSU health and dental plan, provided attendees with an introduction of Studentcare and an overview of the current plan.
Versi described Studentcare as a broker between the service provided for the students and the insurance company.
“We are not the insurance company, we are the broker and the administrator and we work for you. We work for the University of Manitoba Students’ Union and we sit on your side of the table against the insurance companies, to make sure that you folks are indeed getting the best level of service as possible,” said Versi.
“On top of health and dental insurance, [and] administrative work, we also provide other programs, some of which the University of Manitoba already has in the mental health and wellness space and virtual healthcare, legal programs and gender affirmation care.”
Versi said that, “we go above and beyond just insurance and provide students with other supplementary services that all encompass general health and wellness.”
The UMSU health and dental plan is described as a supplemental plan and works on top of provincial coverage — your primary health insurance plan — said Versi. If you are a Canadian citizen and resident of Manitoba, it is added on top of your Manitoba health coverage. If you are an international student, you have Manitoba International Student Health Plan, explained Versi. Out-ofprovince students attending the U of M were said to likely have coverage through their home province.
“We know there are gaps that exist in provincial health or other basic health care services, so things like dental, vision, mental health are not fully covered by those programs, and that’s why we provide this service to our members,” said Versi. It is to supplement provincial coverage — “it’s not there as a replacement.”
Students with any other
private plan, such as through their employer, spouse or parent can use that coverage on top of their UMSU plan.
Versi explained that this group health and dental plan is advantageous due to cost, amongst other reasons.
“When it comes to an individual plan, students would pay up to seven times more than they would in a group plan, because the risk is not spread amongst a wider population, it is risk underwritten based on an individual […] Having a group plan really lowers the cost.”
Individual insurance can also be discriminatory on the basis of age and gender, which are cancelled out under the group plan, said Versi. A group plan also does not factor in any pre-existing health conditions. “Everyone is considered of one uniform characteristic” under the group plan.
With over 20,000 students enrolled in the plan at the U of M, over $6 million is estimated to have been paid out in claims in the recently concluded coverage year. This year, the plan will cost $365 per member and is automatically included in university fees for all eligible students.
“Students have the option to downgrade their plan to a basic plan if they wish to save some money and reduce their coverage,” said Versi.
Mental health claims were noted to have substantially increased in recent years.
“What we are noticing is a drastic increase in mental health claims over the past five years, so that’s psychology, clinical counselling and therapy that your plan covers. In 2018-2019 we had seen just under $90,000 in mental health claims whereas in ’22-’23, that increased to $812,000, so almost a tenfold increase,” stated Versi.
“In ’23-’24, we are projecting that to exceed one million dollars,” said Versi, in reference to insurance claims for mental health under the plan.
The health and dental plan also provides networks to offset out-of-pocket costs in accessing care.
“We have over 2,500 professionals located across Canada, including here in Winnipeg, that students can go to in order to use their health and dental benefits and offset some of those out-of-pocket costs […] Students can get 20 per cent off on dental services, some preferred rates on vision benefits, some discounts and preferred rates on chiro, physio and massage therapy.”
A new initiative shared at the board meeting will be a “psychology network,” said Versi.
“Students will be able to access their health and dental benefits, their mental health benefits through their health plan with My Student Wellbeing at a preferred rate of between $95 to $130 per session, whereas the market
rate for a mental health session can be between $150 to $175,” said Versi. Direct billing is set up, such that no out-ofpocket costs will be incurred.
Through an online booking tool, students can have access to mental health counselling within 24 to 48 hours.
Starting Sept. 1, students can receive an enhanced discount of 20 per cent at Rexall pharmacies. The insurance plan will cover the remaining 80 per cent, permitting total coverage at no out-of-pocket cost.
Empower Me is another mental health service made possible with the plan, described as “a short-term solutions-based counselling platform.”
Starting in September, students can once again access in-person sessions, in addition to virtual sessions.
The service is available 24/7 in many languages with no outof-pocket costs.
“Out of country coaching” will also be a new service introduced. This service will provide students who are temporarily abroad and need access to mental health coaching with such assistance.
The legal program was another element highlighted during the presentation, with undergraduate students receiving access to legal consultation and legal representation.
Legal consultation will provide counselling in any area of the law. Students can
access this service virtually or in-person.
“That lawyer will help you conduct legal research, document analysis, will interpret the law on your behalf, will explain to you any legal concepts, will share that legal information with you and provide you with general legal advice,” said Versi.
“Legal representation on the other hand is there to provide you with representation in court when it comes to issues related to housing, employment and disputes with an academic institution.” All legal disputes with an academic institution — excluding cases pertaining to criminal acts or sexual misconduct — will be covered.
Versi told the UMSU board of directors that, “you folks are here to steer the big picture success of the health and dental plan […] We rely on you to make the big policy decisions.”
“We rely on you to be able to gather that feedback from your constituents. Each one of you here are representing your unique demographic and your unique subculture within campus, and we welcome that feedback from your constituents on any improvements.”
For more information on student plan coverage, visit studentcare.ca
graphic / Teegan Gillich / staff
Commemorating 100 years of EEG in cognitive sciences
U of M Hearts and Minds Lab replicates famed EEG experiment
Rhea Bhalla, staff
In 1893, a brush with death would lead to the invention of a machine capable of reading human brain waves.
At the age of 19, Hans Berger was nearly trampled in a horse-riding accident. That same day, far away, his sister felt uneasy and sent a telegram to check on him. Upon receiving the eerily timed telegram, Berger believed that he had telepathically transmitted knowledge of his accident to his sister.
Determined to understand the brain’s activity, Berger began studying psychology. In 1924, he invented the electroencephalogram (EEG).
A century after that revolutionary invention, researchers at the U of M’s Hearts and Minds Lab decided to replicate Berger’s experiment — as a way to stay connected with scientific practices over the past years.
“I think it brings along some reflections on how relatively new even this field is,” said Ryan Giuliano, associate professor in the U of M’s department of psychology
and principal investigator at the lab. “100 years may seem like a long time, but [the field of study] has a much deeper history than that.”
EEGs are capable of identifying changes and abnormalities in brain activity that may indicate brain conditions. They are frequently used to diagnose or treat seizures, brain tumors, injury-related brain damage, strokes and inflammation of the brain.
Additionally, an EEG can be used to confirm brain death in a patient who has fallen into a coma. They may also aid in finding the right amount of anesthesia needed to place a patient into a medically induced coma. This can be a crucial method as a last-resort to render a patient temporarily unconscious and minimize brain damage and pain during traumatic brain injury and seizures.
that are pasted to a patient’s scalp. Wires connect the electrodes to an instrument that amplifies the electric signals transmitted by brain cells, allowing them to be recorded on computer equipment. The electrodes do not transmit sensations to the patient, making the process painless and without discomfort.
One of the major ongoing
of its kind according to Giuliano.
“It speaks to the strength of EEG that you can have this temporal resolution of brain activity,” said Giuliano. “We really want to identify what is happening in someone’s brain as they become stressed, so that we can design […] biofeedback techniques to help people maybe change the patterns in those different brain waves.”
“Your perceptions of how stressed you are in your life impact your body and your physiology and your health in almost every way”
— Ryan Giuliano, principal investigator in the U of M’s Hearts and Minds Lab
projects of the Hearts and Minds Lab focuses on recording how brain and cardiac activity fluctuate together.
EEG tests begin with electrodes — small, metal discs
Researchers led by Giuliano have conducted experiments with children and adults, systematically introducing stress into their environments. They then tracked how their heart rates and specific bandwidths of brain activity change together. The study is the first
There are several types of brain waves. Alpha waves are baseline waves that occur when people are resting with closed eyes but still awake. Beta waves are more irregular, and happen while eyes are open, senses are stimulated and mental activity is present. Gamma waves occur when an individual is very alert and learning. Additionally, theta waves are present when one is exhausted or falling asleep and delta waves are observed during deep sleep and are the
slowest waves.
Giuliano explained that alpha waves are expected to decrease during periods of stress. If that notion is supported by the lab’s work, a variety of techniques exist that can be implemented to induce alpha waves, allowing for a quicker and more effective recovery from stressful experiences. Eventually, the results of the study may allow researchers to design individualized therapies for patients.
He emphasized the importance of taking steps to reduce stress on a day-to-day basis, whether through allotting time for personal care, being outdoors, exercising or spending time with friends and family.
“We know from a lot of our research that your perceptions of how stressed you are in your life impact your body and your physiology and your health in almost every way,” Giuliano said. “Find ways to de-stress, and it’ll help improve your brain function and your health.”
Breaking down nutrition
U of M researcher explores phytosterols, omega-3 fatty acids and okra
Rhea Bhalla, staff
According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, up to 80 per cent of premature heart disease and stroke can be prevented by making healthy life choices. This can include incorporating foods high in nutrients, various fruits and vegetables, fiber-rich beans and peas, and whole grains.
“Food and nutrition is one of the main aspects of our daily life,” said Mohammed Moghadasian, professor in the U of M’s department of food and human nutritional sciences. “Not everybody knows how foods contribute to our wellbeing and everyday body functioning. Therefore, it was very important to me to contribute in our understanding of whole foods and their ingredients.”
Moghadasian’s research career began at the University of British Columbia, where he explored the cardiovascular benefits of phytosterols, natural substances found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and nuts.
When consumed, phytosterols help control blood cholesterol levels. Cholesterol is a waxy compound in the blood
that is used to build cells, protect nerves and make hormones and vitamins. However, too much of a certain type of cholesterol, sometimes called “bad” cholesterol, can clog arteries and cause heart attacks. Phytosterols lower blood levels of “bad” cholesterol, while having no effect on “good” cholesterol. This reduces the risk of heart disease and strokes.
Following the publication of Moghadasian’s work in a major journal, his team became the first Canadian research group in the field.
formation. This lets the molecules pack tightly together. Because of this, saturated fatty acids tend to be solid at room temperature and are abundant “unhealthy” items like butter. They may increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
In contrast, unsaturated fatty acids have a kinked shape due to having at least
Studies show that omega-3s may lower the risk of heart disease, blood clots, certain types of cancer, dementia and sudden death. They are found in green leafy vegetables, seeds, nuts, shellfish and fatty fish such as salmon, cod, herring and trout.
“Food and nutrition is one of the main aspects of our daily life”
A review article co-authored by Moghadasian looked at the effects of dietary fatty acids, including omega-3 fats, on semen quality.
— Mohammed Moghadasian, professor in the U of M’s department of food and human nutritional sciences
“Following this enormous success, we continued to expand our research activities to identify health benefits and the mechanisms of action for other food-derived substances like omega-3 fats,” he said.
The two main types of fatty acids are saturated and unsaturated. They differ in their molecular structure. Saturated fatty acids are linked by only single bonds, giving them a straight chain con-
one double bond. The kinks in the chain prevent the molecules from packing tightly together, and they are generally liquids at room temperature. They can be readily found in “healthy” foods like olive oil. When consumed in moderation, they support heart health.
Omega-3 fats are a type of unsaturated fat. They are a major part of cell membranes, and are especially concentrated in the eyes and brain.
Human sperm characteristically contains high amounts of omega-3 fats, which have a major role in fertilization. It was noted that more than four weeks of omega-3 supplementation improved sperm quality.
Omega-3 fats also have major implications for women’s fertility. A study published in the journal Fertility and Sterility examined 900 women attempting to conceive a child and found that those who took omega-3 supplements were almost twice as likely to become preg-
nant compared to those who did not.
A study co-authored by Moghadasian looked at the health benefits of okra. Okra, sometimes referred to as “lady’s finger” is a flowering plant with green, tube-like seed pods. The okra pods are rich in antioxidants, magnesium, folate and vitamins. They support heart health, benefit pregnant women, lower blood sugar and may have anticancer properties.
Moghadasian’s study examined the effects of okra on diabetic rats. They found that rats who were administered okra had lower levels of cholesterol and fat in their blood. This research adds to an already strong body of literature supporting the importance of okra in the diet.
“My ultimate goal as a researcher would be to basically discover new aspects and components of foods, food products, as well as food waste, towards [improving] our health and wellbeing,” Moghadasian said.
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Consumerism and its gaping jaw
How fashion consumerism distorts value and deepens class division
Virinder Singh, staff
Awhile back, I was scrolling on TikTok or Instagram. I don’t exactly remember what short-form content medium I was consuming to rot my brain. Regardless, I stumbled upon a video clip of a U.K. rapper Central Cee — most of you know him through allegedly cheating on Madz with Ice Spice — and a U.K. sneaker shopping show.
Most interviews of famous celebrities are quite surface-level, just the basic questions about their upbringing or “what inspires them,” but this time Cee was asked the question of what sneakers he is into right now. His answer piqued my interest.
It went something along the lines of, “It’s too much like, too much like, consumerism.” It pulled me out of my brain rotted trance. At that moment, I started thinking to myself, “he’s kinda right.”
Every summer, there is always the trend of what’s the new shoe or piece that defines the summer. The pandemic piqued masses’ interest in the fashion industry, and many my age have started thinking about such things more deeply. I mean, we did have all the time in the world.
For me personally, a small aspect of my fashion journey started when I was about to enter middle school. It was the end of fifth grade, and murmurings were going around the boys in my class about shoes. I quickly realized I was the odd one out. So, over the summer, I researched and quickly became a fan of sneaker culture.
Before the start of sixth grade, I begged my parents to get me shoes, and they obliged. I went to Foot Locker and got a pair of Jordan shoes. I don’t remember the exact model, but they were reminiscent of the Jordan 3 in cool grey. Needless to say, when I returned to school, I was the talk of the town for about five minutes. Ever since then, I, like many other people, have been chasing that high of fashion validation.
I remember my father berating me for buying something so expensive. At that moment, I started to see the value of shoes as more than a commodity. They hold capital beyond just the price tag.
A pair of Jordan shoes might cost the same to produce, materially speaking, as a pair of Skechers. They’re both made of similar fabrics, and I imagine they have a similar manufacturing process. Then why is it that the Jordan shoes are held to such a high
standard?
Why are some products held in a “higher regard,” while others, not so much? Even when the core of them is the same.
Priya Ahluwalia is the creative director and founder of the menswear fashion house Ahluwalia. Through her Nigerian-Indian heritage, she has sought, in my opinion, to answer the same question I had.
On a family trip to Nigeria in 2017, Ahluwalia had noticed that many folks on the streets were wearing distinctively British graphic tees. Later, on a trip to India, she had been informed about the city of Panipat where discarded
clothing from the west would be sent there to be dumped, recycled or sold.
For her graduation collection at London’s University of Westminster, she sought to make a collection purely from recycled clothes — and she had gained a lot of buzz. Rightfully so, for her trailblazing work.
Ahluwalia sees the “fashion question” as an environmental question. However, like many questions, fashion consumerism is something to solve by a more concrete understanding through class politics — not the postmodernist drivel of modern interpretations of art and how the masses relate to it.
I don’t mean to be too aggressive or inflammatory towards Ahluwalia — far from it. I am a big fan of her work, but what I wish to highlight is that she is the symptom of a bigger problem that plagues the arts.
My gripe lies in the fact that we could try to solve the conditions of these clothes to be more sustainable, but that would mean nothing unless we can materially change the conditions of those residents of India, Nigeria or any other impacted nation worldwide.
My issue is that while we can work to make clothing more sustainable, it won’t matter unless we also address the living conditions of people
in developing countries, who are constantly being affected.
We assign different values to clothes because they are worn by elites whose mere presence elevates them beyond their material worth. The real division in fashion stems from the inequality among people, rooted in class and social standing, which leads to their oppression. Until we solve that core issue, everything else is just surface-level rhetoric.
In short, don’t get caught up in idolizing “rags” as I once did. The real value lies in people.
Ozempic obsession: How big pharma profits from panic
The dangerous link between pharmaceuticalization and beauty standards revealed
India Schlegel, staff
If you’ve been to the movie theatre lately, your ears drums might’ve been blown by the obnoxious Ozempic ad with poor sound editing. An upbeat tune plays while the camera introduces the unwilling audience to several people who joyfully “just asked.” The ad finishes off with a voiceover urging you to ask your doctor or visit their website to find out if Ozempic is right for you.
The commercial is eerily vague. What exactly are you selling? Most know Ozempic as the diabetes medication turned weight loss miracle drug. The ad allows us to fill in the blanks for ourselves.
Annoying pharmaceutical commercials are hardly a new phenomenon. The Ozempic ad sets the stage for an even larger issue of pharmaceuticalization, the obesity epidemic and its moral implications.
Pharmaceuticalization refers to the process by which health conditions are increasingly managed through pharmaceutical drugs, often driven by the pharmaceutical industry’s interest. This trend significantly affects how we perceive and address health issues, including obesity.
While there is no doubt that excessive weight can be linked to health issues, it has been consistently proven that the body mass index (BMI), the medical criteria for obesity as a disease or as a medical descriptor, is hogwash. It does little to determine the health of an individual, and it is particularly miserable at determining health factors for women and people of colour, according to Sabrina Strings, an associate professor of sociology at the University of California, Irvine. It can often do more harm than good, allowing those with an average BMI to assume they are in good health and for doctors to discriminate against the health of those in the “overweight” or “obese” categories. Additionally, it shifts focus onto the individual rather than the broader and more complicated structural issues, which are the root problem.
i.e., the umbrella in which pharmaceuticalization lives, wherein parts of everyday life became medical concerns.
The “obesity epidemic” that we keep hearing about wasn’t popularized until the 1990s.
The popularization coincides with the skyrocketing increase in the prescription drug market and deregulation in 1995. Now that we’ve set the stage let’s get into dieting pharmaceuticals.
ramine, often taken with dexfenfluramine, increased in use by 80 times between 1992 and 1996.
This moral framing creates a sense of urgency and guilt, driving consumers to seek pharmaceutical solutions to fix their perceived moral shortcomings
“Obesity” was first used solely as a negative descriptor for fat people long before the medical community adopted it. The medical adoption of the word dates back to the 17th century, which coincides with modern medicalization,
Diet pills were introduced as early as the 1940s, according to a medically reviewed publication by Everyday Health. They were marketed to women and were incredibly dangerous and, at times, fatal. More options came in the 90s and the 2000s, but they were also extremely dangerous and linked to issues such as heart valve defects, strokes and cancer – they were all recalled. A weight loss drug called fenflu-
We’re painting a picture of the impact of medicalization and pharmaceuticalization, which are not inherently good or bad. However, when combined with the powerful pharmaceutical industry and a consumerist society, a pattern emerges where consumer demand for drugs is exploited by the industry to market and sell their products, regardless of their safety. But there’s one more piece to the puzzle: What makes consumers care? I think it’s the moral implications.
Some have declared the obesity epidemic a moral panic. The term “moral panic” describes a situation where public fears and state interventions exceed the actual threat. Obese individuals are represented as “folk devils,” violating societal standards with their failures. This moral framing creates a sense
of urgency and guilt, driving consumers to seek pharmaceutical solutions to fix their perceived moral shortcomings. Ironically, the moral phenomenon pads the pockets of pharmaceutical companies, as seen with diet pills and now Ozempic.
Ozempic treats obesity by mimicking a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 — this hormone signals to our brain that we feel full and slows the rate at which our stomachs are emptied, effectively limiting appetite. Appetite suppression is the most significant contributor to weight loss.
Ozempic, initially approved by the FDA to treat diabetes in 2017, was later approved to treat obesity in 2021. Since then, it has been all over the media and has become a part of pop culture, with celebrities such as Elon Musk indicating that they use medication with the same active ingredient. At the cost of $900 to $1,300 a month per user, you could call it a luxury drug. Ozempic earned its manufacturing company Novo Nordisk nearly $14 billion in 2023.
Ozempic’s popularity
shows how the pharmaceutical industry capitalizes on moral panics surrounding health, obesity and societal beauty standards.
The cycle of medicalization frames conditions like obesity as individual failures to be fixed by drugs, reinforcing harmful body image narratives and ignoring systemic health issues.
As drugs like Ozempic rise, we must critically evaluate the broader implications of relying on pharmaceutical solutions to address complex social and health problems. While they may offer shortterm solutions, they often overlook the long-term structural changes needed to improve public health. It’s time to challenge the narrative that thinness equals health and rethink how we approach weight, wellness and morality.
graphic / Teegan
Gillich / staff
Gen Z’s new nightlife: Staying in is the new going out
Gen Z’s move away from clubs reveals a shift in priorities and social habits
India Schlegel, staff
I remember being 18 and stepping out of a cab on a freezing Winnipeg night. A group of friends and I were shoved into the back seat, with the most charismatic of us sitting up front with the cab driver. As were filing out, it was apparent that the line for the club stretched way down the street. Tonight, girls don’t pay cover, but the wait is still gruelling, especially since we’re all in skirts in mid-winter. The energy is high, partly from shivering in the cold and partly from pre-game drinks at whoever’s mom was cool with hosting, but mainly for a fun night out. Every weekend, I would go out when I was 18. It was almost like a ritual, an unspoken agreement that the weekend meant nightlife. How in the world did we do it?
Fast forward to today, eight years later, the scene seems starkly different. The once vibrant nightlife seems to have been replaced by a trend among us young folks — Gen Z: staying in.
Across the globe, members of Gen Z are living more reclusive lives than previous generations. As reported by The Guardian, 71 per cent of Gen Z members go out less, a significant change from previous generations known for their party culture. We are certainly redefining what it means to be young.
However, this trend toward staying in has a complex relationship with loneliness. While some young people find comfort and connection in smaller, more controlled environments, others experience increased isolation. Loneliness and mental health issues are now on the rise among our generation.
This paradox underscores the need for a balanced approach to socializing and well-being. The post-lockdown blueprint for connecting is still evolving, but we’ve started charting a new path. We’re figuring out how to bridge the gap between staying in and the natural human need for real, physical interaction.
While it’s true that many of us are going out less, we’re reinventing what a social life looks like.
We’re being more creative with how we choose to socialize.
nection feels genuine.
This shift also reflects broader cultural changes. Young people today are more health-conscious and financially minded. We’re opting for more cost-effective ways to socialize, such as gathering at home, meeting online or hitting local bars rather than expensive clubs.
With the rising cost of liv-
We are redefining fun to fit our evolving priorities, spaces where we can be ourselves and where connection feels genuine
Instead of hitting night clubs, Gen Z is finding new ways to connect and have fun. We are redefining fun to fit our evolving priorities, spaces where we can be ourselves and where con-
ing, splurging on expensive nights out has become less appealing, forcing our generation to adapt by finding affordable yet fulfilling ways to have fun.
The rise of the “sober-curious” movement, where individuals choose to reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption, has also influenced this shift. Reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption is now not just accepted, but encouraged in social settings. This marks a huge departure from previous decades, where heavy drinking was a norm. Gen Z’s are more conscious of the long-term impact of alcohol on their physical and mental health, which has transformed the nature of our social gatherings. Additionally, the advancement of social media and digital entertainment has
made staying in more appealing. Online platforms like Twitch, Discord and Netflix offer endless interaction and entertainment from home, reducing the social anxiety sometimes associated with physical gatherings. It is socializing but on our terms.
While the stay-in trend has been killing the nightlife scene as we know it, it’s not necessarily a bad thing. Nightlife culture is adjusting to suit more diverse interests. We’re gravitating towards more intimate settings like lounges and bars, finding packed clubs less appealing. Rather than lamenting the death of the club scene, we should view it as an evolution, one that matches our generation’s desire for meaning, comfort and authenticity.
The younger generation has always been in the spotlight for its unique characteristics compared to its predecessor. The differences are often noted with criticism and concern.
As the socializing landscape changes, we’re leaving our mark, forging a new definition of connecting, being young and having fun.
To complete Sudoku, fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 such that each row, column, and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely. In Straights, like Sudoku, no single number 1 to 9 can repeat in any row or column. But rows and columns are divided by black squares into compartments. Each compartment must form a “straight.” A straight is a set of numbers with no gaps but it can be in any order, eg [7,6,9,8]. Clues in black cells remove that number as an option in that row and column, and are not part of any straight. Glance at the solution to see how “straights” are formed.
To complete Sudoku, fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 such that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely.
For many strategies, hints and tips, visit www.sudokuwiki.org for Sudoku and www.str8ts.com for Str8ts.
If you like Str8ts and other puzzles, check out our books, iPhone/iPad Apps and much more on our
by: Teegan Gillich
are formed.
for Str8ts.
If you like Str8ts and other puzzles, check out our books, iPhone/iPad Apps and much more on our store.
Arts & Culture
Turning Winnipeg’s streets into art
Isaiah Sanchez brings colour, culture and creativity to Winnipeg’s urban canvas
Thandi Vera, staff
Isaiah Sanchez, a 23-year-old graffiti artist, is leaving his mark — quite literally — on the streets and walls of Winnipeg.
For Sanchez, graffiti is more than just art; it’s an expression of identity, culture and a way to bring beauty to public spaces that are often overlooked.
Growing up, art became his refuge, a way to process the world around him. Today, that childhood instinct to fill space with colour and creativity has blossomed into a full-blown career as a muralist, graffiti artist and collaborator.
The streets of Winnipeg have long been a canvas for local graffiti and mural artists, who use their work to brighten alleyways, bridges and neighbourhood corners. But there’s more to it than splashes of paint. For many, like Sanchez, graffiti and street art provide a way to engage with the city’s pulse, speaking back to the environment in which they grew up.
“When I got more involved with the growing graffiti community in Winnipeg, I was taught by some of the best graffiti writers in the city,”
said Sanchez. “I always loved how colourful and intricate the style was and how everyone could see it everywhere. That’s what got me hooked.”
Sanchez officially started creating street art at age 12, though he didn’t take it seriously until his late teens. The allure of graffiti was always present, thanks to his urban surroundings, he said.
“I remember walking around the city and seeing these huge graffiti pieces on buildings, on rooftops, and thinking it looked so cool. I wanted to give it a shot,” he recalled.
That shot turned into a passion, one that continues to evolve with each spraypainted piece.
Winnipeg’s street art scene has exploded in recent years, with artists like Sanchez contributing to a growing tapestry of urban artwork. Many of these murals are part of larger initiatives like Wall-to-Wall Mural and Culture Festival, which aims to bring together diverse artists to transform public spaces.
Sanchez is also part of a collective of Black artists, musicians, designers and creators making waves in the local art
scene, called Black Artists Winnipeg. His involvement with the organization has opened up even more opportunities. Founded by Olivia Cassie, the organization highlights Black creators who are often marginalized, giving them a platform to showcase their art and connect with the community.
“It feels nice to have other people appreciate my work instead of just having it sit in my room,” said Sanchez. “Getting feedback from the community, going to events, and hearing people say they love your work is such a great feeling.”
Collaborations with fellow artists in the collective have also pushed Sanchez to experiment with different styles.
“Our other group member, Kevin, does more realism work, and we’re working on a piece together. I’m showing him the ropes of graffiti while he’s helping me with realism,” he explained.
“It’s a nice little swap and collaboration with everyone.”
Sanchez’s approach to each piece he creates varies.
“I take a lot of inspiration from pop culture and stuff I see on TV,” he said. “But other
times, I’m just sitting there, bored, and I’ll draw a circle or a squiggle, and then just go from there.”
The spontaneity of graffiti often mirrors the unpredictability of life — something Sanchez embraces fully. “I used to think of chaos as something bad, but now I’ve learned to implement it into my artwork.”
Beyond graffiti, Sanchez also works as a chef, finding parallels between cooking and art. “I get to be creative with food, just like I am with my art,” he said. “It’s like working with colours and ingredients in the same way I use spray paint on a wall.”
Juggling both passions can be tough, but Sanchez thrives on the challenge.
“I do a lot of my sketches on my half-hour breaks at work. It’s a way to keep challenging myself,” he said.
For Sanchez, graffiti is a way to transform negative perceptions into something positive.
“A lot of people think of graffiti as vandalism, but in reality, these artists are just regular people who want to share their gifts with the world,” he said. “Rather than destroy things, we’re trying to make
something beautiful. Take the time to appreciate it, and you’ll discover these people are here because they want to create something good.”
Through his work, Sanchez aims to inspire the next generation of graffiti artists, encouraging them to embrace their creativity and carve out space for themselves in the world — just as he’s done on the streets of Winnipeg.
“At the end of the day, I just want people to see my art and feel something,” he said. “Whether it’s happiness, curiosity, or inspiration, I want them to know that they, too, can leave their mark.”
Images provided / Isaiah Sanchez
Indigenous superheroes with a purpose
Winnipeg author David A. Robertson’s God Flare empowers Indigenous youth
Progga Paromita, volunteer “A lot of the stuff is uncomfortable for the reader, not because it’s scary, but because it really happened,” said David A. Robertson, author of God Flare – volume three of The Reckoner Rises series.
This literary work depicts the systemic violence faced by Indigenous communities through superhero action sequences and themes of friendship and loss.
God Flare was released on Sept. 3 under Portage and Main Press and focuses on Cole, a disillusioned teenager trying to save his community from Mihko Laboratories, a terrible research facility that echoes the horrors and realities of the not-so-distant past.
ertson. “I want them to look at this city with a different lens. This series is a vehicle that allows me, among many things, do that.”
In the story, the evils Cole faces reflect real-life atrocities as Mihko Laboratories — the villainous superpower — commits horrors against Cole’s community. The lab conducts vile experiments that disrupts the life of community members, mir-
wanting to utilize powers that are drawn from the natural world, like fire, for example […] It’s wanting to make sure I respect the connection and reverence that Indigenous people have for the natural world,” said Robertson.
“A lot of the stuff is uncomfortable for the reader, not because it’s scary, but because it happened ”
— David A. Robertson, Author
roring environmental issues like toxic waste and deforestation that now taint the quality of life of Indigenous peoples. These plotlines re-echo the trauma of Indigenous youth.
Robertson advocates and empowers Indigenous youth through Cole and Eva’s story. He reveals the violent histories and trauma that the Indigenous community in Manitoba has undergone. Since reading the story, I look around at Winnipeg and I see it differently. I see it from the eyes of Cole and Eva — the eyes of Indigenous youth.
“I want people to be aware of Indigenous issues. I want them to be more aware of what’s going on with the Indigenous communities around our province, about the history of this province in this country,” said Rob-
Robertson’s storytelling is purposefully uncomfortable, blending history with fiction to bring awareness to readers.
“There’s a lot going on here that happened in real life, but there’s a lot of truth in fiction,” said Robertson. “Taking that reality and fictionalizing it into a graphic novel scene hopefully sheds light on the real history of this country.”
The three volumes of The Reckoner Rises explore elemental power and magic.
Robertson uses these elemental power systems to highlight the Indigenous community’s connection to nature.
“It was this tricky balance in
In Breakdown, volume one, Cole’s character struggles with anxiety as Mihko haunts him. In Version Control, volume two, Robertson’s characters and imagery continue to evoke deep emotion in the reader. Cole and Eva support each other unconditionally and Eva’s individuality and agency shine through. These characters embody Indigenous teens’ agency and empowerment.
“I wanted it to be this strong, female, Indigenous superhero […] Eva has always known exactly who she is, and she’s always been confident and assured of herself,” said Robertson. “A lot of times, she’s like the rock for Cole.”
More so, through this series, Robertson brings necessary representation to Indigenous superhero stories. In western media, Indigenous superheroes are underrepresented. For example, Dani Moonstar, an Indigenous Marvel character, is not included in the cover of the A-force, an all-female superhero team comic cover released by Marvel
As God Flare continues to explore themes of friend-
ship and survival, Robertson’s work uplifts Indigenous youth and paints Winnipeg in a unique light. With God Flare now out, readers can be eager to see how Cole and his friends confront the new horrors unleashed by Mihko Laboratories.
photo provided / Amber Green
Bisons football picks up two consecutive wins
Team rallied around to beat UBC Thunderbirds 33-10 for the first time in 11 years
Abdul-Jalilu Ahmed, staff
The U of M Bisons football team gave a good account of what appeared to be a spectacular start in the new season, following a 33-10 win over the University of British Columbia (UBC) Thunderbirds on Friday, Sept. 6.
The Bisons are ranked nine in Canada according to U Sports and recorded a first time win over UBC Thunderbirds in 11 years, who are presently ranked eight overall.
They seemed impressively fired up for their opponents on the west coast, having inked back-to-back wins over the Saskatchewan Huskies and the Regina Rams, recently.
In the game against UBC Thunderbirds, the herd had their plans completely thrown out of the field in the first quarter as they went down 0-7. Isaiah Knight of UBC Thunderbirds had a three yard run following a good kick from Kieran Flannery-Fleck. The Thunderbirds had a drive of 10 plays and 90 yards in five minutes and forty-six seconds.
Flannery-Fleck pushed further for glory which paid off with a 29-yard field goal.
The Bisons kept their composure with a determined and revitalized approach for the second quarter, which yielded a positive outcome, seeing them cruise to victory with a 26-3 score.
Bisons’ quarterback Jackson Tachinski rallied around his teammates after connecting on many tactful moments with Vaughan Lloyd to propel the herd to success.
Tachinski threw 286 yards and two scores which landed in the way of Vaughan Llyod to cover 81 yards for a touchdown. Tachinski completed 17 of his 24 pass attempts. Lloyd finished the game with 143 total yards receiving. Maya Turner made a mark with a 37 yard field goal.
The Thunderbirds and Bisons reviewed their tactics by exercising caution in the third quarter which finished with a 0-0 score. Despite several attempts to break the opponent’s defense, both
teams minimized their errors.
The fourth quarter had a swift turn for the Bisons as they overpowered the Thunderbirds with runs and touchdowns, finishing with 7-0 score. Breydon Stubbs had a six yard run after latching on to a fruitful kick from fellow teammate Maya Turner.
The zeal and drive to stay on purpose amidst the major revamp in playing techniques won the game for the Bisons with a full-time score of 33-10. The sudden turn of events in the second quarter served as a catalyst for the herd to make amends and pick up victory in such a crucial away game.
The Thunderbirds have now lost their first two home games for the first time since 2019.
On the standings of Canada West, the Bisons are joint table toppers with the Regina Rams following consecutive wins in two games.
The herd will aim to keep a clean sheet and maintain their dominance when they play against the Alberta
Golden Bears at Princess Auto Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 2 p.m. The Golden Bears are third on the Canada West standing with one win and a loss.
A Bisons win in the upcom-
ing game would mark three successive victories for the team. That would be the second time of such an occurrence in their last four years.
Canada wrapped up 2024 Paralympic games with 29 medals
Canada ranked 12th on the medal table
Abdul-Jalilu Ahmed, staff
Canadian athletes went all out at this year’s Paralympic Games held in Paris, France, winning a total of 29 medals. These consisted of 10 gold, nine silver and 10 bronze medals. Canada was ranked 12th on the medal table.
It was all joy as Canada thrived in Para athletics with five gold, three silver and one bronze medal. Austin Smeenk, Brent Lakatos and Greg Stewart each received gold. Athlete Cody Fournie claimed two gold medals for Canada in both men’s 100m T51 and 200m T51. It was an exhilarating occasion for Fournie after winning his first ever Paralympic race, having previously played in wheelchair rugby.
“It feels really good. All I can say is the hard work in nutrition and the hydration has paid off,” said Fournie to Athletics Canada.
He continued, “the transition from rugby to racing helped because I was putting so much time and effort into training, that coming over to racing wasn’t that difficult, because I was so used to training already.”
“What was the most dif-
ficult part about racing was getting this chair figured out, with not having any stomach muscles. I had to learn how to use my head to change the direction of the chair, and that took quite a while to figure out. But again, all that hard work has paid off.”
Para swimming came in with five gold, four silver and four bronze medals for Canada. Nicholas Bennett gave a showdown with two gold in men’s 100m breaststroke SB 14 and men’s 200m individual medley SM 14. Bennett is the first Canadian man since Benoit Huot to win multiple gold medals at the Paralympic Games. Sebastian Massabie, Aurelie Rivard and Danielle Dorris each scooped gold.
Bennet told Swimming Canada, “we’ve been working my breaststroke every day for the past year. Breaststroke is such a finicky race for myself. The moment day of is different than the day before.”
“I tried to [win gold] on my first day of racing. I was proud to be able to represent our country,” he added.
Sebastian Massabie set a world record by winning men’s 50m freestyle S4 with a time of 35.61.
“I feel really, really happy, excited, and proud of myself,” said Massabie to Swimming Canada.
Danielle Dorris had an amazing delivery over her competitors with a gold medal win in women’s 50-m butterfly S7 in a time of 33.62.
“Coming in I was hoping for a world record but I cannot complain coming out with a medal in my favourite event on the last day of competition where everyone’s usually tired but I was ready to go. I’m just very happy and glad that it’s over and I can go relax,” said Dorris to Swimming Canada.
She continued, “having that race on day three to get me used to this environment really helped me prepare for today. After that race we really just got in the gear of switching the mindset to the 50 fly, of getting the repetition in of how fast I can dive off the blocks and my speed in this race,” she said. “I think I prepared enough and the results showed that so I’m very happy.”
Nathan Clement picked up a silver medal in Para cycling road, men’s T1-2 individual time trial for Canada.
“It’s special. It’s my life’s work,” said Clement to Cyc-
ling Canada.
“Although I’ve worn different hats as a CP [cerebral palsy] seven-a-side soccer player, as a Paralympic swimmer and now as a Paralympic cyclist, I’m very lucky, because many athletes don’t have the opportunity to compete in two games, let alone two games in a different sport, let alone stand on a podium and see the Canadian flag raised,” he added.
Brianna Hennessey had a memorable experience after plucking silver in Para canoe, women’s va’a single 200m VL2.
“I always talk about the incredible athletes here, and how the Paralympics means so much more because everyone here has a million reasons to give up, and we’ve all chosen to just go on,” said
Hennesey to CBC.
She added, “I’m so happy. I feel like we’ve had to overcome so much to get here, especially in the last year and a half. I’m just so proud.”
Alexander Hayward, Kate O’Brien and Keely Shaw each won a bronze medal for Canada in Para cycling track.
Leanne Taylor picked up a bronze medal in Para triathlon.
Canada finally had success in sitting volleyball after the women’s volleyball team won its first paralympic medal in the sport. Canada triumphed over Brazil 3–0 to claim a bronze medal in sitting volleyball.
The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games occurred from Aug. 28 to Sept. 8, featuring 126 Canadian athletes.
