Security Services operating funds down since 2021-22
Milan Lukes, staff
Operating funds of the university’s Security Services show an increasing trend over the past decade from 2014-24, according to records obtained under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
Despite the trend, since 2021-22, funding for Security Services has been on the decline, decreasing by $178,688 — or 5.5 per cent — to $3,097,245 for the 2023-24 fiscal year.
Director of U of M Security Services Gordon Perrier stated that “reported crime levels on campus have remained stable over the last decade and a variation in expenses does not correlate with a decrease in safety. We have very robust security services in comparison to any other Winnipeg
neighbourhoods, but we are not immune from crime.”
The request for access to information, “total university funds allocated to the university Security Services for each fiscal year to conduct their operations,” indicates that the department has received over $31 million from 2014-24, with a yearly average operating fund of over $2.8 million during that period. A fiscal year at the university is a 12-month period that runs from April 1 to March 31.
Security Services strives to “[support] a safe environment in which members of our community can live, work, study and enjoy life at the University of Manitoba,” according to their website.
The department is responsible for leading safety initiatives on campus, such as
responding to reports of suspicious people and vehicles on campus, medical emergencies and safety and security alarms. Other responsibilities include assisting with unscheduled door openings, assisting Parking Services and offering safe walks and safe rides — a free service in which staff will meet and walk with you or provide a ride to and from your car, class, residence room or bus stop.
Operating funds for Security Services was lowest during the 2016-17 fiscal year at $2,521,668 and was highest from 2021-22 at $3,275,933 — a 19.3 per cent increase from the previous fiscal year.
Perrier indicated that expenses each year fluctuate for several reasons, with
Government invests in reconciliation effort at U of M
Iyanda Ajuwon, staff
The Government of Canada has announced an investment of $206,029 in the U of M’s Canadian Reconciliation Barometer project to show its commitment to advancing reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
This funding announcement was made by Terry Duguid, member of Parliament for Winnipeg South, on behalf of the Honourable Pascale St-Onge, minister of Canadian Heritage, on Dec. 13, 2024, during an announcement in the Duff Roblin Building at the Fort Garry campus.
Duguid said, “with the important work we have to do in mind with respect to the reconciliation journey, today I am pleased to announce that the Government of Canada will invest more than $206,000 in the Canadian Reconcilia-
tion Barometer project.”
The Canadian Reconciliation Barometer project, which was launched in 2015, is an online survey designed to engage Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals across Canada to explore their perspectives on the meaning of reconciliation to them.
The primary objective of this initiative is to track the evolving understanding of reconciliation within communities and evaluate the progress toward achieving it.
Michael Benarroch, president and vice-chancellor of the U of M, highlighted the importance of the project, stating the significance of actively measuring and tracking the progress of reconciliation and decolonization.
“What reconciliation and decolonization means to people can be difficult to measure, but it is essential
that we track progress — and hold ourselves accountable — which is why today’s funding announcement is so very welcome: The Reconciliation Barometer is a key tool for us all.”
The new funding will support the project’s ongoing efforts, including establishing an advisory council of Indigenous Elders and traditional knowledge keepers, fostering community relationships across Canada and creating educational materials to inform Canadians about progress toward reconciliation.
St-Onge also emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing the understanding of reconciliation and its progress.
“Our government’s support for the Canadian Reconciliation Barometer project illustrates our commitment to Cont’d p. 6 / continuing <
Canada Post resumes operations after a month on strike
Canada Post workers have returned to work after a fourweek strike which began on Nov. 15, 2024. The strike stopped deliveries nationwide which affected Canadians and numerous businesses.
According to CTV News, Canada Post announced that while operations officially resumed on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024, it will take additional time to clear the backlog of packages and letters accumulated since the strike began. The Crown corporation stated that it would not receive or pick up new items until Dec. 19, with international mail only being accepted starting Dec. 23.
This comes after Steven MacKinnon, Canada’s labour minister, asked the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to order workers back to work if it determined there was an impasse in negotiations. After two days of hearings, the CIRB ruled that the parties were at an impasse. The CIRB ordered employees to return to work and resume postal operations starting at 8 a.m. local time on Dec. 17, 2024.
Per reports cited by CTV News, the government has also tasked an industrial inquiry commission to examine the unresolved issues and provide recommendations by May 15 on securing a new agreement whilst existing contracts have been extended to May 22. The inquiry will examine the structure of Canada Post, including its customer and business model, according to the labour minister. The review comes as the organization faces challenges in a competitive market. Since 2018,
Canada Post has reported a $3.3 billion loss, attributed to declining letter mail volumes and increased competition in the parcel delivery sector. Canadians have been advised to expect delays in mail and package delivery into January 2025. Canada Post also noted that post office hours may vary during this period as the corporation works to restore operations. Service guarantees will remain suspended as efforts are made to process and deliver the backlog of mail and packages. The corporation emphasized that it will continue to update customers on progress as operations normalize.
The restart of operations across the country during the peak holiday shopping season provided relief to Canadians. However, some customers’ trust in the 157-year-old institution has been impacted by the disruption.
Jan Simpson, president of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), issued a response to the ruling on behalf of the union’s national executive board. She described the ruling as an infringement on postal workers’ right to strike but stated that the union would continue its efforts to address workers’ concerns.
Simpson instructed workers to return to their regular shifts on Dec. 17, as ordered by the CIRB. Additionally, workers have been directed not to interfere with preparations for the resumption of Canada Post operations. The union emphasized its commitment to advocating for workers despite the challenges posed by the ruling.
Cont’d p. 3 / primary <
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Milan Lukes editor@themanitoban.com
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RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY Divyata Gosai
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COMMENT Thandeka Katsika
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The newspaper’s primary mandate is to report fairly and objectively on issues and events of importance and interest to the students of the University of Manitoba, to provide an open forum for the free expression and exchange of opinions and ideas and to stimulate meaningful debate on issues that affect or would otherwise be of interest to the student body and/ or society in general. The Manitoban serves as a training ground for students interested in any aspect of journalism.
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Rising trend in operating costs marked by 5.5 per cent funding decline since 2021-22
< Cont’d from front page
primary causes being infrastructure, staffing and training.
“In 2024, staffing and training realized a small
savings due to onboarding timelines and in-kind training from the province of Manitoba, in relation to the Institutional Safety Officer Program,” stated Per-
rier.
“We recognize safety is at the forefront for many students’ minds and the most important thing to know is that UM Security Services
is committed to our safety programs, 24/7/365 patrols, crime-mitigation tool and actions that help support safety for everyone on campus.”
Campus safety emergency response enhanced
New measures target communication, education and infrastructure
Ngozi Okose, staff
The U of M has announced new safety measures following a review of its emergency response to the unsubstantiated report of an armed individual on the Fort Garry campus on Nov. 19. This comprehensive review was conducted as part of the U of M’s commitment to continuous improvement under its emergency response plan.
The review, led by the emergency response team and U of
M leadership, identified key areas for enhancement which was shared with the university community on Dec. 19 in an open letter from Michael Benarroch, president and vice-chancellor of the U of M. These areas for improvement include communication, education and infrastructure. Efforts are already underway to address these areas and strengthen campus safety for students, staff and faculty. Communication improve-
ments include expanding the use of the U of M Safe app for real-time updates and exploring ways to expedite emergency notifications. Greater coordination with the Winnipeg Police Service is also indicated as a priority to ensure seamless communication during critical events.
Education initiatives will expand training opportunities, offering annual sessions on safety protocols for the entire U of M commun-
ity. Specific training sessions for faculty and units, as well as active threat preparedness training in partnership with the Winnipeg Police Service, are planned to enhance knowledge and readiness.
Infrastructure upgrades include ongoing updates to closed-circuit televisions, improving the campus loudspeaker system and installing additional code blue emergency poles to increase access to security services across the
University crime statistics for November Statistics for crime
Taycie Adeoti, staff
Crime statistics from the Fort Garry campus and Bannatyne campus for November 2024 have been released by the university’s Security Services.
The report includes multiple offence classifications such as theft, mischief, fraud, trespassing and driving offences to distinguish the frequency and type of different infractions.
According to crime sta-
incidents on campus released
tistics from November 2024, there were a total of 31 incidents that occurred on the Fort Garry campus and four incidents that occurred on the Bannatyne campus.
In total, U of M Security Services recorded nine theft incidents, including two bicycle thefts, four personal item thefts, one debit card theft and one merchandise theft on the Fort Garry campus and one theft of food at the Bannatyne campus.
Thirteen mischief incidents, including six vandalized vehicles, three graffiti incidents, one vandalized washroom, one vandalized room, one vandalized picnic table and the discharge of one fire extinguisher were recorded at the Fort Garry campus.
One attempted fraud incident and one report of an armed individual were recorded, as well as two driving offences, both of which
were vehicle collisions.
One smoking bylaw incident was recorded and eight trespassing incidents occurred, including five at the Fort Garry campus and three at the Bannatyne campus.
Additionally, Security Services responded to 110 calls related to suspicious persons or vehicles, nine medical emergencies, seven calls related to parking and 197 unscheduled access requests
Security Services can be reached on the Fort Garry campus at 204-474-9312 and on the Bannatyne campus at 204-789-3330.
Fort Garry campus and the Bannatyne campus.
Implementation of these improvements has begun, with additional measures scheduled for 2025. Students, staff and faculty are encouraged by Benarroch to download the U of M Safe app and stay informed about safety programs and services offered by U of M Security Services.
related to students and staff who needed assistance in accessing certain buildings and rooms. They also responded to 128 alarm calls, such as code blue, fire and emergency phones and panic alarms.
The U of M Security Services also completed a total of 102 safe walks and 27 safe rides.
graphic / Milan Lukes / staff
UMSU governance committee motion fails in tied vote
Motion 0633 sought changes to board meeting procedures under UMSU bylaws
Milan Lukes, staff
A motion put forward at the Dec. 5 University of Manitoba Students’ Union (UMSU) board of directors meeting by the governance committee has failed to be carried in a tied vote. Motion 0633 sought to adopt a revised UMSU bylaw document which contained several changes to board meeting procedures.
In July, UMSU’s executive committee put forward Motion 0618 which called for a governing document review. The motion stated that “the executive committee has heard concerns from students about discrepancies in UMSU’s governing documents,” and that it is “challenging” for UMSU personnel and students of the union to navigate between six different governing documents and to locate the proper clauses to abide by.
Other reasons were provided for the governing document review, such as the issue that “the current structure of governing documents frequently leads to rules and procedures being violated.”
Governance committee presents proposals
Brooke Hilland, member of the governance committee, presented the committee’s proposals at the Dec. 5 board of directors meeting following the governing document review. “The new [board meeting] procedures outlined in this presentation have been developed based on best practices from a number of organizations, specifically student unions across Canada,” said Hilland.
Proposed changes by the governance committee included modifications to the motion proposal process, public participation, speaking rights, closed sessions and the structure of meetings.
Hilland stated that the intent of the proposed changes to board meeting procedures was to “model good governance, to ensure board meetings are a space for respectful and healthy debate [and] to restore the intended role of board members which is to represent the best interests of their constituents which requires understanding and being able to genuinely listen.”
She continued that the goal is to also enhance the effectiveness of the board.
Proposal for 50 signatures for students to submit motions
Hilland stated that the gov-
ernance committee is proposing that students-at-large, UMSU members who are not directors, would require 50 signatures on a petition to submit a motion for consideration by the UMSU board of directors. Presently, any student who is a part of UMSU could draw up a motion without signatures.
“We believe that it is quite easy to get 50 signatures on a petition with social media and virtual petitions nowadays,” she said. “And keep in mind that students can still ask their [UMSU representative] to put forward motions if they don’t want to get 50 signatures.
“I also want to reinforce that governance does not want to silence student voices,” stated Hilland. “The intent of this change to motion proposals is to ensure a singular voice does not get lost in the crowd,” she added.
“It won’t be up to a committee that may be composed of four to five people to decipher if it’s something that actually represents the wishes of the student body. Instead, each proposal, whether conscious or not, will be taken into consideration with a heftier weight attached to it.”
Hilland said that the Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association only permits directors to submit motions with notice, and that the University of Alberta Students’ Union and Carleton University Students’ Association place “an emphasis on context and approval processes.” Hilland also mentioned that the Government of Manitoba and City
of Winnipeg require constituents to work through representatives.
The details of other proposals involve allowing studentsat-large to speak on motions only if a UMSU director yields their speaking turn, having a closed session at the end of each meeting and allotting 20 minutes maximum for a question period, unless extended by a two-thirds majority vote of the board.
Board divided on adopting motion
Motion 0633, which considered adopting the changes put forward by the governance committee, was contested by several board members.
“We should get rid of the 50 signatures,” said Heaven Kaur, women’s centre representative, who motioned to remove the signature requirement. “[The requirement] is also a little inaccessible for students that do have social anxiety,” said Kaur.
The motion to amend was seconded by Theodore Biggs-Engel, 2SLGBTQIA+ students’ representative, but failed to be adopted during the vote.
Victoria Romero, a student-at-large, stated, “I think the idea of having a signature requirement for putting forward a motion […] creates unnecessary bureaucratic red tape, which will prevent students from using this as a forum to bring forth their concerns, and in turn will eliminate the chance of UMSU being able to effectively address
those concerns.”
“We should at this point be decreasing the barriers, not increasing them,” said Gurpahul Kaur, UMSU director for the Arts Student Body Council.
Christabel Attoni-Oteari, racialized students’ representative, said “the students we are representing are telling us clearly that they do not like this motion, that it is taking away their ability to freely speak on things.”
Heaven Kaur added, “I don’t think it’s a good idea to continue forward with this motion.” She indicated that what works for other student unions will not work for the U of M, citing the university’s smaller student body population. Kaur also indicated that the signature requirement makes it less accessible for students looking to bring forward motions. “Some people might not have the courage, some people might be busy.”
Other board members spoke in favour of the motion.
Sarah Pittman, UMSU director for the Science Students’ Association, stated that “there are multiple avenues that students-at-large can go through besides just the petition for signatures. They can go to their representatives, they can go to different committees, they can go to executives.”
Pittman continued, “if we are to have that avenue where students must come to their UMSU directors, it is fostering that engagement that we want between students. And it is forcing us to do our job, because I don’t have a lot to do right now because nobody is
coming to me.”
“What this motion actually does is it puts the onus on you as board members […] making sure that you are able to represent their voice,” said UMSU president Divya Sharma.
“If it’s so wrong to have board of directors represent people, we shouldn’t even have a government. We shouldn’t even have a federal government. We should not have a provincial government,” said Sharma. “The reason why we have structures in place like this is so that we have a productive meeting.”
Prabhnoor Singh, UMSU vice-president external affairs, stated that he agrees with the governance committee’s suggestion to require a set number of signatures, so that someone “cannot bring forward any motion that they want […] We have like 27,000 people on this campus that we represent. If all 27,000 people then decide to bring forward a motion one board meeting, we’ll be working through each and every single one of them one by one.”
Singh referred to the province’s use of petitions and stated that the signature requirement “gives us backing” that students support the motion, “instead of just one person that did not agree with something.”
Following a secret ballot vote requested by Singh, Motion 0633 was defeated in a 9-9 tie. UMSU requires that 50 per cent plus one of the votes be received to carry a motion, according to Robert’s Rules of Order.
photo / Milan Lukes / staff
University receives over $206,000 in funding to support Indigenous-led initiative
< Cont’d from front page
continuing the essential reconciliation process between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people,” said St-Onge in a statement. “This new funding will help bolster efforts to deepen our understanding of the reconciliation process. Although we have made progress on our shared path so far, we still have much to do.’’
Katherine Starzyk, professor of psychology in the faculty of arts and founding member of the Reconciliation Barometer project, expressed her gratitude for the investment, saying “to the Government of Canada and especially Canadian Heritage, for this support, we say
thank you, merci, miigwech, maarsii, háw’aa.”
She added, “because of this funding, we can continue to shed light on where we are in the long and winding journey toward reconciliation and foster mutually respectful relationships at both personal and systemic levels so that Indigenous peoples and others in Canada can enjoy the good life.”
The Canadian Reconciliation Barometer initiative is supported by the Canada History Fund, which aims to enhance Canadians’ understanding of the nation’s history, stories, people and systems of governance.
UMSU executive complaint ruled ‘unwarranted’ Complaint to UMSU judicial board regarding conflict of interest ‘does not exist’
Milan Lukes, staff
The chair of the University of Manitoba Students’ Union (UMSU) judicial board disclosed the outcome of a conflict of interest investigation regarding an UMSU executive at the Nov. 21 board of directors meeting.
In a written report to the UMSU board of directors, judicial board chair Jared Murphy wrote that the “judicial board has thus decided that this complaint was unwarranted,
and a conflict of interest does not exist.” The judicial board reached the decision on the complaint on Nov. 18.
On Oct. 8, the judicial board received the formal complaint pertaining to an UMSU executive and a “perceived conflict of interest relating to several ongoing legal matters that the union is engaged in.” Following the complaint, the judicial board conducted an initial interview with the complainant and respondent, accord-
ing to the written report.
For the next several weeks, statements were collected from students-at-large and other UMSU executives “who would be directly affected if the alleged conflict of interest was, in fact, true,” wrote Murphy. In an email statement from Nov. 7, Murphy told the Manitoban that “I cannot comment on the status of any ongoing investigations except that they are happening.”
Murphy’s written report
to the UMSU board of directors concluded, “no recommendation will be made to UMSU’s board of directors, and the complaint is hereby dismissed.”
UMSU’s Governance and Operations Manual defines a conflict of interest as a “situation in which private interests or personal considerations may affect a person’s judgment in acting in the best interests of UMSU.” The definition includes using a pos-
ition, confidential information, time in which a person is required to devote to UMSU, UMSU’s materials or facilities “for private gain or advancement or the expectation of private gain or advancement.
“It also includes a situation that creates, either in appearance or in reality, a perceived or real opportunity for improper influence in the performance of the person’s duties and responsibilities to UMSU.”
Judicial board cites ‘logistical challenges and time constraints’ for extension
Milan Lukes, staff
The University of Manitoba Students’ Union (UMSU) judicial board has been granted a second deadline extension to Jan. 16 for presenting the first Executive Oversight Report to the UMSU board of directors.
In Motion 0641, moved by the judicial board and carried at the Dec. 5 board of directors meeting, “logistical challenges and time constraints” were cited as reasons for the delay, “as well as the 360 peer evaluations from some of the executives [that] were not received by the judicial board until after 12 p.m. on December 4, 2024.”
The motion also indicated that the judicial board “finds the current deadline [Dec. 5] to be not conductive to filling it’s mandate of conducting executive oversight in a sound and comprehensive manner.”
The judicial board is mandated to present a semi-annual oversight report to the UMSU board of directors on
members of the UMSU executive, according to the UMSU Governance and Operations Manual.
The first Executive Oversight Report, which is to cover the period of May 1 to no later than Nov. 1, will include “an outline of the general performance (including timelines) of each member of the UMSU executive,” as stated in the UMSU Governance and Operations Manual.
The report will also include the number of complaints received by the committee and the outcomes, any recommendations for each member of the UMSU executive and the number of meetings scheduled and attended by the judicial board relating to executive oversight.
Members of the UMSU executive consist of Divya Sharma (president), Prabhnoor Singh (vice-president external affairs), Carolyn Wang (vice-president finance & operations), Rachhvir Dhaliwal (vice-president univer-
sity affairs) and Bolu Akindele (vice-president student life).
Deadline extension already granted
Previously, the judicial board was already granted an extension deadline from Nov. 1 to Dec. 5 to present the first Executive Oversight Report Motion 0630, presented and
carried at the Nov. 7 UMSU board of directors meeting, sought an extension citing “administrative challenges,” a delay in selecting a board chair, resignation of members and other matters “requiring investigation and meetings that could not be pushed back.”
UMSU’s judicial board is required to have no fewer than
eight members, comprised of five students-at-large and three members of the UMSU board of directors. Other board responsibilities include addressing complaints regarding UMSU directors, committees and reviewing and adjudicating UMSU election complaints.
photo / Ebunoluwa Akinbo / staff
photo / Zulkifl Rafah / staff
Research & Technology
The price of reproductive healthcare for immigrants
Pregnant immigrants face uphill battle to access Canada’s healthcare system
Rhea Bhalla, staff
Certain immigrant populations in Manitoba are facing growing challenges in accessing reproductive healthcare, as shifting policies push them into a system of fragmented private insurance coverage.
Lindsay Larios, an assistant professor in the U of M’s faculty of social work, examines how these policies disproportionately affect international students and migrant workers, forcing them to navigate a patchwork of private insurance plans that often fail to provide essential reproductive care.
One of Larios’s recent projects examines access to reproductive care for Manitobans without access to public health insurance. International students, she explained, are the largest group of publicly uninsured individuals in the province and are often forced to rely on private health insurance. Migrant workers with limited work permits, asylum seekers and those transitioning between different immigrant statuses may also be ineligible for public insurance.
While some private health insurance plans are comprehensive, others are not. Many
of these less comprehensive plans fail to include reproductive and perinatal care.
“International students […] who find themselves pregnant can be caught off guard when they realize their private insurance plan doesn’t cover this kind of care that they need and then are put in a really difficult position where they need to pay out of pocket if they want to continue on with the pregnancy,”
Larios said. “It can be a really difficult and challenging situation to be in.”
While domestic students can manage their pregnancies, attend medical appointments and continue their studies, international students attempting the same face “astronomical” costs.
lic health care in Manitoba, and that was taken away,” Larios said. “They were kind of pushed into this privacy system where we’re seeing all these challenges.”
In her doctoral dissertation, Larios examined the reproductive healthcare experiences of immigrant women without access to Canadian public health insurance.
Struggling with overwhelming costs — ranging from $6,000 to $23,700 for prenatal consults and hospital deliv-
pregnant, Elodie found herself in a precarious situation as her visa neared expiration. Losing her work permit meant losing public healthcare coverage, leaving her responsible for the $5,000 cost of delivering her baby. Her once supportive employer refused to renew her work permit, citing her pregnancy.
Desperation set in.
“I was in survival mode,” Elodie said, recounting her search for ways to cut costs, which included considering abortion at 18 weeks.
“The health of my baby was depending on money. It was not human. It’s not what our society is”
— Elodie, immigrant worker and parent living in Canada
Larios noted that this disparity highlights inequities in reproductive healthcare and education.
Pregnancy, she emphasized, should never be a barrier to pursuing an education.
“I raise this as a particularly important issue, because up until 2018, international students did have access to pub-
eries (excluding ultrasounds) — many women reported foregoing food and heating in the winter, feeling pressure to terminate their pregnancies and working as long as possible even with high-risk pregnancies.
Among these women is Elodie, an immigrant worker living in Canada on a closed work permit tied to a single employer. After becoming
At one point in her pregnancy, a hospital refused to perform a critical $500 ultrasound unless she paid an additional $2,500 fee to cover half the costs of her future delivery. Elodie underscored her frustration at the hospital’s failure to inform her of the additional costs beforehand and her worry that, without an ultrasound, her baby’s health was at risk.
“It was like my health was depending on money,” Elodie said. “The health of my baby was depending on money. It
was not human. It’s not what our society is.”
Ultimately, Elodie paid $7,000, including $2,000 in cash for her ultrasound. The residual effects of Elodie’s experience led to her falling into a deep depression.
“Now you are living that with your baby, and the baby is in good health, and you look fine, but all the pain and the struggle is inside,” she said. “It’s silent pain. I was traumatized.”
Elodie’s story illustrates the vulnerabilities of many pregnant immigrant women in a system where healthcare is conditional, creating financial and emotional burdens for those navigating its limitations.
“We’re at an interesting moment,” Larios said. “We’ve seen some promises to help expand coverage again […] but we still need some, I think, increased pressure.”
“Through research, we can create spaces where communities can have a voice within these broader discussions of policy debates around things like reproductive rights, reproductive health care [and] expansion of health care,” she said.
graphic / Fumnaya Ifeadi / staff
How nanoparticles impact health and the environment
U of M professor researches how nanoparticles affect air, water, soil and health
Divyata Gosai, staff
N anoparticles are incredibly small particles that range in size from 1 to 100 nanometres. Ten thousand of them can fit across the span of one human hair. Because of their small size, nanoparticles may interact with biological systems in unexpected ways, possibly affecting human health and the environment.
Michael Schindler is a professor in the U of M’s department of earth sciences.
“When you’re researching, you always want to discover stuff, and there’s never an end,” he said. “I always want to discover things, and the only way to do this is to be a researcher.”
Schindler grew up and studied mineralogy in Germany. He was interested in the properties of minerals and learned to work with them.
“I am more a lab-based researcher rather than a field-based researcher,” he said. “But I’m also, by heart, an environmentalist, and because I love the environment, I always was interested to see how the minerals affect the environment.
“I call myself an environmental scientist or an environmental mineralogist.”
Schindler indicated that a key event during his research journey was when a professor introduced him to nano earth science at Virginia Tech University in the U.S. in 2013.
“The idea of nano earth science is that when you go very small in the particle size, so that you cannot even see it anymore, then the properties of the minerals change,” he said. “This change in properties affects so many things on earth and the environment, in our health. […] I became really enthusiastic to understand how really, really small minerals affect our life.”
“For
Wildfire smoke contains solid particles, which can attach to other urban pollutants such as diesel fumes. When these pollutants bind to wildfire nanoparticles, they are transported deeper into the body, reaching the lungs and potentially resulting in more severe health effects.
Nanoparticles are also affecting water systems and soil contamination.
smelted, releasing tiny lead particles into the surrounding soil.
“Now those tiny particles of lead are sitting in the soil. What happened to them? How do they affect our health? How do they affect the health of the animals? How do they end up in water?” Schindler said.
The smaller the soil particles are, the more likely they are to be absorbed into the body, posing greater health risks.
your own health, do not walk along Pembina Highway when you have smoky conditions, because […] all the contaminants will enter into your life”
—
Michael Schindler, professor in the U of M’s department of earth science
Schindler’s research involves how nanoparticles interact with air pollutants, particularly those found in wildfire smoke. He explained that the tiny solid particles released during forest fires do not merely disperse in the air. Instead, tiny solid particles interact with other substances in urban environments, creating complex and harmful compounds.
Schindler gave an example of the Red River, which appears brownish-red due to tiny particles suspended in the water. These tiny particles transport fertilizers and pollutants from agricultural fields into Lake Winnipeg, contributing to water contamination.
His research examines the soils of highly contaminated land trails in British Columbia, where lead ore was once
“When children play, and when there are really small toddlers, they take dirt in their hands,” he said. “But it’s only the smallest particles of the soil that stays on the hand, the larger ones drop off, and when the little child then literally licks their fingers, everything that is really small goes into the body fluids and into the digestion system.”
Similarly, shooting guns and fireworks release leadbased nanoparticles that people can inhale without realizing it.
Despite environmental
risks, nanoparticles do offer benefits.
“Small particles in the atmosphere block our sun. It’s called albedo effect,” Schindler said. “Those small particles that can absorb or scatter light reduce the greenhouse effect.”
Nanoparticles, he explained, can reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
“You want to have, for example, very reactive minerals who could react really quickly with carbon dioxide,” Schindler said. “So, the smaller you go, the more reactive you are, and then you could theoretically bind more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.”
Schindler emphasized the importance of proceeding with caution during smoky conditions.
“For your own health, do not walk along Pembina Highway when you have smoky conditions, because the smoke, wildfire smoke, will mix with the contaminants emitted by the cars along Pembina Highway, and all the contaminants will enter into your life.”
“Earth science is much more complex than just simple rocks,” he said.
graphic / Teegan Gillich / staff
Let’s talk about sex
Unpacking society’s contradictions on sexual discourse
Peace Ifeanyi, staff
At first glance, it might seem like society has grown quieter about sex, retreating into a prudish shell. But look closer, and you’ll notice it is everywhere — subtly embedded in our conversations, media and cultural norms.
We are bombarded with sexualized imagery and innuendo, from the suggestive lyrics of pop songs to the provocative advertisements that plaster our city streets.
In his groundbreaking work The History of Sexuality Volume 1: An Introduction, Michel Foucault famously argued against the idea that sex had been repressed in modern society. Instead, he suggested that sex had become a subject of relentless discussion, hidden in plain sight, spoken of in controlled and calculated ways.
Today, his critique feels even more relevant — the more we think we are not talking about sex, the more pervasive its presence becomes in our lives. Foucault’s “repressive hypothesis” challenged the prevailing notion that past societies simply suppressed discussions of sex. He argued that institutions like the church, the state and the medical establishment did not silence sex — they engineered how it was discussed.
They turned it into an object of analysis, confession and regulation, a tool for control and categorization. Sexuality became central to our identities and societal organization, a lens through which we were judged and categorized. This is strikingly relevant today, as we see similar forces at play.
While we may have shed some Victorian-era prudishness, new forms of regulation and control have emerged.
Social media feeds, movies, music and even memes are saturated with sexual references, yet we still somehow carry the illusion that sex is a private topic, relegated to hushed whispers and darkened bedrooms.
inextricably linked to sexual appeal and podcasts delve into matters of intimacy and desire.
Moreover, advancements in reproductive health, such as IVF, surrogacy and assisted reproductive technologies also open up new frontiers in conversations about sex. These are all manifestations of our ongoing conversation about sex, even when we do not explicitly acknowledge it as such.
In modern society, we witness a fascinating paradox.
reflects a growing recognition of the importance of open communication and education in fostering healthy sexual attitudes and behaviours.
On the other hand, it appears certain discussions like BDSM and kink, sex work, sexual dysfunction, religion and sexuality often remain shrouded in silence and shame. These topics challenge societal norms, confront uncomfortable truths and acknowledge marginalized experiences, making them difficult to navigate in a culture that often prioritizes palatable narratives over complex realities.
The question is not whether we are talking about sex — it is how we are talking about it and what that says about us
We cling to the notion that some things are still “too much to talk about,” even as we engage in a constant “discourse” about sex, albeit often indirectly.
Relationship talks inevitably touch on sexual dynamics, beauty standards are
On the one hand, there is an undeniable push for sex positivity and open conversations about previously taboo topics — 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, consent, female pleasure, sexual health and more. Where children were once shielded from such discussions, they are now deliberately being taught about healthy relationships, consent and body autonomy from a young age. This shift
For university students, this dynamic is especially relevant because of the opportunity to redefine this dialogue. Campuses often pride themselves on being spaces for intellectual exploration, yet certain topics still provoke discomfort and resistance. Discussions about hookup culture, body autonomy, sexual ethics and power dynamics can quickly reveal societal tensions and anx-
ieties. So, as hubs of intellectual inquiry and social change, universities, especially, have a responsibility to foster an environment where these deeper conversations that often feel out of reach can flourish.
Foucault’s insights help explain why it seems we are only skirting around and not actually talking about sex. Our discourse about sex is not just about expression. It is about power.
By framing some aspects of sexuality as acceptable and others as deviant, or some as okay to discuss now and others as “not yet,” society shapes not only what we say but how we think. This dynamic is visible everywhere — from political debates about reproductive rights to casual gossip about someone’s dating life. We are always talking about sex, even when we pretend not to be.
Consider the ongoing controversies surrounding abortion access, where discussions about women’s bodies and reproductive choices are often veiled in moralistic language and political maneuvering. Or think about the way we consume celebrity graphic / Teegan Gillich / staff
gossip, eagerly dissecting the intimate details of their relationships and sexual exploits. These are all examples of how sex remains a constant undercurrent in our social and cultural landscape.
So, are we talking about sex more or less? The answer is both and neither.
The question is not whether we are talking about sex — it is how we are talking about it and what that says about us. For us, we must make it more inclusive, honest and thoughtful. What does our hidden obsession with sex reveal about our values, fears and desires? And how do we create a discourse that is truly free, one that embraces complexity, challenges norms and empowers individuals to explore their sexuality with agency and authenticity?
Perhaps it starts with naming the contradictions and being brave enough to address them. After all, sex is not going anywhere. The question is whether we are ready to talk about it — truly, openly and without reserve.
Why are workplace bullies still around?
Finding solace amid gossip, fear and isolation
Quinn Mayhew, staff
Have you ever worked a job made miserable by the so-called office “mean girl?” Being harassed or given the silent treatment at work by one or more people seems like a universal experience for those who have participated in the workforce.
The workplace “mean girl” isn’t always a woman. For me, it’s usually associated with one or more individuals bent on getting you into trouble at work or generally making you feel bad for a magnitude of things. For this reason, I prefer to use the term “workplace bully” instead of “mean girl.”
One could ask why the workplace bully feels the need to make an already draining job more disheartening instead of co-existing in peace. Honestly, I won’t be able to give you an answer.
The workplace bully takes many shapes, they can take the form of a 40-year-old man named Steve in accounting who has a wife and kids to a 25-year-old co-worker named Carly in retail who’s power hungry and searching for her next victim.
Now those are just a few random examples of scenarios I’ve encountered in the past. They don’t always use the same power tactics to isolate their victims, but in my experience, the tactic that is universal among these workplace bullies is their innate talent to play the victim and gossip.
Usually, these individuals will start their tactics of harassment by using gossip to their advantage. Saying off-putting comments to others in the workplace makes their co-workers extremely uncomfortable or spinning a web of lies into their gossip to seem like victims.
These workplaces often make you feel like you’ve been transported back to high school or been put into the movie Heathers and are being attacked by a group of popular mean girls whom you just want to escape from.
An article from WorkLife titled “why are we still talking about ‘mean girls’ at work?” goes in depth on why these so-called office workplace bullies feel the need to make everyone uncomfortable at work.
According to WorkLife, “other instances of incivility, or so-called office ‘mean girl’ behaviour, might entail excluding someone they are threatened by from social events or group messages,
not acknowledging their wins while always pointing out mistakes or taking other measures to subtly knock a co-worker down.”
In my experience with workplace harassment and bullying, it’s often an individual who is driven by a deepseated fear of jealousy, their inadequacy with their life or they overall haven’t escaped or grown up past their high school mindset and are trying to re-enact it within the office. These workplace troublemakers often rely on the use of fear to silence the individuals whom they are picking up at work, often overreaching their station to try
to enforce unwarranted discipline to make you feel bad or using a form of tattling to try to get you in trouble for the exact same things they do.
No matter how kind you are to these workplace bullies, it often does not matter. Stefanie Marrone, a client development director at a law firm, explains her experience working with the so-called workplace bully. “I tried to be nicer, I tried to be kinder, I tried to go the extra mile, and nothing worked because they didn’t want it to work. You think you can kill somebody with kindness, but you really can’t if they have a mark on your back,” she said
to WorkLife.
The office trickster often uses fearmongering to isolate and promote anxiety within the workplace, so much so that you feel no one will support you.
In my experience, if someone is bullying you in the workplace, it is most likely happening to others, or others are feeling uncomfortable with their behaviour. The “others” will back you up when everyone inevitably realizes that this person is horrible and something needs to happen to change the toxic environment they have created.
I would say to anyone dealing with a workplace bully,
do not be afraid to speak up. Most likely, it isn’t happening to you alone. It’s probably happening to another person as well. I know speaking up won’t always fix the issue, as your workplace bully could be your boss, but please remember that this isn’t your issue for being picked on, it’s an issue within the person who is harassing you.
I hope everyone who reads this article feels some solace within the unfortunate blight that is workplace harassment and finds some comfort in the knowledge that you are not the only one facing this at work.
graphic / Teegan Gillich / staff
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.
Provided by: Teegan Gillich
New Year traditions centre around hope and luck
Interesting New Year’s facts and traditions from around the world as 2025 begins
Carrington Dong, staff
In Canada and many other countries, a new year begins on Jan. 1. However, this was not always the norm. In the past, New Year’s Day has been celebrated in September, March and even December.
It was the Romans who first observed Jan. 1 as the start of the new year, beginning in 153 BC. By medieval times, however, much of Europe had shifted to celebrating March 25 as the start of the new year. It was not until 1582 that the Roman Catholic Church officially made Jan. 1 New Year’s Day. Eventually, most European countries adopted the date, although it did not happen overnight — Russia, for instance, did not make the switch until 1918.
The choice of Jan. 1 as the start of the new year is fitting, as the month of January is named after the Roman god Janus. Janus was the god of new beginnings, transitions and doorways. He has two faces, to show that he looks to both the past and the future.
Around the world, people celebrate in different ways.
The U.S. is famous for their New Year’s Eve festivities held in Times Square, New York. As the clock approaches midnight, the brightly decorated Times Square ball “drops” by descending a pole, resting at midnight. This tradition has lasted over a century. Often at midnight, couples kiss, a gesture believed to bring good luck.
Other countries have their own distinct traditions. In Denmark, for instance, people smash plates on the doors of their loved ones. The more broken dishes at one’s doorstep, the luckier they are said to be in the coming year.
In parts of Puerto Rico, people open their windows and dump buckets of water out of them to drive away evil spirits. For extra good luck, some sprinkle sugar on their doorsteps.
Some traditions centre around food. In Spain, people try to eat 12 grapes as the clock strikes midnight, one for each
chime. Successfully consuming all 12 grapes within the first minute of the new year is believed to bring good luck for the year ahead.
In the Philippines, families display 12 round fruits, a tradition that originates in Chi-
nese culture. In many Asian cultures, round objects such as fruits symbolize luck and wealth, so displaying round fruits can attract prosperity for the year ahead.
While these traditions may differ, they all share a com-
mon goal — to bring luck and prosperity in the new year. As different as these traditions may be, the wish for prosperity in the new year transcends cultures around the world.
‘90s kids, prepare to be disappointed by Disney
Mufasa:
The Lion King churns yet another
Boris Tsun Hang Leung, staff
If you enjoyed the 1994 Disney movie The Lion King for its charming 2D animation, catchy musical numbers and heartwarming coming-of-age story, then you might be disappointed by its 2024 live action prequel-sequel, Mufasa: The Lion King. Despite a valiant attempt at expanding the iconic film’s characters, this rendition struggles to capture the magic of animation.
Directed by Barry Jenkins, who also directed the multi award-winning film Moonlight (2016), Mufasa: The Lion King tells the origin stories of Mufasa, Simba’s father and Scar, Simba’s villainous uncle.
In this prequel, a young Mufasa is separated from his family by a flood and finds refuge with another pride, forming a bond with Taka (later known as Scar), the pride’s king’s son. Years later, Mufasa and Taka are driven away from their home by evil albino lions, and embark on a journey to Milele, a mythical land where all animals live in harmony. However, tension rises as they compete for power and a lioness’s love.
The movie’s realistic ani-
mations and stunning depictions of the Tanzanian landscape reflect the immense effort poured into its visual effects. However, the photorealistic talking and singing animals create an uncanny, unsettling effect. Additionally, the overall look and feel of the animals reminded me of CGI animations of dinosaurs I see in paleontology museums, which is unlike the colourful, whimsical and lovable characters from the original film.
As an ethnomusicology enthusiast, I enjoyed the incorporation of African choral music with Swahili and Zulu lyrics in the soundtrack, but most of the songs in the film were generic and unremarkable. I expected songs on par with “Circle of Life” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” but instead there were numbers like “I Always Wanted A Brother” where the word brother is repeated 24 times in a three and a half minute song. While talented voice actors such as Aaron Pierre and Tiffany Boone delivered strong performances, the lyrics often felt vague and repetitive.
The story employs an embedded narrative, with Rafiki recounting Mufasa’s
live action cash grab
tale to Kiara, Mufasa’s granddaughter. Commentary from Timon and Pumbaa frequently interrupts the narrative, disrupting the film’s flow. If anything, it came across as a desperate attempt to stuff previous characters into the film even though they do not add any substance to the story.
Lastly, some online users have also pointed out issues with the plot. For example, in this adaptation Mufasa has no royal blood, contradicting
the whole premise of the “one true lion king” as established by the original film. Mufasa also has a highly sensitive sense of smell, yet he does not detect the scent of the evil lion after he had rubbed manes and formed an alliance with Taka. Having said that, a film critique from Screen Rant did point out that this movie explains why prey animals chose a lion to be their king — Mufasa successfully united everyone against the evil lions.
Mufasa: The Lion King received mixed reviews online, receiving a 6.7 out of 10 rating by IMDb and only 55 per cent on Rotten Tomatoes, but it still made a whopping $342.5 million as of New Year’s Day, surpassing its $200 million budget. Perhaps as long as they are still profitable, Disney will continue to churn out live action films and spin-offs that are far cries from their beloved originals.
graphic / Teegan Gillich / staff
Keith David, Anika Noni Rose and Braelyn Rankins in Mufasa: The Lion King (2024).
Olivia Lunny returns to her roots with new album
Winnipeg-born, Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter embraces her origins
Carrington Dong, staff
O
livia Lunny currently calls Los Angeles home, but her musical career began in Winnipeg.
“Music has always been something that I’ve been around and been immersed in,” Lunny recalled.
Lunny largely credits her father for introducing her to music. He first played music around their home on Sunday mornings, and as she grew older, he began taking her to concerts.
When Lunny was in middle school, her passion for music developed, writing songs and learning guitar from her father. By high school, she took part in the Winnipeg Folk Festival and busked at The Forks. During her last two years of high school, she released a song on SoundCloud and she decided to pursue music full-time.
“It’s obviously an ambitious thing to try to chase a career in the arts, but I told my parents, ‘this is what I’m going to do,’ so I’m very lucky that they were very supportive,” said Lunny.
At 18 years old, Lunny was scouted to compete on an episode of CTV’s The Launch, a television show aimed at finding new Canadian talent. In each episode, five musicians competed for the chance to record and release an original song. The judging panel was headed by record producer Scott Borchetta, best known for launching Taylor Swift’s career. Ultimately, Lunny won her episode and had the opportunity to record the original song “I Got You.”
“I think through that experience, my biggest takeaway was that being your authentic self is actually the biggest strength you have,” Lunny reflected. “[The Launch] was a test and an opportunity for me to really dive into my authentic self, and I’m really grateful for that opportunity, because it opened so many other doors and has led me to where I am today.”
Since appearing on The Launch, Lunny has performed with some of her idols, such as Ellie Goulding and Lionel Richie. With Goulding, she toured across Europe and expressed pride in being able to write music and share it with people commercially.
Lunny’s music style was first influenced by artists such as Fleetwood Mac and Dolly Parton. As her career progressed, she incorporated a wider range of influences and adopted a more “poppy” sound but said that acoustic and folk music remains at the core of it. Her upcoming
album will be a return to those acoustic roots.
“Next year [2025], I’m releasing an album, and that sound is a comeback to that original ‘Olivia Lunny’ sound, it’s a bit more acoustic and songwriter based,” she shared.
The album, which remains unnamed, was primarily written in an acoustic environment. Lunny revealed that the name, which she did not disclose, came from a journal entry she wrote at 17 years old.
“I actually re-found that idea and that album name from when I was 17, and that became the album name […] so it’s kind of like a full circle moment,” she said.
Lunny’s latest single, “City of Angels,” is an ode to her new home of L.A., where she moved over a year ago. She described it as a literal interpretation of things that she has seen in the city, describing the highs and lows.
“It’s about the duality of this city, and the duality of my life coming from a place like Winnipeg and moving to L.A.,” Lunny explained. “With the amazing opportunity that comes here, and the sunshine everyday […], there’s definitely moments of loneliness or people with different motives […] I think this song is just about with every dream you chase in life, there also is a bit
of sacrifice.”
While Lunny now resides in L.A., she declares herself proud to be a Winnipegger and represent her hometown on the larger music stage. She still enjoys returning home to visit family and friends.
“Everyone [in Winnipeg] is so lovely and amazing, and I think the culture it breeds is just incredible,” Lunny said.
“I’m really proud and honoured to represent Winnipeg out here in this big world, and Winnipeg really does have such an amazing music scene, which not everyone even knows […] it’s an incredible space for people to grow.”
While she had a desire
when she was younger to get out of Winnipeg and move to Toronto or L.A., she said that she is now grateful to have roots in Winnipeg. She believes they have helped her remain authentic as a female pop artist.
In the future, Lunny hopes to perform on a late-night television show in the U.S. and tour throughout the country.
Lunny has simple words of advice for other aspiring Winnipeg musicians.
“Have your vision and have your goal, dream as big as you can and hold that on a pedestal, and just make the commitment to it […] don’t let that vision change,” she said.
photos coutesy of / Strut Entertainment
Entangling cultural identity and migration with filet lace
Jade Yumang presents textile artworks at the School of Art Gallery
Boris Tsun Hang Leung, staff
extiles is an art form
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steeped in history and culture — the materials used, the method of production and the subject matter that are depicted all come together to tell a larger story.
In his exhibition Next Door, Around the Corner, Inside the Bathhouse, By the Sea and Back at the U of M, Chicago-based artist Jade Yumang used textile art to explore Filipino history, cultural identity and his own past. His use of crimson and black lace portraits and sprawling, dendritic soft sculptures create a visually and texturally striking scene in the gallery.
Born in the Philippines, Yumang has lived in Dubai, Vancouver and New York. He is currently a fibre and material studies professor at the School of the Art Institute in Chicago. According to Yumang, his migratory past inspired much of his artistic work, including this series on campus.
“With this series specifically, I wanted to kind of look at just how culture kind of moves […] specifically the Filipino diaspora. But I didn’t want it to be too obvious initially, so I wanted to kind of mesh into maybe what I call strange bedfellows or disparate things and see whether or not they kind of intersect or relate,” he said.
“And a lot of fibre history, in a lot of ways, kind of like what I’ve been through in terms of traveling a lot or immigrating, a lot of fibre history has kind of intersected with different cultures, right? Just think of like the history of the Silk Road. And so I was always kind of curious, ‘oh, what can filet lace do to tell some type of story?’”
Yumang’s work prominently features filet lace, a type
of embroidery where patterns are sewn onto a hand-knotted net-like grid. Yumang pointed out while the Philippines have a tradition of weaving and net-making due to its fishing culture, filet lace was introduced to the region during Spanish colonization.
However, the production of these works of art in the Philippines historically did not belong to the people. Instead, the art form was in large shaped by Spanish colonization, and later American imperialism.
“For the most part, [filet
lace] was an enforced pattern to the Filipino craftspeople, primarily following European motifs, either geometrical, pastoral or religious. I think the only thing that slightly changed is the use of material, primarily using cotton and piña [pineapple] fibre,” Yumang explained.
“Then it developed even further when the Americans occupied the Philippines between 1898 to 1946 […], but also other parts of Asia like Taiwan, created a piece called army navy tablecloth, and it’s a mixture of filet lace and
embroidery work […] American troops who were stationed in the Philippines and the islands would buy this to bring back home. So again, it was always making it for someone else, and I, in a lot of ways, wanted to reclaim that.”
Yumang continues to work with filet lace, but he also has plans of growing a natural dye garden and spinning yarn with banana fibre and American and Canadian wool to reflect his diverse upbringing.
“Right now I’m just playing like, ‘oh, you know, I grew up in so many places. Can I,
in some ways, use different materials from all the places I grew up? And turn them into one string of yarn?’ And then make something out of that. Again, my history [is] embedded within the fibre,” he said.
Next Door, Around the Corner, Inside the Bathhouse, By the Sea and Back is on display at the School of Art Gallery on campus from Nov. 21, 2024 to Feb. 1, 2025. Learn more about Jade Yumang and his work by visiting jadeyumang. com.
Jade Yumang: Next Door, Around the Corner, Inside the Bathhouse, By the Sea and Back. Curated by Blair Fornwald.
photo courtesy of / University of Manitoba
Recap of the Bisons volleyball 2024-25 season to date
Looking back at the herd’s volleyball performance in 2024
Faiyaz Chowdhury, staff
As we step into 2025, it is a fitting moment to reflect on the performance of the Bisons’ volleyball teams during the past year.
The 2024 season for the Bisons men’s volleyball team was marked by fierce competition and significant learning opportunities. Finishing with a 4-6 record, the team demonstrated a .400 winning percentage, highlighting both their challenges and their potential for growth. With an average of 10.38 kills per set and a hitting percentage of .211, the Bisons showcased their offensive capabilities, though consistency remained an area for improvement.
Players who shined for the Bisons in offence are Spencer Grahame, who led the herd with a strong offensive output, racking up 90 kills at an average of 2.90 kills per set, demonstrating his pivotal role in the team’s scoring efforts.
Karil Dadash Adeh also made significant contributions with 90 kills and a team-high 25 service aces, underscoring his proficiency from the service line and in front-line attacks. Their journey through the season was a testament to their resilience and determination to evolve and adapt under pressure.
Their defence was punctuated by an average of 1.94 blocks and 8.15 digs per set,
demonstrating a robust defensive strategy that became a cornerstone of their gameplay. On defence, Jonah Dueck stood out with 42 total blocks, leading the team with a blocks per set average of 1.08, showcasing his defensive prowess at the net. Jordon Heppner added stability with 21 total blocks, consistently enhancing the team’s defensive framework.
Service also played a key role, with the team achieving 2.36 service aces per set, indicating a strong serve that often put opponents under pressure. Despite their away record, the Bisons proved they could compete with determination and grit, particularly highlighted in their home wins and competitive matches against top-tier teams. This grit was evident in the way they rallied in matches that went to five sets, showcasing their endurance and tactical intelligence.
Overall impact players included Kai Boyko, who was instrumental both offensively and defensively with 79 kills and 18 blocks, and Josh Jehle, who played a crucial role in backcourt defence with the highest digs per set of 1.87, pivotal in turning defence into offence.
The Bisons women’s volleyball team displayed a strong 2024 season with an impressive 6-4 overall record, boast-
ing a .600 winning percentage. This performance was underscored by their offensive strength, as proven by their substantial 13.03 kills per set and a remarkable hitting percentage of .288. Players who shined for the Bisons in the women’s offence included Raya Surinx, with 123 kills and an average of 4.56 kills per set, and Andi Almonte, who added depth with 96 kills. Their strategic gameplay was further supported by 12.27 assists per set, facilitating dynamic and effective attacks. Key overall contributors were Katreena Bentley, orchestrating plays with 382 assists and contributing defensively with 92 digs, and Julia Arnold, who emerged as a defensive stalwart with 120 digs, crucial for initiating counterattacks.
Defensively, the women’s team maintained solid control with 1.55 blocks and an exceptional 13.32 digs per set, highlighting their ability to thwart opposing offences effectively. Defensive specialists were led by Eve Catojo, with 33 total blocks, and Brenna Bedosky, who excelled with the highest block per set average. The service game was also strong, with 1.86 aces per set contributing to their strategic advantage. The team’s better performance in away games underscored their adaptability and resilience in challenging environments. The
team’s ability to execute complex plays and maintain composure under pressure contributed significantly to their successful season.
These statistics not only underline the teams’ performances in distinct areas but also highlight where each team can focus on improving. The teams are poised for future successes, building on the lessons learned and strengths harnessed during the challenging yet rewarding 2024 season. Looking ahead, both teams are expected to leverage
their experiences from this season to refine their strategies and bolster their rosters, aiming for higher achievements and possibly championship runs in the coming years.
The Bisons men’s and women’s volleyball teams play against the Trinity Western Spartans on Friday, Jan. 10 at the Investors Group Athletic Centre. The women’s team plays at 6 p.m. CST and the men’s team plays at 7:45 p.m. CST.
Bisons men’s hockey stumble in exhibition games
Pair of 5-0 losses to Bemidji State and North Dakota serve as wake-up call for Bisons
Israel Abejoye, staff
The U of M Bisons men’s hockey team kicked off 2025 with a pair of exhibition games against the Bemidji State Beavers and the North Dakota Fighting Hawks, but unfortunately, they came up empty-handed, losing both games 5-0. The games were played on away ice, leaving the Bisons with a lot to learn to have a successful season.
The Bisons men’s hockey team had a fantastic start to the season in October 2024, winning games against the Regina Cougars, MacEwan Griffins and earning a point against the Saskatchewan Huskies, who rank second in the Canada West East division standings. The Bisons finished 2024 in fourth place, just two points above the Cougars and 20 points behind the
leading Alberta Golden Bears.
Before the holidays, the Bisons won against great teams and even got a point from the Huskies. In their last games leading up to the holidays, the team lost one and won one against the Cougars. This places the team in a good spot to contest for the league, with 12 more games to play.
On Friday, Jan. 3, the Bisons played against the Beavers in Minnesota, losing 1-0 in the first, 1-0 in the second and 3-0 in the third period. The first goal was scored in the first period by Reilly Funk at 4:10, while the second goal was scored in the second period by Jaksen Panzer at 15:46.
The last three goals were scored in the third period by forward Adam Flammang at 4:08, Panzer at 7:26 and Carter Randklev at 12:40. Despite the
Bisons’ beautiful chances, they could not find the back of the net, leaving the Beavers with a clean sweep.
The following day, the Bisons faced the Fighting Hawks in their second exhibition game in North Dakota and received another defeat. The results followed the same pattern as the previous game, with the Fighting Hawks scoring one goal in each of the first two periods and three goals in the third.
The first goal was scored by Mac Swanson at 16:24, the second goal by Dalton Andrew at 6:08 in the second period, while the third goal was scored by defender Dane Montgomery at 3:28. Forward Carter Wilkie and forward Cody Croal also scored in the final period, giving the Fighting Hawks a clean sweep as
well.
In the game against the Fighting Hawks, the Bisons had one power play opportunity in the second period, while the Fighting Hawks had one power play in the third period. Against the Beavers, the Bisons had one power play in the third period, while the Beavers had two power plays — one in the second period and one in the third period. These teams’ opportunities will be crucial in their upcoming conference games, and the Bisons will look to capitalize on these losses for another chance in their own season games.
It was apparent that both the Beavers and Fighting Hawks showed consistency in their scoring, with one goal in each of the first two periods and multiple goals in the
third period. This suggests that the opponents exploited the Bisons’ fatigue in the third period to win. Although the Bisons lost the two exhibition games, it provided an opportunity for the team to regroup, refocus and make necessary adjustments before their first conference games this weekend.
The Bisons men’s hockey team will play two conference games against Trinity Western Spartans on Friday, Jan. 10 at 7 p.m. CST and Saturday, Jan. 11 at 2 p.m. CST at the Wayne Fleming Arena.
photo / Nischal Karki / staff
The Bisons defeated Thompson Rivers Wolfpack 3-0 on Oct. 25.
You’re invited!
Housing Rights 101 Workshop
Free - register now!
Jan. 14, 12:00 - 1:30 pm
Council Chambers (176 Helen Glass)
Refreshments to be served
Attend our housing workshop to understand your housing rights and the opportunity to win one of three $100 gift cards for the U of M Bookstore!
Scan to Register
We offer a Full-time (minimum 8 months) or Part-time program
Funding available - scholarships, research or teaching assistantships The MAE is a rigorous yet practical degree which prepares graduates for the labour market or for further academic study
Application deadlines:
February 1st for international applicants March 1st for domestic applicants
Bisons men’s basketball team stays competitive
The team has won seven and lost one in the ongoing season
Abdul-Jalilu Ahmed, staff
T
he U of M Bisons men’s basketball team has made a strong impact during the 2024-25 season, showcasing resilience and determination. The team has experienced both victories and a defeat, staying competitive throughout the campaign.
In the opening game against Brandon University Bobcats at the Investors Group Athletic Centre on Nov. 3, the Bisons kept their composure to beat the opponent 81-74. Brandt Lenz strived for a three-point jump shot at 9:47 in the first quarter to set the pace for the Bisons. At 9:15, Daren Watts did not relent after capitalizing on Lenz’s assist to record a three-point jump shot. Taven Vigilance turned proceedings around for the Bisons with a three-point jump shot at 3:23 with an assist from Tito Obasoto. The Bisons showed dominance in the second quarter as Mason Kraus handed in a layup, assisted by Cieran O’Hara at 7:52. O’Hara had a steal for the Bisons at 6:50 and later topped it up with a dunk at 4:16, assisted by Obasoto. The third and fourth quarters had deciding moments for both teams, but the Bisons overpowered the Bobcats for a victory.
The Bisons came up against the University of Saskatchewan Huskies on Nov. 8. The Bisons defeated their competitor 83-79 to earn the second consecutive win of the season. O’Hara made a layup at the 9:29 mark in the first quarter. Vigilance missed a layup at 1:39, while Andre Gray II missed free throws at 1:19. The second quarter produced individual brilliance from the two teams as O’Hara made a dunk, assisted by Kraus at 1:39. The closing stage of the third quarter was crucial for the Bisons for which Kraus made a layup to set the score 62-62. In the fourth quarter, Obasoto made a free throw at 0:10 to seal the win for the Bisons. The second game against the Huskies on Nov. 9 ended 70-67 for the Bisons.
The season’s first and the only defeat for the Bisons occurred on Nov. 22 as the Regina Cougars won 62-59. The Bisons went to the drawing board to rectify their blunders in game one and emerged eventual winners in game two against the Cougars on Nov. 23 through a final score of 81-57. The first quarter ended 26-10 for the Bisons as Obasoto made a layup at 0:17. The second quarter ended 44-25 for the Bisons with Manyang Tong making a threepoint jump shot assisted by
Kraus at the 0:19 mark. The score was widened in the third quarter as it ended 60-46 for the Bisons. The fourth quarter could not salvage the situation for the Regina Cougars following their attempts to reduce their deficit.
Following the defeat and win against the Regina Cougars, the Bisons have gone ahead to win their games against the Lethbridge Pronghorns in both game one on Nov. 29 and game two on Nov. 30. The Bisons went all out in game one and won 79-63. There was a slight change in the score for the second game as it ended 77-62 for the Bisons. It was complete domination by the Bisons over the opponent, making them a force to reckon with in the competition.
The Bisons earned bragging rights over city rivals Winnipeg Wesmen after beating them 85-76 on Dec. 5. Beyond the bragging rights, the victory marked a significant turning point for the Bisons as they remain on course to make an impact by the end of the season.
The Bisons, with wins and losses of 7-1, share the top spot of the Canada West Prairie league standings with the University of Calgary Dinos and the Winnipeg Wesmen with a winning percentage of 0.875 each.
The Bisons will play the Brandon Bobcats on Friday, Jan. 10 at 8 p.m. CST and Saturday, Jan. 11 at 7 p.m. CST.
photos / Nischal Karki / staff
The Bisons men’s basketball team faced their only defeat of the season so far against the Regina Cougars on Nov. 22.
