23 November 2016

MANITOBAN the

THE OFFICIAL UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA STUDENTS’ NEWSPAPER

news

Strike over UMFA ratifies collective agreement Page 3

Editorial

Don’t count her out Kellie Leitch’s statements are dangerous Page 8

Science

Host to the stars Winnipeg hosts Canadian Space Summit 2016 Page 14

Vo l 1 0 3 · N o 1 4 · N ov e m b e r 2 3 , 2 0 1 6 · w w w.t h e m a n i to b a n .co m

Index

2

VOL. 103 NO. 14 November 23, 2016

Editor-in-Chief Craig Adolphe

editor@themanitoban.com / 474.8293

Business manager Kiefer Sheldon

accounts@themanitoban.com / 474.6535

Advertising Coordinator Daniel Parys

ads@themanitoban.com / 474.6535

Editorial

Managing Editor Lauren Siddall

me@themanitoban.com

News Editor Garett Williams

news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

News Editor Levi Garber

levi@themanitoban.com/ 474.6770

Comment Editor Shawn Garbutt

comment@themanitoban.com

science & technology Editor Malak Abas

science@themanitoban.com

arts & Culture Editor Tobi Nifesi

arts@themanitoban.com

Sports Editor Ryan Stelter

sports@themanitoban.com

Copy Editor Sarah Doran

copy@themanitoban.com

Design

Design Editor Bram Keast

news

design@themanitoban.com

Getting behind UMFA

graphics@themanitoban.com

Graphics Editor Kelly Campbell Photo Editor Miguel Yetman

photo@themanitoban.com

Design associate Kellie Huynh

Student support displayed at Friday’s rally

graphics associate Aldo Rios pHOTO associate Chantal Zdan pHOTO associate Star Roxas

page 4

pHOTO associate Megan Colwell

Reporters Science

Cut-and-paste genetics

Cancer treatment first of its kind page 15 arts

sports

Where the Good Way Lies

Besting ‘Berta

Juno Award winner releases 20th album

Bison men’s volleyball records a sweep against Golden Bears

page 18

page 22

News Osho Samuel Adetunji News Hannah Froese News Diana Ubokudom Columnist Jeremiah Kopp Columnist Shaden Abusaleh arts & culture Olivia Michalczuk arts & culture Emelia Fournier Sports Kellen Taniguchi Sports Jason Pchajek Copy Joseph Gonzalez

Volunteer Contributors

MANITOBAN 109 HELEN GLASS U N I V E R S I T Y O F M A N I TO B A WINNIPEG, MB R3T 2N2

General Inquiries & Advertising Phone: (204) 474.6535 Fax: (204) 474.7651 Email: manitoban@themanitoban.com Free Media Campus Plus Media Services Phone: 1.780.421.1000 Email: advertise@free-media.ca

Check the Manitoban’s website and Facebook page for: • •

•

concluding coverage of the UMFA strike There’s More Than One Way exhibition in the U of M’s School of Art Gallery Canadian Space Summit 2016 in Winnipeg

Design Design Editor: Bram Keast Contact: design@themanitoban.com Graphics Editor: Kelly Campbell Contact: graphics@themanitoban.com Photo Editor: Miguel Yetman Contact: photo@themanitoban.com

Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement #589160 A “volunteer staff” member is defined as a person who has had three volunteer articles, photographs, or pieces of art of reasonable length and/or substance published in three different issues of the current publishing year of the Manitoban. Any individual who qualifies must be voted in by a majority vote at a Manitoban staff meeting. Elected representatives and non-students may be excluded from holding votes as volunteer staff members in accordance with the Manitoban Constitution.

The Manitoban is the official student newspaper of the University of Manitoba. It is published monthly during the summer and each week of regular classes during the academic year by the Manitoban Newspaper Publications Corporation.

The Manitoban is an independent and democratic student organization, open to participation from all students. It exists to serve its readers as students and citizens.

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

Students and other interested parties are invited to contribute to any section of the newspaper. Please contact the appropriate editor for submission guidelines. The Manitoban reserves the right to edit all submissions and will not publish any material deemed by its editorial board to be discriminatory, racist, sexist, homophobic or transphobic, ableist or libellous. Opinions expressed in letters and articles are solely those of the authors. Editorials in the Manitoban are signed and represent the opinions of the writer(s), not necessarily those of the Manitoban staff, Editorial Board, or the publisher.

All contents are ©2016 and may not be reprinted without the express written permission of the Editor-in-Chief.

Yearly subscriptions to the Manitoban are available for $40.

3

News

News Editors: Garett Williams & Levi Garber Contact: news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

UMFA ratifies new collective agreement, classes back underway

Faculty union, U of M reach one-year agreement after three-week strike Garett Williams, staff

photo by chantal zdan

T

he University of Manitoba get an agreement.” common for public sector employers Faculty Association (UMFA) The contract does not include a to have restrictions in place from the ratified a one-year settlement agree- salary increase after the provincial province. ment Monday evening, calling an government directed the university Barnard said he has not spoken end to a strike that stretched on for in October to extend the existing with the province about the next three weeks. agreement an additional year with- round of bargaining, which will Shortly after 10 p.m., the union out a raise. begin in the next few months.

– which represents 1,200 profesHudson said the 11th hour inter“It wouldn’t be unusual to have sors, researchers, and librarians – vention, which was raised to the some broad expectations from the announced that a proposal including union in the first session of mediation provincial government,” he said, “but workload protections, and enhance- discussions and only days before the we haven’t had any specific converments to collegial governance and strike was called, took some wind out sations going forward. We’ve just new guidelines for assessment prac- of the union’s sails at a crucial stage been working pretty hard on the tices received overwhelming support in negotiations. conversations that have just come to from membership. a conclusion.”

With the agreement in place, all classes affected by the 21-day strike “I think in other The agreement resumed Tuesday, Nov. 22.

The included workload proteccircumstances, we’d The new agreement will be in tions – an issue critical to the union place until the end of March. throughout negotiations – are drawn rather not have UMFA president Mark Hudson from a governance model in place at the same kind of said the wins secured by the union the University of Saskatchewan that will positively impact both students gives faculty more of a say in developdisruption in order and faculty alike and would not have ing their own schedule. been achieved without the labour Promotion and tenure framework to find ways to get action. within the agreement substitutes an agreement” – “There are some very significant the complete authority of deans for gains in there, I think – gains that a more collaborative process.

David Barnard, U we never would have gotten without The agreement also places controls of M president the strike and without the strike vote,” on the use of performance metrics in he said. teacher evaluations and promotion “Those really do go to the heart of considerations. the actual student experience,” he “At that point, a pretty significant A six-member committee made said, “and give us, as faculty members, bargaining chip is off the table,” he up of faculty below the level of dean a little bit more control over how it is said.

– three appointed by UMFA, three by that we will do our work and there“It may be that had the province the administration – will be struck fore how it is that we will be able to not intervened at that late stage that to study the risks and benefits of the interact with students.” mediation would have been success- metrics.

David Barnard, University of ful and we could have avoided the If the committee recommends Manitoba president and vice-chanc strike.” their use, “very powerful limitations” ellor, said Tuesday he was relieved a UMFA has filed a complaint with are inserted into the collective agreedeal was struck to bring students back the Manitoba Labour Board in rela- ment, said Hudson. into the classroom. tion, claiming the university was not A joint committee will also be “It was good to find an agreement,” bargaining in good faith after it with- struck to examine gender-based salhe said. “We needed to find one and drew a previously introduced seven ary differentials, whether a gap exists, we found one and we’ll move ahead per cent offer. and how it can be addressed. with it.

While Barnard acknowledged the The settlement also includes “I think in other circumstances, mandate – which came more than a commitment by University of we’d rather not have the same kind six months into negotiations – was Manitoba administration not to lay of disruption in order to find ways to “a sharp turn in the road,” he said it is off any member librarians or instruc-

tors before the start of 2019.

UMFA began picketing Nov. 1, affecting hundreds of classes, after months of negotiations failed to reach a resolution. Members have been without a contract since the last

“Far from being held hostage, as the administration wanted to portray students, students were taking an active role in it” – Mark Hudson, UMFA president agreement expired March 31.

While a revised academic schedule approved by the U of M senate called for the cancellation of the winter reading break if the strike continued into this week, the university issued a release Monday committing to maintaining the February break as regularly scheduled.

“We knew that was an important break,” Barnard said.

“We were reluctant to see a schedule that gave it up. So when we were very close to being able to stick with a plan that would keep it we wanted to do that.”

Student support “critical”

On Nov. 18, roughly 200 students joined UMFA on the picket line before marching into the administrative building as a show of support to faculty.

The rally was organized by members of the University of Manitoba Student Action Network and the

University of Manitoba Students’ Union, which adopted a position supporting faculty’s educational and child care demands at its last regular meeting on Nov. 10.

Barnard said that while administration takes the views of the current student body into account, the university is also looking further into the future when negotiating faculty agreements.

“We need to think about the situation we’re going to leave behind for students who come after the current students, as well, and the ability of the institution to function,” he said.

“When we hear what people’s views are, we certainly take them into account but we balance those against the implications as we move forward into the next year, and the year after, and the decade after.”

Hudson said the student support for faculty not only buoyed the spirits on the picket lines but played a critical role in pressuring the university toward an agreement.

“Far from being held hostage, as the administration wanted to portray students, students were taking an active role in it,” he said.

“Students were actually engaging with the issues. They were looking for themselves to see what the issues were [...] and then becoming real actors in the strike. Not bystanders. Not hostages. But actually taking matters into their own hands, making their voices heard. That had an incredible, critical impact on the strike and our ability to get a good agreement.”

4

News

News Editors: Garett Williams & Levi Garber Contact: news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

Friday student rally on campus precedes UMFA, admin agreement U of M students join UMFA on picketing lines Diana Ubokudom, staff

photo by levi garber

R

oughly 200 students joined the picket line and marched into the U of M administrative building as a show of support for the striking University of Manitoba Faculty Association (UMFA) Friday.

The action – organized by the University of Manitoba Students’ Union (UMSU) in partnership with the University of Manitoba Student Action Network (UMSAN) – came only days before the university and faculty reached a tentative agreement late Sunday evening.

Students joined the picket at Chancellor Matheson Avenue and Pembina Highway and representatives from UMFA, UMSU council, UMSAN, the Canadian Federation of Students-Manitoba, and students at-large addressed the crowd before a large group of students and faculty marched toward the administration building.

Once there, a group of nearly 200 students entered the building and recited anti-administration chants for nearly 15 minutes before leaving.

After calling on individual faculties’ student associations to develop their own positions in the first week of the strike, UMSU passed a motion Nov. 10 affirming its support for

UMFA’s demands concerning workload assignments, childcare, protections against the use of performance indicators, and job security for librarians and instructors.

The motion called on the union to organize the day of action to join UMFA on the picket lines as a show of support.

“Our university has been treating students as consumers.

Education is not being prioritized at the moment” – Saif Baloch, international students rep, CFS-MB All four UMSU executives were attending the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS) annual general meeting in Ottawa and did not participate in the rally.

Elizabeth McMechan, a women’s and gender studies student and mem-

ber of UMSAN, said UMSU’s decision to support faculty was laudable and a step in the right direction.

“I'm very proud of UMSU,” she said. “I think that this whole rally that they collaborated with us to organize is amazing and we're really excited that UMSU is willing to work with us.”

McMechan said UMSAN backed UMFA because their demands benefit all students.

“We’re supporting UMFA because they're supporting us,” she said. “If our profs are completely overworked and can’t give as much time to our education, it affects the quality of our education.”

Saif Baloch, international students’ commissioner for the Canadian Federation of Students-Manitoba, said the university has failed to set quality education as its top priority.

“Our university has been treating students as consumers,” he said.

“Education is not being prioritized at the moment. The university is rather focused on capital expansion instead of paying attention to education.”

McMechan said that even though the strike meant being out of classes temporarily, UMFA deserved all the

support they can get.

“When your professor gets back to you on your email at 1:30 in the morning, or you don't get your test back for a couple of weeks, these are all signs of overworked professors – a sign that our university is being corporatized,” McMechan said.

feedback I get on my assignments, I've noticed there's less comments because the profs have so much to do.”

Dube added that, contrary to the belief some students had that striking faculty members were acting based only in self-interest, she sees the opposite as true.

“There is this misconception that profs are not working towards getting us back into class,” she said Friday. “I “I have felt the don’t think that's true at all. I don't effects of it. I'm think anyone wants to be out here picketing in this weather.” definitely stressed Baloch said strikes are an effecas a student” – tive measure for ensuring fairness for workers and the strike has considerCerah Dube, U of M ations beyond the U of M. “It’s okay to be selfish when it criminology student comes to your education,” he said.

“But the way I see it is that strikes and “I don't want to be in a class- unions are very crucial for a socially room where my professors are being just society.” exploited and I don't want to be in a classroom of 200 people where I have to sit on the floor.”

Cerah Dube, a criminology honours student, said the quality of education offered at the U of M was on the line with the strike.

“The class sizes have been increased so much it makes it difficult for me to access my profs,” she said. “The

VOL. 103 NO. 14 November 23, 2016

News

5

Transportation proposals unveiled by U of M office of sustainability Bike lockers coming to campus to curb theft Osho Samuel Adetunji, staff

photo by miguel yetman

T

he University of Manitoba’s office of sustainability is preparing to unveil improved transportation strategies based on the results of a 2016 campus commuter survey.

The survey was circulated in January 2016 to poll the commuting habits of students, faculty, and staff.

The office used the results to draft 80 action strategies to enhance sustainable transportation options on both the Fort Garry and Bannatyne campuses.

The survey recorded about 4,300 responses with 39 per cent coming from students, 37 per cent from employees, 16 per cent from faculty and 8 per cent from non-university employees .

Respondents showed that the most common mode of year-round transportation for both campuses is to drive alone, while the least preferred is to park-and-ride.

Respondents were also asked how they preferred to commute to campus.

The top three choices for Fort Garry campus were carpooling, driving alone, and cycling. On the Bannatyne Campus, commuters’ most common

mode of transportation was driving alone, followed by carpooling and cycling.

“The most important things any rider can do to ensure their bike is locked safely are to use a high quality lock and lock to something that is secure” – Anna Weier, sustainability engagement coordinator, U of M office of sustainability According to sustainability engagement coordinator Anna Weier, the feedback was instrumental in

developing strategies for the future. 200 spaces over the last few years.

“We now have a much better sense According to the monthly staof how our community travels to our tistics released by U of M security campuses and the types of transpor- services, there have been 51 reports tation programs, policies, and infra- of stolen bikes this year. structure changes that may influence travel choices,” she said.

Weier said proposed actions “We now have include improvements to the carpoola much better ing program; making it easier for staff, faculty, and students to find partners; sense of how our the development of a pedestrian and community travels cycling plan for the U of M’s campuses; and improving the efficiency to our campuses” and affordability of transit options.

Installation of bike lockers

– Anna Weier

According to the survey results, under ideal conditions, 35 per cent Reports of bike thefts peaked in of the respondents from Fort Garry the summer, with 10 reported stolen campus would prefer to make use of in June and 13 in July. Another five bikes, while 31 per cent of Bannatyne bike thefts were reported in August. respondents would rather cycle in “The most important things any their commute. rider can do to ensure their bike is To facilitate increasing the number locked safely are to use a high qualof cyclists riding to campus, Weier ity lock and lock to something that said the sustainability office is imple- is secure,” Weier said. menting a bike parking and security To further shore-up bike security, strategy, which has included bumping Weier said 24 bike lockers would be the capacity of campus bike racks by installed on the Fort Garry campus

in early 2017. The lockers will be centralized at four main locations: at the extended education complex, the engineering building, Fletcher Argue, and the Elizabeth Dafoe Library.

She also noted that cyclists could register to lock their bike inside the parkade bike station on the Fort Garry campus by contacting physical plant. Bannatyne riders can contact physical plant or Health Sciences Centre parking to gain access to that campus’s bike cage.

Other plans to foster bike usage on campus include the construction of a bike kiosk and cycle plaza in conjunction with University of Manitoba Students’ Union, which will replace the recently shuttered Bike Dungeon.

Weier said plans for pedestrian and cycle routes, including crossing improvements, are ongoing and expected to begin construction to begin in the spring.

6

News

News Editors: Garett Williams & Levi Garber Contact: news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

Tanjit Nagra loses bid for CFS national chair Tensions between CFS and locals dominate annual general meeting, says UMSU president Levi Garber, staff

U

niversity of Manitoba Students’ that the body should be to unite stuUnion (UMSU) president Tanjit dents across Canada and not divide Nagra has lost her bid to become them.”

On Nov. 17, before traveling to the national chair of the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS) this Ottawa for the meeting, the four weekend at the federation’s annual UMSU executives issued a joint general meeting in Ottawa. press release claiming that they were The election took place Monday willing to work with CFS despite an evening during the closing plenary unpleasant relationship since taking session of the meeting. Nagra ran office in May. against Coty Zachariah , the current chair of the CFS National Aboriginal “During our speeches, Caucus.

Nagra lost the election by a vote of it was pretty clear 35-24, with each student union local casting a single ballot. that we had similar The current CFS chair, Bilan goals in mind for Arte, was UMSU president during the 2012-13 academic year. the federation” Following the session, Nagra said – Tanjit Nagra, she fully supports Zachariah in his win.

UMSU president “During our speeches, it was pretty clear that we had similar goals in mind for the federation and that we “We started our term with the goal were both able to address divisiveness of improving the relationship and amongst the locals within the federa- rapport between our two organization and vow to fix those issues,” she tions for the betterment of the student said. “I think that he’ll be great.” movement,” states the release.

Despite her support for the new “During the summer, we continchair, Nagra said the strained rela- ued attempts at developing a working tionship between UMSU and CFS relationship with [CFS-Manitoba] going into the meeting this weekend with little to no avail,” it stated. was not mitigated .

“Unfortunately, our good intentions “I still think it’s quite tense. It’s were not reciprocated and yet again clear that there’s a divide not only we find ourselves at odds with the with us, we’re not the only ones,” CFS entities.”

Nagra said. “Folks that are from locals that don’t necessarily agree Past rows Disputes between UMSU and with all of the values that CFS upholds are kind of on the outskirts, CFS are nothing new. which is unfortunate because I think In 2013, UMSU held a review of

the union’s membership in CFS following a dispute regarding day-timers.

Members of the then-UMSU executive ripped pages of CFS promotional material out of 20,000 student day-timers after learning they were unable to cancel a contract signed by the previous executive for the purchase of the promotional materials.

The relationship continued to sour and for the next three years UMSU refused to pay its fees to the advocacy group.

In March, UMSU council voted to condemn CFS-MB for expressing what it called political favouritism toward the provincial NDP during the spring provincial election after the lobbying group made statements praising the party’s education-related campaign promises.

In June, UMSU council finally agreed to pay CFS nearly $1 million in outstanding fees.

At the last CFS general meeting in July, UMSU vice-president external Wilfred Sam-King and Brandon University Students’ Union president Nick Brown got into a verbal altercation over UMSU’s previously-unpaid membership fees to CFS, according to UMSU’s Nov. 17 release.

“Despite anti-harassment officers being present at the conference to ensure a ‘safe space’ and staff members of CFS Inc. and CFS-Services Inc., along with CFS-MB chair Michael Barkman all witnessing the altercation as passive bystanders, it was not until the altercation had ended that someone approached our

vice-president external to check on his well-being,” it stated.

On Nov. 2, Sam-King was allegedly prevented from addressing students at CFS’s National Day of Action at the Manitoba legislature, where students from all of the province’s major universities rallied, demanding free post-secondary education.

“They have a huge transparency issue” – Tanjit Nagra Motions brought to the meeting

UMSU introduced three motions at the general meeting’s closing plenary that they hoped would “advance the student movement in Manitoba.”

The first motion would amend the schedule of future general meetings to give more time for “proper debate” on proposals.

Another motion would require CFS to publicly release its approved budget within a week of the closing of any future general meetings and that CFS and CFS-Services – a separately incorporated entity that provides services to members of CFS – produce separate, independent budgets.

According to Nagra, CFS’s financial accountability is “questionable” and these reforms are vital to the trust students place in the federation.

“They have a huge transparency

issue. It’s super hard to look at the finances of the auditor reports – why aren’t they available online? Why is it that CFS and CFS-Services are two separate entities, but they combine the budgets?” she said.

“In the June meeting, as well at this meeting, [CFS] reported on finding bank accounts that they didn’t know existed,” Nagra told the Manitoban.

“I think things like that are super corrupt and I think that there needs to be serious overhaul and an audit on what exactly is happening.”

The third motion UMSU presented at the general meeting would obligate CFS to support UMSU’s motion passed at its Oct. 12 meeting calling for the Manitoba provincial government and U of M board of governors to lock any future hikes in international student fees to the same rate as domestic students.

Following a heated debate, in which Nagra claims she was verbally harassed regarding prior UMSU fee increases, UMSU executives decided to table the motion on international student fees until CFS’s next general meeting in June. Nagra said significant pushback to the motion influenced their decision.

The other two motions UMSU introduced were also tabled by CFS until June.

Editorial Editor-In-Chief: Craig Adolphe Contact: Editor@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

8

Kellie Leitch could usher in a Trumpesque political movement in Canada Rhetoric behind anti-Canadian values and barbaric cultural practices is a threat to our politics Malak Abas, staff

graphic by kelly campbell

K

ellie Leitch is a name that seemed to be nowhere and then everywhere in Canadian politics all at once. Leitch, one of Canada’s current Conservative leadership candidates, has had a lot to say in the last month or so.

If you don’t know already, here are some basic facts about the woman in question.

Leitch declared her candidacy for the Conservative leadership in April of this year. She’s a pediatric surgeon who was born in Winnipeg.

Leitch has called the late Margaret Thatcher a political role model. She’s also called Donald Trump’s presidential victory an “exciting message that needs to be delivered in Canada,” and based on her statements and political positioning, she plans to be the one to deliver it.

It’s easy to compare her recent prominence to Donald Trump’s rise to the presidency. Both have done a lot of talking about how they represent the everyman and claim to have “called out” the wealthy elites. While Leitch praised Trump for “throwing out the elites,” just this past Monday,

she hosted a $500-a-plate fundraiser in Toronto, organized by Stanley Hartt, who was once the chief of staff to former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney.

What would Leitch consider to be an elite, if not Hartt? Who are the elites, if they are not people paying $500 for a seat at Leitch’s table?

Who are the elites, if they are not people paying $500 for a seat at Leitch’s table?

Also, for the record, Trump’s anti-elite persona is (at least) equally exaggerated. Political allies have confirmed that the silver spoon inheriting, billionaire real estate developer is considering former Goldman Sachs partner Steven Mnuchin for treasury secretary.

Even with her faux anti-elitism considered, Leitch’s most controversial statements have centered around

immigration. In an email survey sent out to her supporters, her team asked recipients if they would support additional screening of potential immigrants and refugees that would seek out “anti-Canadian” values. Even among prominent Conservatives, the move has been referred to as dog-whistle politics. Beyond the obvious Trump comparison, Leitch’s campaign’s anti-Canadian question also speak to her desperate need for attention.

In late 2015, Leitch championed the Conservative’s election campaign promise around what was called a “barbaric cultural practices” tip line.

Leitch, through the Harper government, was promoting unease and flatout Islamophobia.

That rhetoric has real-world consequences. We need only look to the United States or Britain where following the success of two political campaigns fueled by xenophobia (Donad Trump’s presidential bid and Brexit) reported incidents of hate crimes rose dramatically. Earlier this year, and right after announcing her bid for the Tory leadership, Leitch

was on TV adamantly expressing her What comes next for Leitch is as regret over announcing the tip line. much up to us as it is up to her. There Her regret, however, means nothing; will always be fearful, paranoid, and the damage has already been done. flat-out racist Canadians for Leitch Even after her much published to feed phrases like “anti-Canadian” show of regret, Leitch is still stok- and “barbaric cultural practices” to. ing anti-immigrant sentiments with For every news story about Canadian her questions about anti-Canadian citizens welcoming and supporting values. While what, exactly, Leitch Syrian refugees, there is one where and her team believe to constitute those same Syrian refugees are subanti-Canadian values is still unclear, ject to threats and harassment by Canadian citizens. one has to wonder.

As the child of a Middle Eastern Muslim immigrant, I find myself Right after wondering if my mother, with her thick accent and the fabric-coated announcing her Qur’an she keeps on her always, would pass Leitch’s test. Would my bid for the Tory aunts? Would my elders? Would leadership, Leitch my friends? What is a Canadian value? Islamophobic hate crimes was on TV adamantly have doubled in Canada between expressing her regret 2012 and 2014. Does that not qualify as barbaric? While I would never over announcing use my family or my peers to define the tip line all Muslim immigrants – I’ll leave that kind of broad-brush painting to the people who tried to create an If Leitch’s track record remains anonymous tip line for reporting on “barbaric cultural practices” – the fact the same, one can only assume she that the definition of anti-Canadian will continue to spout overtly convalues was not explained in the email troversial statements, get the news suggests that it could essentially machine rolling, and eventually mean anything. slightly backtrack.

Leitch, in what I can only assume Even now, Leitch has gotten is a scramble for damage control, has more media attention than the other been tweeting graphics claiming Conservative candidates combined. that positive values like equality are When we give phrases like “barbaric “Canadian values” and that intoler- cultural practices” the media’s attenance is an “anti-Canadian value.” tion, it insinuates regressive values That’s all well and good, but Leitch’s and a certain culture are inherently actions don’t correspond with these entwined and makes nascent racism claims. Her strongest campaign a valid stance for a politician to take. points – shaking up Canada’s elite, By giving attention to these fallacious and altering our country’s approach to claims, we give those statements immigration – are based on headline- power. We should learn from what hunting half-truths. Is hypocrisy a just happened in the United States.

Canadian value?

For Canadians to shrug off her stateLeitch, despite claiming to not ments as just politics is foolish – it’s support Trump, has values in com- dangerous. To allow Canadian polmon with the American president- itics to devolve into the same realityelect, and her staying power is television dystopia that the United Trumpian in method. Her modus States’ election became would be the operandi is what Trump’s was: seiz- worst mistake we could make. ing media attention by any means We can only wait and see what possible. “anti-Canadian values” Kellie Leitch Perhaps in a more idyllic, alter- will condone next. If she continues to nate universe, presidential candidates utilize the news media and creates the would be cut from major news cover- same divides Trump did, we could be age and their shot at the presidency looking at a frightening Conservative after facing rape allegations or, say, leadership come May 2017. openly mocking a disabled reporter.

However, the opposite happened. For nearly two years, Donald Trump was everywhere. News sources eagerly reported every one of his fumbles under the guise of journalistic integrity while the ratings (and ad revenues) rose, thus turning one of the most important campaigns in American history into a reality television format that Trump flourished under. While it wouldn’t be fair to place the blame for Trump’s newfound power entirely on the media, it was undeniably a factor.

9

Comment Comment Editor: Shawn Garbutt Contact: comment@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

After the storm: what happens now that bargaining is over?

Faculty and administration must learn how to work together in the long-term Jeremiah Kopp, staff

photo by megan colwell

T

he recently resolved strike at sides. While there are many passionthe University of Manitoba has ate students who took different posirevealed a deep divide in the univer- tions in this debate, the majority of sity community. The confrontation students just wished that administrahad reached a fever pitch with friends tion and UMFA would quickly reach and colleagues pitted against each an agreement. Most understand that other in the political pressure cooker both parties are essential to university of a collective bargaining process. governance and are doing what they From my perspective as a student, think is best for students.

I have never witnessed that level of frustration from my peers. This is The fundamental understandable – students had their academic schedules upended with issue throughout little insight into when bargaining this collective was to be resolved. Typical of high intensity political situations, rhetoric bargaining process is and emotion often dominated the just how differently debate on both sides.

Despite what many people say, administration both parties genuinely believed that and some faculty their decisions and actions would lead to a better learning outcome see our university for students. Behind the talking points, UMFA and administration and its future are dueling over competing visions for the direction of the university. As these divergent paths are fought over, In last week ’s issue of the students are often pressured to pick Manitoban, political studies profes-

sor Radhika Desai penned a magnum opus of what many UMFA members feel that they are fighting for.

It was the first time that this vision has been articulately expressed to the university community and is an appreciated contrast from the typical soundbites that were distributed on the picket lines. This ideology may be harder to communicate, but it is what should be expected of our academic thought-leaders in this public discourse. Faculty and staff had real concerns, such as rapidly increasing workloads and class sizes, but often these core issues are diluted with red herrings like attacks on administrative pay or the university’s marketing budget, which is relatively small when compared to other U15 schools. These are not issues that are even remotely central to the future of our academic institution and their use in the debate had distorted UMFA’s real cause. Yet this kind of messaging is consistently used because it is easy to understand and invokes an emotional response.

Similarly, we need the administra-

tion to more clearly express why they administration. feel that the university’s strategic plan The fundamental issue throughout will make our degrees more com- this collective bargaining process is petitive and result in a better learning just how differently administration environment. Administrative deci- and some faculty see our university sions are guided by our position in and its future. While competing narthe market, government funding, and ratives and viewpoints should always relatively low tuition rates. There are be welcomed, especially in academic many good reasons for why decisions environments, paths that are too are made but it is not always com- divergent will become an impediment municated in a way that students can to progress. If both parties cannot relate to. It must be acknowledged reconcile their different visions and that there is a disconnect between begin moving in the same direction, students and actions taken at senior the school will become paralyzed levels of administration. While this beyond collective bargaining. may just be a natural separation that Now that this negotiation has will always occur, ideally, students ended, how will both sides pick up would have an understanding of what the pieces? No matter the outcome, the university’s priorities are. Fairly the true test of leadership will be in straightforward bargaining issues are how this relationship between the not resonating amongst the student faculty and administration is repaired. body and that should be cause for The status quo has simply been concern. The fact that a plurality of unacceptable. If administration and students do not see the relevance of faculty cannot learn to work together department heads or deans having over the long run, ultimately, it will the ability to direct programming, be the students that suffer. for example, points to a more systemic gap between students and the

10 Comment

Comment Editor: Shawn Garbutt Contact: comment@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Students are minds, bodies, and souls, not customers The U of M strike is not about money Jeffrey Burwell

A

Photo by Jeffrey Burwell

s a Jesuit priest in the Roman ing the students at universities across Catholic Church as well as pro- our nation. The push to make postfessor of Catholic studies and educa- secondary education an abstract and tion at the University of Manitoba, impersonal endeavour will ultimately my decision to participate in the hurt many individuals. Yet, in my UMFA strike is ostensibly not about mind, the greatest to suffer will be money. I took my vow of religious the students themselves. poverty more than two decades ago I am not walking the picket line and am content with the salary that because I have a need for more money.

I receive.

Rather, I am walking because stuThe issue for me is that education dents have a right to professors who on many university campuses has can engage them as individuals and turned into an impersonal, abstract not merely as another coin in the process. With the rise of neoliberal- coffer. ism within the realm of academia, it is increasingly essential to struggle against the tendency for administra- The professors tors to objectify our students. They are more than just nameless, tuition- are risking much paying entities. Every student in my because they in fact class is a human person with a deeply care deeply for their unique history and identity.

Nevertheless, with increased students and will class sizes and decreased resources, professors are losing control of this fight for the very relational aspect of the process. In the soul of our postJesuit tradition – which remains the pedagogical foundation upon which secondary education St. Paul’s College has been built – our professors adopt a humanistic approach that recognizes students I urge every member of the are minds, bodies, and souls. If we are University of Manitoba to consider not able to deal with them in all their seriously how UMFA has not gone to complex and dynamic individualism, strike for its own motives. Rather, the then education is merely a commod- union pickets because it cares deeply ity and professors are simply cogs in for the students and has committed the system. to fight for the very soul of our instiThe Roman Catholic Church has tution. Even if you cannot spare an long supported the right for work- hour on the lines in solidarity, then ers to strike. On May 15, 1891, Pope – at least – become aware of the core Leo XIII released a major encyclical issues. This is far more than an ustitled Rerum Novarum. In this, he versus-them dispute. We are in this outlined the rights and responsi- together, and nobody walks the line bilities of workers. He emphatically alone. claimed that all who labour have a right to form into guilds and unions, Editor's note: This article ran online especially when an injustice has taken at www.themanitoban.com before the place in the workforce. end of the UMFA strike.

As an educator in Canada, I see that a great injustice exists. There is a continued move toward dehumaniz-

VOL. 103 NO. 14 November 23, 2016

Comment 11

Winnipeg should follow Sweden in their dramatic overhaul of road safety regulations Shaden Abusaleh, staff

O

n Nov. 14, Winnipeg com- in road safety rules and regulation, muters witnessed two pedes- improving road infrastructure, and trian-road crashes. One was at the designing roadways that lessen the intersection of Kenaston Boulevard risk for motor-vehicle crashes. The and McGillivray Boulevard, which project even includes implementing resulted in a fatality, and the other changes to the culture of traffic-safety was at the intersection of Morley – such as highlighting the importance Avenue and Osborne Street. Days for drivers to be more attentive and later, another pedestrian was hit by cautious of speeding. In Sweden, a car at the corner of Osborne Street Vision Zero has been a massive sucand Wardlaw Avenue. These recent cess. It is high time Winnipeg follows pedestrian-road crashes only high- that lead. light the necessity for our city to catch up on improved and safer roadways.

The awful This is especially important when you consider the fact that almost 50 occurrences of per cent of pedestrian fatalities in Manitoba happen when the pedes- road-related injuries 100,000 Swedes. In comparison, a this department to improve road trian is crossing an intersection.

2014 report by Transport Canada safety have resulted in a significant and fatalities on It is no doubt that road safety is reveals that, per 100,000 Canadians, decrease in traffic related injuries and there are 5.2 traffic-related fatalities. deaths since 2006 – a drop of almost a public safety issue, and as our city Winnipeg roads continues to grow, the urgency for an In January of this year, Canada 53.5 per cent. Ten years later, as part can and should improved road safety strategy is only adopted Vision Zero as a federal strat- of its Vision Zero goal to continue becoming more and more apparent. egy, but it has yet to be implemented reducing traffic injuries and fatalibe reduced Many have advocated for the city to in our cities. Edmonton became the ties, Edmonton has spent nearly $5.7 adopt Vision Zero, including city first Canadian city to adopt Vision million to upgrade 30 intersections councillor Janice Lukes.

Sweden is now known for being Zero when its city council approved known for their high collision rates.

Vision Zero is a road traffic safety home to the world’s safest roads of the plan in 2015.

These changes include improving project, first implemented in Sweden because, despite experiencing an Prior to its adoption of Vision pre-existing pedestrian crossings back in 1997, that aims to completely increase in the number of cars driven Zero, Edmonton created an office and building new ones, installing eliminate traffic deaths and serious in Swedish roadways since 1970, the for traffic safety – the first in North turn-on-the-arrow-only left turn injuries. This long-term strategy is country witnesses fewer than three America – and in spite of the popu- signals, upgrading school safety applied through making changes traffic-related fatalities for every lation growth, the changes made by zones, and installing digital driver

photo by star roxas

feedback signs on more and more highways. The $5.7 million spent on these changes has been funded entirely through photo radar tickets.

We are far too physically vulnerable in vehicle collisions to play chance with fate – the likelihood of surviving an injury if struck by a car travelling at 60 km/h is very slim. It falls on us to make policy changes toward increased road safety and provide strategic investment in order to ensure safer and more secure roadways for pedestrians and drivers alike.

The Conservative Party of Canada is ripe for a populist takeover Kellie Leitch stands out in a crowd of conventional conservatives Jesse Blackman

C

anada’s official opposition has A new leader could tap into anti- workforce to replace temporary forbegun the ritual of finding a establishment tendencies that exist eign workers, establishing free trade new leader – one that can lead the in Canada. Our national political with Asia and Europe, renegotiating party to victory in the 2019 federal landscape is not beyond the wave of NAFTA, lowering the corporate tax election. disaffected voters defying pollsters rate, cutting subsidies to big corpoAs we find ourselves on the heels around the world. rations, rejecting carbon taxes, and of the American election and a year At the base of many of these move- abolishing the Indian Act. into a new Liberal federal govern- ments is a push for jobs and economic Some candidates highlighted their ment, this leadership race can seem growth. If the debate in Saskatoon is goal of working with U.S. presidentinsignificant. However, those are two any indication, the Tory platform will elect Trump to maintain trade ties good reasons the Conservative lead- centre on economic issues. What the with the United States. Others see ership race is worth following. leadership candidates agree on is that Trump’s victory as an opportunity to Based on the Saskatoon leadership Trudeau and the Liberals are destroy- diversify Canada’s export portfolio debate the night following the elec- ing the good work of Stephen Harper. and reduce Canada’s reliance on U.S. tion of Donald Trump, there was a Solutions to the Liberals’ reign trade. However, no individual posiclear sense the candidates running for include core economic changes tions set forth by the debaters set any Conservative leadership are lacking a revived from the Harper-era: cap- leadership candidate apart. sense of new direction, rather choos- ping spending, cutting debt, slashing The bottom line for the ing to stick with what the Harper personal and corporate taxes, down- Conservative party is a platform government has left them with. sizing bureaucracy and regulations, that promotes free trade with markets Despite this, the Conservatives need and opening internal borders for around the world as well as reduced be taken very seriously. Populist poli- professionals to relocate to different barriers for the interprovincial movetics are back in vogue; whether think- provinces. ment of goods, services, and skilled ing of the Ford legacy in Toronto, the More divisive suggestions and experienced workers. This unifar-right in Europe, Brexit, or Trump, branched out from a question about fied Conservative vision amounts to appeals to voter frustration and alien- the Liberals’ record on job creation. eliminating borders whenever posation have been all-too-present in Candidates proposed policy changes sible for trade. politics today. such as getting young people into the Nauseatingly uncreative clichés

are carelessly flung around to describe the economy, making each candidate sound like the next: “the government needs to get out of business,” “the government needs to be run like a household,” which all translate to the misguided idea that Canada’s future generations need to be saved from the spend-happy Liberals.

What the leadership candidates agree on is that Trudeau and the Liberals are destroying the good work of Stephen Harper Too bad government is neither a household nor a business; otherwise these famed Conservative analogies might actually be useful.

Most candidates come from simi-

lar backgrounds, often the private sector. Many candidates worked closely with Harper, something they don’t want any voter to forget. They’re essentially one and the same, all lacking inspiration.

Kellie Leitch is the exception. She has been outspoken with her support for xenophobic screening policies reminiscent of Trump to protect her version of “Canadian values.” Quite frankly, the other Conservatives do nothing but regurgitate the plan they credit with bringing Canada out of the recession and dish it with different sprigs of social conservatism for garnish.

Unless they can find a way to harness a new, coherent vision for the country that sets them apart, their chances of victory in the next federal election are conservative at best.

Science & technology 14 Science & Technology Editor: Malak Abas Contact: science@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Space conference hosted in Winnipeg The Canadian Space Summit shows how Winnipeg is at the “centre of it all” Chantelle Dubois

photo by chantelle dubois

F

or one weekend, Canada’s space industry came together in Winnipeg.

The Winnipeg chapter of the Canadian Space Society (CSS) hosted the 15th annual Canadian Space Summit from Nov. 14-15.

The non-profit two-day event in Winnipeg welcomed over 80 delegates from across Canada, the U.S., and further abroad to the Inn at the Forks. The delegates included students, academics, educators, industry experts, military representatives, and general space enthusiasts. The conference theme, “The Centre of It All,” was chosen to highlight Winnipeg as not only the geographical centre of Canada, but also a central area for research on space activity.

Workshops and tours

riculum to get children to imagine, 2015 Winnipeg Fringe Festival. The and then paint, what they believe a quirky, one-person show uses lighting solar system looks like. and props to tell a story of a person Throughout the weekend, the invited to live on Mars. Integrated Manitoba Museum also provided into the show are a series of interview special programming at the plane- recordings of local Winnipeggers tarium and in the Touch the Universe reacting to the controversial Mars science gallery. Present in the science One initiative. gallery’s fun zone was a replica of the After the public event days, the Sputnik satellite, the first satellite Canadian Space Summit also offered launched into orbit in 1957 by the several tours and workshops. Day one former USSR. of the Summit invited participating delegates to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights for dinner and a The CSS has tour of the museum.

During day two of the Canadian made a particular Space Summit, the “Getting Space attempt to reach into the Classroom” workshop was held with educators from K-12, uniout to the public versity, and outreach representation.

The discussion focused on educational through art, and and outreach initiatives that benefit regularly includes Canadians.

One of the Canadian Space Society’s main goals as an organiza- gallery exhibits or tion is to use outreach and educaSpeakers and presentations artistic workshops tion keep Canadians informed on A “Space Leaders Roundtable” the progress of space development. was also held with several representain its repertoire As a precursor to the conference, the tives from non-profit organizations, CSS partnered with the Manitoba non-governmental organizations, of activities Museum to host a series of public universities, and industry representaevents on Nov. 12 and 13, along with tives. The discussion – lead by Kate several workshops during the actual On Sunday, a tour of the Magellan Howells, global community outreach Canadian Space Summit.

Aerospace facilities was also held. manager from the Planetary Society The CSS has made a particular Magellan Aerospace is currently – focused on how to coordinate an attempt to reach out to the public working on completing and testing effort to communicate clear objecthrough art, and regularly includes its RADARSAT-2 satellite bus, and tives for the Canadian government gallery exhibits or artistic workshops as of last year completed the construc- to take the direction of the Canadian in its repertoire of activities. During tion of its advanced satellite integra- space industry. the weekend events, a series of work- tion facility in a partnership with the Manitoba Aerospace also held its shops were held which included University of Manitoba. young professionals luncheon where beginner and intermediate rocket The public event day activities participants were given presentations construction, and a solar system were brought to a close Sunday even- by Tom Tessier, president of Solara workshop for kids which uses the ing with a showing of Mars One, Remote Data Delivery Inc., Khaled Manitoban grade six teaching cur- which made its debut during the Shariff, CEO of Project Whitecard,

and Steven Freeland. There were a data for at least a year. At the end of multitude of topics discussed, includ- the two-year competition cycle, the ing VR technology’s impact on the teams then proceed through satellite local and global industry, and the testing before being judged by induslegal challenges of commercial space try experts. 12 of the 14 participating initiatives. teams were present for the review lead John Spray, director of the by CSDC manager, Larry Reeves.

Planetary and Space Science Centre at the University of New Brunswick, After the conference gave a keynote presentation on the While the delegation to the science being conducted on Mars by Canadian Space Summit conference the Curiosity Mars rover. was relatively small, the diversity in The presentations were a large experience, disciplines, and interests draw at the Summit, as many visi- facilitated plenty of productive distors had a science background or cussion among participants. were pursuing aerospace as a posSophie Orr, a graduate student sible career. in space studies at the University of “Some of the sessions that I enjoyed North Dakota, traveled to Winnipeg the most were definitely ones in space to attend the conference.

“The wide variety of talks gave us applications,” said André Marchildon, a mechanical engineering student the opportunity to meet experts from from the University of Manitoba fac- fields that we don't normally interact ulty of engineering. “I’m a final year with,” said Orr. mechanical [engineering student] “This played into the idea of space with a focus in aerospace, so hearing as an interdisciplinary field, where it what’s happening right now in the is important to know about all aspects aerospace industry is very interesting.” of it in order to make informed decisions.”

The Canadian Satellite The next Canadian Space Design Challenge Summit conference will be hosted Along with the workshops, in Ottawa on Nov. 21 and 22, 2017, speakers, and technical sessions, the with the theme “Canada’s Next Space Canadian Satellite Design Challenge Generation.”

(CSDC) held its systems requirement review for the upcoming competition, which will span from 2016 to 2018.

The CSDC challenges post-secondary students from across Canada to build and compete with nanosatellites. These satellites, which are roughly the size of a two-litre milk carton, must be designed and built by the student teams, and must have a scientific payload that can collect

VOL. 103 NO. 14 November 23, 2016

Science & Technology 15

CRISPR method of gene editing used on a human cancer patient for the first time This simpler, cheaper method of editing genomes could be the next big cancer treatment Malak Abas, staff

C

RISPR, a relatively new method of editing genomes, has been used for the first time on a human patient in China.

Let’s break down this pretty amazing statement. CRISPR technology is primarily built to fight cancer – the patient in China has metastatic lung cancer – and works by allowing scientists to focus on a specific gene, tweak it, and insert it back into the body of the patient in hopes that it will attack the cancer cells. This is done through the use of an enzyme (which can cut strands on DNA) and a piece of RNA that is used to guide CRISPR to specific parts of the gene and then bind to it. With these two molecules working together, scientists can alter cells.

While CRISPR has been tested on monkeys and human embryos, this marks the first time a human has been given this treatment.

This particular patient was treated by a team of researchers led by oncologist Lu You at Sichuan University.

The team extracted cells from the immune system of the patient, removed a gene using CRISPR technology, and then cultured the cells to create a large batch. These cells were then injected back into the patient.

The gene removed is one that cancer-

ous cells use to multiply further, and it’s hoped that these edited cells will be able to fight, and even destroy, the cancer. While not much is known of the patient’s condition, Lu noted that the treatment went well, and that the patient will be receiving a second injection in the near future.

The gene removed is one that cancerous cells use to multiply further, and it’s hoped that these edited cells will be able to fight, and even destroy, the cancer

a different method of gene editing people, who will be monitored for last year had to have her pre-exist- six months. ing immune system destroyed in the While gene editing is a promising process of receiving the edited cells), innovation in the field of medical sciCRISPR works as more of a cut-and- ence, its progress has been hindered While this is not the first time paste tool, and scientists can paste in in the past due to ethical concerns. gene editing has been used to treat ‘steps’ to fight cancer cells. Basically, The most common argument is the cancer, the CRISPR method is so scientists can give the cells they’re fear that gene editing could eventurevolutionary because of its simplic- tweaking instructions to attack spe- ally progress into what is often called ity and its low price tag. While other cific, cancer-causing cells. “designer babies,” a sort of dystopian treatments required more strenuous Now that the first patient has future where embryos are genetitreatments for both the scientists and reacted well to the treatment, the cally altered to maintain a standard the patients (an infant treated with research team now plans to treat 10 of desirable traits.

Graphic by Aldo Rios

While this might be a ‘side effect’ of sorts to progressive gene editing, there have been great strides in the field of cancer treatment. This particular treatment, for example, bypasses many of the ethical concerns surrounding gene editing as it does not create hereditary genetic tweaks.

American trials using CRISPR to treat cancer cells are expected to begin early next year.

Diversions Graphics Editor: Kelly Campbell Contact: graphics@themanitoban.com / 474.6775

16

Free Firewood (if you even want it)

graphic by char wing

17

Arts & Culture Arts & Culture Editor: Tobi Nifesi Contact: arts@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

U of W alumnus releases first digital novel

Local author’s novel explores the fascinating and urban lifestyles of millennials Tobi Nifesi, staff

U

niversity of Winnipeg alumnus Tonight’s plot details a story that is Jonny Symons has spent the indeed true to its time. Set in modern last seven years working to get his day Winnipeg, the novel covers the manuscript published. In 2008, after lives of three 21st century kids who receiving a grant from the Manitoba unwittingly set off on a journey to Arts Council, he pitched his work to self-awareness via aimless exploraseveral publishing houses. His efforts tion. In an interesting way, this is a may have proved futile but that didn’t story that is capable of resonating stop him. with today’s youths.

Today, thanks to Amazon.com’s Pete, Sara, and Tobias are millenself-publishing service, Kindle Direct nials, on the verge of their adulthood, Publishing, Symons is a published who rummage through the moral author in his own right. His first decadence of their time and come to novel, Take Me Out Tonight – which terms with the advances and adveris now available for sale, digitally, on sities of their society – social media, amazon.com – is a testament to the pop culture, and addictions, amongst sort of transformation the publishing others. world has experienced over time.

Nevertheless, like many young A bachelor of arts in creative writ- people today, these characters have ing graduate, Symons’s exploration artistic talents and are aware of the into being an author began with a fact. Their gifts, relationships, and short creative writing assignment lives are constantly being affected by in his first year as an undergradu- the choices they must make as they ate. Over the years, the assignment navigate through adolescence. developed to become the manuscript In his 324-page novel, Symons for his new novel. details the experiences of his charThat being said, Take Me Out acters from their perspective. This

gives the reader a unique understanding of how these youths view themselves and the world around them.

Through plot twists as well as funny and thought-provoking conversations, this novel will keep readers engaged.

Despite being a novel about millennials, Take Me Out Tonight is a beautifully written literary piece that will be appreciated by readers of any generation. More so, Symons’s success with getting it published and released, albeit digitally, is a comforting sign for aspiring writers out there.

The digital copy of Take Me Out Tonight is now available for download at amazon.com/Take-OutTonight-Jonny-Symons-ebook/dp/ B01M0OOZB5

photo provided by jonathon symons

Winnipeg Comedy Showcase returns for its 12th edition Winnipeg Comedy Showcase returns for the 12th edition Emelia Fournier, staff

T

he Winnipeg Comedy Showcase (WCS) is one of Winnipeg’s most popular comedy events. It started two years ago, when Kevin Mozdzen, who works as a media personnel for the Park Theatre alongside being the founder and artistic director of the ODDBLOCK Festival, contacted local comedian Jared Story to discuss how the Park Theatre could contribute to Winnipeg’s comedy scene.

Story began the WCS as a weekend comedy showcase as opposed to the weekday bookings that comedians usually have. He decided to make it a quarterly event that features six of Winnipeg’s most talented comedians, both new comers and veterans, delivering their best material. There is no underlying theme or category that performers have to abide by.

The only restriction is that the same comedian cannot perform on backto-back shows, allowing for a wider

variety of comics. soap opera with local improv group The first WCS took place on Jan. Soap Scum Presents, and made her 24, 2014 and sold out two weeks in stand-up debut at Dana Smith’s advance. Since then, most subsequent Women’s Open Mic last year. She shows have sold out. Story hopes to draws influences from goofy, honest, build on the showcase’s success with silly performers, like Amy Poehler, the upcoming 12th edition, which Bo Burnham, and Kate McKinnon, takes place Dec. 16 at the Park to name a few. Being a comedian who Theatre. is able to talk and joke about diffi“We may have stumbled across this cult scenarios has helped Burdett get format, but we must be doing some- through some tough times. thing right,” said Story.

“If by talking about some tough The upcoming show features stuff for me can help someone else, Ashley Burdett, winner of this year’s that makes me really happy. Like, if Winnipeg’s Funniest Person with a someone sees me and thinks ‘aw, man, Day Job; BUCKO, a sketch comedy yeah! These dating situations and livhusband-and-wife duo made up of ing alone stories make me feel better Lauren Cochrane and Aaron Merke; knowing that someone else is going H.U.N.K.S. duo Tim Gray and Matt through them!’ that makes me feel Nightingale; Chad Anderson; and really good,” said Burdett.

Kyle Bergstresser.

In a similar fashion, BUCKO’s Burdett has over ten years of Lauren Cochrane finds comedy to improv experience. For six seasons, be a great medium to connect with she performed a weekly improvised others. She draws personal influences

from the likes of comedians such as Catherine O’Hara, Maya Rudolph, Molly Shannon, and Lucille Ball.

“[Comedy] appears naturally everywhere if you look for it. It’s one of the best ways to communicate and tell stories” – Lauren Cochrane, member of comedy duo BUCKO “[Comedy] appears naturally everywhere if you look for it. It’s one of the best way to communicate and tell stories. Humour can disarm people so they are more able to listen.

photo provided by jared story

You can slip a lot of life lessons in comedy,” said Cochrane.

The 12th Winnipeg Comedy Showcase will take place on Friday, Dec. 16 at the Park Theatre. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the Park, Music Trader, and Ticketfly, as well as from any of the comedians on the bill. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the show starts at 9 p.m.

18

Arts & Culture

Arts & Culture Editor: Tobi Nifesi Contact: arts@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Steve Bell to celebrate twentieth album Local gospel singer-songwriter explores love, compassion and wisdom on new album Emelia Fournier, staff

ist. In a unique way, he sings his way through the album playing an acoustic guitar and blowing a trumpet.

O

photo provided by steve bell

“Given the days we’re in, I think it would bode well for us all to listen intently to Indigenous voices around the world”

ver the last three decades, Steve Bell, one of Canada’s bestknown Christian singer/songwriters, Where The Good Way Lies features has released music that is appreciated Winnipeg rapper Fresh I.E. and backby Christians and non-Christians up singing by traditional pow-wow alike. His music explores spiritual- singer Ray Co-Co Stevenson. By ity through love, compassion, and collaborating with these Indigenous wisdom. artists, Bell sought to incorporate Released on Nov. 1, Bell’s latest some of their wisdom into his new and twentieth album, Where the Good album. This is particularly evident Way Lies, builds on these virtues and in the title track, which is inspired on Nov. 26, the Juno Award-winning by a quilt made by Métis elder Ruby musician will be celebrating the Payette and highlights the seven album’s release with a performance sacred teachings of Indigenous wisat Grant Memorial Church. The dom – courage, humility, honesty, album showcases Bell’s prowess as a truth, respect, wisdom and love.

“It was the quality of [Payette’s] songwriter, singer, and instrumental-

craft that moved me, but then those seven words themselves dug into me, such that a melody started to form and I knew a song was coming,” Bell said. “It didn’t take long to begin to reflect on how significant the number seven, representing perfection and wholeness, is to Judeo-Christian spirituality, and soon the title track emerged.”

This juxtaposition of Indigenous and Judeo-Christian spirituality not only inspired Bell to craft his new album but to strengthen his faith.

Bell sees our society at a crossroads and believes his faith will carry him through.

“The key to this latest project is in the title. It is lifted from a Hebrew scripture passage that encourages us to ‘stand at the crossroads, ask for the ancient paths, see where the good way lies, and walk in it,’” said Bell. “ Un for t u n ate l y, w e s te r n Christianity has come so unmoored from its roots that we have forgotten that we were given a good creation, from a good God, to steward, not exploit. In other words, we have to return to seeing the earth as a garden and not as a business opportunity.”

Bell believes the cacophony of our iency of those voices should be the chaotic society has overshadowed first indication that they may harbour core values of Christianity. These a vital gift for a time such as this,” values, which include helping oth- said Bell. ers and nurturing our environment, The overarching tone of Where the are essential and it is necessary for Good Way Lies is peaceful and hopeful. us to hold on to them. Bell’s album It is a mix of jazz, acoustic, and rap, highlights this need. woven together with poetic lyrics that uplift and celebrate love and beauty, while incorporating spiritual wisdom “We have to return and courage throughout.

At times, courageous, as on “Bring to seeing the earth It On” and “Where the Good Will Lies,” and at others softer and calmer, as a garden and as on “Freedom Song” and “Let not as a business Beauty Awake,” Bell takes listeners on a journey of hope and wisdom opportunity” – through his Christian faith. Where Steve Bell the Good Way Lies provides relief and philosophical guidance in a seemingly dark world.

“Given the days we’re in, with their social unraveling and alarming Steve Bell’s Where the Good Way degradation of the environment as a Lies is available online and in stores. consequence of our almost religious The official CD release show will feacommitment to consumer capital- ture the Steve Bell trio (featuring Mike ism, I think it would bode well for Janzen on piano and Gilles Fournier on us all to listen intently to Indigenous bass) on Nov. 26 at Grant Memorial voices around the world. And, given Church in Winnipeg. Tickets are availthe relentless onslaught of colonial able online or at Hull's Family Bookstore assimilation, the astonishing resil- (1317 Portage Avenue).

VOL. 103 NO. 14 November 23, 2016

Arts & Culture

19

Sports Sports Editor: Ryan Stelter Contact: sports@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

20

Free agent frenzy Blue Jays will be active this year in the free agent market Joe Gonzales, staff

graphic by caroline norman

I

t’s the end of an era for the Blue Jays. José Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion declined their qualifying offers and elected to go to free agency. It is assumed that they will both sign elsewhere as they are both in demand, especially with Encarnacion at 33 years old coming off another spectacular season in which he led the American League in RBIs with 127. Bautista, at 36 years old, showed signs of aging the past two seasons with injuries and so the demand for his help in the outfield may not be as high, but he still provides some pop in the batting lineup.

That leaves some holes for Jays management to deal with. They patched the open DH spot left behind by Encarnacion and signed Kendrys Morales to a three-year, USD$33 million contract. The switchhitting Morales played for the Kansas City Royals last year and in 154 games slashed .263/.327/.468. He hit 30 home runs and batted in 93 runs. He’ll fit well with a team that is known to rely on the long ball and has a batting lineup dominated by right-hands.

With that, there’s some added flexibility. There is still a hole in the outfield that could potentially be filled by the speedy Dalton Pompey or Darrell Ceciliani, but those options are less than desirable.

Relief pitching has also been somewhat a topic as of late for the Jays. Joe Biagini was a fantastic rule five pick as shown in 2016, Jason Grilli added depth and a veteran presence and so

his option was picked up for 2017, and Roberto Osuna has shown no signs of stopping. Still, the lefty Brett Cecil signed with the St. Louis Cardinals, and besides the aforementioned three, if you saw anyone else come into the game in 2016 it was usually followed with a groan. First base will likely be platooned by Justin Smoak and possibly Chris Colabello. Their poor batting may tempt management to look for some help at that position.

There is still a hole in the outfield that could potentially be filled by the speedy Dalton Pompey or Darrell Ceciliani The Manitoban takes a look at some of the players the Jays should pursue this off-season. There will be a brief look at the defensive side as well using “Total Defensive Runs Saved” (DRS). DRS measures how many runs the player has saved above or below the average for that position.

Dexter Fowler, outfielder

With Josh Reddick signed by the Houston Astros, the pool of outfield free agents suitable for the Jays has thinned. Fowler is one to look at, although it comes with a price, and

not just salary-wise. Fowler rejected a qualifying offer from the Cubs, and so any team that does sign Fowler must surrender a first-round pick.

This might be a bit of a turn-off for the Jays, as their farm system has been depleted through the trades for Josh Donaldson, Troy Tulowitzki, and David Price.

They are surely looking to rebuild that system, but this is a question of balancing costs. With Fowler, you get a premier lead-off man who had an on-base percentage of .393 in 2016 with the Cubs. Overall, he hit .276/.393/.447 for the season with a DRS of one. As well, should Encarnacion and Bautista both sign elsewhere, as a result of the qualifying offer system, the Jays will be compensated with picks at the end of the first round in the 2017 MLB draft. At the age of 30, Fowler would probably look for a similar contract that the 29-year-old Reddick signed: a four-year, $52 million deal.

to be a hard hurler. What works for him is the spin rate he gets on his pitches that deceives batters, much like starting pitcher Marco Estrada.

He also won the World Series with the Red Sox in 2013 and was named MVP in the American League Championship Series of that year. He could provide some depth and experience for a Jays bullpen that has been trying to find answers the past couple seasons.

Smoak (341 plate appearances): .217/.314/.391, 14 home runs, 33 RBIs; strikeout percentage, 32.8; DRS (737.2 innings), -5 Colabello, 2015 (360 plate appearances): .321/.367/.520, 15 home runs, 54 RBIS; strikeout percentage, 26.7; DRS (365 innings), -14 Colabello’s 2015 stats were used since his 2016 season was cut short due to suspension. It’s also important to note that he absolutely turned it up in the second half of the 2015 season and hit .315/.360/.551, which definitely inflated his stats. In 2016 he The Jays seem to completely crashed, and in his lone 32 have a knack for plate appearances he hit .069/.156/.069 and had one RBI to his name. He taking old pitchers had no DRS to measure, as he spent and getting one inning in the outfield and the rest as DH. whatever life they With that in mind, it’s easy to see that Lee would be somewhat of an have left in them upgrade compared to the two possible candidates at first base. Anyone who kept up with the Jays in the second Dae-ho Lee, first base half of the season knows how painful Koji Uehara, relief pitcher Signed away from overseas in it was to watch Smoak chase pitches The Jays seem to have a knack for 2016 by the Seattle Mariners, Lee and strikeout. Though Lee is 34 years taking old pitchers and getting what- appeared in 104 games for the old, the Jays could get him at a barever life they have left in them: first Mariners. Though he was sent down gain to help hold down the fort until LaTroy Hawkins in 2015, followed to the minors late in the season due to something else comes along. Having

by Joaquin Benoit and Jason Grilli poor performance, there is still some him in a hitter-friendly park like the in 2016. So why not try with Uehara? potential here if you compare the Skydome also helps, rather than the The 41-year-old had a decent 2016 numbers with the current first base- outfield abyss that is Safeco Field. It campaign, garnering a 3.45 ERA and men the Jays might roll with in 2017: would be a low-risk, high-reward 12.06 strikeouts per nine innings in 47 Lee (317 plate appearances): situation, especially for a man who innings pitched. Though the velocity .253/.312/.428, 14 home runs, 49 RBIs; might be looking to redeem himself has dipped recently, he still carries a strikeout percentage, 23.3; DRS (622 after a mediocre 2016 season. nasty splitter and has not been known innings), -3

VOL. 103 NO. 14 November 23, 2016

Sports

21

Bison women’s hockey team gets swept by Pandas Jason Pchajek, staff

T

his weekend, the sixth-ranked University of Manitoba women’s hockey team took on the Alberta Pandas in a two-game series at home. They lost 4-3 in a shootout on Friday night, and were shutout 1-0 on Saturday afternoon. The Bisons are now 8-3-1 on the year.

Friday

The game was a tight checking affair, with neither side giving much room to breathe defensively. The Pandas built a three-goal lead, but the Bisons buckled down in the third with three straight goals to force overtime. They eventually lost in a shootout.

Alberta drew first blood seven minutes in, off the stick of Alex Poznikoff. Autumn McDougall got the puck low, and drove into the Bisons’ corner. She flipped a pass to the slot for a streaking Poznikoff,

who fought off a check and deflected home her third of the year.

The Pandas extended their lead to two late in the second. After a power play expired, Amy Boucher entered the Manitoba zone, dropping the puck to Ashley Morin along the boards. She side-stepped a Bison defender and put a shot low blocker on Rachel Dyck. The puck rang off the post and in for Morin’s first of the season.

After Hannah Olenyk put the Pandas up 3-0 off a great individual effort, Alanna Sharman got the Bisons on the board. Sharman took a pass in the high slot, hammering the puck past Lindsey Post to cut the lead to 3-1.

Sharman drew a penalty the next shift, setting the stage for Karissa Kirkup to get the Bisons within one.

After an extended sequence and a battle in front, the puck slid to Kirkup.

She fired a shot through a crowd toward the Pandas net, for her first of the year.

“I don’t think we were sharp in our playmaking. I didn’t think our power play was mentally sharp enough” – Jon Rempel, women’s hockey head coach Midway through the frame, the Bisons tied things up at three. Lauryn Keen fed an open Venla Hovi at the side of the net, and put it short side for her third of the season.

the ice looking for redemption against Alberta on Saturday. Manitoba struggled to get rolling shift after shift, and were stifled in a 1-0 shutout loss.

The Bisons had their legs early.

They moved the puck and got deep in the Pandas end for extended stretches.

Alberta was equal to the task, however, as they defended well and got lots of help from netminder Post.

A flurry of penalties in the latter half of the first saw the man advantage switch hands multiple times, but the Bisons remained strong.

Manitoba had all the pressure, forcing Post to make some difficult stops.

The hard work payed off for Post and the Pandas, as Boucher broke the scoreless tie in the second period.

Boucher scooped up the puck, entered the Bisons’ zone all alone, and after fighting off a check she was able to get a backhander on net through Amanda Schubert. The goal swung the momentum Alberta’s way, putting Manitoba on their heels.

This held up as the final score, as the Pandas swept the series.

Manitoba walks away from the photo by star roxas weekend with a single point, lookTwo extra overtime periods ing towards a better result next week. couldn’t solve this one, as the two A major point of concern this teams decided this in a shootout. The weekend was the play of the Bisons Bisons shooters got nothing from on the power play. They couldn’t finPost, who stopped everyone she faced. ish on Saturday, going zero-for-five Olenyk played hero for Alberta, using with the man advantage. a shimmy move and tuck in goal to “I don’t think we were sharp in steal the extra point from Manitoba. our playmaking. Particularly I didn’t After a week off, the Bisons think our power play was mentally seemed to struggle finding their skat- sharp enough,” Rempel said posting legs for most of the game, but game. “We adjusted well, tried to, but found them in time to battle back couldn’t do what we wanted against from the three-goal hole. their [penalty] kill.”

“We played more like we should’ve played all game,” Bisons head coach The Bisons look to bounce back on the Jon Rempel said postgame. “I think road next week against the University mentally and from a maturity stand- of Saskatchewan Huskies on Nov. 25-26. point it was big to come back from three nothing down with sixteen minutes to play.”

Saturday

Following a tough shootout loss Friday night, the Bisons were back on

Bisons drop two to fifth ranked Golden Bears in men’s hockey Ryan Stelter, Staff

T

his weekend the Bison men’s hockey team was in Edmonton to take on the Alberta Golden Bears in a two-game series. The Bisons lost 6-3 on Friday night, and were bested 5-2 on Saturday. The Bisons are now 5-7 on the year and sit in sixth place in the Canada West conference.

Friday

The Bisons got on the board early

through captain Jordan DePape. They headed into the intermission with a 2-1 lead after Warren Callis scored his third of the season with four minutes remaining in the first.

Alberta tied it up midway through the second, but the Bisons regained their lead when Jonah Wasylak scored his second goal of the season two minutes later. It was all Alberta after that, though, as they added two

more goals in the second to lead 4-3 after 40 minutes.

The Golden Bears added two more insurance goals in the third to take the opening game of the series 6-3.

Byron Spriggs made 30 saves in the loss.

Saturday

Manitoba found themselves in a hole on Saturday, trailing 2-0 at

the halfway mark of the second. The Bisons showed some resilience and managed to score two goals in quick succession. Shaq Merasty cut the lead in half at the 6:33 mark of the second. Justin Augert grabbed his team-leading eighth goal 33 seconds later to make it 2-2.

That was all the scoring the Bisons could do on the night however, as Jayden Hart scored his second short-

handed goal minutes later to give the Bears a 3-2 lead. The Bears added two more to win 5-2 and sweep the herd.

The Bisons are back home to take on the Saskatchewan Huskies in a two game series beginning on Nov. 25 at 7 p.m. at the Wayne Fleming Arena.

22

Sports

Sports Editor: Ryan Stelter Contact: sports@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Men’s volleyball upset Alberta, women falter Ryan Stelter and Kellen Taniguchi, staff

of the contest, and made quick work of the herd. Alberta was able to slam down 40 kills, while the home side was only able to hit 24. A positive note that Manitoba can take from this match was that they were much better and very competitive in the final set.

photo by Chantal Zdan

T

his weekend, the Bison volleyball teams were tasked with playing the University of Alberta. Both the men and women’s volleyball team are ranked number one in the country.

The fifth-ranked men managed to sweep the Bears, while the women battled hard but were unable to come up with a win this weekend.

Men

On Friday, the Bisons jumped out to quick starts in each of the first sets, and even though they lost the opening set, the Bisons stormed back to win 3-1. Devren Dear was back on top of the kill count for the Bisons and hammered home 16 on the night, including some key attacks to maintain the lead for the herd.

The Bisons put on their best against this tough Alberta team but were able to get the win with some great discipline. The Bisons only reg-

istered 13 errors on the night, while the Golden Bears had 25. Adam DeJonckheere was forced to leave in the second set, which set the stage for Scott Vercaigne to step in. He played well in the absence of DeJonckheere and smacked seven kills.

Setter Luke Herr was clutch for the Bisons early on. He made some athletic dives to keep rallies alive for the home side, and it paid off with the win. He had a team-best seven digs on the night.

The Bisons swept Golden Bears in exciting fashion on Saturday with a, 3-2 victory.

The first set, like the whole match, was very back and forth. The home side was able to score four unanswered points early due to a couple of attacking errors by Alberta, and never looked back from there. The Golden Bears flirted with tying the game multiple times, but Manitoba

never gave it up and won the set 25-23. and probably the best program in the Alberta came out much stronger in country for the last 10-15 years.” the second set, as they took an early 11-4 lead over the hosts. Vercaigne Women had back-to-back kills late in the set, On Friday, the Bisons managed but it was too late as the visitors held to win the first set by a close 25-23 onto set number two. margin, but that was the only set they Manitoba got momentum back would win all weekend. The Pandas in the third set as they took an early took a closely contested second set 12-6 lead and ran with it. The herd 25-22 and mopped up in the third by went on to win the set 25-19. After a a score of 25-14. The Pandas sealed hard-fought fourth set, Alberta man- the deal with a 25-21 fourth set victory. aged to send the game to a fifth and The Pandas were too much for final set. the Bisons to handle, as every single In the fifth set Manitoba never one of their attacks were finished off trailed, as Alberta’s serving errors with lethal precision. The Bisons were and Ken Rooney’s game-winning kill, caught scrambling many times and gave the Bisons a 15-8 set victory. The were unable to come away with any Bisons swept the Bears and have now type of momentum. won six straight games.

Saturday was another tough loss “Confidence is going to be very for Manitoba, losing 3-0. They lost huge,” Bisons head coach Garth their fourth consecutive game, with Pischke said after the game. “We their record dropping to 2-6. just defeated a very, very strong team, The visitors controlled the majority

“We just defeated a very, very strong team, and probably the best program in the country for the last 10-15 years” – Garth Pischke, men’s volleyball head coach In the final set, Manitoba came out with a lot more energy, but were unable to win it. The herd held a 22-20 lead, before giving up five straight points and falling 25-22 in the final set.

“I think we realized we played with an energy you have to play with at this level,” Bisons head coach Jon Hykawy said postgame. “I was happy with the energy we had in the third set, and if we win that set who knows what happens.”

The Bison volleyball teams are on a bye next week and will be back in action on Dec. 2-3 when they take on the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon.

Bison men’s basketball team get swept by UBC Thunderbirds Kellen Taniguchi, staff

T

his weekend, the University of Manitoba men’s basketball team played a two-game series against the UBC Thunderbirds in Vancouver.

The Bisons lost 96-89 on Friday, and fell just short on Saturday by a score of 75-72. The Bisons now hold a 2-4 record and sit in the middle of the Canada West standings.

Friday

Despite a fourth quarter comeback to get within four points, the Bisons did not have enough left in the tank to earn the victory on Friday.

Manitoba was led by Ilarion Bonhomme with 31 points, 20 of which came in the second half comeback; Bonhomme also had seven boards, second to Keith Omoerah who had a team-high of eight. UBC’s win was powered by Conor Morgan’s double-double, as he netted a gamehigh 35 points and 11 rebounds.

The Thunderbirds won the turn- The Bisons made a comeback attempt over battle in the first half, as they in the fourth quarter to cut UBC’s were able to force 14 by Manitoba lead to four, but the Thunderbirds and only committed five themselves. pulled away in the final few minutes UBC took advantage of the turnovers to ice the game. given to them, as they shot just over The Bisons second half surge was 50 per cent in the half. Morgan scored led by Bonhomme and Omoerah.

22 of his 35 points within the first two Omoerah put up 16 of his 18 points frames, helping the home side to a during the second half. Justus Alleyn 46-30 halftime lead. put up four straight points to cut the lead down to just four points. Morgan then added seven of his points in the final three minutes, and allowed With the loss on UBC to take the win.

Saturday, Manitoba got swept for the first time this season

The herd came out much better in the third, and were able to keep the lead from growing any bigger, still down by 16 entering the final frame.

Saturday

The Bisons lost the second game of the weekend against the UBC Thunderbirds 75-72. The herd had a lead at halftime but were not able to hold on. They made a comeback in the final quarter, before losing the nail-biting game that had six lead changes throughout. With the loss

on Saturday, Manitoba was swept herd in the third quarter, ending the for the first time this season. frame on a 11-1 run; UBC held a 54-50 Captain AJ Basi led in scoring for lead heading into the final quarter. the visitors, putting up 17 points in The herd were able to grab their the game, and Morgan once again first lead of the fourth quarter with led the home side, scoring a game- just over a minute left. The comehigh 22 points. back stemmed from Alleyn, who led The first quarter started slow, with the Bisons with 10 points in the final the Bisons only shooting 30 percent, frame. But a late jump shot from and UBC shooting 32.3 percent, lead- Jordan Jensen-Whyte gave UBC a ing to the 12-12 tie heading into the one-point lead with just 40 seconds second quarter. Shots began to fall a left to play. The Bisons were unable to bit more in the second quarter, more get a shot to fall on their next possesso for the Bisons who got on a 9-0 run sion, and UBC iced the game at the late in the half. With the late surge, free-throw line. the visiting Bisons were able to take a 34-27 lead into the locker room at Manitoba will be back in action on halftime.

Nov. 25-26, as they host the Alberta Basi led the Bisons with 10 points Golden Bears at the Investors Group in the first half, but it was Omoerah Athletic Centre. who led the late charge for Manitoba.

Omoerah hit four key free throws late in the half, starting off the 9-0 run.

The Thunderbirds outplayed the

VOL. 103 NO. 14 November 23, 2016

Sports

23

Jordin Tootoo gets a second chance Churchill product battles demons to save career and brother’s dream Jason Pchajek, staff

T

erence Tootoo tragically committed suicide in 2002. He left a note addressed to his brother Jordin and it is a poignant reminder of brotherly love, and the catalyst for his drive to play in the NHL. “Jor, go all the way. Take care of the family. You’re the man. Terence,” Terence wrote in his note, his final words to his brother.

Jordin Tootoo has always been an interesting figure. The small and scrappy forward from Churchill is known more for one-punch knockouts than scoring goals. With the release of his book All The Way: My Life on Ice back in 2014, readers got to see another side of the man.

In his book, Tootoo opened up about more than just his life as the first Inuk player to put on an NHL jersey. He let the public see the vulnerability hidden behind the tough enforcer. He talks about his abusive childhood at the hands of his parents, the effect the death of his brother had on him, and how his career spiraled out of control due to his drinking.

Pulling no punches, as Tootoo is oft to do, he berates players and executives as he sees fit. He names people, calls out their actions, and is unexpectedly candid for a player in a sport where being humble and

respectful is the name of the game.

Starting his career with the Nashville Predators, Tootoo became the darling of Manitoba. Everyone knew his name, and his agitating style of play was something to admire. However, the dream spurred on by his late brother Terrence was almost derailed in 2010 when Tootoo checked in the NHL’s substance abuse program.

Jordin Tootoo has always been an interesting figure.

The small and scrappy forward from Churchill is known more for onepunch knockouts than scoring goals Detailed in the book, “[Predators GM] David Poile had heard all of it too many times before, and he wasn’t buying it anymore at this time the ultimatum was offered, and Tootoo accepted saying, ‘Right then and

there, I decided I wasn’t going to fight it anymore. I said [expletive], I’m done. Let’s go.’”

After leaving rehab, Tootoo remained quiet on the issue, providing the usual generalizations while going about his career. He left the Predators following the 2011-12 season, playing stints in Detroit and New Jersey before landing his current job with the Chicago Blackhawks.

Tootoo fills the gap left by the departures of Andrew Shaw and Bryan Bickell, by playing his brash, blue-collar type of hockey. He’s yet to rediscover the scoring touch he had back in his days with the Brandon Wheat Kings – where he put up 74 points in his final season – but is playing his role. Tootoo has recorded 16 hits and 11 penalty minutes while suiting up for 17 games this season.

This is a great sign for an enforcer in the modern NHL, where guys like him struggle to hold down a job.

Tootoo is just one in a long list of NHLers to combat substance abuse issues, and trying to right the ship to save their career. Scott Darling of the Chicago Blackhawks went from using alcohol to battle crippling social anxiety to winning the Stanley Cup in 2015. Devin Setoguchi fell to the same demons, which derailed what

photo provided by lisa gansky

was at one time an extremely promising career. He is currently with the Los Angeles Kings, trying to remind the hockey world of his potential.

The NHL/NHLPA Substance Abuse and Behavioural Health program is a closely-guarded secret.

However a leak of league documents has shed light on the comprehensive program, which is in place to help players get back on track.

The league-funded program is administered by a multi-national network of doctors, at locations specifically chosen for the player in need.

Players undergo education regarding their circumstance, individual counselling and treatment, and are

under the care of the team physician following discharge.

While exact numbers of players treated are unknown – as the entire program is kept completely confidential – from the success of players like Tootoo, it seems to be working.

After a lifetime of abuse, the death of his brother, and the near loss of his dream, Tootoo seems to be back on the right track. He’s a key part of a Stanley Cup-contending team, staying in the lineup almost every night. Where other guys who play his role have fallen out of favour with the league, he keeps finding a way to keep the dream alive and prove that he has a part to play.

If the Cubs can end their drought, when will the Bombers?

Both teams have had faced similar circumstances in their fight for their leagues’ top spots Kellen Taniguchi, staff

O

n Nov. 2, the Chicago Cubs won game seven of the World Series over the Cleveland Indians.

The Cubs finally broke the curse, and it only took them 108 years to do so, which was the longest active championship drought in all major sports.

The Bombers have not won the Grey Cup since 1990, 26 years ago, which is nothing compared to how long Cubs fans had to wait. With the Bombers crashing out of the 2016 playoffs after not even making it for the past five seasons, Winnipeg football fans look over to Chicago perhaps a little green with envy.

Both teams have come close to winning it all in their quest for the ultimate prize in their respective leagues throughout the years. The Bombers can only hope they can replicate the success of the Cubs this past season.

Series, and all they needed was a win pitchers Jon Lester and John Lackey to move on to the World Series. The and catcher David Ross brought Marlins hit a foul ball, and outfielder with them from the Boston Red Sox. Moises Alou tried to catch it, but the World Series MVP Ben Zobrist won ball was interfered with by Bartman it all with the Kansas City Royals in the stands, which made it a dead last season. Chicago had veteran ball. That would have been the sec- management during their 2016 run ond out of the inning. The Marlins as well. Team president Theo Epstein put up eight runs, and won the game brought his winning formula from 8-3 before taking game seven of the Boston to Wrigley Field. He was in series. Luck didn’t seem to be on the charge when the Red Sox broke their side of the Cubs back in 2003.

86-year championship drought. Cubs 1990 was the last time Winnipeg manager Joe Maddon also brought brought home the Grey Cup, but the experience as he led Tampa Bay to team has had five other chances to the World Series in 2008, but lost to win it all, and failed. The year that Philadelphia in five games.

Bomber fans believe they should have won the Grey Cup was in 2007, the The Bombers have year that Kevin Glenn got injured late in the East Division Final, forcnot won the Grey ing backup Ryan Dinwiddie to start the big game. Lady luck was cruel to Cup since 1990, 26 the Bombers, as Dinwiddie threw years ago, which is three interceptions in the game, and Championship appearances the blue and gold lost 23-19 to the nothing compared Before this year the Cubs last Saskatchewan Roughriders. Both the to how long Cubs won the World Series in 1908. The Cubs and the Bombers have come club had made seven World Series within inches to winning it all in fans had to wait appearances since then, and many their quest for the ultimate prize in would argue that it would have been their respective leagues throughout eight times if it wasn’t for the infa- the years.

Experience is big, as you’ve seen mous Steve Bartman incident on from the 2016 Cubs, and the Bombers Oct. 14, 2003. The Cubs were up 3-0 Championship experience had that with running back Andrew in the eighth inning in game six of The 2016 Cubs benefited from the Harris who won the Grey Cup in the National League Championship World Series experience that starting 2011 with the B.C. Lions. Head

Graphic by Aldo Rios

coach Mike O’Shea also had Grey Cup coaching experience, and he won with the Toronto Argos in 2010 as their special teams coach. Offensive lineman Stanley Bryant and newlyacquired Weston Dressler also have their names on the Grey Cup. It didn’t help Winnipeg this season, but there is always next season – a saying most Bomber fans are probably sick and tired of hearing.

Reliable players

Besides the experienced players, Chicago also had Jake Arrieta and Aroldis Chapman who pitched lights out almost every time they took the mound. Arrieta had a no-

hitter through five innings of work in game two of the World Series, and Chapman shut the door almost every time he was called upon.

The Bombers finally had a quarterback they could count on in Matt Nichols. He is very careful with the ball and avoids turnovers; his injuries appeared to be a thing of the past, so with Nichols healthy the blue and gold may be able to avoid another Dinwiddie incident. Bombers management might want to add a few more players this off-season before they can call themselves Grey Cup champions again.