10 August 2016

MANITOBAN the

THE OFFICIAL UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA STUDENTS’ NEWSPAPER

news

Balancing the books University of Manitoba libraries face job losses Page 3

comment

All systems GO Pokémon GO throws back to childhood Page 7

science

Astronauts wanted Canadian Space Agency seeking two new recruits Page 10

Vo l 1 0 3 · N o 3 · Au g u st 1 0 , 2 0 1 6 · w w w.t h e m an i to b an .co m

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Index

VOL. 103 NO. 3 August 10, 2016

Sports

Editor-in-Chief Craig Adolphe

editor@themanitoban.com / 474.8293

Business manager Kiefer Sheldon

Head of the herd

accounts@themanitoban.com / 474.6535

Advertising Coordinator Daniel Parys

ads@themanitoban.com / 474.6535

Who to watch for this upcoming Bisons football season

Editorial

Managing Editor Lauren Siddall

me@themanitoban.com / 474.6520

News Editor Garett Williams

news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

News Editor Tom Ingram

news@themanitoban.com/ 474.6770

Comment Editor Levi Garber

comment@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

page 17

science & technology Editor Malak Abas

science@themanitoban.com/ 474.6529

arts & Culture Editor Tobi Nifesi

arts@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Sports Editor Ryan Stelter

sports@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Copy Editor Sarah Doran

copy@themanitoban.com/ 474.6520

Design

Design Editor Bram Keast

design@themanitoban.com / 474.6775

Graphics Editor Kelly Campbell

graphics@themanitoban.com / 474.6775

Photo Editor Miguel Yetman

photo@themanitoban.com / 474.6775

Video Editor Asad Aman

photo@themanitoban.com / 474.6775

graphics associate vacant pHOTO associate vacant

Reporters News vacant

Arts

Namaste and nature New yoga program brings yoga outside

News vacant News vacant Science vacant arts & culture vacant arts & culture vacant Sports vacant

Volunteer Contributors

Ryan Sherbo Lucas Johnston Tanjit Nagra Mike Still Chantelle Dubois

page 14 comment

A long path ahead

The City of Winnipeg needs to back biking culture

page 6

Design Design Editor: Bram Keast Contact: design@themanitoban.com / 474.6775 Graphics Editor: Kelly Campbell Contact: graphics@themanitoban.com / 474.6775 Photo Editor: Miguel Yetman Contact: photo@themanitoban.com / 474.6775

Dan Mortimer Justin Ladia Will Gibson

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

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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 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.

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News

News Editors: Garett Williams & Tom Ingram Contact: news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

U of M library jobs cut in staff restructuring Unions claim loss of staff will result in drop in morale, services Garett Williams, staff

photo by miguel yetman

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he union representing sup- and suggestions that were presented AESES has seen more than 70 posiport staff in the University of largely went ignored. tions eliminated university-wide.

Manitoba libraries is lamenting the “We had a brief meeting shortly loss of nearly 40 positions result- before the discontinuances were Shifting demands ing from ongoing across the board issued to inform us that they would According to university librarian departmental restructuring efforts. be taking place,” she said. “However, Mary-Jo Romaniuk, the 30 lowLaurie Morris, president of the at the time of our meeting, the deci- level, part-time positions – includAssociation of Employees Supporting sions had already been made to enact ing shelvers and library assistants Education Services (AESES), these job cuts and the positions had – amount to about nine full-time reported to members in an August already been identified.” slots, based on working hours. She newsletter that a total 38 positions Mark Hudson, president of the also noted three of the eight full-time were discontinued in May, including University of Manitoba Faculty positions cut were moved to another the elimination of 30 part-time posi- Association (UMFA), echoed unit and one employee retired.

The restructuring is taking place tions and eight full-time slots. While Morris’ sentiments, expressing “great 10 full-time job openings, with new disappointment” in an open letter across the university’s library network, duties and greater responsibility, have and called the action “yet another which includes 10 libraries on the been introduced to replace the lost instance of the administration exer- Fort Garry campus and nine health sciences branches. positions, Morris said the cuts will cising misguided priorities.” have a direct and negative impact on Hudson noted upper-level library Replacing the discontinued posiservices. staff, including UMFA librarians and tions will be 10 full-time openings “The staffing resources have now archivists, have already seen their that will take on greater responsibilibeen reduced to, essentially, a skel- workloads increase in recent years ties, including one supervisor. eton crew with library closures and and the further restructuring will Romaniuk said the shift will help long wait times likely being the end only continue that trend. bring the university’s library services result,” Morris told the Manitoban “While we understand that some more in-line with the advancing cusin an email. of the work done in these positions tomer service needs of students and Morris said the elimination of the is becoming outdated due to tech- faculty. part-time positions amounts to the nology, there remains a great deal “We wouldn’t do it if we weren’t complete loss of sessional library staff. of indispensable work that is being trying to be more helpful,” she said.

She said the adverse impact of the done by the members who are losing “This isn’t about cutting costs – restructuring on membership morale their jobs: running circulation desks, because it actually costs more money forced the union’s hand to break its processing and distributing library to have higher-grade people – but we general spirit of not raising public materials, directing library patrons didn’t have the capacity to provide the objection to changes implemented on the use of equipment, processing kind of services that a research library at the university. materials purchased for the libraries’ should be providing in this day and “In this case, the groundswell of collections, and more,” Hudson states age going forward.” concerns raised by our members, and in the letter.

Romaniuk said customer service the immensely adverse impact this Hudson also noted there have demands, especially from students, has caused to general morale, has been at least six instances since are largely shifting to online and the led us to make our concerns public,” February when libraries were unable eliminated positions were out of date. to open their doors due to unforeseen “They were jobs that were designed she said.

“Our goal in this is to impart upon staffing shortages.

20 years ago when we used to shelve the university the need to pause and “These closures are a blow to the a lot of books and people borrowed reflect on the impact of their deci- health of the University community.” a lot of books and the skill sets for sions and to reconsider what is the According to Morris, University that really weren’t today’s skill sets,” right balance for change.” of Manitoba libraries have lost more she said.

Morris acknowledged library than 30 full-time positions since 2007, Rather than create more library administration held meetings prior representing a loss of more than 25 closures, Romaniuk argued the new to announcing any changes but said per cent. staffing model will facilitate longer not all staff were invited to participate Since January alone, she said hours by pushing service requests

online – where students can interact remotely with staff for assistance accessing resources, whether they are in a physical branch or studying off-site.

Electronic checkout services will also get a boost, including a downloadable app allowing books to be checked-out with a mobile device.

“The staffing resources have now been reduced to, essentially, a skeleton crew with library closures and long wait times likely being the end result” – Laurie Morris, president, AESES She added that staffing libraries with fewer full-time employees, rather than several part-time workers on various schedules, will facilitate more consistent service.

Romaniuk also noted security services are in place to ensure staff do not have to work alone and libraries are not left unattended, saying “the big piece is we have security backstopping that, so we should never have to close a library anyway.”

“I have some long-term people that still want to guard books but that’s not what we’re there for, we’re there to enable information,” she said.

“And I think the last thing we need to worry about is guarding books – we need to make sure our students are safe when they’re in the libraries [and] we need to make sure our staff are safe and that we have the right

people doing the right things.”

Budget crunch

While departments universitywide are facing a third consecutive year of three per cent cuts, Romaniuk noted the libraries are faced with the aggravating factor of a fluctuating Canadian dollar.

She said a one-cent drop in the value of a Canadian dollar compared to US currency results in a $60,000 slip in purchasing power.

As a member of both the Association of Research Libraries and the Canadian Association of Research Libraries, the university is locked into multi-year agreements as a means to control costs, including a locked-in inflation rate.

However, the agreements don’t have locked-in exchange rates and as a result, the 2016-17 university budget set aside an additional $1.875 million as a libraries acquisition exchange reserve, in addition to a $250,000 inflation allowance.

She said if university administration did not set those funds aside, library administration would have to make some cuts to purchases outside the locked-in agreements, which would affect some faculties disproportionately.

Overall, libraries are operating within a budget of just more than $25.2 million. While that marks a cut of more than $758,000 from a year ago, Romaniuk reiterated the budget isn’t driving the restructuring.

“You can say it’s budget-based – if you had more money, you would do things, perhaps, differently – but it isn’t really budget-based, it’s really about customer service in the long term.”

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News

News Editors: Garett Williams & Tom Ingram Contact: news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

New pathway for Manitoba midwifery students Partnership with McMaster University will allow students to complete their degrees in Manitoba Tom Ingram, staff

F

ollowing protests about the that. It’s basically, we’re just sitting “It would be like saying to an electri- the provincial NDP expressed con- ognized by the College of Midwives cancellation of Manitoba’s only here refreshing our emails, and as we cian, ‘you can’t be an electrician, but cern that UCN was no longer a part of Manitoba, the regulatory authorbachelor of midwifery program, get instructions we’re reading them you can be a plumber.’” of the midwifery program. ity for midwifery in Manitoba, the the province and the University of out and figuring them out.”

In a June 23 committee meeting, “While it is important that the province was briefly left without any Manitoba have announced a new plan Since the announcement in late Wishart implied he favoured train- needs of existing students are met to viable option for training midwives. to allow stranded midwifery students June that the U of M-UCN program ing nurses with additional midwifery ensure continuation of their studies, The 14 students who had completed to complete their degrees. would not run in the fall, a lot has credentials rather than standalone it is very concerning that it appears the first year of the new program were The new plan, announced Aug. changed, Larner said. midwives. existing programming for northern left stranded.

5, involves a partnership with “We’re going from ‘we have noth“The nature of filling [the need students will no longer be funded.”

With a new program now in place McMaster University, which offers ing’ to ‘we have nursing,’ to ‘we have for both nurses and midwives in the “It is important that the demand for the fall, Larner is hopeful for the Canada’s oldest midwifery train- an entire program, and I might be north] might change from midwives for midwifery services among indig- immediate future. ing program. Students who have graduating in 2019.’” alone, stand-alone midwife positions, enous and northern communities be “I’m hoping that this is the stepcompleted the first year of the joint “Definitely a roller coaster this to something that is more an evolu- met.” ping stone. Now that we’ve been University of Manitoba-University summer,” she said. “I’m happy to have tion of nursing,” he said.

UCN’s standalone midwifery able to get out of the limelight, settle College of the North (UCN) mid- a little bit of resolution. You know, The provincial NDP criticized program debuted in 2006 and ran down into some classes and studywifery program will be enrolled in as students we’re all happy to have a the cancellation of the midwifery till 2014. In part due to the difficulty ing and now that this big immediate the second year of McMaster’s pro- solution that works for everybody and program, emphasizing the impact finding clinical placements, no stu- emergency is over, that the plan is to gram and have their UCN credits that we’re going to be able to resume it would have on remote northern dents graduated from the program continue to focus on the long term transferred. our studies.” communities. until 2013. Only nine students ever solution,” she said.

A modified fall term will bring the “When you talk to people in north- graduated from the program, at a cost “We need an education program students up to Ontario standards to The political side ern Manitoba, one of the top overall of nearly $900,000 per graduate. here in Manitoba. We can’t just stop move into clinical placements. The Education Minister Ian Wishart health priorities that they have conThe program was suspended dur- at short term. And I don’t think we as program will be delivered entirely in said in June that “there will be a sistently identified is returning birth- ing the 2014-15 academic year, while students will be just letting it go now Manitoba, with the U of M providing program in place” for the current ing to their communities,” said Wab a new intake of students was planned that we’ve got our own class. Until academic support, offering clinical midwifery students in the fall. In Kinew, the NDP education critic, in for 2015-16. These students were to all women can say that they have a courses and labs taught by its own a provincial release, he said the a June interview. be the first cohort of a new joint choice and they have an option to instructors, and hosting McMaster McMaster partnership fulfils that “People in large northern First midwifery program between the U birth how they want to, I don’t think courses online. promise.

Nations like Norway House don’t of M and UCN to be delivered in we’re done here in terms of pushing Jill Larner, one of the midwifery “This new partnership will ensure want to have to come to Winnipeg or Winnipeg with annual intake of stu- for it.”

Larner said the partnership with students who will now be enrolled the midwifery students in Manitoba Dauphin or Brandon. They’d rather dents and clinical placements around in the McMaster program, was cau- who have already invested significant see the ability to deliver babies at the province.

McMaster University, which has tiously hopeful about the announce- time and effort toward their studies home.”

However, the new faculty, staff, run a midwifery program since 1993 ment. She said midwifery students can complete their coursework uninand academic supports required for and already operates collaborative have just recently found out about terrupted,” said Wishart in the release. UCN program closed the second year of the joint pro- programs at Laurentian University the new partnership and many of the “We are proud to follow through For now, the new partnership gram would have cost an additional and Ryerson University, makes for a details are not clear yet. on a commitment that was made means the end of midwifery edu- $844,000, meaning its provincial promising future.

“Information is slowly trickling and I commend our partners for cation at UCN. The northern uni- funding would have to nearly double.

“I’m hoping that it will be more out,” she said in an interview. “We’ve their hard work in reaching this versity is not involved in the new While the previous NDP government of a positive thing, partnering with just basically had enough time to do resolution, which will help meet the arrangement between the U of M committed this money as an elec- someone who has been running a the basics of registering.” growing demand for midwives in our and McMaster. tion promise, the new Progressive successful program for a long time.

“Everybody’s on a time crunch, province.”

“UCN is no longer offering a mid- Conservative government did not That can do nothing but boost the right? If you think about it, we’ve all Late in June, midwifery students wifery program, with no plans to do provide for it in their first budget in program, whether they intend to got three weeks to do everything that were offered places in the U of M’s so in the near future,” said Jim Scott, May. remain a partnership or whether it’s people have four to six months to do. college of nursing, prompting out- UCN’s director of communications, Without enough money to oper- going to be a standalone program. It’s We haven’t had a big giant sitdown. rage. Lauren Henderson, another in an email. ate the joint program, and with the anybody’s guess at this point.”

There really isn’t time to do any of midwifery student, said at the time, In a statement, a spokesperson for standalone program no longer rec-

U-Pass to roll out this fall Garett Williams, staff

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early two years after University of Manitoba students voted in favour of a universal transit pass (U-Pass), the program is set to begin in the fall.

of Manitoba Graduate Student “It will save students money as well Association members who cast bal- as time by avoiding lining up every lots vote in favour of the program, month for a bus pass. For those who UMSU, the University of Manitoba, drive, they now have the option of and the City of Winnipeg entered easy parking with access to Park and into a four-year agreement in July Ride facilities and have a backup if to unfold the program beginning in their vehicle needs repair.”

September.

Part-time students don’t have Full-time U of M students will access to the discounted pass and be assessed an additional fee of $260 will not be assessed an additional fee.

– $130 per term – payable along with In a lopsided 2015 vote, Winnipeg tuition. The fee represents a $306 city council voted 13-3 in favour of photo by miguel yetman savings from regular student rates subsidizing the program to the tune for monthly bus passes and gives of $570,000 in 2016. That number is Acting on approval signalled in students access to Winnipeg Transit expected to climb to $1.33 million in two 2014 referendums that saw 53 from September through April.

2017 due in part to lost fare revenue per cent of University of Manitoba “For many students, the U-Pass and the purchase of nine additional Student Union (UMSU) mem- will entail significant cost savings,” buses to facilitate the anticipated bers and 59 per cent of University said Tanjit Nagra, UMSU president. increased ridership.

The city also authorized the hiring of an additional eight employees this year and another 17 in 2017, said Nagra.

Beginning mid-August, students can pick up their pass at Answers on the Fort Garry or Bannatyne campuses.

Students residing outside city boundaries, registered with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind or Handi-Transit, studying outside Canada for more than 60 days, or who are employees of Winnipeg Transit can opt out of the program by filling out forms which will be available at on UMSU’s website beginning Sept. 1.

VOL. 103 NO. 3 August 10, 2016

News

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St. Paul’s College newspaper to celebrate 75th anniversary with special issue Tom Ingram, staff

photo provided by The paulinian

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he Paulinian, the official student said. alties of war, different students that 100. The gag was a ploy to try to get newspaper of St. Paul’s College, Production of the paper lapsed in had passed away,” Semchyshyn said. more students to attend the annual turns 75 this year. To celebrate, a 2008. In 2013, as senior stick for the St. Semchyshyn said he also noticed dance, and it landed the editors in former editor is compiling a special Paul’s College Students’ Association, a roguish wit in the early pages of the hot water with the Jesuits. retrospective issue featuring clippings Semchyshyn was instrumental in Paulinian. The paper’s content was from several old issues and new con- reviving the paper. A relaunched edi- moderated by the Jesuits, but stu- The retrospective issue tion was published in March 2013, dents tried to see what they could tributions from former editors.

Semchyshyn has been tracking “It features alumni, it features and new issues have been released get away with. down former editors of the Paulinian current students, it brings everyone regularly, once or twice a semester, “They’re witty, and that’s what’s to interview them or ask them to together – Paulinians all, as we call it,” since then. so different from now. The sense contribute to the retrospective issue, The Paulinian provides an outlet of humour is very different,” said which will feature new content alongsaid Matt Semchyshyn, who briefly served as editor of the Paulinian for students to write about a variety Semchyshyn. “Back then it was very side clippings from the archived before being hired as the marketing of things, from the social, academic, clean. We just interviewed one of the issues.

Some notable past editors of the and communications officer for the and athletic affairs of the college editors [...] and he was talking about to more high-minded topics. The that they tried to push the limits paper include Arthur V. Mauro college.

The Paulinian was founded in first issue of the paper, released in back then with what they could put (who went on to a successful busi1941 as the Crusader. The name was December 1941, features front page in there. They wanted to prank people ness career and terms as chancellor of changed in 1956, shortly before the stories titled “Dramatic society scores but in print.” the U of M and Lakehead University), college moved to the University of again” and “Catholic and socialist are One notable example was the Christopher Guly (the Canadian corManitoba’s Fort Garry campus, leav- contradictory terms.”

“Miss Paulinian” contest, in which respondent for the Los Angeles Times), ing St. Paul’s High School behind The spectre of the Second World students were supposed to submit a Ken McKinnon (former commisin central Winnipeg. A paper called War loomed over the early issues. 50-word statement explaining why sioner of the Yukon), and Martin the Crusader still survives at the high The first issue contains an ominous they should be the one to escort the O’Malley (a CBC journalist). Paul school. reference to conscription, which was (fictional) “Miss Paulinian” to the Adams, the first editor-in-chief of “It was kind of nice because back debated at the federal level through- college’s annual dance in 1958. Entries the Paulinian, is the father of Chris then the Crusader would be, part of it out the early 1940s. were to be judged on “originality, sin- Adams, the current rector of St. Paul’s “Those issues are very – they’re cerity, and neatness.” would be written by high school stuCollege. dents and part of it would be written kind of sad to read, too, because “What’s significant is that this The editors said they received 300 by university students,” Semchyshyn they’re talking about different casu- entries from a student body of around issue features articles from a lot of

people who actually had careers in the news,” Semchyshyn said. “So one of the people who wrote for the project was Marguerite McDonald, and she was a reporter for CBC.” McDonald, who was a nun for 12 years before becoming a professional journalist, died of cancer in 2015.

Semchyshyn said the retrospective will feature the last article McDonald ever wrote. A few other editors have also passed away since submitting their pieces.

“Almost all the living editors wrote something, whether it’s an article or sending in a congratulatory note,” Semchyshyn said.

“I don’t think any of these people thought they’d ever write an article for the Paulinian again.”

The retrospective issue of the Paulinian will be published in mid-September.

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

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A difficult path The quality and quantity of bike lanes in Winnipeg must be improved and cycling culture better respected Levi Garber, staff

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will admit it before I begin: I do on racks throughout the city that not cycle to university. I, like are available for $5 a day. Montréal many other U of M students that has also significantly expanded its live more than four or five kilo- number of separated bike lanes and metres from campus, either bus or the province of Québec recently carpool to school. It is not that I do passed a law requiring a one-metre not want to grab my obviously super buffer zone between motorists and cool and hip-looking fixie bike and cyclists. ride to class, although I admit that there is some laziness involved in Unhealthy rhetoric my decision to drive; rather, it is These changes were not easily because I do not feel safe commut- won for Montréal, nor will they ing by bicycle in this city. come easily for Winnipeg. City Simply put, Winnipeg does Hall, not surprisingly, has dragged not yet have the right mindset or its feet on this issue for years. Not adequate infrastructure for cyclists only have councilors stalled introto ride safely to work, school, or ducing plans for better and safer almost anywhere else. Although cycling routes, but some city counthere have been efforts to increase cillors have even outright antagothe allure of cycling in Winnipeg, nized proposed improvements to the city has some serious flaws that our bike culture as well. have prevented a majority of those One such councillor, Russ efforts from becoming reality.

Wyatt of Transcona, has been an The lack of sufficient bike lanes, avid supporter of a proposed bylaw unhealthy rhetoric at City Hall, that would enforce all cyclists to and a proposed mandatory helmet wear helmets. To some, this sounds bylaw have made this summer a like a variation on seatbelt laws in tense one for current and prospec- cars and as such, would be comtive commuting cyclists. Despite pletely acceptable. In reality, howthese obstacles, there are ways this ever, this proposed bylaw is a veiled city can improve its biking culture attack on commuting cyclists and just like a number of other cities, an excuse for city hall to continue many of which share similarities evading the prospect of providing with Winnipeg, already have. safer bike lanes for Winnipeggers.

By propagating this bylaw, city Time to take notes councilors like Wyatt are attemptJust last year, I had the privilege ing to shift the blame for the numof spending a semester living and ber of cyclist injuries and fatalities. studying in Aarhus, Denmark. I Lawmakers are trying to condemn assume you can see where this is cyclists for the results of the dangergoing: bicycle culture in the land of ous situations they find themselves the Danes, much like in bike-savvy in, rather than face the reality that Holland, is far superior to ours in cyclists are being injured or killed many ways. in incidents that could be prevented.

Virtually every street has a This is a dangerous sentiment to separated bike lane on each side hold. of the road that is clearly marked On July 8, Leslie Freudenberg and securely divided from the was cycling down Hamilton sidewalk. As well, the Danes have Avenue at 2:40 p.m. when he was installed separate, smaller, traffic struck by a construction vehicle. He signals at each intersection solely was pronounced dead at the scene. for cyclists. The Danes have also On July 20, a woman was hit by a made right-hand turns on red lights semi on her bike at the intersection illegal for motor traffic for fear that of Main Street and Logan Avenue. a cyclist may get hit. In fact, respect She died soon after. for fellow commuters on bicycles There are no separated or is so ingrained in Danish culture painted bike lanes at Main and that collisions between drivers and Logan. cyclists almost never occur.

In April, Casey Donaldson, a When explaining this incredible local musician and father of two, system to Winnipeggers, I usually was cycling on Nairn with a friend receive a little scoff and some sort when a drunk driver hit him in the of short explanation as to why that curb lane, then drove away without could never work here. Today I pose stopping. Donaldson died of his the question in return: why not? injuries.

Montréal, a city much closer Nairn Avenue is a major thorto home and about twice the size oughfare in Winnipeg. It has no of Winnipeg, has also shown bike lanes. in recent years that major urban centres must focus on improv- Let’s roll up our sleeves ing cycling culture. The city has Lawmakers at City Hall and our recently introduced BIXI bikes, community as a whole must work which are for-rent bicycles placed harder to make this city a bike-

friendly one. Fortunately, plans for new bike lanes on major streets downtown are currently being reviewed and attitudes are shifting toward a more progressive stance on bike culture at the grassroots level.

For now though, I may just stick to getting to school by car. To those who brave the narrow lanes and fast moving traffic early on frosty mornings, I applaud and support you.

Our city has a long way to go until its bike lanes are up to Denmark’s, or even Montréal’s, quality and there are some serious hurdles in our path, but if cyclists in this city know one thing, it’s how to weave around obstacles.

Letters to the editor A letter to upcoming graduates from a mature student I am a ‘mature’ student who was enrolled in the Integrated Studies program and I have spent three and half years with you all here at the U of M. I would like to say that I am most impressed with you all.

You are intelligent, well mannered, pleasant to be around, and helpful when I got stuck on the computer at times!

Indeed, there is a generational bias in which older generations look down on the younger ones; I experienced the same treatment in my twenties. I think the older generations have forgotten what it

is like to be young and full of fire.

Anyways, I want you to know that there are many advocates and allies that you all have on your side and I am one.

I have always been most impassioned about those in their twenties and thirties. I am proud of you; you will do well and thank you so very much for your passion, enthusiasm, and dedication to yourselves, friends, and the planet.

Much peace.

Lori J Westman

photo by levi garber

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Comment Comment Editor: Levi Garber Contact: comment@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

New Pokémon game an opportunity to reconnect with others and ourselves Ryan Sherbo

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ven if you’re not playing Pokémon GO yet, chances are you've heard of it.

The new mobile game for iOS and Android launched on July 6 in the U.S. and July 17 in Canada. Developed by Niantic and the Pokémon Company, the game layers augmented reality (AR) technology on the real world.

As you walk around your neighbourhood or school, you are able to capture, train, battle, and interact with Pokémon; the brightly coloured creatures from Nintendo’s 20-year running franchise. Already Pokémon GO has over 15 million downloads.

Pokémon GO is far from Niantic’s first run at AR games (they released their first, Field Trip, in 2012) and it builds on concepts developed as early as the turn of the millennium with geocaching, a worldwide GPS treasure hunting game. However, GO may well be the first such game in a franchise as recognizable, or meaningful, as Pokémon.

I started playing Pokémon at three years old with the original games – Pokémon Red and Blue. Some of my earliest memories are of huddling over a GameBoy Color screen with my parents, fighting our way through caves and discovering new secrets. As a nerdy, introverted kid, the ability to interact passionately and creatively with a game that was so expansive and so far-reaching was incredible.

As the years went on, the franchise continued with new games and new batches of Pokémon released every few years (now up to six generations, and soon to be seven). While only a small number of fans stayed with the franchise, many people around my age stopped playing some time during

those years – after all, middle- and high-school are very reconstructive times for a young person’s identity.

However, there remained a collective nostalgia for the franchise.

Enter Pokémon GO. What is truly surprising, and very heartening, is not that Pokémon-lovers have embraced the game, but that such a wide-reaching audience has found something in it to enjoy. Many of the Pokémon GO players that I have seen, whether they are walking around their neighbourhoods or posting pictures of their favourites online, are people in their twenties or early thirties: people who loved the games as children but have not returned to them since. For these people, the game can, with its nonlinear objectives and global span, be a way to personalize a journey of discovery while sharing the experience with fellow players.

As with nearly any popular trend, there has been a range of comments and criticisms about Pokémon GO. Some have pointed to the game’s potential dangers. Large numbers of young people walking around staring at their phones do tend to cause some distress, but these are problems that have existed for years with phones and portable music players. They require caution, but not alarm. While some worry about the dangers to children who might roam around at night in search of Pokémon, one wonders if proper parental supervision, as well as an influx of older, friendly faces with a shared goal, might not even help brighten up the community a bit, as evidence would seem to suggest.

The largest opposition that I have seen to GO’s stellar success, however,

graphic by kelly campbell

has been somewhat different, carrying a tone not of concern, but of acrimony, elitism, and mean-spirited pessimism. Articles, think-pieces, and tweet after tweet have decried the game’s popularity and insulted its players.

To this I have only one response: not only is Pokémon GO fun, it is also important. It is important in an age where nostalgia is often a corporate product, for us to reconnect with our childhoods on our own terms, in a way that makes us happy and inspires our creativity. This is something that GO, a game about personalizing your experience and

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taking your own journey, allows us to do. It is important for us to relate to the next generation on shared terms that let us enjoy each other’s company – the image of parents and older siblings connecting and sharing their youths by playing Pokémon GO with young children comes to mind. Even to those who may never have heard of the series, GO is too positive to be stamped down by the negativity. As well, it is important for us to do all of these things in a way that promotes activity, exercise, healthy living, and adventure.

An article has been passed around on Facebook recently, written by the

mother of a son with autism, describing how the game has improved his life and his interactions with the people around him. To me, this is perfectly indicative of the power of entertainment that can unite us around a shared love. And when that shared love is something already ingrained in the history of so many people, it becomes very powerful indeed.

So if you have been resisting the pull to get into GO, give it a try and set out on your own journey – your inner child might just thank you.

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Comment

Comment Editor: Levi Garber Contact: comment@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

A Strong UMSU For You UMSU president Tanjit Nagra shares her executive’s goals for the upcoming year Tanjit Nagra

photo by sean tam

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he University of Manitoba has Fests running annual deficits of over 20,000 full-time undergraduate $100,000 for more than a decade – students who are all members of the and in terms of opportunity – all the University of Manitoba Students’ things we could have been doing but Union (UMSU). In the last election, are not as a result of burning energy 16.8 per cent of UMSU members and money. In short, UMSU’s memvoted for the union’s five executive bers, and members of most student positions. Although this turnout is governments across the country have normal for Canadian university stu- good reason to not be interested in dent governments, it is safe to say that their unions: they too often waste most of our members are not very time, energy and money on things interested in UMSU, and many that that do not necessarily help their members in meaningful ways. To are interested were displeased.

In the 2016 UMSU general elec- make your union worth your intertion, we witnessed the largest number est we are changing the game plan. of candidates in U of M history. This year, the number one goal of the exec- Goals for a new executive For my part, I came to university utive team you elected is to make you – UMSU’s members – more interested to receive an education and what I in what your union is doing for you. want from my student union is supHigh-profile events, lofty cam- port in achieving that goal. “Support” paigns, and splashy projects can be comes in many ways. To an individual important, but they can also be dis- member of UMSU, what constitutes tractions from our union’s mandate. support in a post-secondary educaOne must ask whether their practical tion (PSE) setting depends on a combenefits to the day-to-day lives of stu- bination of present circumstance and dents are proportionate to their cost. personal situation.

We must work to relieve acute Cost can be calculated both in terms of dollars – for example, Frosh distress as a result of financial,

legal, health (emotional or physical), familial, living, immigration, social, or academic situations. We must also strive to aid students in achieving their goals, accessing basic services, enhancing the PSE experience through social enrichment and engagement, and providing safe spaces for self-expression, identification, and discovery. Finally, we will work to get students to participate more broadly in efforts to enrich the student condition and our society at large.

All of these types of support and engagement have evolved into the responsibilities of your student union.

This will build the lived experiences of our union’s members as a collective.

Support for your experience, whatever it may be, is what your union is meant to provide.

The individuals that comprise your executive team do not match every profile of our union’s members. We are a diverse group, but it is not reasonable to expect five people to directly relate to each UMSU member’s lived experiences. This can be a problem, as the direction and tone of our union is largely set by the executive team. Executives have the greatest ability to command the union’s resources and shape the union’s discourse.

Furthermore, student politics are notoriously politically charged, and executives have the most “skin in the game,” having gone through the ordeal of a general election, which involves substantial personal investment. In theory, however, our union is not beholden to the individuals on the executive team – it should be much more broadly accountable.

So, we must ask the question: how does the executive team ensure that the focus of the union is directed on the greater collective of our membership, while endeavouring to provide meaningful support for the individual needs of its membership, all while not getting caught up in petty student political nonsense that alienates the membership and distracts from the union’s mandate?

Practical steps

We, your UMSU executive team, believe that the first step in providing a lasting and satisfactory answer to

that question for our members lies of UMSU’s culture. in the democratic structures, governance, and communication prac- The team tices of our union. A solid foundation To put things on a practical footconstructed of those elements can ing, here is some of what your execuprecipitate a cultural shift so badly tive team will be concentrating on as needed at UMSU that will ensure part of, or in addition to, our usual that our union is responsive to the portfolio tasks. real needs of our members.

Wilfred Sam-King will be workTo accomplish this, your executive ing on our union’s communications team will endeavour to make sure strategy. Jessica Smith will be workthat our union engages in a few fun- ing on the retooling of our union’s damental activities and follows some services. I, Tanjit Nagra, will be basic principle, which include: working on phase three of our gov• Regularly and clearly informing erning documents overhaul. Adam our membership of what the union Pawlak will be working on reforming is doing, what it is considering, and our financial accounting and reportwhat it is planning. ing procedures. Dara Hallock will be • Providing robust and varied feed- working on restructuring our internal back mechanisms so members can advocacy and lobbying procedures. provide input of whatever kind on Additionally, we will be providunion operations and activities. ing UMSU council with detailed • Ensuring that governance struc- work plans setting out what you tures fairly and appropriately rep- should expect from your executive resent our highly heterogeneous team. These will include motivation membership and its varied voices. as well as the timelines and resource • Ensuring that services are respon- allocations required for each matter.

UMSU Council is the highest govsive to our members’ needs.

• Ensuring that advocacy, outreach, erning body of our union. and lobbying activities, both interUMSU council is comprised of nal and external, are efficient and representatives from every faculty effective. (appointed by their respective faculty • Ensuring that funds collected from associations), as well as representaour members are not being used tives from a number of UMSU stakewastefully, that spending is accu- holders including residences, colleges, rately and clearly reported, and that and community groups. Although the union stays on budget. you, as members, can always contact • Ensuring that business activities us directly, we encourage you to proare aimed at satisfying members’ vide your input about UMSU to those needs so that they support the who have the highest authority over union’s primary objective of pro- its operations: your faculty councilviding meaningful support to our lors, and the councillors representing members. stakeholder groups with whom you • Ensuring that union operations in identify. all regards have the broad support For your executive team’s part, we look forward to finding the best ways of an informed membership.

• Not becoming embroiled in petty to communicate with you and to serve student politics and managing you in ways that are meaningful and interpersonal conflicts within the important to students. Although we union so neither of these detract might not be as splashy and fun as from the union’s responsibilities previous teams, we think that by refoto its members. cusing on the fundamental principles This list may seem obvious because of a union, we will do a job you will it is what UMSU should have be proud of and want to support for always been focused on. More than the benefit of our entire membership. a decade’s worth of history demonstrates that this is not the case. We Tanjit Nagra is the current president are going to change that so that your of the University of Manitoba Students’ union takes meaningful steps to serve Union. you in the ways you need, and that doing so becomes an enduring feature

Science & technology 10 Science & Technology Editor: Malak Abas Contact: science@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Canadian Space Agency seeks two new astronauts Chantelle Dubois

graphic by kelly campbell

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n June of this year, the Canadian Space Agency made a rare announcement: they are currently looking to fill two vacant positions of Canadian astronauts.

Qualified candidates are those who are Canadian citizens or residents of Canada, have a bachelors degree in science, engineering, medicine, or dentistry, stand between a height of 149.5 – 190.5 cm, and weigh between 50 – 95 kg. Potential candidates should be in excellent health.

In addition to physical and academic qualifications, potential

astronauts should also be excellent communicators, and enthusiastic representatives of Canada and the Canadian Space Agency.

While the agency specifies such minimum qualifications, they seek to have a diverse pool of potential applicants and encourage all those interested to apply.

Most recently, the agency has made a special request to women to apply. Of the 3,300 submitted so far, less than a third of applications are from women.

After the Aug. 15 deadline for

applications, the agency will undergo ment campaign, receiving over the last several years, attributed to a year-long process of reviewing 5,000 applications. Four more quali- savvy social media use, the rise of applications, pre-selecting candidates, fying individuals became a part the commercialization of the sector inviting the first round of qualify- of the Canadian astronaut corps: (sometimes referred to as alt.space or ing individuals for a public service Mike Mckay, Julie Payette, Dave NewSpace ), and its drift back into entrance exam, interviews, medical Williams, and former commander of popular media. tests, and security clearance, before the Interntional Space Station Chris When NASA put out the call for an official announcement in sum- Hadfield. applications for astronauts in midmer 2017.

The last astronaut recruitment 2015, they received 18,500 applicacampaign occurred in 2008, once tions – a record for the agency. Their History of the Canadian again receiving 5,000 applications, 2012 campaign had received 6,300 Astronaut Corps and welcoming Jeremy Hansen and applications.

The first Canadian astronaut David Saint-Jacques to the corps.

The celebrity status of CEOs recruitment campaign occurred in Hansen and Saint-Jacques are cur- such as Elon Musk of SpaceX and 1983 and received 4,000 applications. rently the only two of 12 Canadian Jeff Bezos of Blue Origins is another Among the first Canadian astronauts astronauts still in active service. nod to the glamour now associated are Ken Money, Marc Garneau, In 2018, Saint-Jacques will with the space industry.

Steve Maclean, Bjarni Tryggvason, be undertaking a mission to the While the Canadian Space Robert Thirsk, and Roberta Bondar. International Space Station as part Agency astronaut recruitment camGarneau became the f irst of Expedition 58/59, becoming the paign will soon come to a close, it will Canadian in space in 1984. Bondar ninth Canadian in space. be interesting to see the final count became the first Canadian female for applicants and who will be repreastronaut in space in 1992.

New Celebrity senting Canada as the next astronauts.

Nine years later, in 1992, the Interest in space and space exploagency announced another recruit- ration has been renewed within

VOL. 103 NO. 3 August 10, 2016

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Science in the summer Craving knowledge? Here’s what’s happening in Winnipeg Malak Abas, staff

photo by asad aman

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t’s August, and the countdown to the beginning of a new school year has started. If the prospect of going back has got you scrambling to make the most of your last month, fear not: here are some things to do in Winnipeg right now that will give you your science fix without the homework.

Catch the Planetarium’s new show

We know that there are planets we have yet to see out in the universe.

What we don’t know yet is if any of them host life. That burning question is explored in the show The Search for Life: Are We Alone?, currently hosted by the Manitoba Museum in its Planetarium. Called “an engrossing immersive theater experience,” the show will take you through what we know so far about the existence of extraterrestrial life.

The show was first produced in 2002 by the American Museum of Natural History in collaboration with NASA, and makes use of extensive research and statistics, and puts them to a stunning backdrop of 3D visuals.

There is also a star-studded team of nerd favorites behind the show: the narrator is none other than Han Solo himself, Academy Award-nominated Harrison Ford. The script was written by Ann Druyan and Steven Sote ,

who are best known for scripting the iconic miniseries Cosmos: A Personal Voyage along with its presenter, Carl Sagan.

After the show, there will be a live segment exploring our own night sky.

The show is 35 minutes long, suitable for all ages, and the Museum offers a student discount (just bring your student ID). It’s well worth it.

Visit www.manitobamuseum.ca or call (204) 956-2830 for more information.

ary, and leave you with new knowledge of self-sustainable farming.

On Aug. 14, there will be a class on building “bee hotels” that will not only help you build your own bee home, but will also include an introduction to the biology of bees and their importance to our ecosystem.

If you are a parent or caregiver, FortWhyte Alive’s “Wild Child” program is a great way to introduce the curious kid in your life to biology basics. Running every Wednesday Do just about anything from Aug. 10 to Sept. 14, each sesat FortWhyte Alive sion will include educational content FortWhyte Alive is a busy place for parents on wildlife and nature, – even their website proudly states while also including activities for the “there’s always something on.” If biol- child. While this program is meant ogy is your field of interest, there are for parents or caregivers of children several events worth checking out at aged 1-3, FortWhyte Alive also offers the iconic local wildlife park. If you a program for parents or caregivers can’t manage to catch any of these of babies aged 0-1. The “Born to Be events before school starts, no worries, Wild” program includes an introducas FortWhyte offers introspective tion to foraging and an interpretive nature tours and other cool activi- hike, and is happening on Thursdays ties all year round. from Aug. 11 to Sept. 15.

Note: All of these programs require FortWhyte Alive is known for its EcoTours programs, and many of pre-registration. Call (204) 989-8355 them are great ways to get a hands-on or visit www.fortwhyte.org for more understanding of concepts in biology information. or botany. The “Fantastic Flora” tour will teach you how to recognize local Visit the Museum in the wildflowers, while the “Farming in comfort of your own home the City: Growing Local” tour will If leaving home doesn’t seem take you through FortWhyte Alive’s appealing (or this heat wave is organic gardens, greenhouse, and api- something you’d prefer to avoid)

researchers at the Manitoba Museum have got your back. The museum, with sponsorship from the Virtual Museum of Canada, has released an exhibit called Prairie Pollination. You won’t be able to find it at the physical location, however: the complete exhibit is online.

If biology is your field of interest, there are several FortWhyte Alive events worth checking The exhibit mainly focuses on prairie plants and insects, but also stresses the importance of conserving Manitoba’s wildlife by protecting pollinators, such as hummingbirds and insects. Due to the typically fragile nature of insect and plant specimens, particularly in an endangered ecosystem like the Canadian prairies, it has been nearly impossible to introduce an exhibit of this nature in an actual gallery format. With this virtual exhibit, however, anyone can take a virtual tour of Manitoba’s beautiful plant life through the use of videos, transcripts, photo galleries, and interviews with Manitoban scientists and

researchers.

The interactive element that makes museums so great isn’t lost on this virtual exhibit. “Prairie Pollination” includes a quiz to test your pollinator knowledge, an online game, and even a scavenger hunt wherein you visit the actual Manitoba museum to try and find plants in the galleries that had been discussed in the virtual exhibit. There’s also a photo gallery of watercolor paintings of wild plants by the famous Manitoba-based entomologist Norman Criddle.

Maybe the most interesting interactive aspect is the PlantSpotting app, which is free to download from the iTunes Store. This app uses your location and informs you of plants and pollinators nearby. If you happen to come across any of them, the app also allows you to upload a photo of the species to their database. It’s a great exhibit, there’s hours of information, and it’s completely free. Have at it.

Visit www.prairiepollination.ca to visit the exhibit.

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

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graphic by kelly campbell

graphic by bram keast

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

Winnipeg’s Imitations hits TIFF Local filmmakers to premiere new award-nominated short film at Toronto International Film Festival Tobi Nifesi, staff

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innipeg filmmaking collective MarkusMilosIanFabian is set to debut their short film Imitations at the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival as part of the Short Cuts program. The film, which is the third motion picture by the group, was filmed and produced in Winnipeg and is eligible for the festival’s Short Cuts Award for Best Film and the Short Cuts Award for Best Canadian Film. nature of pop culture.

Imitations follows the life of an Imitations, starring Milos Mitrovic introverted superfan, Arnold, whose (The Champ), Conor Sweeney (The infatuation with a famous popstar Editor), Ali Tataryn (Lovesick), and drives him to get plastic surgery. His Matthew Kennedy (The Editor), was decision proves to be costly as his face produced by Ian Bawa and Milos begins to fall apart and his dream Mitrovic and directed by Fabian turns into a nightmare.

Velasco and Milos Mitrovic.

The 10-minute short film – loosely “Essentially, the message of it is inspired by aspiring songwriter Toby just our take on how the world is Sheldon, who spent $100,000 on a obsessed with pop media, culture, plastic surgery to look like Justin and celebrities, and people will do Bieber – highlights the obsessive anything to be like them,” Ian Bawa,

awarded for a Vimeo Staff Pick and nity and culture and are grateful for premiered at the 2015 Fantastic Fest, the support they have been receivand Under the Neon Lights (2013), ing from fellow artists and the local which premiered at the Toronto After media.

Dark Film Festival. Their films have earned them a growing reputation in “The message Winnipeg and abroad.

“Milos Mitrovic wrote a script a [in Imitations] is while back and we – myself, Milos, just our take on Velascos – went to school together and always worked together. We how the world decided to work with Mitrovic’s script and bring it to life,” said Bawa. is obsessed with “The film is very zero budget. It is pop media, culture, a 10-minute short film but our goal is to have a feature film made out of it.” and celebrities, Along with its inclusion in and people will the Short Cuts program of the Toronto International Film Festival, do anything to be Imitations is also eligible for the Short like them” – Ian Cuts Awards for Best Film and Best Canadian Film at the festival. The Bawa, member festival runs from Sept. 8 to 18 and the Winnipeg film will be screened twice of MarkusMilosat to-be-determined dates.

IanFabian “You don’t want to hold your breath photos provided by Markusmilosianfabian about that. Who knows?” Bawa said, told the Manitoban. regarding Imitations’ chances of winThe Winnipeg-based independent ning the awards.

“We have no plans to leave “But it’s been interesting. We Winnipeg. Winnipeg is a city-town, film company was named after its pioneer members Markus Henkel, found out about three weeks ago but it’s a really good arts community here Milos Mitrovic, Ian Bawa, and we had to keep it a secret. We were and we have had huge support from Fabian Velasco. The latter three met super excited. Then on Aug. 4, they that community. We received a lot of while studying filmmaking at the flew us out for a press release and help in terms of funding for our films.”

“For now, the plan is to keep shootUniversity of Winnipeg and formed conference. It’s been a pretty cool ing and producing films here.” the collective after German film- experience so far.”

As a local independent filmmaking For more information about maker Henkel joined them.

The four Winnipeggers have since collective, MarkusMilosIanFabian Imitations and the Toronto collaborated to produce two short have benefited from being part of International Film Festival, visit tiff. films: The Champ (2015), which was Winnipeg’s growing arts commu- net/films/imitations-

Plain as Ghost, Rendering 5/5 Tobi Nifesi, staff

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choes and reverberations are usu- emotive lyrics. Their sounds and ally followed by brief periods of lyrics portray themes of hope, love, silence and reticence. This circle of and integrity. sounds – or lack thereof – allows The title track opens the album the ear to measure, understand and and, within a minute, sets the appreciate how golden the sound of atmosphere for the vibrant and silence could be. As brief as it may be, sonorous rhythms of “Convolution.” silence breeds awareness and aware- “Convolution” and “The Law” are two ness allows for processing, creativity of the album’s liveliest and grooviest and, finally, rendering. songs. The themes, lyrics, and mood Plain as Ghost’s debut album, of these two tracks juxtapose those Rendering, is an appreciation of life’s of “Character Witness” and “Alethea.” silent moments - periods that follow The latter pair depicts an individual a loss or love affair. The album plays who is determined to stay strong on the theme of processing emotions despite their weaknesses. and sentiments and there’s hardly a In fact, most of the album’s lyrbetter band to depict this than the ics tell the story of a resolute and prairie rock band. unyielding persona; cue “Empty Formed in 2014, the Winnipeg- Halls & Plaster Walls” and “Against based alternative-rock band com- the Waves.” The album’s lyrical comprises of Trevor Lux (lead vocals/ position complements its heavy and guitar), Adam Halstrom (bass/ thumping music and is reminiscent of vocals), Rodrigo Ramirez (drums), Foo Fighter’s Echoes, Silence, Patience and Daniel Friesen (vocals/guitar). & Grace.

These four musicians draw on perThat being said, the standout sonal experiences to create eupho- tracks on Rendering are “Against nious music laced with deep and the Waves” and “The Law” for their

progressively mellifluous sounds and all-encompassing lyrics. The sounds, rhythms and lyrics of these two tracks highlight the album’s themes.

There is a thoughtful story being told on each track on Rendering. It would definitely have benefited from

a longer track list as the album sounds incomplete or cut short and leaves the listener expecting more.

The eight-track album was produced by bassist Adam Halstrom, who also produced Dee Erin Band’s Indigenous Music Award-nominated

album Broken Road, and was recorded at Halstrom’s studio, Pollution Lake Sound.

Visit plainasghost.com for more information about the band and their debut album, Rendering.

Photo provided by plain as ghosts

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Arts & Culture

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

Following the Wild Path New yoga adventure program combines healing benefits of yoga and nature Tobi Nifesi, staff

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innipeg-based yoga teacher Ash Bourgeois has found a way to provide Winnipeggers with a holistic fitness experience that connects them back to their deepest selves and Mother Nature. Her passion for educating others on the healing benefits of yoga and nature led her to develop the idea for her new

yoga adventure program, Wild Path.

Wild Path aims to provide people with a special experience by fusing the practice of yoga with exciting outdoor events and adventures. It takes the practice of yoga off the mat to the natural environment outside the studio by combining yoga with activities like stand-up paddleboard (SUP),

hikes, retreats, and workshops. “[It’s] a creation of connection, community and nature – where the stand-up paddleboard classes, yoga hikes, and retreats are a place that is enveloped in nature, where the community is supportive, fun, and playful and we can take time offline to connect to friends, to connect

“I started practicing yoga when I was around 16 to manage and prevent injuries and then I [got more involved with it] in my early 20s,” Bourgeois said.

“Once I began a consistent practice, I dove deeper into yoga and felt inspired to share and teach. I wanted to teach people how to feel at home and happy in their bodies, be present and connect deeply with themselves.”

With Wild Path, Bourgeois hopes to teach people how to step away from life’s business by spending time basking in the beauty of nature, engaging in deep conversations, and practicing yoga. The natural environment provides a soothing and calming ambience to experience them.

“When we practice yoga, we are able to disconnect from the hustle around us and to reconnect with ourselves. It’s a deep experience of getting to know ourselves in a nonjudgmental and loving way,” said Bourgeois.

“I believe [yoga practice] is on the rise and it is wonderful. Going to classes is a great way to start and for those that are currently practicing yoga – ask your teachers questions!”

Bourgeois said. “Take time to go to workshops, get to a retreat if you can, and explore yoga past the physical.

Winnipeg and Manitoba has such graphic by justin ladia a phenomenal community; I hope Winnipeggers take time to explore it.” with outdoors and to breathe deeper,” To learn more about joining the Bourgeois told the Manitoban.

Wild Path adventure, visit wildpath.ca.

Bourgeois, who is also a lulule- Like and follow Wild Path on Facebook, mon ambassador and the owner of a Twitter and Instagram at @wldpath stand-up paddleboard business, has been involved with yoga since she was 16. For her, yoga is more than just an exercise routhine – it’s a way to reach inwards and get to know ourselves.

Local cheesemaking company provides healthy options at campus restaurants Tobi Nifesi, staff

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woman’s journey from Eastern Europe to North America has led her to become a producer of unique country-style dairy products.

Her flair for making cheese has turned into a profitable business since she arrived in Canada. Today, Galina Beilis’s Dairy Fairy is a healthy line of made-in-Manitoba dairy products that are produced with natural ingredients.

Beilis, who was once a beautician, saw the opportunity to produce a healthier option to the typical cheddar-mozzarella combo after her move to Canada. Her journey began in Belarus, where she was a co-owner of an aesthetic shop until she was bought by out by her partner.

Determined to rediscover her

footing, she moved to Israel and told the Manitoban.

After doing the necessary research, like Degrees and Daily Bread Café. overcame all the financial, social, “I started looking for ways to make Beilis teamed up with her husband Aaron Cassels, coordinator of and security challenges that came cheese from Manitoban products. I to produce a line of healthy dairy the University of Manitoba Campus with balancing out products includ- Food Strategy Group, believes Beilis’ a family life in the ing European- story is remarkable and her products Middle Eastern “Dairy Fairy’s goods help decrease our carbon style cheeses made are a cut above the competition. cou nt r y, a nd from locally-pro“Although her products are impresfootprint and cement the U of M’s dedication duced milk. Dairy sive, they aren’t the only part of her secured a move to Canada. She was to local and sustainable food choices” – Aaron Fairy’s products, narrative,” Cassels said. able to adapt to the which include “Dairy Fairy’s goods help decrease Cassels, coordinator of the University of new culture and cheese, yogurt, our carbon footprint and cement the forged a profitable and sour cream, U of M’s dedication to local and susManitoba Campus Food Strategy Group path for herself by are a rich source of tainable food choices.” starting a cheesecalcium, protein, For more information about Dairy making company. and phosphorus Fairy’s products, ingredients, and retail “[When I moved to Winnipeg] I started studying, reading books and and are void of salt or sugar. outlets, visit dairyfairy.ca started to think of ways to make a liv- recipes to find a good combination.

Made at the University of ing. Cheese was something I always I reached out to local farmers to see Manitoba, Dairy Fairy’s products are did at home and I just thought I could what kind of milk and other dairy now being featured on the shelves and use it as a form of business,” Beilis products they used.” in dishes of the campus restaurants

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

A guide to the 2016 Bisons football training camp Who’s in, who’s out, and who to watch for Mike Still

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he University of Manitoba Bisons football team will officially kick off training camp on Aug. 11, sporting a roster significantly different from the one that went 5-3 last season and fell short in the conference semifinals to UBC. Below are a handful of critical additions and subtractions that have been made over the latter part of the summer, as well as some key recruits and veterans to keep an eye on when the herd return to the field.

Who’s in?

Derek Yachison, slotback: There’s no question about it, Yachison was the biggest piece added to the Bisons puzzle for 2016. The local product out of Murdoch MacKay tore up the British Columbia Football Conference (BCFC) for five seasons – being named a Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL) AllCanadian twice – and on two separate occasions was also named the BCFC’s top wide receiver.

Yachison didn’t announce his decision to play for the Bisons until early August, as he was still waiting on any CFL possibilities that might arise (he was in training camp with the B.C. Lions). His signing is invaluable, as he’ll be able to step in and play a role very similar to the one Alex Vitt photo by carolyne kroeker occupied for the past few seasons – a hard-nosed, big-bodied slotback ate’s late addition even more critical Bisons secondary, as he had essen- heads off at spring camp and with a play tackle but is also an option at who can run all the routes and has is the fact that he’s played alongside tially locked up the boundary corner- shaky secondary heading into camp, centre. With the graduation of both Yachison for the past five years while back spot based on his play in spring his leadership will be that much more Alex McKay and Nevin Gamblin, breakaway speed potential. as well as the departure of Christian DJ Lalama, linebacker: Lalama’s with the Kamloops Broncos. The camp earlier this year. With Eric critical. decision to return to the Bisons for dynamic duo combined for well over Plett still on the mend from a prior Krause to Westshore, Daley fills an his final season shocked a number of 2,000 yards receiving last year and injury, Schneider Charles returning immediate need up front.

Kyle Patchell, slotback: Patchell’s CIS fans, considering the fact that he will likely be a dream-come-true for to Montreal, and Cam Teschuk mov- Lalama’s ing to halfback, Manitoba faces a recruitment was critical for two sepahad already made the practice squad starting quarterback Theo Deezar. announcement with the Edmonton Eskimos after serious lack of size at both cornerback rate reasons. The first is his chemisspeaks volumes, positions. try with Deezar, having previously being taken in the 2016 CFL Draft.

Nonetheless, in early July, Lalama Kent Hicks, defensive tackle: played with him while at Okanagan.

The Bisons are not just about his Hicks decided to join Lyles at The second is the fact that Jesse announced via Twitter that he would loaded with talent character, but also be returning to the U of M to comWestshore, leaving one of two startWalker’s status may still be up in the plete an MBA program. Lalama’s ing defensive tackle positions wide air due to a late season injury. at the defensive his IQ, knowing that open. With David Onyemata now While Walker might be back announcement speaks volumes, not at full health, it’s always nice to with the New Orleans Saints, having just about his character, but also his end position and it football will end an athletic big-man who can plug the have an insurance marker just in IQ , knowing that football will end all starts with their eventually and that gaps is a matter of dire importance. case. Patchell’s skill set is similar eventually and that student athletes to Walker’s as they are both tough, need to have a career to fall back on. sparkplug Foster student athletes Veterans to look out for versatile receivers with great hands.

Football-wise, having a seasoned need to have a career Having both in camp will be fun to veteran manning the middle will be Cam Fox, running back: Jamel critical for a team that has some blaLyles’ loss is Fox’s gain, as he will watch. to fall back on tant weak spots in other departments Who’s out? likely see his carries increase in 2016, Brock Gowanlock, defensive on defense.

Jamel Lyles, running back: For especially considering the fact that tackle: Gowanlock was brought in Evan Foster, defensive end/tackle: specifically as Onyemata’s replaceDevin Csincsa, wide receiver: personal reasons, Lyles decided dur- Alex Christie will probably be hanWhen the summer first started, the ing the summer that he wouldn’t be dling the punt and kick return duties. Foster has been a Canada West All- ment. He tore up the BCFC last year Bisons’ receiving corps was looking returning to the herd for the upcom- Manitoba is sure to use a dual-back Star in each of his two seasons with with Langley, and gives the Bisons rather bleak, after losing both Vitt ing season, opting to take the junior system much like last year, but Fox the herd and was also named defen- the monster they’ll need to clog up and fellow slotback Bryden Bone route with the Westshore Rebels should see an increased amount of sive MVP of the most recent East- the middle and free up linebackers to graduation. Tack on the fact that instead. That’s a huge blow both work aside from goal line situations West Bowl. The Bisons are loaded to make plays from the second level promising prospect Lerenzo Ihanza offensively as well as on special teams due to his power and acceleration with talent at the defensive end of the defense. decided to head to the BCFC, and for the Bisons, as the 2015 Canada both inside and outside the tack- position and it all starts with their the ability to find a player to stretch West Rookie of the Year did it all les, especially in second and short sparkplug Foster, who is consistently the field became a must. Cue Devin for Manitoba a year ago, including opportunities. all over the field making plays.

Tyler Fong, safety: There’s not Csincsa, the CJFL receiving yardage returning kicks and punts. leader from 2015, with 1,102 yards and Luc Catellier, cornerback: much that needs to be said about Recruits to look out for Anthony Daley, offensive line: eight majors and who also had the Catellier opted to return to his home- Fong. He’s a team captain and a fastest 40-yard dash time at the 2016 town for 2016 and will suit up for the three-year starter whose work ethic Daley is a former two-time CJFL Edmonton Regional Combine.

Calgary Colts of the PFC this year. is unparalleled both on and off the All-Canadian with the Langley Rams What makes the Maples gradu- His loss leaves a major hole in the field. He was literally taking people’s who has the feet and athleticism to

18

Sports

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

The 2018 centennial Memorial Cup will be a big one and Winnipeg should play host Ryan Stelter, staff

T

he Memorial Cup is said to be one of the hardest trophies to win, with all the participants having to win their respective league playoffs.

The three winners across Canada’s junior leagues and the host team then play a round robin tournament to claim bragging rights of being the best team in junior hockey. In 2018, the 100th edition of the tournament will take place, and Winnipeg could have an outside shot of hosting it.

The last time Winnipeg hosted the Memorial Cup, junior hockey’s ultimate prize, was in 1922. The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) typically rotates the hosting of the

Memorial Cup across the three major junior leagues in Canada: the WHL (Western Hockey League), OHL (Ontario Hockey League), and the QMJHL (Quebec Major Junior Hockey League). In 2018, the QMJHL is set to host it but the CHL has decided to open up the bidding to anyone for the tournament’s centennial.

In a press release by the CHL, president David Branch said that he is excited that they have allowed anyone to host such a historic event.

“On behalf of the Canadian Hockey League, we are very excited to open the bidding process for this

Ryan Kennedy mentions that Toronto could also play host to the tournament. That of course is a real possibility, and Toronto is just as much a hockey and sports mecca as Winnipeg, but for such a significant Canadian tournament, it should go to a city with the sort of passion that can only be found in Winnipeg.

We all saw how the city reacted to the Jets’ return in 2011; there is no doubt in my mind that Winnipeggers would welcome the tournament with open arms. The Memorial Cup relies a lot on volunteers to help make everything go smoothly. I think organizers would have to turn down people because there would be so much interest in Winnipeg.

This city craves hockey, whether it is the Moose, the Jets, or local minor or junior hockey. With its small population, Winnipeg has even been able to support both an AHL and NHL franchise - something most people outside of the city would never have believed possible 15 years ago, but I think it's something the people of Winnipeg knew they could do. photo by asad aman Winnipeg has shown the ability host major events, with it most historic national event to CHL teams In order for Winnipeg to be able recently playing host to some games across the country,” Branch said. to host the centennial Memorial Cup, of the Women’s World Cup last July.

“Our mission is to capture, pre- the only junior team in Manitoba, the Winnipeg attendance was great, and serve, and enhance the legacy of one Brandon Wheat Kings, would have that wasn’t even a hockey tournaof the most prestigious trophies in all to place a bid. When asked by the ment. This city is wildly obsessed of sport and engage the entire nation Manitoban about the possibility of the with sports and if the Memorial Cup through this celebration that will also team putting in a bid, a representa- were to come to Winnipeg, I am sure honour the brave men and women tive of the Wheat Kings said they it would be a huge success. who served and continue to serve our could not comment on the subject.

I am sure the big boys over at the country.”

The WHL offices did not respond to CHL will take a long hard look at Many NHL stars have won an email from the Manitoban.

Winnipeg if the Wheat Kings do the Memorial Cup in their junior Winnipeg, with its hockey-mad decide to put in a bid for Memorial days, including Taylor Hall, Mike fans, is an ideal candidate for such a Cup in two years’ time. The 100th Richards, Corey Perry, Nathan special occasion – the MTS Centre edition of the Memorial Cup deserves MacKinnon, and Milan Lucic, so the is more than capable of hosting such Winnipeg, and Winnipeg has proved tournament is an excellent opportu- a tournament. that it’s a deserving host. nity for fans to see future NHL talent.

In an article in the Hockey News,

VOL. 103 NO. 3 August 10, 2016

Sports

19

Turnaround for Blue Winnipeg is attempting to salvage this season the best they can Dan Mortimer

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wo weeks ago, the tone for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers was bleak and gloomy, as it looked like they were trundling towards yet another miserable 5-13 season. But in the highly volatile Canadian Football League (CFL) things can change in a week, and did things ever change for the Bombers.

The turnaround in the team’s performance over the past two weeks is nothing less than remarkable. The Blue Bombers have rallied to move from dead last in the league up to the number three spot in the West division.

This brief rally has dramatically boosted morale, temporarily halted sighs of discontent, and given hope to a fan base desperate for any reason to remain interested, especially given that the beer snake has been so unjustly eradicated.

Over the first four weeks of the season, it appeared as though the most popular form of fan entertainment at games was to call for the heads of coach Mike O’Shea and quarterback Drew Willy. Angry wails of dissatisfaction from the Bud Light-guzzling fans echoed through Investors Group Field.

Improved Defense

The state of affairs is a far cry from where it stood a mere two weeks ago.

Strong defensive efforts spearheaded by a tenacious linebacking crew are to be duly noted. A few Bombers are doing well on the league stage, as defensive lineman Jamaal Westerman places second in the league for sacks, and linebacker Ian Wild tops the league in tackles. Defensive back Kevin Fogg is not far behind him in the number four spot.

The Blue Bombers defense now ranks first in the CFL categories for forced fumbles, interceptions, and passes defended. If you would have told someone this information in week three, they would have called you crazy. This outstanding effort was apparent last Thursday night when until that point.

Big Blue managed to hold Hamilton The new vigor brought by the to a mere 11 points. Pinning the red- offence shouldn’t be entirely attribhot Edmonton offense to 23 points uted to the change at quarterback. on July 29 is no small feat either. It The offensive line has healed up appears that for now, the struggling since their week four walloping, and defense we saw over the first four bought sufficient time for intermediweeks has found its stride. ate range pass plays instead of crumbling like a Nature Valley granola bar.

Offense is firing on In addition, tailback Andrew all cylinders Harris has been stepping up to the Offensively it seems that the plate, and he is now second in the change up at the quarterback posi- league with 382 rushing yards. The tion has supplied the team with the Bombers' expensive offseason acquisiintangible element that it was des- tions are just now starting to pay their perately lacking – intensity. The new dividends. knight in shining armor, pivot Matt From what we can gather, the perNichols, has brought new life into the formances of recent games reflect the Bombers offence. On the first drive way that the offence was designed to of his initial start against Edmonton, be run. Quick pass plays mixed with Nichols paraded the offence on an 85 the occasional deep ball, effective yard scoring drive, with big contribu- blocking, and a competent running tions from slotback Weston Dressler, game create the type of fast pace and who hauled in two passes for 60 yards balance the team needs.

– his first notable input thus far. That drive yielded the team’s only first Quarterback controversy? quarter touchdown of the year up To address the recent alteration at

graphic by justin ladia

quarterback, it would unreasonable to when looking to build or maintain many times over the course of his state that Nichols should have been momentum. These are traits that for carreer so far. the starter all along. What needs to some reason Willy does not seem to Since Oct. 2012, the Blue Bombers be realized is that by statistical mea- possess. have started nine different QBs at sures, Nichols is not superior to Willy. least once. Here’s hoping that they Not yet at least. have now found the stability they Since October 2012, Last season in 2015, Willy finished have desperately needed at the quarterback position. the year with 1434 yards and eight the Bombers have touchdowns over just six starts before started nine different 2016 looking up suffering a season-ending injury in week seven. Nichols managed 1757 Only the future will tell what lies QBs at least once passing yards and ten touchdowns in store for the 2016 Winnipeg Blue over eight starts. So the statistics Bombers. The team and fans can don’t heavily favor one over the other, With an inconsistent offensive line, surely find excitement in this temexcept the fact Willy had a higher Willy’s inability to scramble is pos- porary success, but it is still a long completion percentage (68.6%) than sibly his biggest challenge, as it gets season ahead, and momentum can Nichols (60.6%) as well as 9.1 yards him sacked frequently, and ultimately be shortlived. per completion versus Nichols’ 7.2. subjects him to a risk of injury, as seen The Blue Bombers gear up to take However, statistics can only tell you in 2015. But even with the recent suc- on the Toronto Argonauts for the first so much, and those statistics are a cess of Nichols, it would be a shame time this season next week. They will year old. to see Willy be sidelined indefinitely. undoubtably be tested by the Argo’s Nichols seems to fit offensive Being compensated with a $400,000 experienced roster. With any luck, co-ordinator Paul LaPolice’s system per year salary, he deserves more than what we have seen over the past two significantly better. Nichols’ quick to play second fiddle. Whether or not weeks is merely the tip of the iceberg, release, willingness to make risky his future lies with Winnipeg is yet and this may finally be the formula throws, and his ability to buy time to be determined, but his competency the franchise needs to become a conon his feet have served the team well as a quarterback has been showcased sistent competitor.

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