10 February 2016

MANITOBAN the

THE OFFICIAL UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA STUDENTS’ NEWSPAPER

NEWS

Course drop policy change delayed Student senators get VW policy revisions deferred to next year Page 7

ARTS & CULTURE

Francophone festival fun Festival du Voyageur celebrates 47 years Page 16

SPORTS

Dominating the Duckworth Bisons best Wesmen in annual challenge Page 20

VO L 1 0 2 · N O 2 2 · F E B R UA RY 1 0, 2 0 1 6 · W W W.T H E M A N I TO B A N .CO M

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Index

VOL. 102 NO. 22 February 10, 2016

ONLINE CONTENT

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Euro 2016 Favourites and dark horses for this year’s tournament

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EDITORIAL

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EDITORIAL

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Badass womyn

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Female focussed playlists you’ll think are a riot

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ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR Seamus Hamilton-Pattison

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SPORTS EDITOR Mike Still

page 5

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COPY EDITOR Tom Ingram

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SCIENCE

JUNIOR COPY EDITOR Sarah Doran

The science of love

DESIGN

DESIGN EDITOR Bradly Wohlgemuth

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Love isn't just for poets and artists

GRAPHICS EDITOR Bram Keast

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GRAPHICS ASSOCIATE Kelly Campbell GRAPHICS ASSOCIATE Jondell Coombs PHOTO ASSOCIATE Chantal Zdan PHOTO ASSOCIATE Megan Colwell

page 12-14

REPORTERS

NEWS Osho Samuel Adetunji NEWS Estefania Wujkiw NEWS Shawn Garbutt NEWS Shreya Ghimire COLUMNIST Aedan Ladd COLUMNIST Jill Patterson SCIENCE Malak Abas SCIENCE Jeremiah Yarmie ARTS & CULTURE Olivia Michalczuk ARTS & CULTURE Tobi Nifesi SPORTS Andy Che SPORTS Ryan Stelter

VOLUNTEER CONTRIBUTORS

Emelia Fournier Laurel Johanson Ashley Richard Dan Gwozdz

Alana Roberts Anthony Labonte Sarah Walker Sari Habiluk

Jeff Miller

MANITOBAN 105 UN IVERSITY CENTRE U N I V E R S I T Y O F M A N I TO B A WINNIPEG, MB R3T 2N2

CORRECTION

Correction: In the article “UMSU Withholds $40,000 In Fees Under Bogus Contract, Says University 1 Student Council,” from last week’s issue, Jaron Moen Gun Hart was mistakenly listed as a signatory of the contract between the U1SC and UMSU. In reality, Hart was not a signing authority for the U1SC and had not signed the contract. We apologize for the error.

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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 ©2015 and may not be reprinted without the express written permission of the Editor-in-Chief.

News

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News Editor: Ethan Cabel Contact: news@themanitoban.com News Editor:Garett Williams Contact: garett@themanitoban.com

University of Manitoba debates mandatory indigenous course requirement Consultations ongoing on how to meet strategic goals GARETT WILLIAMS, STAFF

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he University of Manitoba is taking steps to meet its strategic goals and expand indigenous education into every faculty and discipline.

Indigenous education was put in the front seat of the university’s 2015-2020 strategic plan, which calls for every graduate of the U of M to leave with an understanding of the struggles and contributions indigenous peoples have made in Manitoba and Canada.

In December, the university signed a memorandum of understanding with the Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba to bolster treaty education and inked its name on the Manitoba Collaborative Indigenous Education Blueprint along with six universities, three colleges, and the Manitoba School Boards Association.

The blueprint commits the U of M to work to increase access to programs and services for indigenous students, while integrating indigenous knowledge and intellectual traditions into curricula.

The Fort Garry campus is also home to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, which holds a collection of documents, oral histories, and records gathered throughout thousands of hours of testimony collected over a six-year period.

“There really isn’t any excuse for anyone not to become informed or aware of the indigenous people of this country because there’s resources everywhere,” said Deborah Young, the university’s executive lead for indigenous achievement.

The question facing the university, she said, is how to implement indigenous teachings into programming.

It could come in the form of a mandatory course or credit requirement – which will take effect in the fall at the University of Winnipeg – or from integrating indigenous perspectives into existing course outlines.

The idea of a mandatory credit or course was broached at a Jan. 28 panel during the university’s second annual indigenous awareness week. It was also floated through social media and an online poll on the university’s UM Today webpage.

“I’m curious to know what students have to say about this because this is going to impact how they approach their academic studies,” Young said.

“The more they get themselves

Association of Aboriginal Commerce Students president Ashley Richard

Niigaanwewidam James Sinclair, acting head of the department of native studies

involved and informed and lend their views, [the more they] will help map where the university is going on this.”

Young said an Instagram post on the university’s account promoting the panel garnered more feedback, both positive and negative, than anything posted before it.

enous credits for all students. zens and the University of Manitoba She argued math and writing should do better than that.” credits are compulsory for all graduSinclair supported mandatory ates and said a similar indigenous indigenous programming at the requirement would only round out panel but said more university supa student’s education. port of the native studies department “I think that everybody who lives is needed, especially if programming in Canada should know about indig- is to be expanded. He said he is asked enous people and the struggles and to sit in on various faculty committhe history,” she said. “It makes you tees on a daily basis and is already more of a well-rounded person if you stretched thin. do know about it.”

Speaking to the panel – which The development of a mandatory was attended by nearly 70 students, credit or course requirement would faculty and staff – Kenneth Young, a not be without controversy, however. University of Manitoba alumnus and On a Facebook discussion that the first student from a First Nations appeared below a post inviting community to graduate from the students and faculty to attend the Robson Hall faculty of law, said he January panel discussion, several is of two minds on the issue. respondents resisted the idea of He agreed indigenous education a mandatory credit. One argued should be prioritized at the univermandating the courses would turn sity level but said more focus should prospective students away from the U be placed on the public school years of M. Another accused the university from kindergarten to Grade 12. of instituting a cash grab.

“I believe where we will capture “There’s a chronic ignorance the imagination of the population of when it comes to indigenous issues Canada regarding our people would throughout the country which is be in public school system, where it epitomized in attitudes like that,” should be mandatory that the history said Niigaanwewidam James Sinclair, of our people be taught in a signifiacting head and assistant professor cant way,” he said. in the department of native studies.

“Because if you teach it at this Sinclair argued that it is incum- level, you’re going to miss out on a bent on the U of M to produce lot of people who are not here at this graduates with an understanding of institution.” indigenous history, adding that “wellinformed Canadian citizens should A roundtable discussion surroundhave a full knowledge of indigenous ing indigenous education was hosted issues.” at the Fort Garry Campus Feb. 4.

“All this should happen in course Further consultations are scheduled delivery but it isn’t,” he said. “It isn’t for the William Norrie Centre March happening in high school experi- 18, 12:30-2 pm and Bannatyne ences, in elementary school experi- campus March 30, 12:30-2 pm ences, and then we’re faced with the chronic problem of producing underqualified, ill-equipped Canadian citi-

“There really isn’t any excuse for anyone not to become informed or aware of the indigenous people of this country because there’s resources everywhere” – Deborah Young, executive lead for indigenous achievement, U of M

munities, including law, medicine, and social work, should include more in-depth indigenous programming.

“I think it’s absolutely key that social workers [for example] graduate with not just a basic understanding but a comprehensive understanding on the history of residential schools and the Sixties Scoop because all of that has an impact on the well-being of our communities,” she said.

Ashley Richard, president of the Association of Aboriginal Commerce Students, takes a similar stance.

Richard argued against a mandatory credit at the January panel, calling for an integrative model more connected to a student’s academic path.

“I think it adds more value when you can make a direct correlation between the knowledge that you’re gaining and what you’re studying,” she told the Manitoban. “You’re more willing to accept it, you’re more willing to integrate it into the way you think and how you live your life.”

She said it would take some creative thinking but integration could include community outreach projects, or other course-relevant options.

“I think it’s re-evaluating the way you look at what defines credit hours,” she said. “How can every student gain a certain level of indigenous knowledge that is applicable to what they’re doing?”

As of Monday, 71 per cent of respondents to the online poll voted that the U of M should not have a mandatory indigenous requirement, while 18 per cent said the knowledge should be integrated in another way and 11 per cent welcomed a manda- Mandatory credits? tory credit or course. 653 votes were Kristin Richard, co-president cast. of the University of Manitoba Young said she supports an inte- Aboriginal Students Association, gration model, bringing indigenous said the U of M should follow in the perspectives into existing course out- steps of the University of Winnipeg lines. However, she noted programs and Lakehead University, which have working directly with affected com- both introduced mandatory indig-

PHOTOS BY DAN GWOZDZ

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News

News Editor: Ethan Cabel Contact: news@themanitoban.com News Editor:Garett Williams Contact: garett@themanitoban.com

U of M chancellor re-elected to another term U of M alumni Harvey Secter ends six-year term, signs on for another three years SHAWN GARBUTT, STAFF

U of M chancellor Harvey Secter

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arvey Secter, University of Manitoba alumni and dean emeritus of the university’s Robson Hall faculty of law, was re-elected as chancellor of the university on Feb. 3

PHOTO PROVIDED BY PAT GOSS

and will have completed nine years in the position by the end of his term in 2019.

The 72-year-old Secter was reelected by the university’s committee

of election, the body that chooses the post for nearly a decade, retiring in is very proud of some of the major U of M chancellor. The committee is 2008. accomplishments of the university, made up of all members of the univerHowever, the university hadn’t including the Taché Hall renovations sity’s board of governors and senate. had enough of him just yet. Shortly and the ongoing development plan for after his retirement, Secter received a the Southwood lands. call from the administration requestYet Secter’s heart really lies in “I would consider ing him to attend a meeting. the work he does to help realize the Knowing the chancellor at the potential in students. He said that it to be one of the time had recently stepped down, attending convocations allows him best volunteer Secter talks of how he started think- to see the truly profound impact ing of names to suggest for election at the university has on the lives of positions that there the meeting. Little did he know he what he calls the province’s future is” – Harvey Secter, was the university was seeking. professionals.

In January 2010, Secter began his people are going to have chancellor, University term as chancellor of the University the“These opportunities that are part and parcel to the evolution of the next of Manitoba. of Manitoba Secter told the Manitoban that generation of citizenry,” Secter said. there are three major functions the “We forget just how much of a differSecter began as a commerce stu- chancellor plays – the ceremonial, the ence [the university] makes for people. dent at the U of M in 1961, eventually internal, and the external.

“We don’t appreciate just how vast graduating with a bachelor of comThe chancellor plays a ceremonial the reach of the university is. There merce degree in 1967. After gradu- role through attending convocation are people all over the province, all ation, Secter went into business as and fulfilling various time-honoured over the country, whose lives have part of the family retail outlet Ricki’s traditions at the university. Internally, been changed because of it.”

Canada Limited until years later, in the chancellor sits on various boards A self-proclaimed advocate for 1988, when he enrolled again as a and committees and therefore has a community involvement, Secter said student in the faculty of law at the great deal of influence on the actions he looks forward his next three years U of M. of the university. This manifests itself as chancellor.

Graduating from law in 1992, through the chancellor’s position as “I would consider it to be one of the Secter eventually pursued a master’s a member of the board of governors best volunteer positions that there degree in law at Harvard University and the senate, as well as the chair is,” he said. before returning to Winnipeg in 1995. of various committees. Finally, the Back at home, Secter worked as chancellor acts as a spokesperson for a sessional instructor at the U of M the university, lobbying on its behalf but quickly climbed the ladder and, to various interest groups and the within years, became the dean of the government. faculty of law. Secter stayed at his Secter told the Manitoban that he

AESES and University of Manitoba agree to four-year collective agreement Modest raise for 2,500 support workers ESTEFANIA WUJKIW, STAFF

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AESES president Laurie Morris

PHOTO PROVIDED BY AESES

fter more than a dozen meetings and nearly 100 hours at the bargaining table, the Association of Employees Supporting Education Services (AESES) and the University of Manitoba have reached a new collective bargaining agreement.

In December, AESES members voted 91 per cent in favour of the four-year deal retroactive to April 5, 2015. The contract includes modest increases of 1.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 per cent annually until the deal expires in April 2019. Top-tier members will receive an extra 0.25 per cent on March 25, 2016, to bring their salaries in line with other members’ increases.

“Certainly, we would have liked to have seen a larger salary increase for our membership and closing the compensation gap between our membership and some of the other working groups at the university is something that future bargaining committees will strive to address,” AESES president Laurie Morris told the Manitoban in an email.

According to Morris, the chief gains in the new contract include an

agreement to convene a joint comDuring the meetings, the main mittee to review employment clas- issues were bargained through intersifications and improve the wording est-based negotiations, an approach for clarification purposes. based on the idea that each group has AESES represents about 2,500 its own priorities. Each side examines full- and part-time employees work- its own interests while learning about ing throughout numerous depart- the concerns of the other and works ments on campus, including clerical to find a mutually beneficial solution. and administrative, technical, and AESES has used this approach for security services, among others. The approximately the last six contracts. union also provides support services This time, the bargaining process to the university community. lasted 10 months.

Morris also noted the new agree“It allows an issue to be broken ment includes language allow- down and discussed thoroughly leading the association president to be ing to a better understanding from released from 50 per cent of their both sides,” said Morris. work duties to devote time to union “It comes down to both parties responsibilities. being willing to follow the process Morris said the only contentious and being respectful to each other,” issue concerned the existing disci- she said. pline process, which membership argued was not being used consistently by managers and supervisors.

“There was a perception that the process was too difficult and restrictive to be used successfully,” she said, noting that it was determined managers and supervisors will receive additional training.

VOL. 102 NO. 22 February 10, 2016

News

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UMFM, WUSC fee hike referenda approved by UMSU council Campus broadcaster, World University Services of Canada to hold referenda as part of UMSU election SHAWN GARBUTT, STAFF

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wo campus groups have received approval from University of Manitoba’s Student Union (UMSU) to hold a referendum on hiking their student fees as part of this year’s UMSU general election.

Both the University of Manitoba campus radio station, 101.5 UMFM, and the U of M branch of the World University Services of Canada (WUSC) proposed motions for referenda to UMSU council on Jan. 28.

Both motions passed UMSU council, meaning the organizations will ask the student body for approval to implement fee hikes to make up for the loss of funding that has come through not having their fees tied to the rate of inflation and to pay for expanded programming.

UMFM and WUSC are asking for fee hikes of $1.50 and $2.50, respectively. The submitted motions state that the funding increase for UMFM will be used for “critical infrastructure,” while WUSC plans to funnel its extra funds into support for sponsoring student refugees. Should the referenda pass, the fee hikes would be implemented as of the fall 2016 academic term.

If passed, the UMFM referendum will result in UMSU recommending the university’s board of governors elevate the fee to $4 per semester, and for the fee rate to be fixed to the Manitoba Consumer Price Index.

Station manager Jared McKetiak told the Manitoban that the fee increase is necessary because funding for UMFM has been stagnant since 1998. McKetiak added that the current finances used by the station are short by an estimated 60 per cent due to inflation rates that haven’t been accounted for over the past two decades.

“It’s tough to do business when the cost of doing business keeps going up while your major source of fund-

ing seems to actually be going down,” McKetiak said.

McKetiak said that he believes UMFM is a real asset to the university.

Not only does it reflect the diverse elements of university life while providing a platform for homegrown content, he said, but the station is also an essential training ground for future media professionals.

“We’re very cognizant of the financial burdens that are placed on students, but in the grand scheme of things, I think that asking for $1.50 per term is a pretty small amount. It’s less than the cost of a cup of coffee per term” – Jared McKetiak, station manager, 101.5 UMFM

both recently passed fee increases – of $2 and $32 respectively per semester – through UMSU council and the university's board of governors without referendums.

“We’re very cognizant of the The other organization seeking financial burdens that are placed on a fee hike through referendum is students, but in the grand scheme of WUSC. An international organizathings, I think that asking for $1.50 tion that seeks to empower, educate, per term is a pretty small amount. It’s and employ students, the U of M less than the cost of a cup of coffee branch of the organization is largely per term,” McKetiak said. concerned with settling refugees and “Ultimately, we don’t want to providing them with the resources implement this upon students with- necessary to start a new life as a stuout asking them first. We are giving dents at the University of Manitoba. them the final say.”

David Arenas, staff adviser of the The Manitoban and UMSU have local WUSC committee and a mem-

PHOTOS BY CAROLYNE KROEKER

ber of the WUSC board of directors, told the Manitoban that the organization does uniquely important work, which is why he supports a fee hike through referendum.

Similarly to UMFM, WUSC fee rates haven’t been adjusted for decades. Arenas said he believes this is a good reason for a fee hike, especially considering the great needs associated with refugee resettlement and aiding international students in adjusting to life on campus in a radically different landscape and culture.

Despite recent controversy over the $64 fee hike passed by UMSU council, student member of WUSC

Jesslyn Best said she believes the organization has good prospects for a positive outcome.

“I am hopeful. I think that people will see the bigger picture, of what they are contributing to, and that our referendum is not at all related to what has happened with the $64 increase,” she said.

“They are two separate issues, and I hope that people will keep that in mind.”

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News

News Editor: Ethan Cabel Contact: news@themanitoban.com News Editor:Garett Williams Contact: garett@themanitoban.com

Academic dishonesty on the rise U of M exploring mandatory academic integrity tutorial for undergraduate students SHREYA GHIMIRE, STAFF

PHOTO BY MEGAN COLWELL

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he University of Manitoba The UDC is responsible for the recently revealed a significant disciplinary cases that occur on camincrease in incidents of academic pus, and is the highest level of appeal dishonesty at the U of M, leaving for students who contest a finding of the campus to search for a solution. academic dishonesty.

The University Discipline The number of cases of personCommittee’s (UDC) annual report ation – impersonating another stuto the U of M senate on Feb. 3 shows dent at an exam or other evaluation that the number of incidents of aca- – went from one case in 2013-14 to demic dishonesty and inappropriate 20 in 2014-15, the highest number of behaviour during the 2014-15 school cases in the past five years, as far back year is higher than from the year as the numbers presented to senate before, with 785 incidents reported reach.

Inappropriate collaboration compared with 559 in 2013-14.

The report shows that the increase roughly tripled since the previous is specifically due to a rise in reported year, jumping from 99 to 305 cases.

Reported cases of plagiarism were incidents of personation, inapproprialso slightly higher compared with ate collaboration, and plagiarism.

previous years, jumping from 158 to 176 cases.

The report also showed that application fraud and contravention of examination regulations were also slightly higher in 2014-15 than years past. The numbers in the report show a steady increase in the number of recorded discipline incidents in proportion to the total number of students since 2010-11, starting at 1.4 per cent and rising to 2.6 per cent four years later.

The report concluded that the increase in the number of personations and inappropriate collaborations indicate a need for further observation and education when it comes to academic dishonesty, and that the increase could also be due to increased vigilance on the part of those reporting.

Don Fuchs, chair of the UDC, said that they are planning to monitor these patterns and focus on explaining these numbers.

“There is increased vigilance, but there is also increased opportunity to be dishonest because of the Internet,” Fuchs said.

“This is what we have to monitor over time, whether it’s increasing because of the opportunities or because of the vigilance.”

Fuchs also addressed the anomalous rise in inappropriate collaboration, indicating the ambiguity

surrounding this term given that a lot of faculties promote student collaboration through group assignments and presentations.

According to Fuchs, the senate will table various revised discipline policies over the next few months.

Fuchs said there are a variety of options the university is considering to address academic dishonesty.

One option is to introduce plagiarism detection software. This software would vet all assignments by examining and identifying signs of plagiarism.

Another option is the introduction of a mandatory tutorial for all undergraduate students.

An academic integrity tutorial has already been implemented at the graduate level. Beginning last fall, all graduate students were required to complete the tutorial in order to successfully complete their studies. Fuchs said the tutorial has been well-received by graduate students and that it has been a very straightforward process.

Fuchs noted the tutorial would be helpful because most incidents of academic dishonesty stem from a lack of understanding of what terms like cheating, fraud, and plagiarism actually mean.

The options are currently being explored by the U of M Academic Integrity Working Group (AIWG).

Rebecca Kunzman, vice-president advocacy for the University of Manitoba Students’ Union and a student representative on the AIWG, said that the working group was first created to evaluate the practicality of purchasing plagiarism detection software, but has now moved in a preventative direction by focusing on reducing academic dishonesty through education.

According to Kunzman, the working group is currently focused on pushing two initiatives. The first is the mandatory tutorial, and the second is a minimum penalty structure so penalties don’t differ significantly from faculty to faculty.

Kunzman noted there was an increase last year in the number of students coming to UMSU advocacy because they received a disciplinary letter. She said students were frequently unaware of the policies, which is where the tutorial could help to decrease the number of incidents.

“It sounds like it’s going to be very interesting [...] They’re talking about making it fun and interactive and they’re trying to make sure it’s really geared towards students,” Kunzman said.

Chief returning officers selected for UMSU, UMSGA elections CROs named less than a week before nominations opened for general elections OSHO SAMUEL ADETUNJI, STAFF

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oming in just under the wire, “The committee conducted a whether intentional or not, forced the chief returning officers (CRO) thorough and fair selection process,” council’s hand to approve whatever for both the upcoming University of Mirecki said. candidate they presented.”

Manitoba Students’ Union (UMSU) Isaac Weldon, vice-president For his part, McClelland told the and University of Manitoba Graduate of the Arts Student Body Council, Manitoban he is working on a feasible Students’ Association (UMSGA) criticized the delayed appointment, plan to ensure a clean election process. general elections were selected the pointing to UMSU bylaws that call “I am not here to reinvent the week before nominations opened. for the position to be filled by Nov. 30 wheel,” he said. “The past CRO did Executive nominations for the of any given year. an admirable job and I will do my UMSU general election opened “The selection of CRO at the most best to implement improvements Feb. 1, only four days after law stu- recent UMSU council meeting was where they are possible.” dent Bradley McClelland was named – along with a lot of other business The 2015 campaign resulted in a CRO at UMSU’s regular council conducted this year – conducted in a mixed-slate executive, with no winmeeting Jan. 28. fashion that I believe was too hasty, ning candidate surpassing 56-per cent Nominations remain open until undemocratic, and unfair to UMSU support in a close vote. Final results Feb. 12, with campaigns officially council as well as all other members were not determined until the early kicking off Feb. 22. Ballots will be of the union,” he said. hours of the following morning after cast March 2-4, with polling stations Weldon said the selection com- a rigorous recounting and scrutineerset up at various locations around mittee should be vetting candidates ing process. campus. and forwarding a recommendation McClelland said he has included UMSU council chair Kyle early enough for council to conduct guidelines surrounding third-party Mirecki helmed the selection com- its own due diligence. advertising and is drafting compremittee, which included the UMSU “The fact that it was less than a hensive rules concerning spoiled president, three members of council week until nominations for the gen- ballots, which sparked questions and two students-at-large. He said eral election opened that a single following the 2015 campaign. the whole committee was unable to CRO candidate was presented to the “I am hoping to balance students’ convene until January, resulting in council is suspicious,” he said. rights to spoil a ballot based on disthe late appointment.

“In a way, the lack of foresight, satisfaction with the need to make

sure that votes for candidates are recorded,” he said.

UMGSA General Elections

The UMGSA suffered its own delay in selecting a CRO and only appointed Jessica Whattam to the position the last week of January.

Nominations for the UMGSA executive opened at the beginning of the month and close Feb. 12. The two-week campaign begins Feb. 29 after a preparation period.

UMGSA president Kristjan Mann attributed the delay in appointing a returning officer to a lack of volunteers coming forward to make up the selection committee.

“The committee could not be formed with less than four student representatives and although the position was advertised monthly, we only had the fourth member join at the end of last year,” he said, noting the committee met for the first time in January.

Whattam said that getting ahead of any glitches was a priority for her

as CRO, acknowledging tech issues hampered the 2015 graduate student elections when voters could only cast ballots for one senator, rather than two.

However, she lauded the digital ballots, saying online voting allows students researching off-campus an equal opportunity to vote.

“I believe last year was a great election apart from that one hiccup,” she said. “Once again, this year the UMGSA elections are being conducted online. There will be no paper ballots and therefore spoiling [of ballots] is less of a problem.”

Additionally, Whattam said the free flow of information is critical for a fair election.

“If the entire graduate student body has access to the same information at the same time, and knows where to go to get more information should they desire, I believe this is the best way that we can call the election fair,” she said.

UMSGA voting will run from March 14-16.

VOL. 102 NO. 22 February 10, 2016

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Voluntary withdrawal changes delayed at U of M Students push for revisions to U of M course drop policy, ensure changes will not take effect this fall ETHAN CABEL, STAFF

Rebecca Kunzman, UMSU vice-president advocacy

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he University of Manitoba will which begins shortly after registrawait another year before imple- tion for every course and expires at menting changes to its voluntary a set deadline. They are then able withdrawal policy after concerned to retake those courses without student senators successfully pushed restrictions. for revisions.

According to Collins, this has After consultation with students, resulted in a rash of course drops that David Collins, vice-provost of inte- have created negative consequences grated planning and academic pro- for students, including increasing the grams, recommended to the Feb. 3 U time it takes to graduate. of M senate meeting that the policy The U of M has averaged 17,445 be sent to a senate committee for voluntary withdrawals per year review, thus delaying the voluntary for the last five years. The number withdrawal policy changes until next of students repeating courses they year. have previously dropped is similarly At the Jan. 6 senate meeting, a high, averaging 14,188 over the last motion was proposed recommend- five years. ing that the university make it more Rebecca Kunzman, vice-presidifficult for students to retake courses dent advocacy for the University of they had previously dropped. The Manitoba Students’ Union, said that primary recommendation involved she is concerned about the number imposing a limited access period for of course drops on campus, but that all students looking to retake courses she is also worried about restricting they had previously dropped, taking access for students who voluntarily effect this fall. withdraw from courses for legitimate The limited access period would reasons. give priority to all new registrants “I think more research needs to be for a course during the regular reg- done in terms of solving the problem istration period. Students looking to of the bottlenecks that we’re looking retake a previously dropped course at addressing with this limited access would only be able to register during clause, so I think there’s a balance to a limited access period, ensuring that be struck,” Kunzman said. all new registrants had been given a Kunzman, along with Arts chance to enrol first.

Student Body Council senator Currently, students can drop up to Allison Kilgour, successfully cora maximum of 30 credit hours dur- ralled the senate to vote against the ing the voluntary withdrawal period, motion, passing a different motion to

PHOTO BY CAROLYNE KROEKER

send it back for review by Collins in consultation with students.

Kunzman and Kilgour proposed three different alternatives to Collins’s limited access period at the Jan. 6 senate meeting.

I really think it is a testament to the student senators’ hard work and their dedication that our voices were heard on this issue” – Rebecca Kunzman, vice-president advocacy, UMSU First, they proposed that students be allowed to retake a course they had previously dropped only once, after which they would be subject to the limited access period. Second, they proposed putting a time limit on limited access, preferably a year, after which students would be treated like any other registrant. Finally, they proposed a manual override function for those who need to retake a course for a specific reason but have been

unable to register during the limited students,” she said, adding that the access period. manual override option is largely a At the Feb. 3 senate meeting, last resort in the event that the techCollins reported that only the second nology is incompatible or cannot be and third options are feasible using upgraded. the university’s current Aurora or “I’m really pleased to see that all Banner technology. of the student senators were able to “At this stage we are exploring the come together on this and consult Banner infrastructure for a means effectively with their faculty, and I to automate a timed implementation really think it is a testament to their of limited access, without having to hard work and their dedication that resort to costly system modifications,” our voices were heard on this issue.”

Collins reported through a commuTina Chen, U of M history profesnication with U of M president David sor and university senator, told the Barnard that was presented to the Manitoban last month that further senate. consideration of the issue should be “In the absence of an automated welcomed given the complexity of solution we will explore a manual the problem. override option.”

“The high voluntary withdrawal The voluntary withdrawal changes rate plus the high course retake rate will now be referred back to the sen- at the university is a concern because ate committee on instruction and it limits access to many required and evaluation, where the proposal was high-demand courses for students. first discussed in November. The The frustration of students who cancommittee will then decide whether not gain access to certain courses at to forward a motion to the senate as an appropriate point in their degree a whole. programs is heard in many parts of Kunzman told the Manitoban she the university,” Chen said in an email. is hopeful the committee can find “There are also issues of equity and the right balance between meeting fairness for all students when there is the needs of students and ensuring a general culture of using voluntary that course drops don’t continue to withdrawals to manage GPA. At the increase in the years ahead. same time, we all recognize that stu“Our preference is to come to an dents [drop] courses for a wide range agreement with the university where of reasons, and that the option for the time frame on limited access is a voluntary withdrawal needs to be something that makes sense for available to students.”

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

8

Screaming back Celebrating womyn in music CAROLYNE KROEKER, STAFF

As a female musician, I often feel as though I have to work twice as hard to be taken half as seriously in the music scene.

Dealing with sexism onstage is a difficult situation to grapple with; yes, I am there to perform for an audience, but that audience isn’t entitled to harass me simply because they’ve paid for a ticket. While playing a recent show at a local club, the lead singer of our band and I, both womyn, were harassed by men in the front row, who interrupted our performance by shouting comments like “you make me so horny, baby” and yelling unintelligibly over our voices during quieter moments in our set.

Men have also approached me after performances to comment on my clothing and appearance. I remember being cornered by two

men after playing a show in Toronto, guys,” or you must be in an “all-girl would be made about a male musician. who looked me up and down and told band,” which is code for “a band Are my male colleagues asked if they me that my shorts nobody ta kes are “the only boy in their band?” Are were “really short,” seriously.” they introduced to the crowd according Seeing and and that "there are Being one of to their physical appearance or by their other ways of gettwo womyn in a role in the band? hearing female ting attention.” band also leads All this said, I am still incredibly musicians Performing people to compare privileged. I am a white, thin, ableonstage as a woman us, and refer to us bodied, upper-middle-class woman. growing up as an means that I have by contrasting us to The indie genre is dominated by musito be simultaneone another. I was cians who look like me. Seeing and angsty pre-teen ously attractive to once presented not hearing female musicians growing up encouraged me the crowd, yet not as a keyboardist nor as an angsty pre-teen encouraged me so attractive as to to dive into music as a back-up singer, to dive into music and maybe even invite unwanted but as “the one see myself in it. I like to think that and maybe even attention. with dark hair” by 11-year-old me – with my choker Many people an event organizer necklace, camo pants, and skateboard see myself in it also don’t seem who was introduc- – would be psyched to see that she’d to understand ing the band to the end up playing in a band as an adult. how two womyn could possibly be crowd. These comments don’t seem With these playlists, I hope to in a band together; either you’re the harmful until you consider why they are celebrate womyn in music who have exception to the rule, “one of the being made, and whether or not they surely dealt with their share of misog-

yny, racism, and homophobia but are creating amazing music despite these obstacles. Womyn from Beyoncé, who specifically hires female musicians and producers as part of her team, to Grimes, who not only composed and performed the material on her latest album, but also produced it herself. Here’s a small taste of nostalgia, undeniable big names, and up-and-coming womyn in the indie sphere that have caught my eye.

To find these playlists, search “Angsty AF,” “Shamelessly Bubbly,” and “Moody N Melodic” by Carolyne Kroeker on Youtube.

Carolyne Kroeker is the keyboardist and backup vocalist for Sc Mira.

GRAPHIC BY CAROLYNE KROEKER

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Comment Comment Editor: Evan Tremblay Contact: comment@themanitoban.com

An open letter to undergraduate students of the University of Manitoba T

hroughout my six years at the University of Manitoba, these are the most important words I have written.

What is the purpose of our student union?

This has been an evolving concept for me. The conclusion I have come to, both as a student and your union president, is that the student experience is subjective. It is different for everyone. Our student union is a part of that experience, and therefore our conception of the purpose of the student union is coloured by that subjectivity.

Your passion might be social justice and perhaps you participate in campaigns on consent culture, mental health and wellness, or oil and gas divestment. You could enjoy going to socials and attending concerts.

Maybe you cheer on our Bisons, play pool in IQ’s, like to have a drink at the Hub or grab a bite with friends at Degree’s. Many students are preoccupied with research projects, fieldwork, and practicums. Perhaps your ideal day is coming to class and then leaving as soon as possible.

Every student has different interests, different passions, and different lifestyles. These differences have a tremendous impact on our individual experience of being a student. We’re all here to get an education but that doesn’t mean our time here can’t or shouldn’t be enjoyed and supported in meaningful ways as we journey along our post-secondary education.

It is UMSU’s job to provide meaningful support to its members, and its members have wide ranging interests and needs.

We are able to provide this support because our union is 101 years old and we have spent that time organizing and fighting for students’ rights on campus and carving out studentcentric space both figuratively and literally. UMSU has grown to be a multi-million-dollar organization with hundreds of employees and 26,000 members.

We occupy substantial physical space within the university, we run several businesses that serve our members and the university community at large, we provide advocacy

and outreach services, lobby for stu- mean the following: First, given the size and nature of the the passion, creativity, and activism dent interests both at the university $9.42 towards an endowment that commitments, and their importance of our membership, we are able to and governmental levels, provide a will fund our undergraduate student in addressing the needs of our mem- achieve societal benefit that we could multitude of support services and research across all faculties, so that bers, putting this matter to a vote not possibly accomplish alone. funding for member and community we can participate in furthering during the general election would As students, we are most effective initiatives, and a host of enrichment human thought and create academic have subjected these critical collective when we organize and come together and leisure activities. opportunities for our peers. initiatives to the competing personal as a collective to fight for what is necIt is a lot to run, but it is our $4.53 towards a brand new child interests of electoral politics. These essary in our community. responsibility to maintain the infra- care facility that will have 72 student matters should not be held hostage I will not be running again in this structure, programs, and services we spots for the three thousand student- to the polarizing rhetoric generated year’s election. This means, that every have spent over a century developing parents on the Fort Garry campus. in a general election. last second of my time as UMSU for our members, and to do all of this $9.42 towards an endowment Second, there is funding from president will be spent ensuring that while addressing the evolving needs that will provide financial support the provincial government for these the work of this year’s council creof our union and its members. to indigenous students who have initiatives that will cease to be avail- ates the meaningful change it was However, every year there is a new faced systemic barriers to accessing able when the provincial election intended to: helping single-parents team to lead the union and that can post-secondary education.

(April 19) begins. Finally, the amount who rely on child-care and indigenmake it hard to build momentum $6.60 towards renovating of time and work that is required to ous students who have overcome sysfor larger projects. Long-lasting and University Centre so you have more implement these commitments is so temic barriers to attend university; effective initiatives can often take places to study, cheaper and healthier great, that if we held off until the enabling students from all faculties years of building support, resources, food options, and a comfortable place March election, they would have died to undertake their own research; and mobilizing. We are capable of so to meet up with your friends and cre- on the table. and giving every student who passes much, but often it is tough to create ate community.

Enacting these initiatives does through the heart of our campus a a lasting impact when a handful of Enshrining $2.00 of existing fund- not mean that the issues they address hub for socializing, learning, and university students only have one year ing into formal fees for our UMSU will be completely resolved. Indeed, community-building. to make a difference. service groups: the Rainbow Pride there are parallel efforts that must be These are parts of our education So this year we asked you, are we Mosaic, Womyn’s Centre, Aboriginal engaged as well such as lobbying to and university community that make doing enough? Can UMSU be doing Students’ Association, and the address generalized funding short- our time here matter, but they are more to not only represent student Accessibility Centre; centres that falls in post-secondary education. only possible if we work together. needs, but also to maintain and grow provide essential services and safe Those efforts have been the constant There is an incredible breadth of what we have already built? After a spaces for self-identifying members preoccupation of the union for quite experience and diversity on our camlong consultation process with stu- of marginalized communities. some time. This year, however, we pus. It is what makes the University dent leaders, committees, town halls, These initiatives represent a way have chosen to acknowledge that of Manitoba so special. and surveys, the answer was yes. for our organization to address those efforts, as important as they Though we come from different We have over three thousand stu- the needs of our members and the are, have not succeeded in address- backgrounds and walk different paths dent parents who do not have child financial gaps that prevent us from ing acute and persistent needs that of life, we cannot afford to divide care on campus. This does not include addressing them collectively. are long overdue for serious attention. ourselves by faculty, demographic, all those who could potentially enrol The governing documents of our That is why it is part of UMSU’s or individual interest. By rallying in post-secondary education if there union and the laws of the province of governing documents that we main- around issues of collective, societal were more options. We have a large Manitoba were created to allow our tain a good working relationship with importance, and refusing to be segand growing indigenous commun- council, as your representatives, to the university. Sometimes we have to regated by the short-term political ity that requires support to ensure adjust student fees. You have elected work with university to implement ambitions of those seeking office access and success. We have under- us with the duty to act as your repre- programs that benefit our members. during an election season, we will graduate students who want to pur- sentatives. It was not a decision that Through co-operation, we are able ensure that the rights and interests sue academic projects and research was made lightly and the motion to achieve benefits for our member- of students – especially those from in order to enhance their chances at was passed with support of 93 per ship in ways and on timelines that we marginalized communities – are proan actual career in their field of study, cent of councillors in favour. Support could not possibly accomplish alone. tected in the long term. but cannot due to limited funds. The for these initiatives was also demBut lobbying the university will There is a part for each and every physical space and infrastructure onstrated loud and clear by the over only get us so far. As a result of one of us to play in a more inclusive under UMSU control is deteriorat- 3000 students who participated in our operating in a resource-constrained and accessible university. That is why ing, which alienates us from the space public consultation process. With environment in which all stake- UMSU has been successful for over we fought so hard paid so much to this show of support, your representa- holders do not agree on financing one hundred years in fighting for stusecure for our members. tives acted in their capacity and in priorities, we as a student union rely dents and it is what will determine To answer these challenges the best interest of students, as they heavily upon the strength of our col- our success in the future. I thank you, and tackle the priorities identified were elected to do. They made a deci- lective membership to drive change fellow students, for joining me as we through consultation with our mem- sion that was, in no truer sense of the and dialogue. Sometimes we have to move forward together. bership, UMSU council passed levies words, by students, for students. stand on our own two feet to make that will be allocated to these specific I want to be clear about something things happen – and with 26,000 of Jeremiah Kopp issues over the next ten years.

– we did not take this motion to a us in our membership, those numbers UMSU President The new, per-semester levy will referendum for a number of reasons. make a big difference. If we harness

10 Comment

Comment Editor: Evan Tremblay Contact: comment@themanitoban.com

People are a product of their physical environment Racism, misogyny less likely in healthy neighbourhoods EVAN TREMBLAY, STAFF

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innipeg is a city. This truth is self-evident, but was apparently not on our mayor’s mind when he declared “I have no interest in offering a platform for the types of violent and harmful views” held by members of a misogynistic group that was planning a meetup this past Saturday. Bowman was joined by the mayors of Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver in denouncing the group – fans of the anti-feminist blog Return of Kings – and declaring them unwelcome in their respective cities.

Winnipeg is a city and not a theatre, and Bowman a mayor and not a booking agent. He should channel his denouncement into something constructive, rather than grand-

certain physical characteristics, neighbourhood has streets lined with halting the never-ending approval of which have been well-studied and trees, well-landscaped and appropri- new, cookie-cutter subdivisions – is documented. There is a whole field ately scaled public parks. It has a mix the first thing Bowman should do.

– urbanism, or of zonings and The second is taking a long, hard look city planning uses that allow at the quality of the neighbourhoods – dedicated to its residents to we currently have, and making planA good promulgating work, play, and ning decisions that nurture the good neighbourhood the knowledge live in the same and heal the bad. of how to create place. A good Of all the guys I know, those most has diversity of healthy, wholeneighbourhood likely to have attended the meetup residents; a good some, beautiful is one you can live and grew up in South St. Vital. It places to live. love – and not is a neighbourhood where you need a neighbourhood Winnipeg, like ironically. car to get around, where there are no most North A g o o d street-trees, few sidewalks, and endshows its residents GRAPHIC BY JONDELL COOMBS American citneighbourhood less repetition of cheap, single-family that people of ies, has a proud is a commun- detached housing. There is little varstanding. Although the individual tradition of ity; you can be iety in lifestyle or demographics. They different incomes, responsible for planning the meetup ignoring this born, grow up, aren’t bad guys – but their worldview races, and religions (it was to take place in the parking knowledge raise a family, is a mirror of the physical world they lot of St. Vital mall) is American, (preferring to and live the grew up in: impoverished and disare just that – people twilight years torted, compared to people who grew the attendees would all have been allow developWinnipeggers. The solution is not ers to decide of your life in a up in older, healthier neighbourhoods. to declare American misogynists where, and how, to build), and then good neighbourhood, and not miss It’s not hard to denounce misunwelcome; the solution is to build scratching its head when the soul- out by doing so. A good neighbour- ogyny. It is much harder to denounce a city without homegrown ones. sucking habitats it provides for its hood has diversity of residents; a good poor planning, especially since good Such a feat does not require citizens vomit up racists and mis- neighbourhood shows its residents planning takes both time and money. elaborate acts of social engineering. ogynists, specific types of a general that people of different incomes, But Bowman is the mayor of this city Good neighbourhoods produce good lack of civic pride or community races, and religions are just that – – he possesses an excellent platform people; or rather, good neighbour- spirit. people. Racism and misogyny are from which to denounce bad neighhoods do not systematically produce A good neighbourhood includes a always present in some people, but in bourhoods, and demand the creation bad people. The city does not have a mix of housing types, and densities. A a good neighbourhood, you have to of better ones. That would be the next say in the creation of people, but it good neighbourhood is as easy – if not be willingly blind to the world around logical step, if his statement had anyhas a responsibility to create good easier – to navigate on foot or by bike you to sustain such worldviews. thing to do with erasing hate, rather neighbourhoods. than by car. A good neighbourhood Stopping the creation of bad than jumping on a media bandwagon.

Good neighbourhoods have has robust public transit. A good neighbourhoods – which would mean

Negative stereotypes still shroud “feminism” Determining levels of equality depends on what metrics you look at, and what words you use JILL PATTERSON, STAFF

On the other hand, there are many examples that show women have in fact made great strides in terms of equality in the past 100 years. Women now make up the majority of students enrolled in Canadian universities.

Women are also more prominent in politics, especially with the election of Justin Trudeau as prime minister, whose cabinet is half women. Women in Canada have gained the right to legal abortions, which women in many other countries (most notably in broad swathes of Africa and the Middle East) do not yet possess.

GRAPHIC BY BRAM KEAST

I

n January, Manitoba celebrated the sion, and with the same experience, 100-year anniversary of becom- make 24 per cent less than what men ing the first province to extend the make. franchise to women. In light of such As well, critics have pointed out a milestone in Manitoban history, that celebrating 100 year anniverit is worthwhile to reflect on how sary of women winning the right to far women have come in terms of vote is not entirely accurate – after equality.

1916 many women, mostly racialized There are arguments to be made women, were still not allowed to vote. on both sides of the debate. On one We should also keep in mind that hand, it has been shown time and the 1916 victory was won only for time again that there is a gender women in Manitoba, Alberta, and wage gap. According to a UN report, Saskatchewan. Women would not be women employed in the same profes- able to vote in all provinces until 1960.

If you believe in equality for women and all that it entails, you are a feminist, plain and simple If it’s true that the voices of women are being heard louder than in previous times, it is also true that there is still a long way to go for women to achieve full equality.

The idea that men and women should have equal rights, opportunities, and privileges – the basic tenet

of feminism – is something that most people, men and women alike, would agree with. But when asked if one is a feminist, many still scoff at the word and refuse to be associated with feminism. For some reason feminism has yet to shake loose its negative, stereotypical connotations.

The word still summons the image of the man-hating, bra-burning, razor-eschewing, preachy female, and many people are afraid to be labelled as such.

Until we acknowledge that being a feminist and believing that women deserve equal rights with men does not mean that one hates men or that one necessarily defies socially defined femininity, there will always be a barrier to full equality for women.

Society at large needs to embrace feminism for what it stands for, and not for how it has been represented by some feminists.

For other ideologies, this does not seem to be as great a problem.

If Donald Trump were the defining image of Republicanism I daresay many people would be reluctant to identify as a Republican. The same can be said of Josef Stalin and socialism, or any number of popular spokespeople of an “ism.”

If you believe in equality for women

and all that it entails, then you are a feminist, plain and simple. You can be a feminist and still like either men or women, still wear makeup or not, still be “manly” or “feminine.”

The word still summons the image of the man-hating, bra-burning, razoreschewing, preachy female, and many people are afraid to be labelled as such It is just as important to accept what feminism stands for as it is to accept the label because only when the word feminism is accepted can the ideals and goals of feminism also be accepted and discussed in an open way. To shy away from the label means that any meaningful conversation about how to achieve equality for women will have push-back due to the negative connotations that that label still holds.

Science & technology 12 Science & Technology Editor: Chantelle Dubois Contact: science@themanitoban.com

Science MiniFeature: Love An exploration through science and technology

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n the spirit of Valentine’s Day, the science team has put together a mini-feature in the science and technology section of the Manitoban. Scientists are often left out of the fun, with odes to love left to the poets and artists.

Science and technology plays quite a role in love and relationships today. There were many ways in which this topic could be explored from a science and technology point of view.

In this feature, the team explores three topics of love in science: homosexual relationships amongst animals, the science of how your body reacts to heartbreak, and what relationships with robots may progress to be like in the future.

We hope you enjoy!

Non-heterosexual sex in the animal world Under the sheets in the animal kingdom JEREMIAH YARMIE, STAFF

T

hroughout the animal kingdom, non-heterosexual sex is a common thing. Whether in the air, on land, or in the sea, animals don’t seem to have any problem with getting it on with members of the same sex.

At least 1,500 animal species have been documented having homosexual sex. Often, the behaviour is influenced by external factors like creating and maintaining social order, a lack of mates of the opposite sex, and for simple sexual release.

As it turns out, almost all animals that have homosexual sex do not do so exclusively. All of these animals could be labelled as bisexual.

Female warthogs have been observed to form long-lasting pair bonds with each other – even going as far as raising piglets together. If one of the pigs is unable to carry out its parenting duties, the other will take on more responsibility until the other is fit to help out again.

The majority of laysan albatrosses on the Hawaiian island of

Oahu are female. About 10 years ago, researchers found that almost a third of all pair bonds were between two female birds. Researchers believe that laysan albatrosses form female-female pairings because of the dearth of males on the island.

Pair-bonded female albatrosses will nest with each other, and can last as long as male-female pairings, often for life. Paired females will also rear chicks together. A male in a male-female relationship will often sneak away to mate with either, or even both, of the paired females.

Bottlenose dolphins use samesex intercourse as a way of strengthening social bonds; dolphins have very intimate relationships, regardless of the sex of the individuals.

Both female and male dolphins have been found messing around with members of the same sex before going on to find a mate of the opposite sex later on in life.

When female dolphins get it on, it happens through something called “beak-genital propulsion,”

which is exactly what it sounds like.

Life is hard for the male Japanese macaque monkey. Not only do male macaques have to compete with other males for mates, they have to compete with females as well.

Homosexual sex amongst female macaques is extremely common – female-female pairings are typically very short, lasting around a week, but that doesn’t stop them from mounting each other hundreds of times. These pairings are entirely based on seeking sexual pleasure, and as such, females will still encourage male mating as well.

Japanese macaques are quite famous because of the Jigokudani Monkey Park in the Nagano Prefecture of Japan. During the winter, the macaques will come down from the cliffs that surround the park and relax in the hot springs until evening, when they return to their homes in the forest.

Penguins are by far the most publicized group of animals that have homosexual sex. Two popular

penguins – Roy and Silo – at New York’s Central Park Zoo successfully raised a chick together from an egg that they were given. Before they were given their own egg, the penguins were found trying to steal eggs from male-female couples.

The penguins remained paired for six years before a new female stole the interest of Silo. Life is hard.

Domestic sheep are the one exception to this laundry list of animals that can be called bisexual.

Up to 10 per cent of male rams will form pair bonds exclusively with another male. These rams do not mate, but act as lifelong companions in all other aspects of sheep life.

Some rams are bisexual, however; about 20 per cent of rams display sexual behaviour towards both sexes.

Male-on-male sexual activity is very common in American bison populations. Male penetration occurs more frequently than female penetration during breeding season.

These bulls are real trailblazers putting the bi- in bison.

VOL. 102 NO. 22 February 10, 2016

Science & Technology 13

The science of a broken heart Why does it hurt so much?

CHANTELL DUBOIS, STAFF

H

eartbreak is a nearly inevitable part of life. Almost everyone at some point, for some reason or another, will experience deep grief over the end of a relationship.

The pain is both physical and emotional. You literally feel like your heart is in pieces, you feel a pain deep inside you, you do and say things completely out of character, and it seems nothing makes you feel okay.

While time (and sometimes lots of it) is the only way to heal, perhaps knowing the science of what your body is going through may help you cope with the pain.

Broken heart syndrome

Aptly named, broken heart syndrome (BHS) occurs after a stressful event which causes your body to react like you are having a heart attack. Broken heart syndrome is also referred to as stress cardiomyopathy or takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

BHS occurs minutes after the triggering event, with symptoms

including shortness of breath, low blood pressure, and potential congestive heart failure. The heart beat becomes irregular, and the heart muscles rapidly weaken. These symptoms are not associated with factors typical in cardiovascular disease, such as clogged arteries.

The mechanism of BHS is not clearly understood, although some theories suggest a surge in stress hormones, such as adrenaline and noradrenaline, causes restriction of arteries and increased pressure on the heart. Alternative theories suggest the noradrenaline binds with the heart muscles, causing calcium buildup.

BHS is most likely to affect women, particularly middle-aged and older and post-menopausal.

Fortunately, BHS is temporary, with no permanent damage and complete recovery within a few weeks.

Brain drain

When you fall in love, your brain undergoes changes similar to the way

a drug addict’s would. Interaction and time spent with your loved one releases dopamine and other reward hormones. Your brain becomes wired in a way to keep you motivated to retain your love. This is generally referred to as a goal-oriented motivational state.

After a breakup, your brain still remains wired in this state, which could explain why some jilted lovers will show up at an ex’s workplace or text them repeatedly trying to reconcile. Their brain is simply programmed to do whatever it takes to keep the relationship, and reward, going.

The longer a relationship lasted, the more neurons that need to be humans were hunter-gatherers. In rewired in the brain to change this the context of social pain, it is theorbehaviour. ized the brain is programmed this Additionally, the same neural way since isolation could lead to real pathways that respond to physical physical pain, when being separpain also respond to emotional pain. ated from a group. This would make This is why grief feels like your body the isolated individual a target for is in pain. predators.

Some psychologists believe this If you find yourself spending is an evolutionary effect from when Valentine’s Day alone this year,

GRAPHIC BY JONDELL COOMBS

pining over a loved one, you might find some comfort in knowing that your heartbreak is simply the result of evolution to keep our species thriving. And, while it might feel like your heart is literally breaking, you’re really just experiencing heart attacklike symptoms and will recover. Give your neurons some time to re-wire.

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Science & Technology

Science & Technology Editor: Chantelle Dubois Contact: science@themanitoban.com

Humanoid sex robots are coming sooner than you think All’s fair in love and robotic engineering MALAK ABAS, STAFF

Revulsion due to the uncanny valley differs from person to person.

Some people don’t experience it at all, and researchers still only have theories on what causes it and how to overcome it.

Ethics

A

re we ready to accept sex robots RealDoll, led by their creator, Matt into our everyday lives?

McMullen. The project, called Ready or not, they’re coming. Realbotix, is working to create a Some experts predict that by 2050 RealDoll that will be able to realrobotic life companions will become istically blink, open its mouth, and as common as smartphones. answer your questions.

As human beings pursue scientific innovation, we collectively look for new ways to fulfil our deepest needs. The project, called With technological advances come “Realbotix”, is new ways to go about our everyday working to create a lives.

We have reached a relative comRealDoll that will be fort zone with technology. Artificial intelligence past brief communica- able to realistically tion, however, is new ground. blink, open its Here’s a breakdown of how far we are with mass-marketable robot mouth, and answer partners. your questions One of the leaders in the race to release a robot lover for the masses is Abyss Creations, who are known for their immensely popular realistic sex McMullen and his team also have doll aptly named RealDoll. devices in the works to supplement RealDoll, which has been in pro- the experience, such as virtual reality duction in California since 1996, is headsets that will work in tandem one of the most realistic sex dolls out with the RealDoll. there. They have skin that feels real, It won’t come cheap. The head but they also have interchangeable alone (which will be adjustable to fit faces, adjustable body temperatures, on interchangeable RealDoll torsos) and are made of platinum silicone. will set you back about US$10,000.

The average RealDoll sells for about The whole body will cost between US$6,000.

US$30,000 and $US60,000.

The company is in the process McMullen estimates that the of developing A.I. to supplement Realbotix head will be available by 2017.

Even if humanoid robots managed to push past the uncanny valley, some experts believe that creating robots that have an artificial consciousness but are built specifically for sex is unethical.

One of those experts is Kathleen Richardson, senior research fellow in Robotics at De Montfort University, and co-founder of the Campaign Against Sex Robots (TCASR), who argues that sex robots contribute to the misogyny that’s already prevalent in our society.

“The vision for sex robots is underscored by reference to prostitute-john exchange which relies on recognizing only the needs and wants of the buyers of sex,” TCASR’s website says.

“The sellers of sex are not attributed subjectivity and reduced to a thing (just like the robot).”

Producers of interactive sex dolls, however, disagree. Douglas Hines, an artificial intelligence engineer and the founder of the TrueCompanion sex robot company, says that the dolls are meant as another outlet for human interaction.

“We are not supplanting the wife or trying to replace a girlfriend,” Hines said in an interview with the BBC. GRAPHIC BY KELLY CAMPBELL “This is a solution for people who are between relationships or someone Americans are not the only people eerie. The Polar Express, a 2004 ani- who has lost a spouse.” getting in on the companion robot mated Christmas movie for kids, This being said, it may be impormarket. The 2015 World Robot notoriously left many people with a tant to note that TrueCompanion’s Conference in Beijing introduced feeling of unease. This is because the first and only sex robot is named Geminoid F, an extremely realistic characters, all computer-animated Roxxxy. Yes, with three “x”s. robotic woman. and strangely dead behind the eyes, It’s crucial to remember that all Geminoid F is a Japanese android dipped straight into the uncanny of this aside, human-robot relationthat can answer questions, blink, valley. ships beyond things like physical sex smile, pose for selfies, and even sing. and pre-engineered answers are still The android is five-foot-six with long a thing of the future. Robot tech"We are not black hair and was on display at the nology and artificial intelligence just World Robot Conference. Geminoid aren’t there – yet. So while you might supplanting the wife F even has an IMDB profile, and love your Realbotix doll because she will appear in the Japanese action laughs at your jokes, that love is or trying to replace a film Sayonara. one-sided. girlfriend,” Douglas The android’s creator, Hiroshi But people don’t seem to mind.

Ishiguro, calls Geminoid F’s movie There have been over 5000 RealDolls Hines, founder, role an “an epoch-making event.” sold. In a particularly poignant scene TrueCompanion Although Geminoid F wasn’t of “Lars and the Real Girl”, a movie designed to be a sex robot, the reacabout a man who falls in love with a tion to it has definitely been sexualrealistic adult doll, the doll is given ized – many headlines refer to her as Our innate nervousness around a bouquet of fake f lowers. Lars, “the world’s sexiest robot”. certain levels of CGI seems to paral- delighted, notes that “they’re not real, lel our advances with the technology. so they’ll last forever.”

The uncanny valley When Pixar screened their computerIndeed.

The uncanny valley is a concept animated short Tin Toy in 1988, audifirst coined by Japanese robot- ence reaction was largely negative due ics professor Masahiro Mori, who to how realistic the antagonist – a hypothesized that any robot that had human baby – looked. features that were almost human, but Fear of the uncanny valley looms not exactly human, would repulse over any realistic robot life comsome people. panion. This may be what keeps The uncanny valley is why many robot companions from becoming people find dolls creepy and what a commonplace commodity, mainly makes some films unintentionally because experts know so little about it.

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Diversions Graphics Editor: Bram Keast Contact: graphics@themanitoban.com

GRAPHIC BY BRAM KEAST

COMIC BY KELLY CAMPBELL

GRAPHIC BY JONDELL COOMBS

Arts & Culture

Arts & Culture Editor: Seamus Hamilton-Pattison Contact: arts@themanitoban.com

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Rae Spoon brings synth-pop stylings to Winnipeg Veteran singer-songwriter on staying fresh, flexible in music OLIVIA MICHALCZUK, STAFF

PHOTO PROVIDED BY FOXX FOTO

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ontreal-based indie/pop singerFollowing Spoon’s Polaris Music songwriter Rae Spoon is gath- Prize-nominated My Prairie Home, ering a lot of attention for their eighth Armour has a much different theme album Armour, which they are taking both musically and lyrically. on a cross-Canada tour from Victoria, Spoon’s music has evolved from B.C. to St. John’s, N.L. country/folk to songs heavily based The album will be released on Feb. on synthesizers and other electronic 19, with Spoon playing in Winnipeg instruments while still retaining the following day at the Good Will some of its roots.

Social Club with two acts from “I made a conscious decision to Toronto opening: world music col- have more analog synths on the lective LAL and electronica soloist album. In the past, my programmed Joanne Pollock. sounds have been generated inside of

the computer,” said Spoon.

“I’m always interested to see how changing instruments changes the feeling in compositions and arrangements. I lived in Germany in 2006 and 2007. I was introduced to electronic music by friends I made while living there. At first I doubted that computers could make music just like guitars could, but I’m fully converted now. I got my hands on a bunch of synths and spent a couple of years with them.”

Spoon’s previous album was based on their past and experience growing up as a queer youth in a Pentacostal Christian household in Alberta.

Spoon explores the future in their new album that touches on themes such as trauma, hope, and the emotional ups and downs of adulthood.

Their creativity and versatility was evident when they mentioned some potential themes of new work in the future.

“I’m deeply interested in monstrous characters right now,” they said.

“I might write an album about monsters, or maybe even a book and album that are linked thematically.”

When asked what they’d been listening to lately, Spoon revealed their

presently sparse, yet specific tastes.

“I‘ve been taking a bit of an ear break lately, aside from producing Kris Demeanor’s new album,” said Spoon.

“I’m always interested to see how changing instruments changes the feeling in compositions and arrangements” – Rae Spoon

book my own shows, pick the venues, and I often book the opening act as well,” said Spoon.

“It’s allowed me to have a lot of flexibility and autonomy in my career. Maybe it’s one of the reasons I’ve managed to keep making albums for 15 years.”

Spoon’s Good Will gig functions as the closing party of this year’s Genderfest Winnipeg, which features a variety of events aside from musical performance focused around the queer community.

Spoon stays in contact with Genderfest organizers and this year, festival and tour schedules happened to line up.

“I’m particularly fond of trans- or genderqueer-related festivals. There’s nothing like being at a party with 200 other trans people.”

“I will admit I was one of the million people who got Rihanna’s album for free. I’m also really excited about The doors to Spoon’s Feb. 20 show open the new You Say Party album com- at 9 p.m., with music beginning at 10 ing out.” p.m. Tickets are $15, and are available in Though Spoon’s music has evolved advance at the Good Will, Music Trader, over their musical career, they have and online at www.ticketfly.com. To maintained a strictly do-it-yourself learn about more events at Genderfest approach to touring throughout.

Winnipeg 2016, go to www.facebook.

“I have retained the way that I tour com/genderfest.winnipeg because I’ve always been really DIY. I

Festival du Voyager returns with 140 musical acts, new attractions What’s new at Winnipeg’s favourite February festival EMELIA FOURNIER

PHOTO PROVIDED BY FESTIVAL DU VOYAGEUR

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estival du Voyageur has been a staple of Franco-Manitoban culture for almost 50 years.

Hailed as the largest outdoor winter party in Winnipeg, Festival will bring French- and English-speaking Winnipeggers alike to Whittier Park from Feb. 12 to 21 to get their fill of diverse, quality musical acts, local

history, and assorted winter activities.

Festival usually falls on reading week and did so again this year, perfect for university students looking to unwind from their studies.

Chances are good that if you grew up speaking French in Winnipeg, you grew up going to Festival. Julien Desaulniers, artistic producer for

Festival, is no exception: his first concert was at Festival when he was just a few years old.

At 18 years, Desaulniers found himself playing his first paying gig as a musician at Festival. A number of years later, he progressed to booking the bands himself.

Desaulniers has a lot on his plate

this year, with 140 artists booked rapid-fire fiddling, and encouraging to play – more than there has ever amateur jigging in the crowd. For been. He is particularly excited for those seeking a more relaxed environthe performance by Sweet Crude, an ment this year, singer-songwriters indie-rock band from New Orleans will be performing more laid-back that has never been to Festival. sets on select days in the Snow Bar Other highly anticipated acts at Voyageur Park. include Les Hay Babies – a popular The Université de Saint-Boniface Québec-based folk band – and Coeur Portage tent is another new addition de Pirate, an internationally known to Festival this year. It used to be the singer-songwriter from Montreal. Souvenir Tent, but was not being There are a few English-speaking used to its full potential. bands as well, such as Bend Sinister At night, the Université de Saintfrom Vancouver.

Boniface Portage tent is featuring When selecting the bands to play events to appeal to a wider range of at Festival, Desaulniers’ main goal is people, like karaoke and a singles to reflect the francophone community night on Valentine’s Day. and its culture.

While Festival is a staple of “The goal is to reflect the commu- Franco-Manitoban culture, it’s by nity, so just as many francophone no means exclusive to just the franbands as we can get, and that’s it,” cophone community. said Desaulniers.

“It’s about finding that balance,” He seeks out high-quality bands, said Desaulniers. starting with acts from Québec, New “The focus is francophone culture Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and some- of course, but we’re trying to be as times a few international acts. inclusive as we can with our programFrom there, he looks for talented ming, and we want everyone to be a musicians of Manitoba’s French- part of it.” speaking community. Festival is always looking to support emerging Festival du Voyageur runs Feb. 12 to 21. artists as well, to showcase new talent Further information on schedules, prices, alongside more seasoned acts. events and activities, and exhibits can be Many of the acts at Festival are found at www.festivalvoyageur.mb.ca high energy full bands, featuring

VOL. 102 NO. 22 February 10, 2016

Arts & Culture

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Fifty Shades of Black is fifty shades of bad Parody film makes original seem a masterpiece by comparison LAUREL JOHANSON

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t’s finally February, which means that the Academy Awards are right around the corner. There are a number of Oscar-contending films currently playing at a theatre near you that rightly deserve your attention in what has been another remarkable year for movies.

With those thoughts in mind, naturally, my attention this past weekend turned to the new Marlon Wayans parody film, Fifty Shades of Black.

In the same vein as Scary Movie, Vampires Suck, Meet the Spartans, and Dance Flick, Fifty Shades of Black is a parody of the book and movie that launched a thousand whips, Fifty Shades of Grey. Marlon Wayans (who also co-wrote the film) stars in the film as Christian Black, with Kali Hawk playing the object of his bondage-filled desires, Hannah. Michael Tiddes of A Haunted House and A Haunted House 2 fame occupies the director’s chair.

We all know the timeless Fifty Shades story: girl meets boy; boy tries to convince girl to become his contractual sex slave; girl is introduced to the glorious world of inaccurately portrayed BDSM sex; boy claims he doesn’t “do” romance while displaying increasingly stalker-like tendencies; girl inevitably falls for him anyway; drama ensues.

The jokes in this film aren’t just unfunny; they’re too easy Fifty Shades of Black follows the same basic story structure as its source material. Following in the general tradition of spoof films, it lifts certain shots and set-ups directly from the film it is parodying. In that regard, if you haven’t yet seen the Fifty Shades of Grey movie, then many of the jokes in Fifty Shades of Black will make little sense to you.

If you are one who has had the unique pleasure of seeing Fifty Shades of Grey, you may be asking yourself this: given that Fifty Shades of Grey is at times unintentionally hilarious and absurd in its own right, was it really necessary to create an entirely separate spoof film to point out its flaws?

Having now seen Fifty Shades of Black, the answer, without question, is no.

The film relies heavily on humour that is usually racist, sexist, or some combination of the two, and strives for relevance by trying to cram in as many references to current pop culture as possible, whether they relate to Fifty Shades or not.

Whether it’s Christian Black’s shady past as a stripper being explored through an extended Magic Mike spoof sequence, or his sexual awakening at the hands of an older woman seen through a parody of the infamous classroom scene in last year’s Whiplash (“Were you rushing or were you dragging?”), these clumsy

GRAPHIC BY JONDELL COOMBS

jokes are thrown at the viewer with all the subtlety of a sharp slap on the behind from Christian himself, and are just as painful and uncomfortable to endure.

The jokes in this film aren’t just unfunny; they’re too easy. Things that were glaringly obvious in the original Fifty Shades film (Christian is creepy! Anastasia has no personality!) are played up in this parody without

the joke ever really going anywhere. and instead relying on ugly, low-brow creetly replaced “Edward” and “Bella” At one point when Hannah accuses humour that is all shock with no sub- respectively. And so since Fifty Shades Christian of being a stalker he claims stance underneath. of Black serves as a parody of Fifty to have “three restraining orders, Let’s just take a moment to reflect Shades of Grey, in going to see this working on a fourth,” and that’s the on Fifty Shades of Black’s journey to movie, essentially what you’ll be payentire punchline. the silver screen. It is well-known ing to watch is a parody of a Twilight As a whole the film reeks of that the Fifty Shades of Grey book rip-off. unrealized potential for not really series has its origins as a popular Try to let that sink in. sinking its teeth into say, the many Twilight fan fiction entitled “Master misogynistic and abusive aspects of of the Universe” where the names the original Fifty Shades franchise, “Christian” and “Anastasia” dis-

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Arts & Culture

Arts & Culture Editor: Seamus Hamilton-Pattison Contact: arts@themanitoban.com

The rise of new Dawn U of M alum debuts solo art exhibition TOBI NIFESI, STAFF

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PHOTOS BY CAROLYNE KROEKER

rom Feb. 5 to 16, Cre8ery, an independent art gallery located on the second floor of 125 Adelaide St. in the Exchange District will be launching a new exhibition called Appearance of First Light by Ashleigh Dawn, a U of M alumna and middle years fine arts teacher.

Appearance of First Light is Dawn’s debut exhibition, and for her the show symbolizes the crack of a new dawn or the breaking of the day. It represents her introduction into Winnipeg’s art scene.

“This is my first solo show, so I am just sort of showing the world this new beginning that I am trying to take in my encaustic medium,” Dawn told the Manitoban.

The majority of the exhibition is comprised of encaustic paintings.

Encaustic is a style of painting that involves melting beeswax, adding color pigments, and applying it to a canvas, typically a wood surface.

The most famous use of the medium dates back to the first and second centuries C.E. when it was used in the Egyptian Fayum mummy portraits.

Although she is adept in several media such as oil painting, acrylic, watercolour, abstract art, and ceramics, Dawn believes encaustic painting is her preferred medium for now. She appreciates the smooth texture and translucence that is characteristic of

encaustic paintings.

“The majority of my work is based on encaustic paintings,” said Dawn.

“They are beautiful pieces that are very soft, and the layers of wax sort of make them hazy.”

“It’s very colorful, and your eyes kind of bounce around the room as you walk in” – Jordan Miller, Cre8ery gallery owner

works that provoke deep thoughts, Dawn pointed out that Appearance of First Light is simply about the appreciation of nature, colours, beauty, and light.

Cre8ery is owned and managed

by Jordan Miller, a fellow fine arts graduate from the U of M. In addition to exhibitions, the gallery also runs a workshop program for young artists.

Miller, who was honored with the 2011 YMCA-YWCA Woman of Distinction Award in the Arts category, believes Appearance of First Light is unique to Dawn’s style, especially with beautiful encaustic paintings.

“I think [Dawn] has a nice balance of colours and style in her exhibition [...] it’s very colorful, and your eyes kind of bounce around the room as you walk in, and the encaustics are beautiful.”

The exhibition’s pieces are bold and vibrant. They include colorful paintings of birch trees, blooming flowers, and several birds native to For more information about the province. Dawn’s art sparkles and Appearance of First Light, exhibishowcases a soft, yet glowing view tion hours, and ticketing, visit www. of nature. cre8ery.com For Dawn, her quest to become a solo artist has been a long and enjoyable ride. Her journey thus far serves as the inspiration for the show. She believes this exhibition creatively highlights who she is as an artist and a person.

Although she appreciates art

Shum spotlights Canadian racism in Ninth Floor Controversial new film reminds Canadians of forgotten civil rights violations TOBI NIFESI, STAFF

PHOTO PROVIDED BY WINNIPEG FILM GROUP

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n Canada, given our seemingly tor Mina Shum (Double Happiness welcoming and generous culture, and Long Life, Happiness & Prosperity) we are often quick to condemn highly reminds Canadians of their own hispopularized police brutalities and tory with civil rights by detailing the debates over immigration policies in events of the mostly forgotten (and the United States. We do not always, still unresolved) 1969 Sir George however, lend the same attention to Williams Riot that took place at our own history of racism.

Montreal’s now-defunct Sir George In her controversial new film Williams University.

Ninth Floor – which was screened at What began as allegations of racWinnipeg’s Cinematheque on Jan. ism against assistant biology professor 30 as part of Canada’s Top Ten Film Perry Anderson from six black stuFestival – Chinese-Canadian direc- dents turned into the student occupa-

tion of a computer room on the ninth Today, many of the Sir George should] view this film as a cautionfloor of the university’s Henry F. Hall Williams student protesters and ary tale.”

Building within a year. their families are being haunted by Via surveillance tapes and interThe university administration’s the stigma they had faced from the views with some of the original comperceived intransigence in handling press at the time. plainants and other related parties, the allegations 10 months later led to Shum’s narrative presentation of the over 400 students storming out of a controversial case gives the audience meeting with the university board to “These people a first-hand, subjective view of how stage a 14-day peaceful occupation. the affair unfolded. have carried this In the movie, scenes of peaceHowever, some of the interviews ful student protesters trapped by and topics were not as forthright or shame and stigma a fire assumed to have been set by as representative as they perhaps for the last four should have been. For example, the police – as the crowd outside the building chant racial slurs and Perry Anderson’s son and Kennedy decades” – Selwyn threaten violence – top off the display Franklin’s daughter represented their Jacob, producer of vitriol from both university and parents in the film, but this only police officials. It’s reminiscent of the affords the viewer a second-hand riots and social justice movements of experience.

Ferguson, Mo. and Baltimore, Md. Kennedy Franklin, one of the The events that happened on that The university’s actions gave the leaders of the protest, returned to his ninth floor in 1969 aren’t common impression that they had no respon- home in Trinidad after the incident knowledge among Canadians. With sibility to students of colour and how and is said to have struggled with her film, Shum gives us an opportuthey were treated. In other words, this mental illnesses. nity to both remember the students’ educational institution refused to pro“The very nature of the [newspaper] plight and be more socially aware. vide appropriate service to a group of headlines created such a stigma for people because of their colour – this everybody who was involved in this Ninth Floor was released in 2015 and is, by definition, institutional racism. incident that everybody buried it,” produced by the National Film Board of “Somewhere along the line, the said Selwyn Jacob, the film’s producer, Canada. Learn more about the movie at implicit assumptions of slavery had via Skype at the Winnipeg screening. www.nfb.ca/film/ninth_floor become institutionalized,” Rodney “These people have carried this John, one of the six biology students shame and stigma for the last four who started it all, says in the film. decades. The message is that [people

VOL. 102 NO. 22 February 10, 2016

Arts & Culture

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Sports Sports Editor: Mike Still Contact: sports@themanitoban.com

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Bisons sweep Wesmen, improve to 13-5 on the season Men’s basketball team inches closer to hosting home playoff series MIKE STILL, STAFF

just a little bit different,” Bonhomme said post-game when asked about the Duckworth Challenge. “To see how excited the guys were about it, it was awesome to be a part of.”

Saturday

PHOTO BY CHANTAL ZDAN

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conference winning streak. Manitoba never trailed in the contest, winning 79-65 and also claiming the 25th annual Duckworth Challenge in the process. It was the sixth time in the last seven years that the Bisons won the challenge.

AJ Basi led the way once more for Friday the home side on offence, finishing The Bisons made a huge statement with a game-high 23 points – 18 of on Friday night at Investor’s Group which were scored from beyond the Athletic Centre, snapping the visit- arc. Guard Denzel Lynch-Blair was ing Winnipeg Wesmen’s six-game Winnipeg’s leading scorer with 20 n a series that felt like a playoff contest, the University of Manitoba Bisons men’s basketball team emerged with a critical sweep of the Winnipeg Wesmen, pushing their win streak to an impressive five games.

points, but was limited in the transition game – an area where he tends to be most effective.

Manitoba shot an astounding 47 per cent from the field and led by at least 10 points after every quarter.

Basi was able to get going early from outside and that opened up Keith Omoerah, who had success driving into the lane and finished with 17 points as well as a team-leading nine rebounds. Discipline was another major key, as neither team had more

than nine free throw attempts overall.

The contest also saw the return of Ilarion Bonhomme II, who played 19 minutes off the bench for the herd and contributed 12 points – eight of which occurred in the opening quarter. It was also the first time Bonhomme had the opportunity to be part of the Bison/Wesmen rivalry, after three seasons with the Brandon Bobcats.

“It was awesome, we’re always excited about game day but it was

For the fourth time this season, the Bisons took a game to overtime – coming out on the winning side to improve to 2-2 in that department for the 201516 campaign with an 82-74 victory.

Manitoba trailed by as much as seven points in the second quarter – failing to get their first basket in the middle frame until just over midway through – but clawed back into the game on the strength of their rebounding. The herd won the battle on the boards 57-41 on the night, including 16 from Keith Omoerah, who also finished with a game-high 22 points.

The Bisons also got inspired play from Jonathan Alexander off the bench, who once again scored in double digits, registering nine of his 13 points in the third and fourth quarters combined.

Trailing by five entering the fourth quarter, Manitoba went on to outscore Winnipeg 30-17 in the final 10 minutes and overtime session combined to pull out the win.

Omoerah, Basi, Justus Alleyn, and Wyatt Anders all had at least one rebound in the five-minute OT, holding Winnipeg to just four points.

Manitoba has just one series left this season, taking on the lowly Trinity Western Spartans on the road this coming weekend and look well on their way to hosting their first home playoff series since the 2003-04 campaign.

Bison volleyball takes on the Wesmen Men help win the Duckworth Challenge, women fall short on the weekend RYAN STELTER, STAFF

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his weekend saw the University of Manitoba Bisons volleyball teams pitted against their local rivals, the Winnipeg Wesmen. The pair of games on Thursday – part of the Duckworth Challenge – saw the men emerge victorious while the women were defeated. Saturday was the same story in terms of results despite the women putting up a much better fight.

Thursday

herd only outscored the Wesmen by 56-44, with the third set being the most decisive.

The Bison women’s volleyball team lost three straight sets against the Wesmen. It was a rough night for the herd, as they were completely dominated in every facet of the game.

Tori Studler had six kills on the evening, along with six digs. Cassie Bujan led the herd with seven digs of her own. The Bisons were outscored 62-35 on Thursday night and struggled to gain any kind of momentum.

On Thursday night at the Duckworth Centre at the University of Winnipeg, the Bison men’s volley- Saturday ball team was able to win 3-0 (25-23, In a rematch of Thursday’s con25-23, 25-17). Devren Dear once again test, the men found themselves down led Manitoba in kills, with 14. Dear two sets, but were able to mount an is now second in Canada with 4.51 incredible comeback to win 3-2 (26-28, kills per set. He also had five digs, 23-25, 25-15, 25-19, 15-13). tied for team best on the night with It was a thrilling matchup with Josh Goossen. In a tight matchup, the many long rallies and some heart-

pounding drama. The game ended in the fifth set when Luke Herr came up with a massive block. The crowd erupted in elation shortly thereafter.

“This is big for us.

We’ve lost a couple the last two weeks so this was nice to get” – Garth Pischke, head coach, Bisons men’s volleyball Adam DeJonckheere finished ahead of usual suspect Devren Dear with a team-best 21 kills. Dear was not far behind however, finishing

with 20.

Bison head coach Garth Pischke talked post-game about the comeback.

“Kevin Falconer and Caleb Hickock turned that game around for us,” Pischke said. “The defense certainly helped. We did a better job of blocking.”

Pischke also talked about the importance of sweeping the very good Wesmen team, who have been nipping at their heels all season.

“This is big for us. We’ve lost a couple the last two weeks so this was nice to get,” he said. “We played really well on Thursday, but our best came in those last three sets.”

The Bisons now have a 16-4 record and will play host to a 5-14 Brandon Bobcats team next weekend at Investors Group Athletic Centre.

The women were looking to

rebound after Thursday’s disappointing. In a tight first set, the Bisons were able to squeak out a 27-25 victory.

Tori Studler registered seven kills in the first set alone. She would finish with a team-best 11 on the night.

The Wesmen managed to draw level in the second set, with a 25-18 win. The Bisons responded with a 25-23 third-set win, but the Wesmen took two straight to end the game in a 3-2 finish (25-27, 25-18, 23-25, 25-18, 15-8).

In a much better effort than Thursday’s contest, Cassie Bujan came up with an impressive 20 digs.

The Bisons fall to a 2-18 record with the loss, while the Wesmen improve to 8-12. Next weekend the Bison women will also host the Brandon Bobcats in a two-game series.

VOL. 102 NO. 22 February 10, 2016

Sports

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Bisons sweep Calgary in critical weekend set Men’s hockey gets it done at home to stay in control of their playoff destiny RYAN STELTER, STAFF

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espite trailing to start both matchups this past weekend, the University of Manitoba Bisons men’s hockey team rallied and managed to sweep the visiting Calgary Dinos.

Friday

The Bisons earned a critical two points with a 6-4 victory in the first contest.

The game did not start well for Manitoba, as after just 58 seconds of play Dinos defenceman Alex Dzielski took a shot from the point that floated over the shoulder of Manitoba netminder Byron Spriggs. Shortly thereafter, Spriggs made a massive paddle save on the goal line to keep the score at 1-0. Spriggs was tested early and often in the opening minutes of the game.

Manitoba would tie things up when Jordan DePape came blistering in on a breakaway and went forehandbackhand, stuffing the puck home on Calgary goalie Steven Stanford. The Bisons would gain the lead through Jonah Wasylak at the midway mark after taking advantage of a Dinos mistake in their own end.

At 51 seconds in the second frame, Manitoba would add to their lead. A pinching Rene Hunter let off a shot from a sharp angle that deflected into the back of the net.

Jordyn Boyd’s first ever Bisons goal would give the Bisons a 4-1 after a great effort from Wasylak to get him the puck.

“Obviously, it’s nice, getting that first one late in the season, it feels good,” Boyd said post-game. “It was a great effort from Jonah [Wasylak]

to get it over to me, and I managed to squeak it five-hole.”

The Boyd goal prompted a timeout by the Dinos, which seemed to work as Calgary cut into the Bisons’ lead soon after, via the stick of Cain Franson.

test that the herd took control of in the final 25 minutes.

The Bisons dominated the early going of this game, a stark difference from Friday where they looked jumpy and out of sorts. With the Dinos on the power play, Brett Stovin and Jesse Paradis came in on a 2-on-1, however Stanford committed grand larceny on “With these four Paradis with a goal-line paddle save.

Calgary would get on the board points we control first, though, through Dylan Walchuk. The Bisons would tie our own destiny. We things up a few minutes later when don’t need to rely Bilton fed a pass to hot hand Shaq Merasty on an odd man rush. on anyone else, and Merasty made no mistake, sliding it we’re just going to between Stanford’s legs. The home side would gain the lead when Stovin focus one period at a and DePape combined in front of the net to give DePape his 19th goal time next weekend of the year. at UBC” – Mike Sirant, The second period saw a flurry of goals.

The Dinos knotted things back head coach, Bisons up four minutes in after Luke Paulsen men’s hockey blocked a point shot with Elgin Pearce burying the loose puck from the slot. Manitoba would jump to a Manitoba would restore their 3-2 lead after Warren Callis buried three-goal lead minutes later after his own rebound on the power play. rookie Liam Bilton wristed home a Before the period was up, Hunter had shot top-shelf. Calgary would storm a shot trickle through Stanford which back and score two goals a mere 38 Bilton promptly finished off to make seconds apart to end the period but it 4-2 for the herd.

In the third, the Bisons gained wasn’t able to get the equalizer.

An uneventful third period saw a three-goal lead after Callis made DePape score his second on the night a nice move to get around a Dino on an empty net to seal the deal for defender and dished a pass over to Paradis who got the easy tap in. the herd.

Bisons head coach Mike Sirant talked about the importance of getSaturday Manitoba came out on top by a ting a sweep post-game.

“With these four points we control score of 5-2 in the rematch, in a con-

PHOTO BY CHANTAL ZDAN

PHOTO BY JEFF MILLER

our own destiny,” he said. “We don’t need to rely on anyone else, and we’re just going to focus one period at a time next weekend at UBC.” Manitoba will head to Vancouver next weekend to take on the

University of British Columbia Thunderbirds in an important twogame series.

Bison women manage split against Dinos Women’s hockey takes Friday’s game, but runs into penalty trouble in the rematch ANDY CHE, STAFF

T

he University of Manitoba Bisons women’s hockey team’s back-and-forth season continued this past weekend as they split a pair of contests against the Calgary Dinos.

Friday

The Bisons gained some valuable momentum in the opening game of their weekend set against the Dinos.

On Friday night, they triumphed 2-1 at Calgary, winning back-to-back matchups for the first time since mid-November.

Amanda Schubert, starting her second game in a row, led the Bisons onto the ice. Bisons head coach Jon Rempel opted to start the third-year goaltender (who recorded a shutout in her last game) over Rachel Dyck.

Just 30 seconds into the game, the Dinos set the tone. CIS-leading scorer Iya Gavrilova scored her 17th goal of the season, giving Calgary a 1-0 lead. The goal also tied her with Shawna Lesperance for most goals

this season and keeps her in the lead for regular season points.

The closest the Dinos would come to an equalizer was a slapshot off the crossbar from captain Stephanie Zvonkovic Manitoba responded less than three minutes later. Nicole McGlenen’s second goal of the season got the visitors on the board. The fourth-year player also struck against Calgary earlier in the season, scoring the game-winner in a 3-2 victory.

With less than five minutes left in the first period, the Bisons seized the opportunity to take the lead. Charity

Price scored her second goal in as many games to turn the game in Manitoba’s favour.

The Dinos generated chances to tie the game in the third period after an unconvincing second frame. The closest they would come to an equalizer was a slapshot off the crossbar from captain Stephanie Zvonkovic.

Schubert stood firm and made 18 saves on 19 shots for the victory. Her opposite number Hayley Downing made 13 saves on 15 shots.

extended their lead to 2-0 on another power play toward the end of the first period. Dinos captain Stephanie Zvonkovic’s shot from the blue line beat Dyck for her second point of the frame.

Further penalty trouble from the Bisons in the second period gave Calgary the opportunity to kill the game early. Just as Alana Serhan’s penalty was about to expire, the Dinos jumped out to a 3-0 lead.

Megan Grenon found the back of the net to score Calgary’s third power Saturday play goal of the game.

The Dinos put a halt to Manitoba’s However, the Dinos’ advantage two-game win streak in the rematch, became their Achilles heel when as the visitors suffered a 4-2 loss.

Vafina took a tripping minor midway Coach Jon Rempel opted to revert through the game. Kayleigh Wiens back to starter Rachel Dyck in net on scored on the ensuing advantage to Saturday, despite Amanda Schubert’s cut the lead to 3-1. convincing back-to-back wins.

The Dinos restored their threeThe Dinos got off to the perfect goal lead less than minute later. On start after Sasha Vafina opened the a delayed penalty, Kate Lumley manscoring with her 13th goal of the sea- aged to tip Iya Gavrilova’s pass from son on the power play. The home side the corner boards for a 4-1 lead.

Erica Rieder scored just before the end of the second period to cut the lead to 4-2, recording her fourth point of the weekend.

In the end, the Bisons would drop the contest 4-2 after a scoreless third period. Although Manitoba will be lamenting their lack of discipline on Saturday, the weekend still ended on a high note for Rieder. The blue-liner had a point on all four goals scored by the Bisons in the series.

The Bisons will return home next week to host the University of British Columbia in the final weekend of the CIS regular season on Friday Feb. 12 and Saturday Feb. 13.

22

Sports

Sports Editor: Mike Still Contact: sports@themanitoban.com

Bisons track and field team claims seventh annual Bison classic Win marks Manitoba’s second straight win at inter-university competition MIKE STILL, STAFF

I

PHOTO BY JEFF MILLER

t was a weekend to remember for love my team and we’re all putting the University of Manitoba Bisons great results together,” Samking said track and field team, as they won the when asked about the weekend as a Bison Classic for a second straight whole.

Arguably the most impressive year at the James Daly Fieldhouse – a competition that saw over 350 athletes display from the hosts came in the from eight different universities travel women’s 4x200-metre relay, where to the U of M to take part. their second-place time of 1:39.79 Manitoba’s combined team score automatically qualified them for the of 300 points was well above the rest, 2016 CIS championships. with the second-place team (Calgary) Next up for Manitoba is the South having just 213.50 points overall.

Dakota State University Invitational Eighteen different athletes for this coming weekend in Brookings, Manitoba finished with a top-three S.D. result over the two-day competition, including Wilfred Samking, Tegan Turner, and Oyinko Akinola, who each had two separate top-three finishes.

Six separate Bisons also claimed first in their individual events, including Samking in long jump – setting a personal best in the process.

“There was a lot of team spirit, I

Sports

VOL. 102 NO. 22 February 10, 2016

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2015-16 Canada West conference standings TEAM Saskatchewan Mount Royal Alberta Calgary Manitoba UBC Lethbridge Regina

TEAM UBC Regina Alberta Saskatchewan Manitoba Lethbridge Mount Royal Calgary

GP 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26

GP 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26

TEAM Alberta Calgary Manitoba Winnipeg UBC Trinity Saskatchewan Mount Royal Thompson Rivers Brandon UBC Okanagan MacEwan Regina

GP 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 22 20 20 20 22

TEAM Trinity UBC Okanagan Alberta UBC Thompson Rivers Brandon Calgary Mount Royal Winnipeg Saskatchewan MacEwan Manitoba Regina

GP 20 20 20 20 22 20 20 20 20 20 20 18 22

TEAM Calgary Manitoba UBC Regina Lethbridge Winnipeg Alberta Victoria Saskatchewan Brandon Trinity TEAM Saskatchewan Alberta Regina Calgary Victoria UBC Brandon Winnipeg Trinity Manitoba Lethbridge

GP 17 18 16 16 16 16 17 18 16 16 16 GP 16 17 16 17 18 16 16 16 16 18 16

W 21 17 17 11 12 10 10 5

W 12 12 13 10 12 9 8 7 W 20 17 16 13 12 11 11 10 10 5 3 2 2 W 18 18 16 14 11 11 9 9 8 8 7 2 1 W 14 13 12 10 9 9 9 7 6 1 1

Men’s hockey Men’s Hockey L 5 6 7 11 12 12 15 19

Women’s Hockey Women’s hockey L 8 9 9 9 12 12 12 12

OTW 4 4 1 3 0 3 3 3

Men’s Volleyball Men’s volleyball L 0 3 4 7 8 9 9 10 12 15 17 18 20

PTS 40 34 32 26 24 22 22 20 20 10 6 4 4

Women’s Volleyball Women’s volleyball L 2 2 4 6 11 9 11 11 12 12 13 18 21

PTS 36 36 32 28 22 22 18 18 16 16 14 4 2

Men’s Basketball (Pioneer Division) Men’s basketball (Pioneer Division) L 3 5 4 6 7 7 8 11 10 15 15

PTS 28 26 24 20 18 18 18 14 12 2 2

Women’s Basketball (Pioneer Division) Women’s basketball (Pioneer Division) W 16 16 15 13 7 6 6 6 4 1 1

OTL 0 3 2 4 2 4 1 0

L 0 1 1 4 11 10 10 10 12 17 15

PTS 32 32 30 26 14 12 12 12 8 2 2

PTS 42 37 36 26 26 24 21 10

OTL 2 1 3 4 2 2 3 4

STRK Lost 2 Won 4 Won 2 Lost 2 Won 2 Lost 1 Lost 2 Won 1

PTS 46 45 44 40 38 35 33 31 STRK Won 20 Won 8 Won 2 Lost 2 Lost 2 Won 2 Won 2 Won 2 Won 3 Lost 6 Lost 9 Lost 1 Won 1 STRK Lost 1 Won 1 Won 2 Won 2 Lost 2 Won 8 Won 1 Lost 3 Won 2 Won 1 Won 2 Lost 9 Lost 10 STRK Won 10 Won 5 Won 2 Won 2 Lost 2 Lost 2 Won 2 Lost 6 Won 2 Lost 3 Lost 2 STRK Won 16 Won 10 Won 10 Won 6 Lost 2 Lost 4 Lost 2 Won 2 Lost 3 Lost 4 Lost 5

STRK Lost 1 Won 1 Won 1 Lost 1 Lost 1 Won 1 Lost 1 Won 1

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