13 January 2016

MANITOBAN the

THE OFFICIAL UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA STUDENTS’ NEWSPAPER

NEWS

A call for better representation UMSU motion seeks indigenous student representative Page 5

ARTS & CULTURE

Welcome to the neighbourhood The Knndy joins roster of downtown bars Page 17

SPORTS

Bisons best Bears Men’s hockey sweeps defending CIS champions Page 20

VO L 1 0 2 · N O 1 8 · J A N UA RY 1 3 , 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. 18 January 13, 2016

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Craig Adolphe

editor@themanitoban.com / 474.8293

BUSINESS MANAGER Adam Owczar

accounts@themanitoban.com / 474.6535

ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Michelle Arentsen

ads@themanitoban.com / 474.6535

EDITORIAL

MANAGING EDITOR Lauren Siddall

me@themanitoban.com / 474.6520

NEWS EDITOR Ethan Cabel & Garett Williams

news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

COMMENT EDITOR Evan Tremblay

comment@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY EDITOR Chantelle Dubois

science@themanitoban.com/ 474.6529

ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR Seamus Hamilton-Pattison

arts@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

SPORTS EDITOR Mike Still

sports@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

COPY EDITOR Tom Ingram

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DESIGN

DESIGN EDITOR Bradly Wohlgemuth

design@themanitoban.com / 474.6775

SCIENCE

GRAPHICS EDITOR Bram Keast

Needing a breath of fresh air

graphics@themanitoban.com / 474.6775

PHOTO EDITOR Carolyne Kroeker

photo@themanitoban.com / 474.6775

GRAPHICS ASSOCIATE Kelly Campbell GRAPHICS ASSOCIATE Jondell Coombs

E-cigarettes found to be linked to lung disease

PHOTO ASSOCIATE Chantal Zdan

REPORTERS

page 13

NEWS Osho Samuel Adetunji NEWS Estefania Wujkiw NEWS Shawn Garbutt NEWS Shreya Ghimire SCIENCE Malak Abas SCIENCE Jeremiah Yarmie ARTS & CULTURE Olivia Michalczuk ARTS & CULTURE Tobi Nifesi SPORTS Andy Che SPORTS Ryan Stelter ASSISTANT COPY EDITOR Sarah Doran

EDITORIAL

Keeping it current

The Manitoban transitions to an online-first format .

VOLUNTEER CONTRIBUTORS

page 8

Michael Elves Raylene Paci Keegan Steele Justin Ladia

SCIENCE

Caroline Norman

MANITOBAN

This shit is bananas

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

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News

News Editors: Ethan Cabel & Garett Williams Contact: news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

Manitoba government bolsters post-secondary education funding Province grants additional $27.9 million to universities, colleges ESTEFANIA WUJKIW, STAFF

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olleges and universities across the province will receive an additional $27.9 million from the Manitoba government, NDP Premier Greg Selinger announced Jan. 7.

The bump amounts to a four per cent increase in overall post-secondary funding, bringing the total annual investment to $710.8 million, according to a provincial release.

“One of the strongest indicators of economic prosperity is a welleducated population, so these investments for students in colleges and universities mean that Manitoba’s economy will be strong in the future,” Selinger said at a press conference at the University of Winnipeg.

The operating grants for universities will climb 2.5 per cent, while colleges will receive a two per cent increase. The remainder of the funding is devoted to specific programs and initiatives.

The operating funding increase is consistent with what has been seen in previous years, with the provincial operating grant for universities increasing by 2.5 per cent last year.

The Manitoba NDP will soon be campaigning for a fifth consecutive term in office, having governed the province since former premier Gary Doer was elected in 1999. The provincial election takes place on April 19, 2016.

During the press conference, Selinger explained that $2.2 million will be distributed to specific programs and initiatives, including more than $800,000 for a joint bachelor of midwifery program at University College of the North and the University of Manitoba; $440,000 to support the Manitoba Transfer Credit Portal, allowing the

transfer of credits between accredited post-secondary institutions; and nearly $300,000 to increase access for indigenous, newcomer, or marginalized students.

The announcement also included new funds for scholarships, bursaries, and awards to students and teachers who excel in their field, including $3 million to support U of M graduate students.

“We know that hard-working middle-class families value education and want to be sure that when their children go to university and college they are getting an affordable, highquality education,” said James Allum, minister of education and advanced learning, in a release.

“We are not following the path of other provinces that are cutting funding to universities and colleges and taking opportunities away from youth.”

As part of the province’s response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the premier also announced new provincial funding for indigenous education.

The funding includes $1 million in capital support for the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation at the U of M, $610,000 for a new master of social work in indigenous knowledge at the University of Manitoba, and $350,000 to provide each college and university with funding to support indigenous culture on campus.

“Today’s investment is great news for post-secondary institutions in Manitoba, particularly the University of Manitoba,” said David Barnard, president and vice-chancellor of the U of M, in a release.

“I am delighted Premier Selinger

PHOTO BY ESTEFANIA WUJKIW

Jaron Moen Gun Hart, the tragedy had on my family and so continues to share our vision for and commitment to indigenous education Aboriginal commissioner for the many others, we are now just beginand support for the next generation Canadian Federation of Students- ning to heal as a province and country of indigenous leaders in our province,” Manitoba and a U of M political through education and awareness of he said. studies student, was at the press the Indian residential school era,” The University of Manitoba conference and praised the govern- said Hart. engaged in broad-based budget cuts ment for the announcement, saying “This is why each and every last year. Barnard argued that the cuts he strongly believes that 2016 is the announcement made by all levels were prompted in part by inadequate year of reconciliation. of government surrounding the annual provincial funding coupled “It means a lot to me as an inter- 94 calls to action as recommended with low tuition fees for students. generational survivor of the Indian by the Truth and Reconciliation Whether the funding announce- residential school era,” he said. “My Commission should be welcomed ment will impact the university’s grandmother, mother, and sister all and applauded.” plans to cut an additional four per attended residential schools.” cent from its operating budget this “As I began reconciliation within year remains to be seen, however. myself to heal from the effects this

UMSU moves forward on University Centre renovations Council approves blueprints, establishes project management committee SHREYA GHIMIRE, STAFF

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he $1.4-million UMSU Street you’re walking down Osborne or It will be composed of the UMSU Construction is slated to begin by renovation project took a step for- Corydon,” he said. president, vice-president internal, the end of January or early February ward at the University of Manitoba The preliminary drawings outline and general manager; two council- 2016 and Kopp said he is hoping to see Students’ Union (UMSU) council’s the main floor and ceiling plans and lors, and two senior sticks. It will also the majority of the work done by the regular meeting Jan. 7, with the furniture design for the project. The include a representative of contracted end of his term in the spring. approval of preliminary drawings plans also Kopp had and the creation of a management create space earlier prom“With any large investment from UMSU committee to oversee the project. for new ised that the The renovations promise major food service renovaand the student membership, it’s always of changes to the third f loor of businesses. tions would paramount importance that transparency and University Centre, dubbed UMSU Allan be entirely Street by the union.

Coppinger completed accountability are maintained throughout the The projects include expanding Architect by the end project” – Jeremiah Kopp, president, UMSU Degrees restaurant onto its outdoor is the firm of his term. patio space, creating a quiet study tapped by However, he area near the Hub bar, and completely UMSU for made it clear revamping IQ’s café and billiard hall. the project. project management and consultation that UMSU plans to move “aggresThe drawings focus on opening The project’s management com- services and a representative from the sively with this project.” up the existing spaces and giving the mittee will oversee the implemen- union’s endowment fund.

In the meeting, Kopp announced third floor of University Centre more tation of both the UMSU Street The committee is mandated to asbestos assessments have been conof a “street feel,” said UMSU presi- project and first-floor renovations to independently approve financial deci- ducted and the area is ready for the dent Jeremiah Kopp.

University Centre, producing quar- sions but cannot stretch the $1.4-mil- renovations to begin.

“It’s meant to make you feel like terly reports back to council. lion budget.

He noted the motion is intended

to contribute to the transparency and accountability council promises throughout the implementation of the project.

“With any large investment from UMSU and the student membership, it’s always of paramount importance that transparency and accountability are maintained throughout the project,” Kopp told the Manitoban.

“Every step of the way, UMSU council and the UMSU executive team have ensured that rigorous processes have been in place to ensure this.”

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News

News Editor: Garett Williams Contact: news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

Faculty of education upgrades diversity admission policy Up to 45 per cent of seats for enrolment in bachelor of education program to be reserved for underrepresented, marginalized students GARETT WILLIAMS, STAFF

PHOTO PROVIDED BY MELANIE JANZEN

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he faculty of education at the University of Manitoba is expanding its diversity admissions policy and increasing the number of seats set aside for enrolment into its bachelor of education program.

Beginning in fall 2017, the twoyear after-degree program, which prepares students for teaching classes from kindergarten to grade 12, will reserve 45 per cent of its openings for students hailing from five diversity categories.

The new policy, passed at a U of M senate meeting Jan. 6, expands upon the current program that makes 10 per cent of the spots available to students with disabilities, those identifying as Aboriginal, or a visible minority. The original policy dates back to the early 1990s and has been updated only a handful of times since.

Melanie Janzen, an associate dean and assistant professor in the faculty of education, said the updated policy is designed to graduate a field of teachers mirroring the province’s diversity while giving a boost to otherwise marginalized students.

“We’re trying to recognize the diversity of which Manitoba is made

up and trying to create a workforce that it is well-reflective of the population that our teachers serve,” she said.

“It’s also trying to give a leg up – for lack of a better word – or to advantage those who have been socially or historically disadvantaged by policy,” she added.

More than 450 students are currently enrolled in the bachelor program, which is divided into three streams of focus – early years, middle years, and senior years.

Under the new policy, each stream will devote 15 per cent of its seats to students who self-identify as First Nation, Metis, or Inuit; and 7.5 per cent each for racialized persons, persons with gender or sexual identity difference, persons with disabilities, and disadvantaged persons (as determined by criteria laid out by the university).

Janzen noted the same academic requirements apply and the positions in each stream will be awarded based on the highest admissions scores. Any of the reserved spaces left vacant will be returned to the general admission stream.

“In no way are we watering down

the requirements, nor are we removing requirements,” she said. “That’s something that is not negotiable.”

sultation within the education faculty and interest groups. Those interest groups include the university’s Indigenous Student Centre, Student Accessibility Services, and the “We’re trying to Aboriginal Education Directorate in the province’s Department of recognize the Education and Advanced Learning, diversity of which which all forwarded letters supportManitoba is made up ing the initiative to the U of M. “To develop good policy does take and trying to create some time,” she said. “We wanted to consult with our field partners and a workforce that make sure that we were moving in the it is well-reflective right directions, that our language was adequate and accurate and that of the population we were making decisions that would be reflective of what the community that our teachers wanted.” serve” – Melanie In a letter signed by executive director Mike Tutthill and education Janzen, associate program coordinator Reece Malone, dean and assistant Manitoba’s Rainbow Resource Centre lauded the policy. professor, U of M “Within educational contexts, inclusivity allows for rich opportufaculty of education nities for growth and differentiation so that learners are better prepared to Janzen said the policy was nearly be socially engaged and responsive to three years in the development phase, our evolving world and world view,” which included comprehensive con- the letter states.

Under the motion, annual reports on the implications of the diversity policy will be submitted to the faculty council, including recommendations ensuring qualified teacher candidates reflect the province’s diverse population.

“We want the students who live in Manitoba to be taught by people that they see as representative of themselves and of cultures around them,” Janzen said. “Some of the schools I’ve worked in are made up of really diverse groups of students and yet the teaching force in those schools remains predominately white. [...]

How do our students make sense of that?

“If they never see themselves reflected in the teaching corps, what does that say to them about what it means to be a teacher? About what it means to be an adult? About what it means to be a citizen in Manitoba?”

VOL. 102 NO. 18 January 13, 2016

News

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Post-secondary institutions in Manitoba prioritize indigenous education Manitoba Collaborative Education Blueprint seeks to bolster indigenous achievement OSHO SAMUEL ADETUNJI, STAFF WITH FILES FROM ESTEFANIA WUJKIW

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xcellence in indigenous education success rates of indigenous students. ing indigenous education and ration is doing the right thing the became a priority for all postIn his welcome address at the reconciliation.” right way. secondary institutions and public ceremony of the Blueprint sign“These partnerships will create “It is important to me because it school boards in Manitoba as they ing, David Barnard, president and opportunities that translate into sees our educational partners comcame together to sign the Manitoba vice-chancellor of the University of success for indigenous students and ing together in the spirit of volunCollaborative Indigenous Education Manitoba, described the partnership families and enhance the lives of all tary cooperation and collaboration Blueprint in December. in order not only to enhance the as an opportunity for all Manitobans. Manitobans.”

The Blueprint is a partnership “Collaboration process of reconciliation signed by six universities, three and knowledge but quite frankly to do colleges, and the Manitoba School sharing among the right thing and that “It is an extraordinary honour to be Boards Association on Dec. 18 at education instituis what is happening here part of this process [...] of renaissance a ceremony at the University of tions in Manitoba today,” he said.

Manitoba, committing them to sev- are critical to “We are doing the right of first peoples and the people who eral broad goals regarding indigenous our province’s thing the right way. It is truly made this land ours to share for achievement. an extraordinary honour future,” he said.

Among the goals outlined in the “A nd work ing for me as the minister of all of us” – James Allum, minister of document is that all signatories will together we can education to be part of education and advanced learning increase access to programs and ser- make significant this process of reconcilivices for indigenous students and contributions ation, of reclamation, of that they will integrate indigenous to the cultural, reconstitution, and finally knowledge and intellectual traditions social, and economic well-being of In his own remarks, James Allum, to be part of a process of renaissance into their curricula. The signatories Manitobans. In particular, we can Manitoba’s minister of education and of first peoples and the people who also agreed to better keep track of the make significant strides in advanc- advanced learning, said the collabo- truly made this land ours to share

for all of us.”

UMSU Aboriginal students’ representative Waabishkigaabo (Will Landon) told the Manitoban he is optimistic about the future of the collaboration and hopes it will enhance healthy relationships between indigenous and non-indigenous students.

“I am not from Manitoba nor am I an expert in the field of indigenous education,” he said.

“I can only say that I hope this Blueprint will create a future where indigenous students are able to feel welcomed and respected as a distinct people with a distinct way of thinking. I hope that the non-indigenous students coming into post-secondary from the primary level will have a better understanding of First Nations people and we will have a positive and healthy relationship.”

UMSU motion calls for more indigenous representation at university Creation of an indigenous student representative for senate, board of governors sought in UMSU motion OSHO SAMUEL ADETUNJI, STAFF

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t the final University of Manitoba Students' Union (UMSU) council meeting before the winter break, the union passed a motion endorsing increased involvement for indigenous students in decision-making processes at the University of Manitoba.

The motion calls for the creation of an indigenous student representative position on the senate and board of governors at the U of M and for UMSU president Jeremiah Kopp to endorse and sign a letter provided

by UMSU Aboriginal students’ representative Waabishkigaabo (Will Landon).

The university’s board of governors has 23 members, with three appointed

by UMSU. The senate, on the other hand, is the senior academic governing body of the university and consists of the chancellor, the president, vice-presidents, representatives of the board of governors, deans of faculties, directors of schools, and student representatives from faculties, among others.

The call is timely given efforts by post-secondary institutions in Canada to hasten the ongoing reconciliation process between indigenous and non-indigenous people, prompted in part by the findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission into the residential school system.

Waabishkigaabo tabled the motion at the Dec. 3 council meeting

in a bid to solidify the union’s support.

It passed unanimously.

“My motivation comes from my understanding of the importance of voices and the meaning of what the relationship between Canadians and First Nations should be as taught by our elders: a nation-to-nation relationship that recognizes and respects First Nations self-determination,” he said.

“With that being said, Canadians and First Nations share this land.

In respect to nation-to-nation, we should have our own voice and say into the governing bodies of an institution that has benefited from being on Treaty 1 territory. We as First Nations students should have a say on how we interact and are affected by a colonial education institute.”

Waabishkigaabo said that the inclusion of an Aboriginal student representative on the senate and board of governors will bring an end to what he describes as the exclusion of indigenous students in student politics and will also foster healthy relationships between First Nations students and other students on campus.

“Since I first got my seat in UMSU, the most common feeling [I hear from indigenous students] is that we are excluded from campus life – this includes student politics,” he told the Manitoban.

“That we are nothing more than a

PHOTO BY CAROLYNE KROEKER

political platform, an after-thought, or in some cases a nuisance. I believe the campus attitude is changing though, with a lot more recognition of First Nations and the adoption of the recognition of Treaty 1 in council meetings across the campus. To have more seats and opportunities for indigenous students to engage.

I believe the thoughts will begin to change and we will be able to have a

healthy relationship with the other student population on campus.”

He also stated that the creation of an indigenous student representative position will serve as an instrument of change for the community of indigenous students and an opportunity to influence some of the key decisions and policies of the university.

“With each group of student leaders that take these roles, different

perspectives and different goals will be established,” Waabishkigaabo said.

“For myself, I see representation as a big issue. Whenever these seats are created, it will be the responsibility of the student to identify the change they want to make. With increased graduation rates among indigenous secondary school students, however, the creation of these seats seems timely.”

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News

News Editor: Garett Williams Contact: news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

UBC hires independent reviewer to look into concerns around sexual misconduct Review sparked by multiple sexual misconduct allegations against PhD student EMMA PARTRIDGE, THE UBYSSEY

two women who knew Mordvinov held a press conference and criticized the university’s handling of the issue.

UBC student Glynnis Kirchmeier announced at that time that she intends to file a complaint with the BC Human Rights Tribunal.

PHOTO BY GEOFF LISTER FOR THE UBYSSEY

VANCOUVER – Multiple cases of alleged sexual assault at the University of British Columbia (UBC) were brought to light following a CBC investigation last November, leaving the university needing to take some critical next steps.

According to a message also circulated as a broadcast email to the UBC community, Paula Butler, labour and employment lawyer with Butler Workplace Solutions, has been hired as an independent reviewer to look into certain concerns raised by several UBC students related to sexual assault.

Butler is a lawyer who has been

doing work related to employment and harassment issues in the workplace since 1990. She will not rehear the cases of assault, but instead will study whether the institution followed policies and processes appropriately.

Although the assumption is that the cases Butler will look into are those that were raised a little under a month ago, the details about the review remain vague. When asked if the cases that Butler will be considering are those that were brought forward recently, Sara-Jane Finlay, associate vice-president of equity and inclusion, said the cases will be the ones that have received some atten-

tion from the media.

“I can’t speak to any of the specifics of the case, but I would say that we had recognized early on that there was a particular case that was very complex and that we wanted to have somebody come in and look at the process and policy and make sure that it has served us as well it could,” Finlay said.

Some haven’t been sold on the idea that UBC’s policy has served the institution ideally. In November, after the CBC’s the fifth estate released their documentary detailing several allegations of sexual misconduct by Dmitry Mordvinov – a former PhD student in the history department –

assaulted by Mordinvov and felt she was met by a lack of response from the university.

As a result, change may be happening at UBC. In addition to hiring the independent reviewer, creation of a stand-alone policy is also underway.

A single overarching policy regarding sexual assault at UBC has not existed Paula Butler, labour before.

According to Finlay, the two poliand employment cies that cover sexual assault are the lawyer with Butler so-called “policy 3” on harassment and discrimination, as well as the Workplace Solutions, non-academic misconduct portion has been hired as of the student code of conduct.

“It’s not that we don’t have a policy, an independent we actually have a number of policies. But I think it’s valid to say that reviewer to look into bringing all of those processes into certain concerns one place would be a real benefit,” Finlay said. raised by several “I think anything that can make UBC students related things clearer for people [...] is really useful.” to sexual assault Ultimately, the recommendations and findings made by Butler as a result of this review will inform The main issue the women empha- the policy that UBC plans to make. sized then was timeliness. UBC However, such a policy is still very appears to have taken nearly two much in the preliminary stages. years to expel Mordvinov.

“We’re really just getting all the Although Kirchmeier was not pieces in place. As you can imagine, assaulted by Mordinvov, she said at writing a new policy and ensuring the conference that she brought con- that we have the kinds of consultacerns about Mordvinov up to the uni- tion with all of our faculty and staff versity in 2014 “about behaviours [she] and students is a big undertaking,” had witnessed as far back as 2011.”

Finlay said.

Finlay would not speculate as to Butler’s report will be ready in where the possible problem areas in February.

UBC’s process lie, saying that she – National University Wire preferred not to pre-judge what the results from the review will be.

Caitlin Cunningham, also at the press conference, was allegedly

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

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The times they are a-changin’

The Manitoban is preparing to bring students daily online content CRAIG ADOLPHE, STAFF

of mobile phones and devices, and we have to change with it in order to stay relevant and meet students’ needs.

We’ll continue to print our weekly physical paper, but under the onlinefirst system the print issue will serve as a bound version of the previous 7 days of online content. You won’t see a weekly drop of content on our website every Tuesday, but a steady stream that encourages students to take a look at what’s new every day.

You can expect to see new content on our website (and promoted through our social media accounts) every weekday during the school year. This is the new standard Part of the shift to online-first means redoubling our efforts through social media, to ensure the channels are there to connect readers with our content. While we do use major social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter, and have made major efforts to expand our reach through those sites already this year, in 2016 we’ll be dedicating even more resources to online distribution.

The media landscape has changed drastically in recent years and we have to change with it in order to stay relevant and meet students’ needs

GRAPHIC BY JONDELL COOMBS

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he Manitoban was first published in Nov. 1914 and has been chugging along in some form or another for over 101 years. It’s one of the largest and oldest student papers in Western Canada.

Eminent writers, journalists, artists, and community leaders including Marhsall McLuhan, Andrew Coyne, Nahlah Ayed, and Graham Spry, among others, have contributed to the paper. We’re student-run, student-funded, and have been a place for debate and engagement for decades.

The paper has run our own independent website since 2009 and while

it may have had a novel charm in its the U of M community and serving While the Manitoban has experifirst few years, we’ve seen its appeal as a training grounds for aspiring mented with breaking news in an go up drastically over the last couple journalists, we’ll be making a major online format in the past, this repreof years through a massive uptick in change in our logistical model: we’re sents a more structural shift in how online readership. As people – partic- shifting to an online-first mode of we operate. Rather than occasional ularly young people – have changed production. major news stories representing the the medium they use to get their Since Jan. 1 we’ve been testing entirety of our online-first content news, our website and online pres- the release of daily online content and a break from our traditional ence has gone from a side feature to with our arts & culture section. This model, you can expect to see new an integral part of what we do. process will continue as we begin content on our website (and promoted In 2015, we had to upgrade our to incorporate the news, comment, through our social media accounts) web hosting due to the amount of features, editorial, and science & every weekday during the school year. traffic we were receiving and made a technology sections into daily week- This is the new standard. move to a more mobile-friendly web- day release in the coming weeks.

The media landscape has changed design. But we have a lot more to do. Additionally, you can also expect drastically in recent years, with In order to better meet our man- post-game recaps of Bisons games increasingly easy access to highdate of informing and entertaining from our sports section on weekends. speed Internet and the proliferation

The Manitoban has an amazingly talented and dedicated staff who are committed to providing the best content possible. Our reporters, editors, and associates scrutinize every sentence, every graphic, and every photo to make sure the paper is as good as it can be every week. And now we’re hoping to put that same level of effort into getting our stories into your hands.

For us, the change will be a major undertaking, but we believe it will be well worth the effort. We hope that you continue to read the Manitoban in whichever form best suits your needs.

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Comment Comment Editor: Evan Tremblay Contact: comment@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Brian Bowman: leader by default Mayor’s lack of vision showcased in year-end interview EVAN TREMBLAY, STAFF

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rian Bowman is 14 months into a job that he put himself forward as best candidate for. He was elected based not on demonstrated service to our city, but based on the kind of service he promised for the future.

Simply put, Bowman was elected because he convinced the majority of voters that he was a leader.

I do not think it is too much to ask that the mayor of my city should possess a clearer vision – and more leadership skills to effect such a vision – than drunken youths could muster on a Friday night The city does not need a mayor to continue functioning – it has a bloated bureaucracy and self-satisfied council for that. The streets will be cleared, the potholes filled, without any notable input from the mayors’ office. The mayor must be expected to do more than sign the paperwork by which the snow-clearers and potholefillers are paid. The mayor should be expected to provide leadership.

Thus far, Bowman’s leadership of Winnipeg is indistinguishable from the leadership of a second-rate charity. I say second-rate charity because the leadership of a first-rate charity (much like the leadership of a large city) usually includes a vision for the future beyond covering existing expenses. A second-rate charity would be one more concerned with continuing its existence than furthering its declared cause.

In a recent year-end interview with the Winnipeg Free Press, Bowman’s answer to multiple questions concerning his plans for this city’s future were that he wanted to “consult” and have a “conversation” with the people of Winnipeg. In fact, you could watch the entire interview and come away with the impression that Bowman is an average citizen who is not particularly enthused about or interested in the future of this city.

So absent is anything approaching leadership and vision from the interview that Bowman’s answer to the question “Do you personally favour that?” (regarding growth development charges on urban sprawl) begins with “I want to hear from Winnipeggers,” and ends with “How we do that is something we are having the conversation with Winnipeggers, and I expect to have a lot more to say in the new year on that.”

The two sentences bookended by those sweet, sweet nothings run: “I do recognize, as I’ve often said, that our growth needs to be sustainable and it needs to pay for itself. We shouldn’t

GRAPHIC BY JONDELL COOMBS

be burdening existing homeowners the new year is leveraging our new The fate of this plot is a matter best century past; no glory is too haughty disproportionately.” That is not so office of public engagement to really decided by trained and skilled pro- for it a century hence if we judiciously much an opinion or a vision as it is the ask Winnipeggers for their input.” fessionals – and the best we can col- lay the foundations now. If the office received dogma of city planners, as it Bowman says he believes that “there lectively afford, at that. of mayor were tied to vision, there has existed unchanged for decades. is an opportunity to ensure that space I do not think it is too much to are many people who should hold More distressing than Bowman’s continues to be used for a public good.” ask that the mayor of my city should office before ever it fell to Bowman. unwillingness to do more than say The site occupied by the Public possess a clearer vision – and more As it stands, we have a mayor who has that he agrees with the standard Safety Building was given to the city leadership skills to effect such a failed to demonstrate, once elected, professional opinion (the fallback of in 1875, on the condition that it be vision – than drunken youths (read: evidence of qualifications suitable people who have themselves no opin- devoted to “public use.” Anything else my friends and I, or you and yours) for his high office. Even in a softball ion) is the seeming suggestion that and its ownership will revert to the could muster on a Friday night. interview, Bowman cannot summon he would act counter to the wisdom descendants of the original donors.

More notable than Bowman’s vision or leadership enough to save of the professional opinion. If the The land being used for the public desire for perennial consultation is his reputation. trained professionals say one thing, good is not an “opportunity,” but a the apparent assumption that such Bowman is known for bringing a but the masses of Winnipeg say legal requirement if the city wishes to consultation will result only in a uni- personal energy to his office, which another, and your manner of leading retain ownership of one of the desir- fied chorus of “fix the potholes and is a welcome change from his prerelies solely on consulting the masses, able plots of land in the city. balance the budget!” Bowman’s style decessor. It is unfortunate that he has well – what else is consultation for, The site is also one of the most and method of leadership is based on not come close to surpassing Sam but justifying the fallback to the low- valuable in the city. In prominence of the assumption that the people are Katz in other aspects of his job. A est common denominator? location (immediately off Old Market easily assuaged; this does not mesh completed rapid transit system is a Speaking of lowest common Square, and fast by City Hall), it has well with the Winnipeg I know and far more laudable vision for our city denominator, Bowman shows indif- few challengers. It is located in the love. than a waterpark; unfortunately, Katz ference towards city affairs that would Exchange District – our premier culOn a Friday evening, my friends did more to bring us a waterpark than be acceptable (if lamentable) in the tural and historic district, which we and I can talk about densification, Bowman has so far to bring us rapid average voter, but is worrying in a are ever eager to present to visitors as urban growth boundaries, urban transit. mayor – who is, ideally, an informed the crown of our city. agriculture, bicycle sharing proThe coming years will be hard, person making wise decisions on For our elected head – the stan- grams, progressive tax structures and formative to our collective future. behalf of the less well-informed. dard-bearer of any collective vision to encourage land ownership, just Many challenges will rise to face us, When asked about the future we might possess – to suggest that settlement of aboriginal land claims. and we will have need of visionary of the Public Safety Building and the fate of such a parcel should fall We wax poetic about the future of leadership. It’s a pity we have none adjacent parkade, Bowman said to public consultation is as far from the city that we love, a city that was in sight. that “What we will be doing in leadership as Limbo is from Heaven. the “Bullseye of the Dominion” this

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The second impact

Science & technology Science & Technology Editor: Chantelle Dubois Contact: science@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

The dawning of the next bananapocalypse JEREMIAH YARMIE, STAFF

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he ubiquitous Cavendish banana don’t really taste like what we know is on its last leg due to the fungal of bananas – it’s because they taste pathogen Fusarium oxysporum. The like Gros Michel bananas, not our fungus causes a condition called pathetic Cavendish.

Panama disease and threatens to wipe The Cavendish arose from the out commercial banana plantations ashes of the Gros Michel for one across the world. simple reason: it was immune to the This story has happened once strain of Panama disease that cripbefore. We are simply experiencing pled the Big Mike. the second wave of bananageddon.

However, even the Cavendish A recent report in PLOS Pathogens isn’t immune to this new strain of affirms the idea that the Cavendish Panama disease, called Tropical Race banana is doomed if current commer- 4, which was first noted in Southeast cial banana practices don’t change. In Asia and has since spread to Africa, fact, this same story will be repeated the Middle East, and Australia. over and over again until bananas There have been fears for more are produced in a fundamentally dif- than a decade that Tropical Race 4 ferent way. would cause the second bananapocaPrior to the 1960s, a different lypse, and now that the disease has banana was enjoyed around the world. migrated to South America, which The Gros Michel, a better banana is where the world’s largest producer than the Cavendish by all accounts of bananas are, doom is close at hand. in terms of flavor and robustness, was But why is this happening to amongst the population. This mode nearly wiped out by a different strain bananas? of cultivation is also why the bananas Bananas are the prime target for we eat lack seeds, since seeds form as of Panama disease that first arose in Australia in the late 1800s. disease-causing fungi because of the a result of sexual reproduction.

The Gros Michel is still grown in way they are cultivated.

Selling a cloned product is bensome niche areas around the world, If you go to the grocery store, you eficial for a number of reasons. All but Panama disease will ensure that may notice that all bananas look the banana fingers – each banana is a finit is never grown as a commercial crop same; the consistency is almost too ger and the bundles are called hands again. perfect. This is because all commer- – are remarkably consistent because The Big Mike, as some like to call cial bananas are clones of each other. of the cloning process. Cloning also it, is larger, hardier, and more deliBananas are commercially grown allows for bananas to be produced cious than the plebeian Cavendish from cuttings of pre-existing plants. en masse for cheap. Consistency and bananas we consume today. There is This mode of reproduction is asexual, cheap production are desirable traits a reason that banana-flavoured foods which results in no genetic diversity for any industry.

GRAPHIC BY KELLY CAMPBELL

But without genetic diversity, ries. The loss of the Cavendish would there is little protection against dis- certainly result in food insecurity for ease. If a pathogen, such as Tropical these people.

Race 4, can wipe out one banana In 2005, Dan Koeppel, the author plant, it is able to wipe them all out. of Banana: The Fate of the Fruit That While the loss of the Cavendish Changed the World, wrote about the banana would be unpleasant for most inevitable reckoning of Tropical of us here in Canada, it wouldn’t fun- Strain 4 for Popular Science. damentally change our lives.

“How much time is left for the The thing that makes Tropical Cavendish? Some scientists say five Race 4 really scary is how it will affect years; some say 10.” the millions of people living in develThe bananas have lasted 10 years, oping countries who rely on the fruit but will they last much longer? as a large source of their daily calo-

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Science & Technology

Science & Technology Editor: Chantelle Dubois Contact: science@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Coffee reduces DNA breakage: study Just another reason to appreciate coffee MALAK ABAS, STAFF

GRAPHIC BY KEEGAN STEELE

Coffee’s place in a healthy diet has Alzheimer’s. Coffee lowers estrogen Blood samples were taken and the always been a divisive topic. If you’re and insulin levels in the body, is full samples were tested to judge their one of its fans, you’re in luck: recent of antioxidants, and can possibly even DNA integrity. The samples showed studies have shown that drinking have an antidepressant effect. reduction in DNA breakage within coffee not only reduces DNA damtwo hours of coffee consumption. age, but does so more quickly than Within eight hours there was up to Recent studies originally believed.

30 per cent more damage reduction Here’s a basic rundown of DNA than there was before the experiment. have shown that damage. Human beings, much like It’s not all perfect, however.

Coffee’s benefits come with some cars or well-read books, break down drinking coffee not over time. DNA gets damaged all negative effects. Coffee is also shown only reduces DNA the time, and some of it is really not to raise cholesterol levels and blood a big deal. That being said, as you get pressure. Your Starbucks order that damage, but does so older, your body becomes less able to takes more than three sentences to more quickly than we construct might not work either, as repair DNA. That wisdom you gain with age added sweeteners detract from the originally believed could be part of the problem, as recent coffee’s health benefits. findings have shown that the same The experiment also notably used process our brains use to learn new And, of course, there is the alert- less than 800 millilitres of coffee, things leads to DNA degeneration. ness effect. That feeling that got which is less than two medium-sized A DNA break in an aging human you through finals in December is cups at most coffee shop chains. can have very serious consequences, caused by increased neuron activity Like many things in life, cofmany of which are associated with in the brain, which itself is caused by fee consumption seems to remain a cognitive decline. caffeine blocking something called grey area where moderation is key.

Coffee has already been shown to adenosine, which causes drowsiness. If you’re concerned about your own possibly lower your risk of a long list In one of the recent studies, car- susceptibility to coffee’s good or bad of illnesses, including type 2 diabe- ried out by Elke Richling and her side effects, speak with a health care tes, chronic liver disease, and breast colleagues at the University of professional who knows your percancer. Caffeine has been proven to Kaiserslautern in Germany, 13 healthy sonal health history. be neuroprotective, and is used in adults were given 200 millilitres of rodent studies focused on treating coffee four times over eight hours.

The devil’s tumour Misfortune strikes the marsupials twice JEREMIAH YARMIE, STAFF

causes.

The first documented transmissible cancer, DFTD1, is structured in cell bundles. The second transmissible cancer, DFTD2, forms itself in sheets. Both are spread similarly but produce different types of tumours.

GRAPHIC BY JUSTIN LADIA

L

ooney Tunes fans are probably familiar with Tasmanian devils.

The rare and particularly feisty marsupial found exclusively on Tasmania, a small island-state located just south of the mainland of Australia, is on the verge of extinction due to a contagious form of cancer.

Facial tumour disease in these

animals was first noted about two decades ago. The disease causes tumours to grow on the faces and in the mouths of devils. The scary thing is that these tumours can transfer between Tasmanian devils.

To make matters worse, researchers have recently found a second transmissible facial cancer disease. It

seems like these ferocious marsupials can’t catch a break.

Published in PNAS, the study showed that this new form of devil facial tumour disease is distinct from the first form both structurally and genetically. Although the two forms of cancer appear to be similar at a superficial level, they have different

cer cells passed between animals.

Devil facial tumour diseases usually kill an infected animal within six months. In the 20 or so years since the cancer was first observed, it has decimated devil populations by more than 90 per cent.

Hope hasn’t been entirely lost, however. Tasmanian devils are showCancers aren’t really ing behavioural adaptations to the disease. the kind of diseases Devils have been shown to be that are contagious mating earlier. This gives them a chance to raise at least one litter of joeys before dying from the cancer.

Cancers aren’t really the kind of This way, population numbers can diseases that are contagious. These be maintained, despite the deaths odd diseases formed, in part, because caused by devil facial tumour disease. of how aggressive these animals are.

To date, there are no known Tasmanian devils often bite one human forms of cancer which are another in the face, usually during transmissible. Even if cancer cells are mating or combat. This results in somehow transferred into the body of cancer cells being seeded into facial another human, immune systems are wounds of bitten companions. From able to recognize the cells as foreign there, a new tumour grows. and destroy them.

Biting is the perfect way to transThe only exception, however, is in fer the new seeds of a tumour. The the case of organ transplants in which cancer cells don’t last very long out- the organ is cancerous. This is due side of the body, so an instant trip to the recipient’s weakened immune from one animal to the next is perfect. system as a result of medication to Once established in a new body, prevent tissue rejection. the tumour spreads cancer to the lungs, kidneys, and lymph nodes.

Tasmanian devils have very little genetic diversity. This results in poor immune responses to the foreign can-

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Organ farm Shortage of donated organs leads to black markets and ethically charged research CHANTELLE DUBOIS, STAFF

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rgan transplant is a topic that has not only been a source of inspiration for plots in movies and books, but is also the fuel for a reality that is stranger than fiction.

In Canada, roughly 4,000 individuals are on waiting lists for organ donations with kidneys, hearts, lungs, and livers being in high demand.

However, many of these individuals will never receive these vital organ donations.

Canadians lag behind many other countries in organs donated, mostly because hospitals are often not able to obtain consent before potential donors die or become brain dead.

In order for an organ donation in Canada to commence, a patient must be declared brain dead (when the brain tissue has been deprived of oxygen and can no longer function) by two experienced physicians.

Patients at this point are dependent on life-support equipment. Their families are then consulted for consent and medical information on the deceased. Then the search for a match on a waiting list begins.

However, Canada is not the only country with a shortage of viable organs for transplant.

In China, there are up to 300,000 requests for organs per year. However, donating organs voluntarily is a taboo subject within Chinese culture.

So, what solutions are there to the shortage of organs?

Previously, China harvested

organs from executed prisoners. Hard to Believe, a recent PBS documentary, alleged that prisoners were used for on-demand organ delivery, removing organs from still-living prisoners.

University of Manitoba alumnus and international human rights lawyer, David Matas, has even written books on the topic: Bloody Harvest and State Organs: Transplant Abuse in China.

In order for an organ donation in Canada to commence, a patient must be declared brain dead The books claim that a specific religious group has been targeted and outlawed in China by the Chinese communist party, imprisoned for political purposes, and then are subjected to inhumane treatment, including having their organs harvested.

Matas’ work has garnered him equal amounts of recognition and backlash. In 2010 he was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize and has been recognized by the U of M with the Distinguished Alumni Award.

There are also rumours of a burgeoning black market where the wealthy can bypass waiting lists and pay money to buy organs. There have

been Chinese individuals who have come forward to share stories of selling kidneys or parts of their liver in order to make money to pay off debts, or to be able to afford relatively trivial items like iPhones.

China vowed to end organ harvesting from prisoners in August 2015, and educational campaigns have been implemented to encourage more voluntary donations. However, there are still mass shortages of donations.

In the U.S. a lab is currently conducting research into creating “human-animal chimeras”: pigs or sheep whose embryos have been infused with human stem cells to grow perfect match tissue.

Before this infusion, their DNA is modified so that the specific organ or tissue that is going to be harvest is unable to develop on its own in the embryo. The embryo then relies on the human stem cells which then form the develop the organ.

These experiments have been conducted on fetuses only, with none of the hybrid species being carried to term.

This method could help alleviate organ donation shortages, and also help overcome the tricky problem of finding tissue matches.

However, these experiments raise questions about the ethics of harvesting organs from animals, and of creating human-animal hybrids: What percentage of growing tissue must be human before the animal is

GRAPHIC BY CAROLINE NORMAN

considered too human? Or what if the brain is developed from human cells?

Should animals be grown for the sole purpose of harvesting its organs?

The involved scientists do not

believe more than five per cent of an animal will consist of human tissue, although they admit there are unknown potential outcomes.

E-cigarettes contain chemicals linked to lung disease: study ‘Popcorn lung’ chemical found in e-cigarette flavours ‘MALAK ABAS, STAFF

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-cigarettes have exploded in popularity in a very short time.

What started as a possible alternative to smoking and a tool to help people break the habit has now become an aesthetic accessory in some cliques.

Using e-cigarettes to quit smoking may not be the best idea, as a recent study has shown that many e-cigarettes contain chemicals that can directly cause lung disease.

One of the primary chemicals in question, diacetyl, is typically used for flavouring and has been linked to a lung disease called “popcorn lung.”

This disease is named after several incidents in which workers became ill after inhaling butter flavouring from microwave popcorn processing plants. This deceptively silly name (its actual name is bronchiolitis obliterans) belies the very serious nature of the disease, as it is incurable and difficult to diagnose. Diacetyl is also a tobacco additive.

“Recognition of the hazards associ-

ated with inhaling flavouring chemi- e-cigarettes.” cals started with ‘popcorn lung’ over The study, which was published a decade ago,” said Joseph Allen, the in the journal Environmental Health lead author of the study, in an inter- Perspectives, tested 51 different types view with the Harvard Gazette. of e-cigarettes for diacetyl. The study also tested the brands for acetoin, and 2,3-pentanedione, two other flavourThe chemical in ing agents with links to respiratory illness. question, diacetyl, The study found 2,3-pentanedione was found in 23 of the flavours, is typically used for acetoin was found in 46 of the flaflavouring and has vours, and diacetyl was found in 39 of the flavours. At least one of the been linked to a three chemicals was found in 47 out lung disease called of the 51 flavours.

The study did not mince words “popcorn lung” about the serious nature of these findings, saying, “urgent action is recommended to further evaluate this “However, diacetyl and other potentially widespread exposure via related flavouring chemicals are used flavoured e-cigarettes.” E-cigarettes in many other flavours beyond butter- aren’t regulated by the U.S. Food and flavoured popcorn, including fruit Drug Administration, and global flavours, alcohol flavours, and, we sales of e-cigarettes hit $8 billion in learned in our study, candy-flavoured 2015.

GRAPHIC BY KELLY CAMPBELL

Diacetyl is used in e-cigarettes to produce a wide variety of flavours.

Some have a more “natural” inspiration, such as strawberry or mango e-cigarettes, while some have sugary flavouring and cartoonish packaging (cupcake-flavored e-cigarettes,

for example), leading some people to worry that the marketing would appeal to young children.

Attempting to combat this issue, Manitoba passed a law that prevented people from vaping in indoor public spaces in November 2015.

Diversions Graphics Editor: Bram Keast Contact: graphics@themanitoban.com / 474.6775

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GRAPHIC BY BRAM KEAST

GRAPHIC BY JONDELL COOMBS

COMIC BY KELLY CAMPBELL

VOL. 102 NO. 18 January 13, 2016

Diversions

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GRAPHIC BY BRAM KEAST

COMIC BY SARAH WALKER

Arts & Culture

Arts & Culture Editor: Seamus Hamilton-Pattison Contact: arts@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

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Controversial case comes to cinema New Omar Khadr documentary debuts at Canada’s Top Ten Film Festival, Winnipeg’s Cinematheque OLIVIA MICHALCZUK, STAFF

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n Jan. 23, Winnipeggers will have the opportunity to see the new documentary Guantanamo’s Child: Omar Khadr, at Cinematheque, located in the exchange district.

The documentary aims to explore the infamous case of Omar Khadr

from his perspective while detailing the crime, prison life, and release of the controversial inmate.

In 2002, at the age of 15, Khadr was captured by Americans after throwing a grenade in an armed conflict in Afghanistan resulting

in the death of American soldier ferred to Guantanamo Bay where he Christopher Speer. was tortured and interrogated for a Khadr was extensively wounded in decade. the conflict with a hole in his chest, In 2012 he was returned to Canada blind in one eye and shrapnel littered after pleading guilty to war crimes throughout his body. After being and was released on bail on May 7, medically treated, the boy was trans- 2015.

The struggle between categorizing Khadr as a brainwashed child soldier or a dangerous, al-Qaeda-associated terrorist has divided nations, including Canada, where the case is still being tackled by the new government.

“Even though this case started under a Liberal government, they have been critical over the years of how the Harper government let him languish and did not take his age into consideration,” said the film’s co-director Michelle Shephard on the previous government’s strong opposition to Khadr’s release.

“There’s still an appeal of his bail before the courts, which I will be surprised if the Liberals pursue.”

PHOTOS BY WHITE PINE PICTURES

collaborate with veteran filmmaker Patrick Reed to make the film, which really made me appreciate the power a documentary can have.”

Reed is an award-winning filmmaker that has dug deep into humanitarian issues that have attracted international praise.

Shephard has spent over a decade as the National Security reporter at the Toronto Star and, throughout her international travels, has made over two dozen trips to the infamous prison at Guantanamo Bay. Her experience in journalism and filmmaking collaborations has collected many awards. ​“I think it helped that when we started making the documentary in 2012, we already knew the story and I had spent years building trust among those involved – from Dennis Edney, Khadr’s lawyer, to some of the special forces soldiers involved in the firefight, interrogators, or former Guantanamo detainees,” said Shephard.

“Even though this “Having been to Guantanamo so many times and [having] watched case started under a Khadr in those military hearings Liberal government, since he was a teenager gave us some context in shaping the documentary they have been too.” critical over the The documentary takes an intimate look at Khadr’s case, while years of how the conducting interviews with educated experts that articulate the real story Harper government from all perspectives. let him languish and Khadr is a Canadian-born citizen who was brought to Afghanistan did not take his age by his father. Khadr and his father’s into consideration” – relationship with al-Qaeda have been debated at length and contribute to Michelle Shephard, the controversial nature of the case. co-director, After being returned to Canada in 2012, Khadr was released by the Guantanamo’s Child Alberta government to Edney, who invited Khadr into his home where he ate home-cooked meals, went for Shephard also commented on walks to see the entirety of the sky Khadr’s pending civil suit against for the first time since his capture, Ottawa for complicity in what Khadr relearned simple tasks both physiclaims was an “arbitrary detention” cally and emotionally, and recharged in Guantanamo, stating that the his monitoring ankle bracelet that Canadian government’s stance on tracks his activity, including his 10 that will be “interesting.” p.m. curfew. S ​ hephard described this Directors Patrick Reed and as one of the most profound moments Shephard have created a documen- in creating the documentary. tary that has earned a spot in the “Watching Dennis, his wife 15th annual Canada’s Top Ten Film Patricia, and Omar interact – being Festival (presented by Toronto’s a fly on the wall during those first International Film Festival) and will few days of freedom in their home. be taken on a national tour.

Dennis and Omar talk about this in “Omar Khadr’s story has fascinated the film, how they’ve moved from me since he was captured in 2002,” lawyer-­c lient relationship to one Shephard told the Manitoban. more akin to father­-son. It’s really “It was a tragic and historic case remarkable how they’ve adopted him on so many levels, and here at the and helped him adjust. They’re an centre is this 15-­year­-old Canadian incredible couple,” said Shephard. who grew up in Guantanamo – so many of the issues that affected his Cinematheque’s Jan. 23 showing of case represented how the world had Guantanamo’s Child begins at changed after 9-11. But I knew that 7 p.m. Tickets are $6 for members, people wouldn’t fully grasp the story – $8 for students, and $9 for everymove beyond the rhetoric and politics one else. Purchase them online at – until they were able to see and hear www.winnipeg filmgroup.com from him and the others involved in the story. I was lucky enough to

VOL. 102 NO. 18 January 13, 2016

Arts & Culture

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Local love for the lake Winnipeg performers band together for a good cause OLIVIA MICHALCZUK, STAFF

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n Thursday, Jan. 14, an eclectic Global Nature Fund, an inter- have in common, and I think its part group of local musicians are set national conservation organiza- of what we’re known for.” to perform at the West End Cultural tion, named Lake Winnipeg its Sigurdson was born and raised on Centre (WECC) to raise funds for “Threatened Lake of the Year” in 2013, the west shore of Lake Winnipeg in the Lake Winnipeg Foundation citing algae blooms caused by agricul- Riverton. His father managed several (LWF) while honouring lake-lover tural pollution and sewage. fishing stations and he helped out and Interlake folk musician Sol with the family business, which was Sigurdson. active on Lake Winnipeg for decades.

The event is called “Love, Lake “Lake Winnipeg is at His music reflects on his experiences Winnipeg: A tribute to the songs with the lake and the community that the core of who we of Sol Sigurdson,” and it features thrived from its abundant resources.

Panamax (a duo comprised of As singer and principal songwriter are as Manitobans: of the Whisky Jacks – a fixture of experimental electronica artists it defines our Tim Hoover and Curran Faris), indie local hootenannies at Interlake dance rockers Mise en Scene, folk/country geography, drives our halls in the 1960s – he brought to life the stories of the people he met dursoloist Jess Reimer, and a collaboraeconomy, shapes our ing his time on the lake. tion between established folkies Scott PHOTOS PROVIDED BY LWF Nolan and John K. Samson.

“His songs reference real people, culture and supports places, and events from our history.

Each performance will include the Stories of Lake Winnipeg bring to artist’s own material in addition to a In many ways, they’re a love letter light an economic and cultural impact lyrical topics, as both remain “vital our biodiversity” Sol Sigurdson cover. The performbetween a place and its people,” said on residents both current and former parts of the Interlake’s culture and – Alexis Kanu, ers have recorded these covers for a Kanu. that resonates to this day. economy” to this day. limited-edition four-song EP, one Solo a r tist and former “The Interlake area and Lake “These songs are as relevant as they executive director, copy of which will be given to each Weakerthans frontman John K. Winnipeg mean a whole lot to me. I have ever been with the current state Lake Winnipeg ticketholder for free upon entry.

Samson was approached to partici- grew up in Gimli a few blocks away of the lake, which is why this event LWF is an environmental nonpate in the project because his style from the lake, spending my sum- is such a great thing,” said Hykawy.

Foundation governmental organization that of storytelling through music is mers hanging out on the beaches “We all get to sing songs about focuses on restoring and protecting similar to that of Sigurdson. LWF and swimming in the water. For a Lake Winnipeg while showcasing the health of Lake Winnipeg by “Lake Winnipeg is at the core of was pleased to learn that Samson is a small town there has always been a an Interlake folk legend and raising implementing research, public educa- who we are as Manitobans: it defines fan of Sigurdson’s, and he joined the strong creative community, whether funds for the lake that we love.” tion, stewardship, and collaboration. our geography, drives our economy, project as a producer with a guiding it is art or music, and a lot of that The member-based organization was shapes our culture and supports our artistic vision. inspiration, for me at least, comes Tickets to “Love, Lake Winnipeg” founded in 2005 by a group of con- biodiversity,” said LWF executive “I was excited at the opportunity to from living so close to such a big body are $25 and can be purchased online cerned citizens. collaborate with John in the first place of water,” said Corey Hykawy, Mise at www.lakewinnipegfoundadirector Alexis Kanu. tion.org or through the WECC’s With the expertise of a Science The cultural impact of Lake but the idea of interpreting another en Scene’s bassist.

Advisory Council comprised of Winnipeg on the artists is expressed artist’s song made it even more interHykawy went on to explain the box office. Doors are at 7 p.m., respected freshwater scientists from through stories translated to song. esting,” Nolan told the Manitoban. importance of Sigurdon’s music to the and the show starts at 7:30. across Canada, LWF is promoting its According to Nolan, Sigurdson is “[John and I] discussed and mar- history of Lake Winnipeg and Gimli.

Lake Winnipeg Health Plan, focused the master craftsman of that trade. velled at the idea of songs that were This, Hykawy said, is due to the fish“Locals hearing their own names written for small groups of people ing community and the lake itself on the root causes of harmful algae and stories in song is something we to hear.” blooms. being among Sigurdson’s favoured

Same space, new place New downtown pub promises to be diverse, artsy hotspot TOBI NIFESI, STAFF

T

hree years ago, downtown Winnipeg lost one of its favourite bars – the Lo Pub. But there’s a new pub in town that promises to amp up the city’s arts scene.

The Knndy is a recently opened bar and arts venue that is located in the exact same space as the defunct Lo Pub. The new downtown spot opens as a bar and restaurant during the day, but functions as a live entertainment venue at night.

Jamil Chaudhry is the Knndy’s director of operations and he would be the first to dismiss the idea of the pub being just a pub. He wants the Knndy to be known as a live arts and entertainment venue that opens its stage to artists, musicians, comedians, poets, and spoken-word artists of any cultural background.

“It is a community live venue [...] we cater to pretty much all cultures,” Chaudhry told the Manitoban.

Those that used to frequent the Lo Pub meet familiar sights on entering the establishment. A few furnish-

ings – some brass rails and window and Chaudhry emphasizes that the fittings, among others – have been Knndy is only here to contribute. unmoved to preserve some trappings “We are just an addition to the of the original space. same culture. We are not here to see “This place has quite a bit of his- who is going to do better or worse [...] tory,” said Chaudhry.

This venue is not about the competi“Winnipeggers like to see different tion. It is about how we can contribthings. Keeping that in mind, [show- ute more,” said Chaudhry. casing the] old and new is the main “Night life in Winnipeg downtown concept of the Knndy.” has changed and we are just part of The space’s interior design gives that change.” the pub a fresh and artsy vibe. The The venue, located at 330 Kennedy walls are lined with murals, pictures, St., touts inclusivity and diversity in and paintings submitted by local all services it provide. From the conartists, and the stage is decorated tributing artists, to the live music, to with colorful installations. At first the food, multiculturalism underlies sight, the Knndy looks like a cross a night out at the pub. Music from between an open concert hall and any genre or cultural origin could an arts studio. easily be heard from the stage on any That being said, the services at the given night. bar are complementary to all that the On Jan. 9, the pub hosted a mashpub has going on. The menu consists up event called “1thing.” The show of tasty food and fancy drinks from featured live and simultaneous perdifferent cultures, and the pub offers formances from DJs, a B-boy dance catering services as well. group, and live art from an architecDowntown Winnipeg is home to tural designer. It is the pub’s mandate most of the city’s nighttime hotspots to host more art shows like this from

PHOTO BY CAROLYNE KROEKER

time to time, but it’s not Chaudhry’s For more information on this new only plan for the space. downtown hotspot, follow the “From day one, our vision was to Knndy on Twitter (@theknndypub), have this venue cater to multicultural and Instagram (@theknndy), and events [...] The major one is that we like the pub’s Facebook page. are trying to put together something for the Hispanic community.

I think that is a need in Winnipeg,” Chaudhry explained.

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Arts & Culture

Arts & Culture Editor: Seamus Hamilton-Pattison Contact: arts@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

The Relevance of Islamic Identity in Canada sparks timely conversations Canadian Muslims speak out, but offer few conclusions TOBI NIFESI, STAFF

which grew into a book, The Relevance of Islamic Identity in Canada: Culture, Politics, and Self (edited by Aziz), examines what it means to be a Muslim in Canada today.

The eleven contributors include Muslim writers, scholars, activists, journalists, and artists. Each contributing author was either born in or immigrated to Canada.

In diverse ways, each author relays their thoughts on a few key issues that face Canadian Muslims. These range from the identity crisis a Muslim living in a secular democracy struggles with, to the Islamophobic notions that arose after 9-11 and have persisted ever since.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY MAWENZI HOUSE PUBLISHING In his essay, Vancouver-based novelist Ameen Merchant writes about his book is neither a manual nor his ambivalence towards the pera dissertation, on the relevance of ceived image of Muslims. A victim of Islam in Canadian society. It’s a con- incessant racial profiling at Canadian versation intended to make the reader airports, Merchant emphasizes the cognizant of the inner workings of othering attitude of secular Canada a secularized society that struggles towards Muslims and the lack of with its pluralistic values. individualism perceived amongst Nurjehan Aziz, a Canadian edi- members of the faith. tor, reached out to eleven prominent “I am a Muslim. But I am also not essayists, and together they began just a Muslim,” Merchant writes in a conversation. This conversation, his essay’s conclusion.

T

As the book progresses, Merchant’s statement seems to be the underlying perception each author has of themselves. Their various views on how Islam can function and persevere in a society that pays no mind to religious values stem from their belief that they are more diverse than the stereotypical notion of a Muslim Canada has come to know.

that the reader could easily miss the nothing is really being said. common misconceptions about Islam The post-9-11 anti-Islam bigotry, highlighted in her essay. the rise of ISIS, the 2015 niqāb debate, Narendra Pachkhede writes Quebec’s Islamophobia, the curtailabout the history and importance of ing of Islamic cultural practices and constructing mosques with actual structures in Canadian cities – all minarets in Canadian cities. Monia of these are some of the important Mazigh recommends a partner-ori- issues that are mentioned and wellented style of relationship between discussed in the essays. However, the men and women of the Islamic faith open-ended nature of the essays may while Mohamed Abualy Alibhai simply leave the reader unfulfilled. argues that a conscience-based One cannot doubt the passion “I am a Muslim. But Islamic community would ward off with which the writers, including any threat secularization may pose Aziz (who wrote the preface), share I am also not just a to existing family structure. their thoughts. It is clear that these Amid all these expositions and issues are crucial and readers ought Muslim” – Ameen suggestions, Haroon Siddiqui, a for- to be aware of them.

Merchant, The mer editor at the Toronto Star, manThat being said, despite all the ages to squeeze in a chapter called passion, this book may leave readers Relevance of Islamic “Anti-Muslim Bigotry Goes Official still confused about the relevance of Identity in Canada – Canada’s newest Dark Chapter” – Islam in Canada. The tenets shared by and it was dark indeed. Siddiqui goes the writers only go as far as to suggest ballistic on anti-Muslim bigotry and that secularization and Islam do not As with every conversation, each what he called a campaign by former go hand in hand. contributor had a different tone. The prime minister Stephen Harper to essayists’ tones range from reflective inculcate Islamophobia in Canadians. Order The Relevance of Islamic to apoplectic to humorous. Safia However, despite the varied tones Identity in Canada from the Fazlul, a Toronto-based novelist, and passionate writings of the con- publisher, Mawenzi House, at shares her thoughts on the proximity tributors, there is something lacking www.mawenzihouse.com of a sex store to the Toronto Islamic about this book. Just like some conCentre, and she does it so casually versations, much is mentioned but

’Toban turntable Want us to review your band? Email arts@themanitoban.com today!

RAYLENE PACI, VOLUNTEER STAFF

Federal Lights Coeur de Lion 4/5

C

arefully painted with poetry, pounding drum beats, and enchanting layers, Winnipeg band Federal Lights has produced a captivating follow-up to their 2013 debut We Were Found in the Fog in Coeur de Lion. The album is set to be released Jan. 29, with Canadian tour dates to be announced shortly.

Coeur de Lion opens with the catchy groove of “Into the Ground,” one of the more uplifting tracks on the record. With joyful harmonies that soar over the chorus and delicate glitters of xylophone melodies, the song highlights a theme of endurance and finding strength even while feeling broken.

The title track switches things up and features Jodi Roy, whose voice can only be described as liquid honey, pure and sweet. It allows for a sharp contrast from counterpart Jean-Guy Roy’s low and husky vocals, which primarily take the lead role on the rest of the album.

The track can almost be described as psychedelic – listeners can expect wanting to close their eyes and sim-

MICHAEL ELVES

ply float away into space.

Other standout tracks include folk anthem “This Town,” which could likely find its way onto your summer road trip playlist, as well as “Parachutes,” a slow-moving and stunning duet between the two vocalists that finishes the album.

My only criticism is that a few tracks tend to border on the line of being repetitive, though they still have enough appeal not to be written off completely. Additionally, I would welcome a stronger vocal

presence from other band members – in their rare appearance, it added compelling variation and a unique layer to the record.

Listeners will no doubt be drawn in by the emotional stories told in Coeur De Lion. Mesmerizing, stormy and filled with electrifying tension, this is a must-listen for anyone wanting to further explore the Winnipeg music scene. www.federallights.org

PHOTO PROVIDED BY KILL BEAT MUSIC

William Prince Earthly Days 4/5

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eleased just before Christmas, William Prince’s Earthly Days is already drawing deserved acclaim.

The Winnipeg singer-songwriter – by way of Peguis First Nation – had previously earned accolades slinging his tunes live at several joints around town.

On this, his debut record, Prince demonstrates why some of the city’s best roots musicians are admirers and cements his place among them.

Consider album opener “You Got Me” – it somehow deftly avoids the ‘we’ve got each other and that’s enough’ trope while still being essentially about that. Certainly, the honeyed voice singing the tune helps – Prince’s supple baritone feels like it could keep you warm on a Manitoba winter’s night – and the foot-stomp percussion provides an insistent push to the tune.

Prince enlisted the help of kindred spirit, local folk musician, and longtime collaborator Scott Nolan as a producer on Earthly Days and while the album rises (and honestly, never falls) on the strength

of Prince’s songs and performance, Nolan’s steady hand on the controls ensures the album has a consistent, quality sound.

Even on a sparse (and stand-out) song like “Bodyguard & the Beer Girl,” Nolan uses a subtle reverb that gives Prince’s voice and guitar a fuller tone than the singer would likely produce in a room all by himself. But ultimately, Earthly Days succeeds because Prince all by himself is a force to be reckoned with. www.williamprincemusic.com

PHOTO PROVIDED BY WILLIAM PRINCE MUSIC

VOL. 102 NO. 18 January 13, 2016

Arts & Culture

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Sports

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Sports Editor: Mike Still Contact: sports@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Bisons edge high-flying Golden Bears Men’s hockey sweep #3 Alberta, take seven of eight points in regular season RYAN STELTER, STAFF

Friday

The University of Manitoba Bisons men’s hockey team opened up the 2016 calendar year with a clash against defending CIS champions Alberta Golden Bears, coming out on top 7-4 on Friday night at the Wayne Fleming arena.

Manitoba opened the scoring when Brett Brooks finished off a rebound after Jonah Wasylak came barreling in on a breakaway and whiffed a shot on a rolling puck.

The lead wouldn’t last for long, however. After a beautiful string of passes, Jordan Hickmott made a nifty forehand backhand deke to roof it past a helpless Byron Spriggs. Eleven seconds after that, the hot-handed Jordan DePape came streaking in on the right wing and blasted a shot through the wickets of Bears goal-

tender Luke Siemens. DePape has now registered a point in the last 12 games – a Canada West best.

Captain Luke Paulsen took a bad penalty midway through the first period, and the Bears capitialized.

James Dobrowolski sniped a shot glove side from the slot, levelling the score at two a piece heading into the break.

The second period echoed the same storyline as the first. Wasylak got the Bisons back in front when he fired a shot over the shoulder of Siemens from the top of the circle – his first goal as a Bison. Riley Kieser tied things back up for Alberta at 7:36 of the middle frame, picking up a rebound in front of the net and with his long reach, wrapping it around a sprawling Spriggs. Three minutes later, the Golden Bears would earn

slot, wristing home a shot far side on to boil over from Friday night’s Siemens, who was then pulled after contest. allowing his seventh goal on the night The Golden Bears dominated the at 10:56. The Bears pushed hard in second period, peppering Paulic but the last 10 minutes of the game, but only managing to get one shot past some solid defensive play and some him when three minutes in Riley key saves from Spriggs were enough Kieser found the back of the net. Two minutes later, Warren Callis wristed to see Manitoba through.

Head coach Mike Sirant talked a shot on Siemens to draw the herd post-game about the successful start level at two. to the second half of the year.

After two periods, the visitors had “It was a team win,” he said. "I registered 33 shots on goal, compared thought everybody on our team did to the Bisons’ 13. their job and played their role [...]

In the third period, Alberta We did the things that we identi- carried the play throughout again, fied we needed to do to be successful, dominating in every single statistical we played our game and it was really department except the score sheet. good to see our players rewarded for The plucky Bisons team managed to their effort and performance.” stay in the game with some fabulous saves from Paulic.

Saturday In the dying minutes of the game, On Saturday afternoon, the DePape threw a pass to the front of PHOTO BY CHANTAL ZDAN Bisons played out a 3-2 win over the net and Shaq Merasty was the Alberta. The second game of the back beneficiary, slotting the puck home their first lead of the night when vet- to back was hard-hitting and physical, past Siemens for the game winning eran defenceman Thomas Carr fired with no animosity lost between the goal. Brett Stovin got the second a low, hard shot from the blueline. two teams. assist on that play, in turn extending With five minutes remaining The visitors were determined not his own point streak to 11 games. in the frame, rookie Brett Stovin to repeat Friday’s 7-4 loss, dominating Paulic was the star of the show, extended his point streak to an in the early going. All that hard work making several highlight reel saves astonishing 10 games, notching his came undone when Joshua Derko in the game. He was the main reason ninth goal of the season after flicking took a bad cross checking penalty the herd stayed in the game all aftera rebound in from close range fol- 200 feet from his own net. noon. The rookie talked postgame lowing a Lee Christensen point shot.

The Bisons made the Golden about his performance and being The home side exploded in the Bears pay by way of Jordan DePape able to beat the Bears twice on the third frame for three unanswered when, four seconds into the Manitoba weekend. goals, including two consecutive power play, he buried a far side shot “Things went well out there, the powerplay tallies. on Luke Siemens. DePape extended defense had a heck of a game out Three minutes into the period, his point streak to an impressive 13 there, limiting their scoring chances,” Channing Bresciani ripped a shot games with the tally. Alberta would he said. “It feels pretty good to beat home from the point to make it 5-4 for tie the game with less than a minute those guys twice in a row.” the home side. Minutes later, Shaq left when Kruise Reddick had a shot The Bisons play a two-game set Merasty buried a DePape feed into deflect off Justin Paulic’s shoulder at home against the Mount Royal the slot to double Manitoba’s lead. into the back of the net.

Cougars next weekend, looking to Rene Hunter finished off the scorLots of penalties filled the latter continue their momentum. ing with some nice patience in the half of the frame, as tensions started

A rough restart Women’s hockey open up 2016 with two straight shutout losses ANDY CHE, STAFF

Friday

The University of Manitoba Bisons women’s hockey team didn’t get their new year running on all cylinders on Friday night. The herd dropped a 2-0 loss at the hands of the Alberta Pandas, now the league-leaders in the Canada West. With a shutout loss, Manitoba suffered their first scoreless performance since an Oct. 16 home matchup against Mount Royal.

Alberta set the tone early, when Alison Campbell grabbed the goahead goal just 18 seconds into the game. The Edmonton native beat goalie Rachel Dyck top-shelf for her third goal of the season.

Though the Bisons were caught by an early setback, Jon Rempel’s side responded valiantly. The first period proved a fiery affair as both teams

took three penalties each, although neither powerplay unit made good on their chances.

Alberta goalie Lindsey Post was in Manitoba’s way all evening. The fourth-year Quebec native recorded 14 saves for her fifth shutout of the CIS season. Her perfect game was in part due to a resilient Pandas defense that held the Bisons to only three shots in the third period.

Meanwhile, Dyck stood firm for Manitoba in their search for an equalizing goal. After allowing Alberta to capitalize with their first chance of the game, Dyck stopped the next 15 shots she faced. However, the Pandas sealed the win by scoring on an empty net with Campbell’s second goal of the contest.

With the loss, the Bisons fall to

third in the Canada West division with a 9-7-1 record. Meanwhile, the win gives the Pandas a two-point cushion at the top of Canada West, with a 10-6-1 record.

The two teams will meet again on Saturday, Jan. 9 to complete the weekend series.

Alberta drew first blood when a wound down. tipped Megan Eady shot beat Rachel Rounding off the contest was Dyck from the point midway through Sasha Lutz, burying an empty net the first period. Once again, the goal to clinch the 3-0 victory.

Pandas’ defiant style of defense was Post’s second consecutive shutout too much for Manitoba to penetrate. means she now boasts five in her last The home side took their narrow 1-0 six outings. Though lacking an offenlead into the second intermission. sive catalyst on their team, Manitoba The Alberta defense then began are still receiving stout goaltending Saturday to play with an attack-minded chip through Dyck, who made 18 saves Following their 2-0 defeat on on their shoulders by the start of on 20 shots in the defeat.

Friday night, the Bisons were hop- the third period. Blue-liner Cayle The Pandas are now atop of the ing to redeem themselves on Saturday Dillon ripped a high point shot past Canada West table by two points. in game two of the weekend series. a screened Dyck leaving the Panda’s The Bisons slip down to fourth with To their disappointment, the Pandas with a 2-0 cushion. the defeat and are tied with Regina. inflicted a second consecutive shutout Manitoba played their most proThe Bisons will cap off their twoon the visitors, sweeping the series ductive period in the third frame, weekend road set next week at the with a 3-0 home victory. Up until this forcing goalie Lindsey Post into mak- Regina Cougars on Jan. 15 and 16, past weekend, the herd hadn’t been ing nine of her 23 saves of the night. respectively. shut out in consecutive games since However, the herd was unable to get the 2013-14 season. themselves on the board as the game

VOL. 102 NO. 18 January 13, 2016

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Dissimilar seasons continue for Bison volleyball Men’s volleyball maintain winning ways, women suffer more losses RYAN STELTER, STAFF

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ison volleyball is back, and both the men and women faced off against the University of British Columbia-Okanagan this weekend in two game sets at home. The men swept their encounter with the Heat, while the women dropped both of their decisions.

Men

The Bison men’s volleyball team showcased their talents this weekend with no signs of rust after the winter break. Manitoba started off 2016 with a dominating display on Friday, winning three straight sets (25-13, 25-21, 25-15).

In the opening set, the Bisons carried the play throughout, exploding to a 12-point lead. The second set featured back and forth action, with the home side earning points off of long rallies. Manitoba finished off UBC in the third set by winning by 10.

Devren Dear led the herd with 16 kills – the most of anyone on the court. Dear chipped in on the defensive side too, earning six digs.

The Saturday afternoon matinee started off a little rough for the Bisons, as they dropped their first and only set of the weekend. Manitoba ended up storming back and winning 3-1, however (17-25, 25-16, 25-16, 25-9). The herd crushed the Heat in the third set specifically, winning by a huge The men have a bye this week16 points. end and will play host to the Trinity Dear once again led the Bisons Western Spartans on Jan. 22 and 23, with 17 kills on the night. The fourth- looking to continue their four-game year veteran is now averaging four winning streak. kills per set on the year. Luke Herr managed to smack home three aces Women The new year didn’t start off well as well. The home side combined for seven aces, in comparison to UBC’s for the Bison women’s volleyball team, one. who lost both of their opening games

PHOTO BY CHANTAL ZDAN

of the second half of the season.

Friday night saw the Heat dominate completely, outscoring the Bisons 75-37. The visitors easily took every set by a commanding margin (25-11, 25-14, 25-12). Kalena Schultz led the Bisons in kills with a meagre four. The Bisons only managed to get 16 total kills on the night.

On Saturday the story was much

the same. They were once again swept ment of the Canada West. aside by the Heat and dropped three The women also have a bye this straight sets (16-25, 13-25, 16-25). weekend and will take on Trinity Caleigh Dobie led everyone on the Western at home on Jan. 22 and 23. court with 10 digs, proving once again The Spartans are currently tied for that she is an invaluable member of first in the Canada West and will the women’s squad. prove to be formidable for the Bisons.

The pair of losses see the Bisons extending their losing streak to three games and still sitting in the base-

A post-game plot Rebounding and interior defence the storylines as men’s basketball splits opening series of 2016 against Victoria MIKE STILL, STAFF

Friday

effective job of shutting down two Victoria Vikes forward Grant of the Bisons’ biggest playmakers Sitton will likely be in the University – Wyatt Anders and Justus Alleyn. of Manitoba Bisons men’s basketball Anders, the nation’s best rebounder, team’s nightmares after dropping a was held to just five boards and two game-high 28 points (including nine points while Alleyn had 14 points but from beyond the arc) and 11 rebounds shot just 5 of 14 from the field and had to lead his squad past the visiting only one three-pointer.

Bisons 85-77 in overtime on Friday For the better half of three quarnight. ters, the Vikes also eliminated any Sitton scored half of his points in second-chance points for Manitoba, the first quarter en route to a 25-10 with guard Reiner Theil leading the lead through the first 10 minutes. charge with 12 rebounds. The herd Manitoba was able to stay composed kept on fighting, though, and were and eventually tied the game up late able to outscore Victoria in the final in the fourth, taking Victoria to an three quarters, led by AJ Basi’s teamextra session, but never led in the con- leading 17 points and clutch perimeter test and were consistently stymied by shooting. the Vikes’ zone defence.

Keith Omoerah and Jonathan The home side did a particularly Alexander were also critical, spe-

cifically in the fourth quarter where they were both aggressive on the glass, with seven rebounds each, and helped generate quality ball movement. Alexander was particularly impressive subbing in for Anders, as he tallied all nine of his points in the final 10 minutes.

Victoria had the Bisons’ number in overtime, though, outscoring Manitoba 10-2 and yet again limiting the visitors from taking any quality shots from inside the key. The herd’s only two points came from free throws.

Saturday

After falling just short on their come-from-behind effort in Friday night’s opening game, the Bisons

were determined to get back in the win column on Saturday. In order to split the series against Victoria, the herd knew they’d need to shut down versatile forward Grant Sitton, and they did just that, pulling out a 65-59 victory. Sitton was held to just 10 points and nine rebounds, a day after putting up a game-high 28 points as well as 11 boards.

Despite shooting at just 36 per cent from the field and 21 per cent from the perimeter, Manitoba was still able to get the job done, thanks in large part to forwards Wyatt Anders and Jonathan Alexander and swingman Keith Omoerah. The trio combined for 38 rebounds, just one less than the entire Vikes squad combined.

Alexander was invaluable, coming

off the bench for a second consecutive game with eight of his 10 rebounds occurring in the first and fourth quarters. Omoerah had at least three rebounds in every quarter and led the team with 15, while Anders amassed six of his 13 boards in the third quarter and also had two blocks.

The final 10 minutes were the best defensively all season for Manitoba, as they held the Vikes to just nine points, while Alexander, Anders, and Omoerah combined for 13 rebounds to preserve the victory.

Next up for the herd is a tilt with the UBC Thunderbirds at Wayne Fleming Arena with games on Friday, Jan. 15 and Saturday, Jan. 16.

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Sports

Sports Editor: Mike Still Contact: sports@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Who’s worth the money?

The Manitoban’s sports reporters break down what they think the Jets should do with the contracts of some of their best players ANDY CHE AND RYAN STELTER, STAFF

A

s the trade deadline approaches, plenty of eyes will be on Winnipeg and what occurs with some of their franchise players. Ryan Stelter and Andy Che discuss their thoughts on what the best choice may be for the Jets.

Ryan

The Winnipeg Jets, and particularly general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff, have some decisions

ing into his twilight years fairly soon. agents by this season’s end. The ques- in 2011 has fallen into a sophomore Winnipeg has a young defenseman, tion remains,what length will each slump and was given a conditioning Jacob Trouba, who is due to receive player sign to? stint in the AHL’s Manitoba Moose. his first big pay raise as well, with his The Jets will likely test Lowry’s shortentry-level contract expiring at the term potential with a three-year deal end of this season. The 21-year-old in the range of US$10 million to Eyed as the future has given the Jets brass a lot to think US$15 million. about and certainly deserves a long- franchise center for The Jets will also be looking term, big-money contract. He’s the into locking up Jacob Trouba long the Jets, Scheifele future of the Jets’ blue line and there’s term. However, with his offensive no question about it. Hopefully and defensive output slumping, the should be offered a Cheveldayoff can see that and ink Jets may offer the 2012 ninth-overall long-term deal in the selection a truncated contract for him Trouba to a long-term deal.

It would be best for the Jets to re- range of 5-6 years to prove his playing level before inksign Ladd for whatever amount of ing him to a long-term deal. The most at US$25 million money he demands and keep Trouba likely terms offered will be in the for the long term. Byfuglien should range of two years at US$8 million. to US$35 million be dealt at the trade deadline for an While Cheveldayoff assembles all-star forward – something that the his shortlist of players to extend, the Jets lack.

Jets general manager will also look Evgeni Malkin is a player the Jets Scheifele perhaps has the most into opening up cap space. With the could target due to the Pittsburgh definitive outcome. Eyed as the emergence of Connor Hellebuyck Penguins’ struggles on the back future franchise centre for the Jets, – another Jet who will be seeing a GRAPHIC BY CAROLINE NORMAN end. The trade could therefore make the 22-year-old should be offered a boost in salary very soon – the future sense for both teams as the Jets would long-term deal in the range of 5-6 is appearing increasingly bleak for to make in the near future. receive a top-line forward and the years at US$25 million to US$35 mil- Ondrej Pavelec. At US$10 million Both Dustin Byfuglien and cap- Pens could finally get a reliable lion. Having signed an entry-level over the next two seasons, the Jets tain Andrew Ladd are due to have defenceman. There would be other contract in 2011, Scheifele’s steady might want to relieve him from their their contracts run out at the end of pieces involved, but if Chevy could offensive output has him on pace to payroll. The most likely scenario is to this season. Byfuglien is currently pull a deal off like that it would defi- set career highs in goals and points trade the 28-year-old in exchange for making US$5.2 million a year, and nitely be a positive for the Jets. this season. a veteran goaltender as a mentor to will be looking for a long-term, bigThough dominant on the fore- both Hellebuyck and AHL standout money deal. Ladd is currently col- Andy check, the concern for Adam Lowry Eric Comrie. lecting US$4.4 million a year and will It’s a sure bet that the Jets will – another restricted free agent – is his also be looking for a pay raise. extend the contracts of forwards potential to blossom into a top-six Here is the problem, however: Big Mark Scheifele and Adam Lowry, forward. Following a fruitful rookie Buff is 30 years old and will be head- who are set to become restricted free campaign, the third-round selection

VOL. 102 NO. 18 January 13, 2016

Sports

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CIS issues new recruiting document Changes to rules affect football most directly MIKE STILL, STAFF

O

n Jan. 1, a new set of CIS recruiting rules came into effect, with a full page dedicated specifically to football. Most of the changes in relation to football involve finances, with teams being prohibited from taking recruits to professional sporting events, for example.

Manitoba Bisons head football coach Brian Dobie is quite familiar with how much recruiting has changed in the CIS over the past two decades, as he and current UBC head coach Blake Nill were the first to begin nationally recruiting at a time when that concept was unheard-of in the Canadian game.

“Recruiting was not recruiting as we know it now. There were certain base rules, but there wasn’t a need the way there is now, because when I came in in the mid-90’s, it was essentially local recruiting,” Dobie said.

As time passed, more and more schools realized that the major variable when it came to winning games was quality recruiting outside of their home province. Certain teams also began receiving strong financial backing from rich local donors, such as Jacques Tanguay at Laval, Stu Lang at Guelph, and most recently, David Sidoo at UBC. Not coincidentally, all three of those programs found success shortly after linking with the above names.

Laval has been a perennial powerhouse for the past decade and a half, Guelph has reached the conference championship three times over the past four years, and UBC claimed their first Vanier Cup since 1997 this past season.

“The more the playing field became imbalanced, the more people started becoming conscious of it and concerned,” said Dobie.

New recruiting document breakdown

GRAPHIC BY BRAM KEAST

terms of expanding the technical and spirit of the rules. I think it spells things out more blatantly in black and white as to what can and can’t be done.”

According to Dobie, a number of the new changes to the recruiting document centre around money and financial assistance. Both topics comprised a significant amount of discussion during the national meetings.

“I think right now, that’s probably the biggest concern in CIS football, is the money disparity,” Dobie said.

bantered around the table for several years. It wasn’t suddenly Manitoba won, let’s do it [...] You could see it coming,” Dobie said.

“There had been a lot of discussions at our national meetings and we had fought back the wave over a period of time,” Dobie said.

Eventually, the change was made as the teams in the East had more members and therefore a majority ruled.

The most recent changes to the recruiting document have a very similar aspect to what happened following the 2007 season, except this time it was UBC’s success and financial backing that finally pushed things over the edge.

“Once boom, it happens, I think that’s the exclamation mark and we’ve got to do something about it,” Dobie said.

According to Dobie, the football coaches in the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) conference were the first to bring up the need to alter certain rules in the document.

“The recent evolution of this [recruiting document] came out of the OUA, out of football,” Dobie said.

“The football coaches and athletic directors in the OUA were very con- Manitoba’s 2007 cerned about the disparity in budg- Vanier Cup win ets and in additional funding in the This isn’t the first time a major budgets from outside sources and the change has been made to CIS policies abilities of two, or three, or four of with a direct tie to football. In 2008 these schools to do great things and – following Manitoba’s first Vanier the other five or six or seven schools Cup win since 1970 – a new eligibilto not do those things.” ity rule was added which stated that The changes to the document after an athlete graduated high school, were discussed at the latest national they had seven years to complete five Compliance While the impressions among CIS meetings as well as the first-ever seasons of CIS play.

CIS football summit this past June.

Prior to that, beginning around coaches and staff to the new recruitThe 10-member board of directors the mid-90’s, Canada West teams ing document is positive, there are for CIS ultimately voted in favour had predominantly been recruit- still some underlying issues – comof the new recruiting guidelines in ing junior football players, while pliance being the most significant the teams out East were not. Those – as schools are expected to police mid-December.

“When you look at the new recruit- players were able to play five seasons themselves. ing document, there’s not a lot of of junior football and then five addi“That [compliance] unto itself change in the recruiting document tional seasons in the CIS, making the bothered me more than anything from where it was,” says Dobie. “I average age around 27-to-28. else in this document,” Dobie said.

“It had been discussed, it had been “Why should Coleen Dufresne think it’s just a better document in

[athletic director at the U of M] be responsible for righting perceived wrongs in someone else’s program, with our competitors? That’s not her job.”

A positive step towards implementation of the new rules occurred a few months ago, when Graham Brown was hired as the new CEO of the CIS The major issue stated by Dobie in relation to recruiting compliance is that there’s no realistic way for one school to investigate another in a timely manner.

“They [the athletic directors] can’t follow up, they have no right to follow up. If I was to accuse someone of something, they can call their colleague at another school and ask the question, but they can’t follow up. There’s no way, they don’t have the means to do that.”

For Dobie, the best-case scenario

is to have third party policing, with particular people responsible for every individual conference. Unfortunately, that’s not realistic at the moment as it would likely require too much money to transport the hired officials back and forth across the various conferences.

“I would love to have a couple people in an office in Toronto, and a compliance office in Canada West, OUA, RSEQ , and AUS,” Dobie said.

“The problem, then, is everything is about money [...] It wouldn’t be easy, it wouldn’t be cheap, and that therein lies the problem, because if money was no issue, hire 25 people across the country. Put one in every school.”

A positive step towards implementation of the new rules occurred a few months ago, when Graham Brown was hired as the new CEO of the CIS. He’s been asked to form a committee (geared to be up and running in the new year) that will look into how to most effectively police the rules.

“Usually when there’s a need, people find ways to solve the problem, and I’m optimistic and trusting that the CIS will do that,” Dobie said.

24

Sports

VOL. 102 NO. 18 January 13, 2016

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

TEAM Alberta Saskatchewan UBC Regina Manitoba Mount Royal Lethbridge Calgary

GP 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18

Men’s hockey Men's hockey

W 15 12 11 9 8 7 6 4

GP 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18

W 11 8 8 7 9 7 6 3

L 3 5 5 7 7 8 11 14

OTL 0 1 2 2 3 3 1 0

Women's hockey Women’s hockey L 6 5 6 7 8 8 9 10

OTW 0 3 2 3 0 2 2 1

PTS 30 25 24 20 19 17 13 8

OTL 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 4

STRK Won 3 Lost 2 Won 2 Won 4 Lost 2 Won 2 Lost 6 Lost 4

PTS 34 32 30 28 28 26 23 15

STRK Won 2 Won 3 Won 1 Lost 1 Lost 2 Lost 1 Lost 2 Won 1

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

GP 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14

W 14 12 11 9 8 8 7 7 5 4 3 1 1

Mens' Volleyball Men’s volleyball L 0 2 3 5 6 6 7 7 9 10 11 13 13

PTS 28 24 22 18 16 16 14 14 10 8 6 2 2

STRK Won 14 Won 4 Won 2 Won 2 Lost 2 Won 4 Lost 1 Won 2 Won 1 Lost 2 Lost 3 Lost 13 Lost 10

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

GP 14 14 14 12 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14

Women's volleyball Women’s volleyball W L 13 1 13 1 13 1 11 1 6 8 6 8 6 8 6 8 5 9 4 10 4 10 2 12 1 13

PTS 26 26 26 22 12 12 12 12 10 8 8 4 2

STRK Lost 1 Won 8 Won 1 Won 2 Lost 2 Won 2 Lost 1 Won 1 Won 2 Lost 1 Won 1 Lost 3 Lost 2

PTS 16 16 14 14 12 10 10 8 6 0 0

STRK Won 2 Won 4 Won 4 Won 1 Lost 1 Lost 2 Won 2 Lost 1 Lost 2 Lost 8 Lost 10

PTS 20 18 16 14 10 10 8 6 4 0 0

STRK Won 10 Won 4 Won 2 Lost 3 Won 4 Lost 1 Won 2 Lost 4 Won 1 Lost 10 Lost 8

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

GP 10 11 10 10 10 8 10 9 10 8 10

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

GP 10 10 9 11 10 8 10 10 10 10 8

Men's Basketball (Pioneer Division) Men’s basketball (Pioneer Division) W 8 8 7 7 6 5 5 4 3 0 0

L 2 3 3 3 4 3 5 5 7 8 10

Women's basketball Division) Women’s basketball(Pioneer (Pioneer Division) W 10 9 8 7 5 5 4 3 2 0 0

L 0 1 1 4 5 3 6 7 8 10 8