16 March 2016

MANITOBAN the

THE OFFICIAL UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA STUDENTS’ NEWSPAPER

SCIENCE

Building biofuel The Manitoban sits down with biosystems engineering prof Page 11

NEWS

Balance due UMSU president faces allegations of credit card misuse Page 3

SPORTS

Best of the Bisons A look back at the top moments for the volleyball and hockey teams Page 21-22

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

Index

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VOL. 102 NO. 26 March 16, 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

ONLINE COORDINATOR Anu Lotay

online@themanitoban.com

EDITORIAL

MANAGING EDITOR Lauren Siddall

me@themanitoban.com

NEWS EDITOR Ethan Cabel

news@themanitoban.com

NEWS EDITOR Garett Williams

garett@themanitoban.com

COMMENT EDITOR vacant

comment@themanitoban.com

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY EDITOR Chantelle Dubois

science@themanitoban.com

ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR Seamus Hamilton-Pattison

arts@themanitoban.com

SPORTS EDITOR Mike Still

sports@themanitoban.com

COPY EDITOR Tom Ingram

copy@themanitoban.com

NEWS

JUNIOR COPY EDITOR Sarah Doran

Kicking out Kopp?

DESIGN

DESIGN EDITOR Bradly Wohlgemuth

design@themanitoban.com

Students seek recall of UMSU president seven weeks before end of term

GRAPHICS EDITOR Bram Keast

graphics@themanitoban.com

PHOTO EDITOR Carolyne Kroeker

photo@themanitoban.com

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

page 5 COMMENT

REPORTERS

Sick of sick notes

Med student weighs in on legitimacy of sick notes page 9 ARTS & CULTURE

Break a leg

Conklin Theatre makes debut in Doubtful House

page 16 ONLINE EXCLUSIVES

UMSU credit card statements released

Check themanitoban.com for documents related to the UMSU credit card affair

Design Design Editor: Bradly Wohlgemuth Contact: design@themanitoban.com / 474.6775 Graphics Editor: Bram Keast Contact: graphics@themanitoban.com / 474.6775 Photo Editor: Carolyne Kroeker Contact: photo@themanitoban.com / 474.6775

NEWS Osho Samuel Adetunji NEWS Shawn Garbutt NEWS Shreya Ghimire NEWS Diana-Abasi Ubokudom COLUMNIST Jill Patterson SCIENCE Malak Abas SCIENCE Jeremiah Yarmie ARTS & CULTURE Olivia Michalczuk ARTS & CULTURE Tobi Nifesi SPORTS Andy Che SPORTS Ryan Stelter

VOLUNTEER CONTRIBUTORS

Jordyn Lerner Ben Wickstrom Jess Kostuik Caroline Norman

Sari Habiluk Anthony Labonte Robert Pasternak Will Gibson

Jeff Miller

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

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

News

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

Jeremiah Kopp faces accusations of misuse of funds UMSU president on the defensive after emergency motions brought to UMSU council CRAIG ADOLPHE, STAFF, WITH FILES FROM GARETT WILLIAMS

PHOTO BY CRAIG ADOLPHE

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meeting of UMSU council was total included nearly $4,000 for furthrown into disarray March 10 niture in the president’s office, dozens when three successive emergency of meals and meal items attributed motions were presented to council to executive meetings, community alleging fraudulent financial activ- issues, and sponsorships, and a $900 ity and a misuse of funds by UMSU cash withdrawal in August. president Jeremiah Kopp.

The motions were presented after “Often times there’s members on the council’s finance committee raised red flags earlier staff appreciation last week about unapproved expenses events. Often times, to the union, and two committee members – UMSU Science Students’ a staff member Association representative Karen might be having a Batchelor and vice-president student services Jessica Morrison – began bad day, so I’ll take reviewing statements for an UMSU credit card belonging to Kopp. them to lunch to The first motion – brought forkeep morale up” – ward by Batchelor – proposed that credit card statements for the UMSU Jeremiah Kopp, executive Visa accounts from April UMSU president 2015 to January 2016 be immediately made public and that the statements be immediately reviewed by UMSU council in an open session.

After a brief review of the stateAfter a period of deliberation and ments by council, a second emergency an overwhelming yes vote by council, motion was immediately put forward Morrison opened boxes of financial by Morrison calling on the union to statements, which had been prepared engage in a forensic audit of UMSU in advance, and distributed them to finances for the 2015-16 year-to-date. the roughly 80 students in attendance. The motion also called for the audit The statements showed nearly to be started no later than March $29,000 in total expenses to one card 31. After debate and approval of an over the span of 10 months. amendment to exclude UMSU busiWith the monthly statements was nesses from the audit the motion was a breakdown of nearly $14,000 in passed. allegedly unapproved expenses. The A third and final emergency

motion called for Kopp to turn over access to his UMSU credit card to the union’s general manager and have authority to use the card removed until the audit was completed and council approved the return of the card.

UMSU chair Kyle Mirecki ruled the motion out of order saying he didn’t think it was appropriate to take punitive action prior to the results of the audit being made available.

Science student Ryan Sherbo challenged this decision and the chair was overruled by a unanimous vote of council, including Kopp.

Kopp went on to explain that he agreed he shouldn’t have access to the card for the duration of the audit.

UMSU vice-president internal Zachary LeClerc – the only other executive with access to an official UMSU credit card – made a friendly amendment to have his own access to his card frozen as well, and the amended motion was passed by council.

After all three emergency motions were passed by council, a group of attendees called for a question period in which Morrison and Kopp were given opportunities to respond to questions about the statements and expenses.

Kopp said that he wouldn’t be able to provide answers on every budget line on the spot but claimed all the expenses were legitimate and that the

audit would show that.

Morrison pointed out a sharp increase in credit card use under Kopp’s term and claimed there was a culture of fear in the office, which may have led to staff being afraid to not sign off on expenses.

“This is a politically motivated attack” – Jeremiah Kopp

who resigned her position from UMSU council at the same meeting, brought forward the expense claims in an effort to politically smear him.

The two ran on a slate together in the 2015 UMSU general election but had a falling out and Kopp said at the meeting the two were involved in mediation.

“This is a politically motivated attack,” he said.

“It was meant to throw mud at the wall and a complete forensic audit will, I’m confident, clear my name and will reveal this for what it is.”

Morrison declined to offer further comment.

Breaking with conventional seating arrangements, Morrison, with vice-president external Astitwa Thapa, sat on the opposite side of the room from Kopp and vice-president advocacy Rebecca Kunzman at the council meeting. LeClerc sat apart from both pairs of executives.

Kunzman told the Manitoban the seating was coincidental and nothing should be read into it.

Because the emergency motions took priority, council’s agenda wasn’t approved until roughly two hours into the meeting.

Kopp told the Manitoban all the expenses are legitimate and were conducted through the proper channels.

“I’m confident that a forensic audit ordered by UMSU council will demonstrate that these allegations are baseless,” he said. “The reality, is I have a lot of meetings with students, a lot of them occur over lunch and there’s good reason for that. It’s standard practice.

“It’s what’s been done at the organization for many, many years and it’s all budgeted in our annual UMSUapproved budget and UMSU council is aware that there are budget lines for that purpose.”

“Often times there’s staff appreciation events,” he added. “Often times, Check out themanitoban.com to see copies a staff member might be having a bad of the credit card statements and other day, so I’ll take them to lunch to keep documents. morale up.”

Kopp charged that Morrison,

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News

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

UMSU VP student services steps aside amid controversy Jeremiah Kopp accuses outgoing executive of absenteeism, partisanship GARETT WILLIAMS, STAFF

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ith less than two months months of their UMSU term, to be remaining in the current exec- paid by a partisan political organizautive term, University of Manitoba tion while representing students and Students’ Union (UMSU) vice-presi- then to resign two months early after dent student services Jessica Morrison several periods of absence,” he said. submitted her resignation at a raucous “She was elected by the students to do regular council meeting March 10. a job, I don’t believe she’s done that After proposing an emergency job. It’s disappointing.” motion initiating a forensic audit of expenses made to an UMSU execu“She was elected by tive credit card by president Jeremiah Kopp, Morrison forwarded her res- the students to do ignation and incoming vice-president a job, I don’t believe student services Jessica Smith was sworn in to serve the remainder of she’s done that job” the term.

Prior to the council meeting – – Jeremiah Kopp, which in addition to hearing quespresident, UMSU tions surrounding expenses also saw a petition introduced calling for a Kopp, who was president of the vote to recall the president – Kopp told the Manitoban he requested Manitoba chapter of the Young Morrison’s resignation upon learn- Liberals of Canada in 2012, said his ing she had taken on full-time work issues with Morrison’s performance are unrelated to the emergency out of province.

He accused Morrison of being out motions she brought forward at the of office for much of her term, which last council meeting, which resulted includes a leave in the fall when she in him being cut off from his execuworked with as an organizer for the tive credit card while an audit of the Liberal party throughout the federal union’s finances is conducted.

Morrison declined to comment. election, and said numerous complaints were fielded from student Kopp acknowledged he volunteered for the Liberal party in the groups at the time.

“I think it’s really poor form for fall campaign but drew a distinction somebody to work two jobs for six between volunteer and paid partisan

activities.

“As soon as you receive financial compensation, I think that that is a conflict of interest with a job of this nature in a way that simply volunteering on your own volition is not,” he said.

“Perhaps people are dependent on financial remuneration, perhaps it’s just benefiting them personally, but it’s still a definite conflict of interest in a way volunteering isn’t.”

The two ran on a ticket together in the 2015 UMSU general election and while Kopp admitted he saw no evidence Morrison’s paid work directly impacted her UMSU duties, he said it could appear that way to students.

“Jessica is a professional and so I think that this is a matter of optics in this context, what it looks like to students,” he said. Kopp added he would like the UMSU policy and bylaws committee to look at drafting guidelines on secondary employment and partisan activities.

“There is a huge amount of leeway right now and we need to be as accountable and transparent with the student body as possible and that means increased oversight,” he said.

Vice-president internal Zach LeClerc, who ran as an independent in the latest UMSU election, disputes Kopp’s claims of Morrison’s perfor-

mance and said he didn’t hear complaints of her outside work in the fall.

“I think anyone trying to bring up issues now is being petty and little,” he said.

“Our role is to advocate for students and we have to be prepared to work with whichever party is elected” – Tanjit Nagra, presidentelect, UMSU He noted he has held other work on top of his UMSU duties and said that partisan work, whether volunteer or paid, shouldn’t be an issue, as long as executives remain neutral in their student union role.

“I don’t think there’s an issue working with a partisan group,” he said, adding, “You just shouldn’t be displaying those colours while you’re in office because you are meant to be non-partisan.”

While the current UMSU bylaws

and governing documents don’t set limits on how much outside, secondary work executives can hold, incoming president Tanjit Nagra – who will lead a mixed-slate executive when she takes over in May – noted limits are set on the number of credit hours officials can pursue and said those should be extended to work as well.

Nagra also drew a line between volunteer and paid work, saying while individual partisanship is up to the person’s discretion, it is incumbent on the union as a whole to remain independent.

“Our role is to advocate for students and we have to be prepared to work with whichever party is elected,” she said. “Whether it’s federal or provincial [...] we have to be prepared to work with anyone that is elected into that position of power.”

Ontario Student Grant program a step forward: CFS-MB Up-front supports open doors to post-secondary education, says chair DIANA-ABASI UBOKUDOM, STAFF

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eginning in the 2017-18 school year, changes to the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) will make post-secondary education effectively free for students coming from families earning less than $50,000 annually.

At the beginning of March, the Ontario government unveiled the new Ontario Student Grant as part of its 2016 budget.

The changes include ensuring students whose parents earn the median annual income of $83,000 or less have access to enough grants to cover tuition costs, eliminating student loan debt for students whose parents earn less than $50,000, and ensuring no student receives less non-repayable aid through the new grant program than under the existing framework.

Under the new Ontario Student Grant program, a number of existing assistance initiatives will be rolled into a single, non-repayable grant package, eliminating average tuition fees for more than 150,000 low- and middle-income families, according

to an Ontario government release.

Michael Barkman, chairperson of the Canadian Federation of StudentsManitoba, said he believes the policy is a step in the right direction and argued Manitoba can adopt a similar grant-based system.

especially students from low-income Tuition fees in Manitoba were families, which the tax rebate system frozen for nearly a decade before in Manitoba isn’t exactly creating,” increases were limited to inflation in Barkman said.

2009. Currently, Manitoba tuition “Tax rebates are not really advanta- rates are among the lowest in the geous for low-income families as they country. can only actually claim that amount if they graduate and gain employment within the province for a few years,” “The Ontario “Tax rebates he added. “But what if that doesn’t grant program happen?” are not really Yanisa Wu, a member of the creates tuition advantageous for University of Manitoba Student affordability for low-income families” Action Network (SAN), said the Ontario program doesn’t go far students, especially – Michael Barkman, enough.

She said the program fails to com- students from lowchairperson, CFS-MB pletely eliminate all fees, which she income families” – called disappointing, but claimed Barkman said up-front support – Canada can afford to make post-sec- Michael Barkman as opposed to Manitoba’s tax rebate ondary education free for all students. formula that assists graduates who She added that even while auswork in-province after completing terity measures and budget cuts Beginning in 2015, interest was their studies – would make post- are unfolding at the University of struck from the provincial portion secondary education more feasible Manitoba, and across Canada in of student loans in Manitoba. for low-income families. general, increasing tuition costs are In the run-up to a spring pro“The Ontario grant program cre- making post-secondary education vincial election, the incumbent ates tuition affordability for students, unaffordable for prospective students. NDP government has committed

to maintaining low tuition rates. In January, the government pledged an additional $27.9 million in funding to universities and colleges, according to the province.

In the fall, the Manitoba Liberals announced a plan to convert all student loans into non-repayable grants in an effort to tackle long-term student debts.

The Progressive Conservatives have yet to unroll their post-secondary platform, but have hinted at reforming the grants and bursaries program.

VOL. 102 NO. 26 March 16, 2016

News

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Students seek referendum for recall of UMSU president Arts Student Body Council vice-president, chairperson circulating petition to recall UMSU president Jeremiah Kopp ETHAN CABEL, STAFF, WITH FILES FROM GARETT WILLIAMS

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he University of Manitoba consultation. ning this week.

Students’ Union (UMSU) counSecond, Weldon and Kubay preWith less than two months cil heard from two students March sented evidence that Kopp is enrolled remaining in his term, Kopp ques10 claiming that UMSU president in four three-credit hour courses, tioned the timing of the petition.

Jeremiah Kopp needs to be recalled whereas the UMSU governance and “I do understand that not everyfrom his position due to a series of operations manual states that UMSU body might agree with the decisions bylaw infractions. executives can only take eight credit that were taken this year but holding Isaac Weldon, vice-president hours per term in order to meet their a recall vote with six weeks left in my of the Arts Student Body Council responsibilities with the union. term is perhaps is not the wisest use of (ASBC), and ASBC chairperson “Now, you may be asking yourself, student money and union resources,” Cole Kubay made a presentation to ‘Well, is taking extra courses that he said.

UMSU council that provided two big of an issue?’” Kubay said to the He claimed the letter from pieces of information that they claim UMSU council.

Arnould was itself politically moti“The issue is, number one, [Kopp] vated and “was meant to take a pound disqualifies Kopp from holding office.

First, they circulated a letter dated has had no respect for the union’s of flesh out of me politically and it April 14, 2015, from Rorie Mcleod legally binding documents. And two, was completely baseless.”

Arnould, former president of the currently, we are paying [Kopp] to “In no way, shape, or form did we University of Winnipeg Students’ go to class.” indicate that students would want a Association. The letter was addressed Weldon and Kubay are circulat- tuition increase to cover the budgetto UMSU council and outlined dis- ing a petition to students that will ary shortfalls of the university and it’s cussions held at a meeting between spark a referendum on the question a complete misrepresentation of the then Education Minister Peter of whether to remove Kopp from his facts,” he said.

Bjornson and representatives from position.

Kunzman, who was also menvarious Manitoba student unions.

According to the UMSU bylaws, tioned in the letter, said it was a In the letter, Arnould raises con- the removal of any executive requires “complete misrepresentation of what cerns that both Kopp and vice-pres- a referendum initiated by a petition was discussed at the meeting” and ident advocacy Rebecca Kunzman with signatures from 10 per cent of said while the letter was addressed to floated the idea of an UMSU fee the union’s membership.

UMSU council, if it wasn’t delivered increase to offset cuts to the U of M Given the current U of M under- to the chair, it wouldn’t have been operating budget. This letter, despite graduate student population, Weldon forward to council as a whole. being addressed to UMSU council, and Kubay estimate that they require Several councillors raised concerns did not reach councillors at the time, roughly 2,100 signatures for a refer- about the potential cost of a referenaccording to Weldon and Kubay. endum on the issue. dum given that administration staff According to UMSU’s policy “We will be going full force with would have to be hired. Moreover, manual, the union is opposed to all this,” Weldon said, adding that sev- Kopp finishes his term on April 30, tuition and ancillary fee hikes. eral students are organized around which also raised issues about the UMSU council eventually getting the signatures necessary for timeliness of any referendum. approved a $64 annual fee increase the petition and that they will be For his part, Weldon said, “there on Nov. 19, after limited debate and making class presentations begin- is no cost for justice, and there is no

PHOTO BY CRAIG ADOLPHE

timeline in which justice expires.”

Among the allegations made during the presentation was that the methodology of the survey used to justify the $64 fee increase was flawed given that students could take the survey more than once.

About 2,500 students answered survey questions about the potential of a fee hike. Of the responses to the survey, 932 signaled support for the fee increase by responding yes, 929 responded no, and 693 abstained.

The survey was a key component of Kopp’s presentation to the U of M board of governors meeting on Jan. 26.

At that meeting, it was also announced that the $64 increase was slated to count as a donation to the university’s Front and Centre fundraising campaign. This was not included in the original council motion on Nov. 19.

Kopp told the Manitoban earlier this month that the issue of whether the fee hike will be counted as a donation to Front and Centre has not been finalized. He said that this matter will be referred back to UMSU council for approval.

U of M set to host international design competition BEE/HOUSE/LAB contest looks to study bee populations through living research OSHO SAMUEL ADETUNJI, STAFF

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he University of Manitoba is combining sustainability and creativity with the BEE/HOUSE/ LAB environmental design competition.

Hosted by the U of M office of sustainability, the international contest calls for the design of a bee house prototype that can be fabricated and deployed for field testing. As many as 10 designs will be selected for production, with 30 prototypes of each constructed, deployed, and studied for performance.

Pollinator communities, including solitary nesting bees, are under increasing pressure from habitat loss resulting from urban development and pesticide use, according to contest literature. However, digital design and fabrication can contribute to living research opportunities.

Robert Currie, head of the department of entomology at the U of M, noted that pollinators can be preserved through the responsible use of pesticides and a deliberate reduc-

tion of activities that contribute to houses themselves – which will be a climate change. visible object in the campus landscape “Judicious use of pesticides that – will serve to raise community awareare harmful to bees and controls to ness and promote dialogue about a stop the global spread of parasites very real and very serious ecological and pathogens would remove several issue that affects us all: the decline of stressors,” Currie said. “Activities that bee populations.” reduce the impact of climate change Kim Wiese, an environmental on native flora and fauna would also design instructor in the faculty of help.” architecture, said the competition is a Ian Hall, director of the office of call to students to challenge the status sustainability at the U of M, said the quo and demonstrate their talents and competition seeks to develop ways design skills at an international level. to help bee populations and was She stated in an email that prompted by the interest of sustain- FABLab – the U of M’s fabrication ability professionals in Manitoba. laboratory run through the faculty He said the competition is an of architecture – will contribute raw avenue to acquire more knowledge materials and lab time toward consurrounding the needs of beneficial structing the selected designs, sayinsects while increasing awareness ing, “We will be doing the majority about the continual decline of the [or all] of the prepping, cutting and bee population. assembling of the winning designs.” ogy, and the U of M Parks Canada “For those taking part in the comSubmissions will be judged by Campus Club. STUFF – Studio for petition, it will be an opportunity Michael Loverich, from the “design Transformative Urban Forms and to learn about the housing needs of farm” Bittertang, and Joyce Hwang, a Fields – is serving as competition beneficial insects and to participate in professor at the University of Buffalo. coordinator. an educational challenge,” Hall said.

The competition is supported by “My hope is that [in] this event, the FABLab, the department of entomol-

PHOTO BY MEGAN COLWELL

Registration is open until March 31 at midnight, with submissions due by April 20. The fabricated winning designs will be deployed on campus between May 15 and 30.

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News

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

UMSU council resolves dispute with University 1 Student Council UMSU council adopts finance committee’s recommendation LAUREN SIDDALL, STAFF

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he dispute between the Universit y of Manitoba Students’ Union (UMSU) and the University 1 Student Council (U1SC) was effectively resolved March 10, with the majority of UMSU council voting in favour of a proposed solution by the union’s finance committee.

The dispute concerned a September 2015 contract of doubtful authority under which U1SC agreed to pay $40,000 to support Frosh Fest in exchange for logo placement, gift certificates, tickets, and other items.

The contract was signed by UMSU president Jeremiah Kopp and thenU1SC president Luigi Imbrogno.

In January, U1SC alleged that the contract was invalid as per the UMSU bylaws. The bylaws state that any contract in excess of $15,000 between the union and another party must be signed by two UMSU signing authorizes and approved by UMSU council.

Kopp was the only UMSU signing authority listed on the contract and council never approved the agreement.

On taking office in January and finding empty accounts, U1SC coun-

cillors brought a motion to UMSU council demanding that the contract be annulled and all fees remitted. The motion, brought to UMSU council Jan. 28, also asked for a written apology letter to U1 students.

UMSU council chair Kyle Mirecki referred the motion to finance committee, as he felt it did not meet the requirements for an emergency motion.

Finance committee proposal

Finance committee’s solution, presented to council Thursday, accepts the contract as valid and provides a $10,000 refund to U1SC. It also covers U1SC’s $17,300 debt to UMSU with a zero-interest loan to be paid back over five years and pays out $5,000 from the UMSU endowment fund to cover the cost of U1 scholarships and either $750 in gift certificates to Degrees and the Hub or $500 in cash.

The proposal also suggests that amendments should be made to the bylaws of both UMSU and U1SC to prevent similar situations in the future. The motion as passed by council does not include mention of an apology letter.

According to Zach LeClerc,

finance committee chair and vicepresident internal, finance committee met as often as they could to try and come up with a viable solution to ensure U1SC’s functionality and ability to support their students.

“The best way we can actually make change, I’d say, is providing consultation on their policy and bylaws committee and working with them that way” – Darnell Walker, president, U1SC “I’m happy that we got to meet so quickly and come to a resolution, and that this is finally taken care of. They need finance to function as an organization,” LeClerc told the Manitoban.

Finance committee’s recommen-

dation focuses on bringing U1SC future. One of the possibilities to be back to a functional level, emphasiz- explored by the committee is sending the need to resolve the situation ing all transactions over $10,000 to rather than argue over the legitimacy UMSU council for approval. of the contract.

“It’s nice to see council ultimately U1SC response did realize the importance of looking Current U1SC president Darnell towards the future and to get U1SC to Walker is satisfied that the issue has a functional state rather than focus- been resolved, though he still questions ing so much on the specifics of the the validity of the original contract. contract,” added Karen Batchelor, “Beggars can’t be choosers,” finance committee member.

Walker said of the money provided According to LeClerc, because by UMSU to keep the council runan exchange was made between the ning, adding that he looks forward two parties and components of the to improving the bylaws to alleviate exchange – such as the advertising any ambiguity about the process for for U1SC on Frost Fest promotional sponsorships of major union events. material – cannot be returned, they As part of the restitution provided were forced to consider the contract by UMSU in their motion was to give legitimate for the purposes of trying U1SC the opportunity to participate in to come to a workable resolution. re-shaping the organization’s bylaws Conversation at the March 10 on its policy and bylaws committee.

UMSU council meeting revolved “The best way we can actually primarily around the legitimacy of make change, I’d say, is providing the contract signed between the two consultation on their policy and parties and the unique relationship bylaws committee and working with between UMSU and the student them that way.” associations.

He and his council are looking Now, focus shifts to UMSU’s forward to serving their student body policy and bylaw committee, which with the financial help of UMSU will meet soon to determine how while waiting to receive funding for to prevent similar situations in the the upcoming school year.

WISH clinic granting health care to inner city community Student-run clinic takes holistic, interdisciplinary approach OSHO SAMUEL ADETUNJI, STAFF

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he Winnipeg Interprofessional Student-run Health (WISH) Clinic is creating a bridge between quality community health care and disadvantaged people living in Winnipeg’s inner city.

Situated in the Mount Carmel Clinic on Main St., the WISH clinic provides non-judgmental, socially responsible, holistic health care to a population that struggles with poorer

PHOTOS BY CAROLYNE KROEKER

health outcomes than the rest of the city, according to its online profile.

The WISH Clinic is staffed by volunteer students from the University of Manitoba every Sunday. Among the faculties and departments represented in the 635 volunteer shifts filled in 2012-13 were medicine, nursing, pharmacy, occupational therapy, human ecology, dental hygiene, dentistry, and science.

“WISH’s presence at Mount Carmel Clinic on Sunday afternoons means that Point Douglas residents can access high-quality health care on a day which many clinics are closed,” reads the Clinic’s 2012-13 annual report.

“We have much evidence that WISH is succeeding in its mission at Mount Carmel – in the last quarter, when we started keeping more extensive records, we recorded that five out of the 23 clinical visits were WISH repeat clients.”

Liam Fullerton, WISH Clinic cochair, said the clinic stands out from other community health care providers through its holistic approach.

“We as a clinic specialize in a community care, in a care that is more encompassing,” he said.

Fullerton added that the clinic is not meant for emergency care or to serve as a crisis centre and emphasized that it looks beyond the initial clinical needs of a patient to offer more well-rounded care.

“We don’t look at the surface,” he said. “We figure out why they are in this position, what is contributing to this, and whether we can help with

that at all.” people together and no one is ever The centre provides services in a room alone with anybody else. through post-secondary students At WISH, it is always two people,” working alongside licensed volun- he said. teer mentors from a broad range of Beyond sharing and building disciplines, from dental hygiene and experience, Fullerton said the clinic medical rehabilitation to social work fosters learning between disciplines. and spiritual care.

“We really focus on inter-professional work,” he said. “So nurses learn from doctors, doctors learn “We don’t look at the from nurses, pharmacists [are] learning from occupational therapists surface. We figure and there is a lot of inter-learning out why they are in between those disciplines that does not happen outside of WISH.” this position, what is “A lot of people even tell us that they gain better experience at WISH contributing to this, and they have been able to carry that and whether we can on to their secondary professions,” said Fullerton. “We have had some help with that at of our pharmacy students come back all” – Liam Fullerton, to be a mentor for us later, which is great.”

WISH clinic co-chair

Fullerton noted students are never alone with a patient and said less experienced volunteers are paired with more seasoned students or professionals.

“We never pair two inexperienced

The WISH Clinic provides free community health services and a walk-in clinic open Sundays between 1:30 and 4:30 p.m.

Comment Comment Editor: vacant Contact: comment@themanitoban.com

8

Impending UMSU audit an opportunity to reflect on spending rules New council should review policies around use of corporate credit cards BEN WICKSTROM

S

etting aside the question of whether or not the expenses of a particular member of the University of Manitoba Students’ Union (UMSU) executive were properly approved, there’s something rotten in the state of UMSU. Something that even the smooth aroma of $80.50 scotch won’t mask.

The forthcoming audit is a wakeup call no matter what it finds. If it finds that the expenses were incurred inappropriately it suggests that the current council didn’t live up to its responsibilities and future councils need to keep a closer eye on how the executive is spending money.

If, on the hand, it turns out that all the expenses were incurred in a way that is acceptable under current rules, it suggests that we need to have stricter guidelines on how UMSU spends its money.

Students are paying nearly $1,000 in fees to UMSU and affiliated organizations. That’s a lot of money for students who are either working

long hours or taking on large student loans to cover the costs of their education. Students were surely taken aback when they learned the number of times a certain Kenaston establishment was frequented and likely wonder what value they are getting when their money is spent in this way.

While it may ultimately be found that the authority to incur these expenses existed, we ought to ask the question whether it should have Spending money on a year-end party or a holiday party in December for UMSU council and staff are prob-

ably reasonable expenses. The habit- strategies. face is occasionally unreasonable. ual use of a credit card to take staff These kinds of purchases should That doesn’t appear to be the situaout for lunch because of low morale generally not be emergency ones. tion here. While it may ultimately suggests one of two things. Either Prudent planning will get students be found that the authority to incur there is a need for a regularized sys- the best deal. This includes asking these expenses existed, we ought to tem of staff appreciation, the total whether we need furniture from EQ 3 ask the question whether it should cost of which should be determined when the equivalent item from IKEA have.

Whatever its outcome, the incomat the start of the year and for which or some other company may serve a the criteria for application should be student union’s needs at a better price. ing UMSU council must take the set out in advance. Or it suggests that And then there’s the issue of alco- upcoming audit and use it to consider UMSU has a toxic work environment hol purchases. Not to be a buzz-kill, the organization’s spending practices. and that there is a need to review how but why should cash-strapped stu- Council must ensure that expenses this came to be and how to make it dents be paying for booze consumed incurred by the executive are clearly by a very small number of students? in support of UMSU’s business and better.

There also appear to be a num- There may be rare circumstances that executive members have clear ber of expenses for things like desks, where this may be appropriate, but rules to follow. office chairs, an iPad, and in one case, student leaders should be very careMy understanding is in the past a dresser. It strikes me that buying ful about the use of student funds that UMSU executives didn’t have these items retail seems to be an for these kinds of expenses. It’s clear credit cards. One wonders if the ineffective way to purchase them. that even the $350 allegedly spent on UMSU president and executive need UMSU would be wise to work with alcohol for Fall Orientation is not corporate credit cards at all. the university’s purchasing services enough for more than a small number department to see if there are sav- of students. It’s probably time to kick Ben Wickstrom is a second-year law stuings to be realized. If the university this habit. dent at Robson Hall at the University is unwilling to help, UMSU should Public officials justifiably must of Manitoba. work with other student organiza- often go to great lengths to explain tions to develop group purchasing their spending and the scrutiny they

VOL. 102 NO. 26 March 16, 2016

Comment

9

Sick notes are not proof of illness A medical student weighs in on employers and universities requiring sick notes JORDYN LERNER, VOLUNTEER STAFF

T

here’s been a lot of discussion around the use of sick notes with the introduction of Bill 202, the Employment Standards Code Amendment Act (Sick Notes). This is the bill that would place restrictions on when an employer can require a sick note as proof of illness.

Most of the discussion involves the rights of employers to demand proof of illness, and the extent to which employees are obligated to provide that proof. The discussion assumes that sick notes actually prove that someone was sick. However, for most common illnesses, sick notes do no such thing.

Consider the generic employee, John. John is a patient at the clinic where I’m working. In mid-December, John complains of fever, muscle aches, cough, and feels bleh. He knows he has the flu, I know he has the flu, but we have to go through the song and dance of a doctor’s

appointment because John’s employer note is hearsay printed on fancy medi- titles like “Angry Doctor Gives Best requires a sick note. His employer cal stationery.

Response Ever To Sick Note Request,” wants proof that John is sick.

Requiring sick notes isn’t limited or “Seriously Awesome Doctor Shuts The diagnosis of the flu during flu to the workplace. The University of Down Boss Who Requires A Note season is a clinical diagnosis. That Manitoba has policy that states when For Sick Days.” The memes are picmeans it’s based on history and physi- students must present proof of illness. tures of sick notes in which doctors cal alone. There’s no role for imaging University-wide policy states that mock employers for demanding proof or blood work to prove that someone students who miss an exam due to of illness. has the flu. Essentially, I diagnose illness may have to submit a sick note Despite the uselessness of sick John with the flu because he says he certifying their inability to write the notes for common illnesses, the unihas the flu. exam, and, if possible, when the stu- versity still demands them. If the uniWriting a sick note that says John dent will be able to write the exam. versity wants proof that a student is has the flu doesn’t actually prove he Some individual programs require sick, they should seek actual proof, has the flu. It only proves that John sick notes when students are absent not a subjective account that a doctor says he has the flu. John could be from class. transcribes. The university also has to faking it. The symptoms of the flu It’s well publicized how annoy- accept that for common illnesses like are well known and easily available ing sick notes are. A 2014 press the flu, no such proof exists. online. But I wouldn’t know John is release from the Ontario Medical faking unless he came skipping into Association advising employers Jordyn Lerner is a medical student the office while whistling a whimsi- against demanding sick notes got at the University of Manitoba. cal tune. Even if he was faking, it national media coverage by the CBC, might not be worth jeopardizing the the Globe and Mail, and others. doctor-patient relationship by calling Online, there are memes highlighting the uselessness of sick notes him out.

For illnesses like the flu, a sick in a fun way. They have clickbait

GRAPHIC BY CAROLINE NORMAN

Living off the grid Sustainable living will take a significant shift in attitudes and financial incentives JILL PATTERSON, STAFF

L

ife Off Grid is a newly released future, and in particular questions documentary directed by surrounding the feasibility of living Jonathan Taggart and produced by a more environmentally and socially Phillip Vannini, who, from 2011 to sustainable life. For instance, the film 2013, set out across Canada to visit showed that living off grid does not people living “off the grid” and to necessitate being disconnected from learn about their lives and motiva- the rest of the world, but being contions for choosing that particular life- nected does have a price. style. In total, Taggart and Vannini In order to live off grid and still visited 200 people living off grid in all enjoy many of the amenities that of Canada’s provinces and territories. those living closer to cities enjoy, one The term “off grid,” as it’s used needs a significant power source to be in the documentary, refers to living able to generate enough electricity. disconnected from the regions’ elec- The majority of those interviewed had tric and natural gas infrastructure. solar panels and, as one interviewee To many, living off the grid calls to noted, he’s not getting his electricity mind remote-living and disconnec- for free – he’s just paid for 30 years of tion from the rest of the world via electricity up front. television, internet, and social media.

Although the lifestyles of these However, as is shown in the docu- individuals are more environmentally mentary, living remotely does not sustainable, it’s not a lifestyle that necessary mean living disconnected many of us would be financially able from the rest of the world. In fact, to take on. In order for society as a many of the individuals interviewed whole to move towards a lifestyle that had both TV and internet access, is more environmentally feasible, we although some did choose not to. need a new energy source that is more The documentary highlights the affordable. The technology for this ways in which these individuals have energy source exists; it’s just a matter had to radically re-invent life as many of affordability at this time. So really, and transporting them to a compost people know it, often involving inno- what we need is government subsidies bin when the waste receptacle is full. vation that draws on more traditional and incentives for people who want Although this is a more environskills of the past. Although many to use a different energy source but mentally practical way to dispose of people who live off grid do so out of cannot afford it. and recycle waste, getting people to concern for our collective future, it Another important question was manhandle their own waste would was not a dominant theme among brought to mind by the documentary: be quite a challenge. those interviewed in the documen- how can we introduce a more susAs well, the suburban sprawl in tary. Some people simply enjoyed the tainable way of living while remain- many cities is not an efficient use of privacy and independence of produc- ing within the confines of society’s space or an environmentally sustaining their own power source and grow- norms? For example, many of the able practice. The solution to urban ing their own food. off-gridders use their own waste as sprawl that many environmentalists However, the film does in fact recycled matter for compost. This have proposed is to do away with sinraise important questions about our entails literally scooping up feces gle family dwellings, opting instead

GRAPHIC BY KELLY CAMPBELL

for more communal living arrange- way of living, either society’s cultural ments. These living spaces would be norms regarding energy use and livorganized in a way that many families ing space need to be reshaped or we would share semi-private dwelling need to brainstorm and implement (separate bedrooms and living rooms new technologies and infrastructures. but share kitchens and washrooms), The latter option would probably have and the rest of the space that would the most public support, but that will normally be taken up by other living rely heavily on government action, spaces would now be used for garden- financial and otherwise. ing or keeping livestock. However, Given how unsustainable our getting people to give up their private relationship to the natural world and independent living for communal currently is, it's likely both changes living would be no easy task. will be necessary, and necessary soon.

To implement a more sustainable

Science & technology 10 Science & Technology Editor: Chantelle Dubois Contact: science@themanitoban.com

Science briefs: insect updates What bugs around the world have been up to lately MALAK ABAS, STAFF

the authorities of its whereabouts.

Experts are then sent out to deal with the water.

The Zika virus is spread by the Aedes mosquito. Its symptoms are relatively mild, such as headaches and joint pain, but can result in serious complications.

Pregnant women have the highest risk, as connections have been found between the Zika virus and microcephaly in infected babies. The virus has been found mainly in Africa, South and Central America, Asia, and the Pacific. There is no vaccine to combat it thus far.

Niterói, a Brazilian city of 490,000, has had 4,976 reported cases of microcephaly due to the Zika virus so far. Mayor Rodrigo Neves says that the app has been very helpful in the city’s struggle to remove breeding grounds for potentially Zika-carrying mosquitos.

“I think the ‘Without Dengue’ app is without a doubt quite a successful strategy to mobilize the local community for the fight against [mosquitos],” Neves said in a news release.

According to the mayor, the app has generated hundreds of responses.

Over two dozen cities in Brazil are using the app to help combat the virus.

Civilian awareness in Brazil is an important factor in stopping the Zika virus. According to some residents, many Brazilians are misinformed about just how broad the Zikacarrying mosquito’s living space is.

Carnaval, a six-day national celebration marked with loud music, elaborate costumes, and a whole lot of physical connections, continued in early February despite the health scare.

Fruit flies alter sexuality based on socialization

GRAPHIC BY BRAM KEAST

I

n the world of insect science, some interesting news has surfaced regarding beekeepers using bees to create cannabis honey, the use of an app to help combat the Zika virus, and the fluid gender of fruit flies.

and royal jelly, and also about the brightly colored honey that has a flo- pened yet, he says that cannahoney benefits of cannabis,” Trainerbees ral taste. The color ranges from a mild has already shown to improve anxiety explained to Alternet. green to a bright yellow. in the few people who have tried it.

“Everything that passes through The project was not immediately He is planning to move to Spain from the body of a bee is improved.” a success. In fact, Trainerbees spent the U.S., where he is currently located, While Trainerbees has not two years proving through demon- on account of their more relaxed view revealed explicit details on his meth- strations that the process would not of marijuana usage.

Bees with a higher purpose ods, he explains that over a 20-year harm the bees before he continued, A beekeeper in France has period the bees have been trained amidst allegations that the cannabis Fighting the Zika virus invented what he calls “cannahoney”: by him to collect sugar from fruits, might be hurting the bees, or “getting with smartphones an all-natural, cannabis-infused rather than from flowers. With this them high.”

The Zika virus threat has been honey straight from the honeycomb. new behaviour, Trainerbees transi“The bees that produce the can- called an epidemic by experts.

Whether it’s through gum, candy, tioned the bees to collect the resin nahoney are not affected by can- Residents in Brazil are now takor brownies, the typical marijuana- from marijuana plants. nabinoids because they do not ing the fight against the virus into laced edible is made when raw canWhen bees get nectar from resin have an endocannabinoid system,” their own hands through the use of nabis flowers are cooked down into in trees, the resin is converted via Trainerbees explained. a smartphone app. an oil or butter and then subsequently enzymes in the bee’s body to propolis, “It’s just another form of food for The app is called Sem Dengue, added to a regular recipe. What bee- which is an antibiotic and antiseptic them.” which translates from Portugese to keeper Nick Trainerbees (formerly with a long list of beneficial qualities.

Trainerbees, who has self-medi- Without Dengue, and functions as Trainer) has done here is create a Trainerbee’s goal was to observe what cated with marijuana for his hyperac- a way to alert authorities of stagnant naturally-made edible. propolis made with marijuana resin tivity since he was 10, already has fans, water which can attract mosquitos.

“For some time I had known about would produce. with over 11,000 Facebook followers The user takes a picture of the the health benefits of bee products The project began in 2006, and it and 4,500 Instagram followers. water, sends it through the app, and such as honey, propolis, pollen, wax, has resulted in cannahoney, a thick, While no official testing has hap- with the use of a geo-locater, alerts

Recent studies have shown that the sexuality of fruit flies is connected to how they socialize.

Researchers at Tohoku University in Japan have published a study in the journal Nature Communications that states that the sexuality of male fruit flies can be affected by a mutant gene.

“The neurons that express the fruitless (fru) gene basically govern the whole aspect of male sexual behavior,” said Daisuke Yamamoto, one of the two researchers of the study.

Fruit flies with the mutated gene were only interested in pursuing male fruit flies, and completely ignore female ones.

The connection between socialization and a mutated gene lies in the fact that the sexual behaviour of the mutated fruit fly seems to only manifest itself when the fly is reared in a group.

Fruit flies who were raised alone straight from the pupa stage did not display any different sexual characteristics.

VOL. 102 NO. 26 March 16, 2016

Science & Technology 11

Life after biofuel production Researcher profile: David Levin JEREMIAH YARMIE, STAFF

W

hen the Manitoban last talked to biosystems engineering professor David Levin, he was working on a project to create biofuels like ethanol and hydrogen from cellulose, a common carbohydrate found in plants.

While this mode of fuel production also has merit in that it yields a very low amount of greenhouse gasses, this research project is now on the back burner.

“Because the price of oil is so low, there is much less interest in developing biofuels,” Levin told the Manitoban.

“We should care more about biofuels now, because we still need to mitigate climate change by reducing our dependency on oil.”

But it’s hard to carry out research when the funding isn’t available.

Perhaps when the price of oil rises again, interest in funding will return and more biofuel research will take place in our country.

Levin’s lab is switching the focus of its research and his collaborator, microbiology associate professor Richard Sparling, has found himself in New Zealand fishing for thermophilic – that is, heat-loving – bacteria in hot springs while on sabbatical.

Levin’s research background is in molecular biology and biotechnology, which results in a multidisciplinary approach to his research in the faculty of engineering.

“We approach problems of creating value out of waste,” said Levin.

“We approach problems of creating value out of waste” – David Levin, professor, department of biosystems engineering Levin’s research is now looking at bacteria that can form bio-products out of the waste byproducts of diesel production. Diesel is formed when vegetable oils react with alcohol molecules. While these waste products are very highly valued when purified, isolating them is a very complicated and expensive process.

“We have microorganisms that can eat that [goopy layer of waste products] and make biopolymers that can be made into biodegradable plastics,” said Levin.

Depending on how these bacteria are grown and what kind of food they are given, they can produce biopolymers of varying strength, elasticity, and heat tolerance.

These polymers can be used in several commercial applications.

“We think that the polymer can be used as a glue or a resin with natural fibers to make bio-composite materi-

PHOTO BY MEGAN COLWELL

als,” said Levin. “Both the automotive and aerospace industries are looking for lighter and stronger materials that will reduce overall fuel costs.”

These bio-composite materials have shown promise in being as strong or even stronger than the materials that have been traditionally used in these industries. Since these materials are biodegradable, they are more environmentally friendly as well.

“If we can use waste materials to produce these polymers in the first place, then it closes the loop and

makes things more efficient and betLevin wears many hats, as he would kill a human. ter for the planet,” said Levin. is also a faculty advisor for the Part of this project is a proposal to Diesel does not do so well in cold University of Manitoba Space sequence the genome of Milnesium weather because the fuel molecules Applications and Technology Society tardigradum, the species of tarditend to clump up, kind of like butter (UMSATS), assisting the team with grades used in the UMSATS projin the fridge. These polymers also sending a micro-ecosystem contain- ect. By having a sequenced genome, show potential in acting as a scaffold ing tardigrades into space. the UMSATS team would be able for creating additives for biodiesel “Tardigrades are fascinating – to analyze the genes that make tarthat prevent clumping. they’re bizarre little creatures. They’re digrades so resilient.

“These additives are chemically microscopic, but are multicellular and The project has caught the eye derived from the polymer that we complex.” of potential partners, who Levin make [...] They have a low freezing They are remarkable for their abil- hopes will provide funding for their temperature, so when we blend them ity to survive in the vacuum of space, “Tardigrades in Space” project. with biodiesel we get better perfor- outlasting extremes of temperature mance in cold climates,” said Levin. and levels of ionizing radiation that

12

Science & Technology

Alcohol intolerance Understanding the genetic basis for alcohol flush syndrome JEREMIAH YARMIE, STAFF

GRAPHIC BY KELLY CAMPBELL

M

ost individuals drink alcoAlcohol intolerance is caused by hol and experience a rather faulty versions of these two genes, balanced mix of pleasant and particularly ALDH2. unpleasant effects. However, some The mutant form of the ALDH2 individuals have alcohol intolerance gene is called ALDH2*2 and has – colloquially known as alcohol flush almost no activity. Since ALDH2 syndrome – which makes alcohol cannot function to eliminate consumption a mostly negative acetaldehyde, the toxic molecule experience. accumulates in the body.

Between one-third to one-half Individuals with mutant of individuals of East Asian descent ALDH2*2 may have up to 10 times have alcohol intolerance. the amount of acetaldehyde as indiAlcohol is literally a poison; viduals with normal copies of the luckily for humans, the liver is gene. The alcohol flush reaction is adept at eliminating all sorts of associated with increased levels of poisons from the body, including acetaldehyde. alcohol.

Individuals usually experience The elimination of alcohol from facial flushing caused by the dilathe body is dependent on two liver tion of blood vessels, heart palpitaenzymes called alcohol dehydro- tions, nausea, itchiness, headache, genase and aldehyde dehydrogenase. and alcohol-induced asthma. These Dehydrogenases are enzymes, effects usually take place within an proteins that speed up chemical hour after consuming alcohol. reactions. They work by ripping For some people, it gets worse. hydrogen atoms off of the alcohol Two alcohol dehydrogenase molecules. variants found in Asian populations Ripping hydrogen atoms off of are associated with faster alcohol molecules is the main way our body metabolism. One of these variants harnesses energy from the food that has been shown to work up to 100 we eat; it liberates electrons from times faster than other common molecules, which are later used to isoforms. drive energy-producing processes These individuals not only feel in the mitochondria of our cells. the inebriating effects of alcohol Once alcohol enters the body, it for a much shorter time period, but is converted into acetaldehyde by start accumulating acetaldehyde the alcohol dehydrogenase enzymes. faster as well.

Acetaldehyde is a toxic molecule This efficient variant of alcohol and is damaging to cells and tissues. dehydrogenase, compounded with The compound is also mutagenic, improper acetaldehyde eliminawhich means it causes mutations in tion by faulty ALDH2*2 enzymes, DNA. These mutations can cause makes drinking an unpleasant cancer, making acetaldehyde car- experience for many individuals of cinogenic as well. Acetaldehyde is Asian descent. also thought to be partially responThere are some benefits, howsible for hangovers. ever, and many individuals believe In turn, acetaldehyde is con- that these mutations arose in popuverted into harmless acetic acid lations for this exact reason.

– the same stuff found in vinegar For one thing, individuals with – by the aldehyde dehydrogenase this mutant combination are at a enzymes, the most important of much lower risk for alcoholism. which is ALDH2. Once released, Moreover, ALDH2*2 has been acetic acid is usually moved to the shown to correlate with higher muscles or the heart, where it too levels of oro-pharynx and esophais converted into energy. gus cancer in individuals that drink.

The two alcohol-metabolizing Even despite the unpleasant side enzymes are polymorphic, mean- effects of alcohol intolerance, indiing that they have different variants viduals will still choose to drink, between populations, which are often due to social pressures. Happy called isoforms.

St. Patrick’s Day!

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

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

GRAPHIC BY BRAM KEAST

COMIC BY KELLY CAMPBELL

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VOL. 102 NO. 26 March 16, 2016

Diversions

IVORY BUFFALO THE

Failed UMSA candidates relieved to not have to follow up on campaign promises MURV BERKLEY, STAFF

Several failed University of Manitoba Students’ Association (UMSA) candidates are heaving sighs of relief after having lost their bids for various positions on the student association’s executive and council.

This year’s UMSA election saw the largest field of candidates in recent history with each candidate making a number of unrealistic and untenable promises as part of their respective bids to get elected.

Stephanie Grundel, candidate for

vice-president advocacy with the UMSU Forever slate, promised to have the university administration abolish all grades below a B. Dirk Vales, candidate for vice-president internal for the Their UMSU slate, campaigned on getting every union member their own bus through renewed negotiations with Winnipeg Transit.

International students’ representative Iqbar Jhamal managed to pull out a nar-

row loss after a tie-vote led to a recount.

Jhamal told the Ivory Buffalo that he was starting to have serious concerns when early polls showed him in a dead heat with his competitor Iugbitz Grumthin.

“I promised international students that I was going to end discrimination,” said Jhamal. “I’m just so lucky I didn’t win. I don’t know what I would have done.”

“My opponent was smart. He ran on a campaign to get rid of some discrimina-

tion. Honestly, for a part-time volunteer position, even that seems optimistic.”

However, not all candidates were so lucky.

Incoming UMSA president Tara Neilson won her position after campaigning on a promise to increase student engagement on campus.

“I’ve made a terrible mistake,” the president-elect was heard mumbling, after the final results were announced.

15

Arts & Culture

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

16

Doubtful House debuts in new digs U of M theatre company premieres brand-new play for grand opening of John J. Conklin Theatre TOBI NIFESI, STAFF

T

he U of M’s Black Hole Theatre Company (BHTC) is set to showcase the world premiere of a new play called Doubtful House, which will run from March 15 to 19 and 22 to 26.

Doubtful House was written by Governor General Award-winning playwright and U of M alumnus Ian Ross, and will mark the grand opening of the new BHTC theatre in Tache Hall, officially named the John J. Conklin Theatre.

Doubtful House is set in the 1930s and takes place in Manitoba House, a 1797 trading post that eventually develops into the titular district.

The events of the play, which revolve around the community’s love for their

home and desire to create a better future, are reminiscent of Ross’s father’s stories about his hometown, Kinosota.

“I learned how to tell stories from my father. He would tell me all kind of wonderful stories about places I knew – that I [grew] up in – and of the past,” Ross told the Manitoban.

“That’s how the play began. I wanted to write something that honored him [...] and where I came from.”

Over the years, Ross has made a name for himself as a talented writer producing both politically and culturally aware works. He has mentored several young writers in honing their skills and has emphasized the impor-

tance of having a creative process.

“My creative process, whether that is acting or directing, I liken it to kind of feeding goldfish in a tank,” said Ross.

“You springe the food from the top and it kind of flows down and it settles. That is kind of what it is like for me. I discover things as I go through the process.”

Ross studied in the department of English, film, and theatre during his time at the U of M and credits Chris Johnson – Doubtful House’s director and a professor at the university for about 35 years – with first igniting his interest in theatre.

“Chris Johnson is the man who

As the play’s director, Johnson focuses on getting the cast to perform with conviction, confidence, and energy.

“We are always looking for how well students work together. We don’t cast individuals, we cast a cast.”

Doubtful House’s cast is comprised of both past and present BHTC members. Johnson believes the varying levels of experience amongst the students will only work in their favour, and will help the actors become better at their craft.

“At most universities you will have class productions, which means that nobody has more experience that you.

There are some real limitations with that,” said Johnson.

“I like the way we do things [...]

All along, it has been encouraged for alumni to come back. It creates a better learning experience for the students.”

Doubtful House will run for 10 days in total, with a two-day break on the 20th and 21st. According to Johnson, back-to-back performances of this kind of length are key to an actor’s education and experience.

“There are things about acting that you can’t do anywhere else except in front of an audience,” Johnson explained.

“That is one of the reasons we have 10-day runs – which is a very substantial run and is more than a lot of universities do – because we have students [who need] to experience several audiences.”

For three decades, Johnson has been pushing for a change in stage venue and with the grand opening of the John J. Conklin Theatre, he’s anticipating immediate improvements in the university’s theatre program.

“It’s pretty common practice at other universities to have actors visit and perform shows at the university theatre. Our theatre program has had to struggle with a really inadequate space,” said Johnson.

“I think the students and faculty will be able to do better work in a better theatre [...] The old Black Hole certainly helped to develop concentration because the audience was so close to the stage, but ultimately it PHOTOS PROVIDED BY BLACK HOLE THEATRE COMPANY wasn’t very comfortable.” inspired me to go into theatre as a stuJohnson hopes that the English, dent at the University of Manitoba,” film, and theatre department will said Ross. push on from the progress made and “He basically forced me – and I do develop better programs to educate not mean this in a bad way – to per- students on creative writing, dramaform a play that I had written, which turgy, and directing. led me to being a playwright.”

This play marks the first time Tickets to Doubtful House are $12 for Johnson and Ross will work together. students and seniors, $15 otherwise. To Over the years, the relationship make a reservation, call 204-474-6880 between the two has evolved from or email tickets@bhtc.ca. For more info, teacher-student to coworkers, and visit www.bhtc.ca the duo relishes the opportunity to collaborate on Doubtful House.

“Oh, he is definitely my coworker now,” Johnson told the Manitoban.

“Working with Ross is like working with an old friend.”

VOL. 102 NO. 26 March 16, 2016

Arts & Culture

17

School of art sessions on still life photography U of M alum Laura Letinsky returns to exhibition for artist talk, week of workshopping OLIVIA MICHALCZUK, STAFF

PHOTO BY OLIVIA MICHALZUK

L

aura Letinsky – a U of M tried to take a photograph of the alumna and University of gallery itself. The accent walls were Chicago professor – has returned my fruit and strewn pastries and to her alma mater to display some the white walls were the perfect of her still life photography in an background to create my own exhibition called Laura Letinksy: Letinsky.

It was difficult, to say the least, Still Life Photographs, 1997-2012 at trying to get an appealing compothe U of M’s school of art gallery.

Still life photography is the sition with so little to work with. depiction of inanimate objects with Letinsky made it all look so simple, design elements based on arrange- yet dynamic. Her pictures of table ment, lighting, and composition. scraps and broken dishes – which For her school of art gallery are, at times, barely visible – are exhibit, Letinsky seems to empha- simply beautiful. size a monochromatic minimalism as the chief design element at play.

Entering the exhibit, your focus Letinsky made it is immediately drawn to two turall look so simple, quoise accent walls in a primarily white room. yet dynamic The photographs are in white frames with white borders, white backgrounds, and coloured accents The nature of the photographs – much like the room. The photo- seems to parallel many popular graphs are all labelled as “untitled,” Instagram feeds today with minieach with a depiction of an object malism being one of the most comon a white table in a white room. mon features. The gallery is quite Letinsky was born in Winnipeg an experience in itself, almost like and graduated with a bachelor’s being in one of her photographs. degree in fine arts (honours) from Once you get used to the layout of the school of art. She continued the photographs, Letinsky throws her education at Yale University’s in a few tricks of the eye and mind school of art to receive her master that take a second to understand of fine arts in 1991. and recover from. The few pages Letinsky will return to of notes in the guest book give the Winnipeg for the exhibition’s gallery high praises, and interesting reception and artist talk on March insight on the thoughts of students 17, and to teach a five-day photog- and other visitors. raphy workshop, “ Shallow, neither flat nor deep,” at the school of art Laura Letinsky: Still Life from March 14 to 18.

Photographs, 1997-2012 will be feaHer work has been featured tured in the School of Art Gallery until and admired at famous galler- April 1. The gallery is open Monday to ies worldwide including the Friday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. with no Museum of Modern Art in New charge for admission. For more inforYork, the Canadian Museum of mation, email gallery@umanitoba.ca Contemporary Photography, and the Netherlands Foto Institute, among many others.

Though she has a remarkable resume, my appreciation for the gallery reached its peak when I

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Arts & Culture

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

Cultivating a generation of art lovers ArtScene Winnipeg hosts first ArtCollect event to promote local art LAUREN SIDDALL, STAFF

ArtScene Winnipeg member.

“Most of us head out to IKEA or HomeSense, or wherever, and we stock up on a few prints. We want to give people some further information about how they can consider thinking a little more deeply about art and how they invest in art, even when they are on a pretty limited budget, and specifically to think a little bit about how to support and invest in local art.”

The evening will begin informally with drinks and appetizers, then Sarah Swan – U of M fine arts graduate and organizer of First Fridays in Winnipeg – will talk about how to develop a taste in art, specifically PHOTO BY LAUREN SIDDALL as a young professional or someone on a limited budget. After Swan, a n March 23, ArtScene and why engaging with local art is local artist will discuss the local art Winnipeg is putting on the first important. scene and market, the work they do, instalment of their new ArtCollect “The idea is engaging with young how people can start thinking about series at Fools & Horses coffee shop. professionals or young working investing in local art, and why it is ArtScene, an extension of Business Winnipeggers and thinking a little bit important. for the Arts, is a network of young about developing their artistic taste.

While this event is the first professionals across the country inter- One thing we all do when we fin- ArtCollect event to take place in ested in supporting the arts. ish university is buy our first place or Winnipeg, Helbrecht hopes to see The series will focus on starting move into our first apartment, and we it progress into a regular workshop out your art collection as a young start thinking about what we want to series. Potential subsequent workprofessional, the local art market, put on our walls,” said Jane Helbrecht, shops might include visits and tours

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of local art galleries, as well as small tours around the homes of some young professionals who have significantly invested in local art. The main thing, says Helbrecht, is exposure and cultivating the next generation to have a similar appreciation for the arts.

“Cities aren’t made vibrant by their policies, they’re made vibrant by activities, arts and culture, and things that people can do in the city” – Jane Helbrecht, ArtScene Winnipeg member “We’ve got this amazing city that’s sort of figuring itself out a little bit right now. One of the things we’ve

always done really well is our arts and culture, and we want to make sure that continues and that we support it. Cities aren’t made vibrant by their policies, they’re made vibrant by activities, arts and culture, and things that people can do in the city,” said Helbrecht.

“I think that it’s one of the unique advantages that Winnipeg has – we have a huge art community and we have a lot of people interested in the art community. But a constant challenge for any individual artist or art institution is that as people age, who are going to be the next supporters and the next patrons of the arts?

Doing these types of events is really about making sure that we’re cultivating that next generation of supporters to make sure our city keeps doing what it’s doing.”

The first ArtsCollect workshop takes place on March 23 at Fools & Horses (379 Broadway) from 7 to 9 p.m.

Tickets are $15 and are available at artscollectwinnipeg.eventbrite.ca

Fey’s Whiskey Tango Foxtrot succeeds on shoulders of cast Comedy vet carries based-on-a-true-story military drama JESS KOSTUIK, VOLUNTEER STAFF

GRAPHIC BY JONDELL COOMBS

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or many years, Tina Fey has been a force to be reckoned with in the comedy world. Beginning with her breakout in 1995 when she first joined the cast of Saturday Night Live, Fey later went on to become the head

writer of the show.

Since then, Fey has continued to create many more hilarious projects, from the acclaimed television show 30 Rock to teen blockbuster Mean Girls.

There is no denying her incredible

talent. However, when considering which actress to cast in a drama depicting a journalist covering the war in Afghanistan, Fey may not be at the top of your list.

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot is based on real journalist, Kim Barker, who recounted her experiences in her book The Taliban Shuffle. Whiskey Tango Foxtrot was adapted from the book by Robert Carlock – a long-time writing partner of Fey – and was directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa (Crazy, Stupid, Love).

Like Barker’s book, Whiskey Tango Foxtrot is not approached as a typical war story. Comedy, romance, drama, and action are just a few of the genres the movie aims to conquer.

Fey plays Barker, a journalist asked to move to Afghanistan to cover the war. Barker – who has no kids and is unmarried – is an obvious choice for the job and initially intends on staying in Afghanistan for only three months, but ends up staying for three years.

The job does not start off very smoothly. Upon arriving in Afghanistan, she has serious problems adjusting to the cultural differences. But, with help from friends, Barker is quick to learn the ropes.

Barker’s friends include fellow reporter Tanya Vanderpoel (Margot

Robbie), no-nonsense General Hollanek (Billy Bob Thornton), and photographer/charming love interest Iain MacKelpie (Martin Freeman).

It is the performances by the cast, led by the remarkable Tina Fey, that are the only consistent factors throughout the film

great emotional depth to the film.

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot tries to take on a lot, attempting shifts between many genres with little notice.

Individually, each of the tones at least subsist within the film, which excels in its comedic moments.

Still, the shifts in tone are choppy and disorderly, ultimately failing to form a logical theme. It is the performances by the cast – led by the remarkable Fey – that are the only consistent factors throughout the film.

We expect Fey to pull off the comedy, but she goes even further to give a thoughtful, well-developed performance through all themes of the film.

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot is far from perfect, although I appreciate its attempt to create something unique in a market filled with remakes and sequels. Ultimately, it’s a solid film, held together by great performances and sublime comedy.

During the day, Barker and co. tag along with the Marines to conflict areas to report their stories. At night, they hop from bar to bar, drinking and partying in order to cope with what they saw earlier that day.

The entire supporting cast works wonders as each of their characters, Visit www.cinemaclock.com to view all with Robbie and Freeman particu- showtimes for Whiskey Tango Foxtrot larly nailing their roles. at theatres in Winnipeg.

Also among the supporting players is the great Christopher Abbot, who plays Fahim Ahmadzai, Barker’s driver. It makes almost no sense to cast Abbot, an American, in the role of an Afghan man, but he succeeds in his portrayal nonetheless and adds

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

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Bisons’ historic run comes to an end in Calgary Men’s basketball falls to Dinos, Thunderbirds at Canada West Final Four MIKE STILL, STAFF

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he University of Manitoba Bisons men’s basketball program entered playoff action this past weekend in slightly unfamiliar territory – as they’d never been to a Canada West Final Four in program history.

In order to move on to nationals, Manitoba needed to knock off topranked Calgary this past Friday night – the team that was hosting the Final Four. Unfortunately, the herd was outmatched by a squad with far more depth off the bench and a hometown crowd that had an impact.

The loss, coupled with a Thompson Rivers victory over the CIS nationals hosting UBC Thunderbirds earlier that same evening, meant that the Bisons’ chances of making it to the big dance were officially eliminated by the end of day one.

Friday vs Calgary

The Bisons opened up an early 14-4 lead in the first quarter against the home squad, only to see the prehistorics get hot from three-point range and close the opening 10 min-

utes on a 21-6 run. The 25-20 score ers in double figures in scoring, with son. His scoring touch mixed with after the opening quarter was as close Justus Alleyn, Brett Jewell, and AJ his strong defensive play were both invaluable this time as Manitoba would get from around. then on, as the The herd was Despite the unfortunate end to the also cold from the Dinos used a season, Manitoba can be happy knowing free throw line, strong shooting shooting just 58.3 performance to they accomplished something no other cruise to a 100per cent from the men’s basketball team has done for 74 win. charity stripe. This Calgary was a critical factor the herd since entering Canada West went 8-of-18 in the first quarter play – make it to the Final Four overall from specifically, where the perimeter, Manitoba got to the line 13 times, but led by reserve guard Jhony Verrone, who scored Basi recording 11, 12, and 17 points for the most part were unsuccessful nine of his 11 points from the three- individually. Unfortunately for attaining the single points. point range. Fellow guards Jasdeep Manitoba, there wasn’t enough conGill and Torrez McKoy also made sistency as all three players did most Saturday vs UBC an impact off the bench, contributing of their damage in the first half.

With a shot at nationals elimiCalgary, on the other hand, nated, Manitoba entered Saturday’s 11 and nine points respectively. As a whole, the Dinos had 42 points off was led by starting guards Thomas game against the T-Birds with a the bench, compared to just 18 for Cooper and David Kapinga, who slightly different mindset, knowing Manitoba as Ilarion Bonhomme II scored 27 and 23 points respectively that the only thing left to play for was and Jonathan Alexander were both and were unstoppable for most of a Canada West bronze medal. Head negated for the most part, netting the night. Kapinga was the biggest coach Kirby Schepp spread out his just nine combined points.

X-factor, as he didn’t play when the bench, as 10 different players saw at The visitors did have three play- two teams met earlier on in the sea- least 10 minutes of game action. The

season came to a close on a losing note though, as UBC rode a 30-point first quarter to come out with the 10172 win.

Versatile forward Conor Morgan was the MVP for UBC, netting a game-high 28 points on 7-of-8 shooting from three-point range, while the Bisons’ leading scorer was Keith Omoerah with 13.

Despite the unfortunate end to the season, Manitoba can be happy knowing they accomplished something no other men’s basketball team has done for the herd since entering Canada West play – make it to the Final Four. With the majority of the team returning for 2016-17, the Bisons will likely be right in the mix yet again.

Hot takes with Steltsy and Still Discussing the Stanley Cup and Canada’s contribution, as well as the pressure of being a student journalist MIKE STILL AND RYAN STELTER, STAFF

So it doesn’t matter if an American team wins, since Canadians will be taking it home with them regardless.

This topic has been of particular importance to many Canadians lately, because not a single Canadian team is in the playoffs. So instead, take a look at some of the American teams and you’ll find two Winnipeggers on the Blackhawks, for example, as well as a kid from Kenora, Ont. on the Capitals, and a guy from St. Andrews, Man. on the Red Wings. Go cheer for them and you might see the Cup this summer.

Get over yourselves, Canada, it’s not a big deal. Canadian cities don’t deserve the playoffs anymore than American ones do. Cut this superiority complex when it comes to the game of hockey.

Professional media vs. student media

GRAPHIC BY BRAM KEAST

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his week, Ryan vented about House to discuss politics and the like Canadian players in the NHL with U.S. President Barack Obama. and how integral they’ve been on When addressing the media, Obama certain Stanley Cup-winning teams, decided to take a jab at Trudeau and while Mike provided his two cents on Canada as a whole by saying that what he feels is the main difference the Stanley Cup was in his homebetween professional media com- town of Chicago and not Canada. pared to student journalists.

Somehow that is supposed to mean that Americans are better at hockey Canada and the Stanley Cup than Canadians.

Recently, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau rightfully made a jab Trudeau paid a visit to the White back, saying that Canada gifted the

Blackhawks with Jonathan Toews, Duncan Keith, and Patrick Sharp – who, by the way, Mr. Prime Minister, is with the Dallas Stars now.

Who cares if a Canadian team hasn’t won the Stanley Cup since Montreal in 1993? Why does that matter? Canadians make up the majority of the NHL, and a littleknown fact is that each player gets to take the Cup home with them for at least a day when their team wins.

As my time with the Manitoban comes to a close, I sit in reflection, reminiscing on the tremendous three years I’ve been able to have with the paper. There is a ton of amazing memories I can think of, but there is also one that sticks out as a negative – that being an article I wrote at the end of last year entitled “Lead by example,” which detailed verbal harassment complaints from a few players on the women’s volleyball team in 2014-15 against their coach, Ken Bentley.

The reason I state this as a nega-

tive is that the athlete who originally came forward to my reporter at the time had to do so anonymously out of fear of being discovered.

As a student who’s around the same age as these athletes, my mindset is different when I run through the possibility of saying something negative about Bison sports.

First, I hold the well-being of my peer at stake – someone whose shoes I could easily put myself into, being a similar age, and in the most recent case, someone I consider a good friend. Second, I also face the possibility of tremendous scrutiny from coaches and directors who are several decades my elder and at times, simply see me as someone that can be “swayed” from writing a negative piece, because they believe they know more about the situation at hand (which isn’t always the case).

This isn’t an issue for professional media for the most part, as they have established a reputation, and even if a negative piece comes out, it’s understood that the writer was simply doing their job.

I find it’s a lot harder to get to the heart of the matter when dealing with internal issues at the university sporting level, and it can be very frustrating when your search for the truth is compromised, simply because you’re a student who hasn’t officially “made it” yet.

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The best of Bison volleyball Highlighting some of the key moments, plays, and individual recognition from the 2015-16 season RYAN STELTER, STAFF

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he University of Manitoba Bisons volleyball teams had opposite seasons, with the men enjoying more success than the women. The men crashed out of the Canada West Final Four while the women failed to qualify for the playoffs, but both teams had positives and the Manitoban outlined some of the best moments this volleyball season – five from each team.

Men

8-0 start

The men got off to a fantastic start, winning their first eight games and dropping only a combined five sets during that streak. During the second week of the season in a series against UBC, Adam Dejonckheere smacked home 24 kills – his best output of the season. DeJonckheere was notorious for his cheeky tips over the net, fooling a number of opposing teams’ defenses. The win streak helped send a message to everyone not only in the Canada West conference but the entire CIS that the herd was going to be a powerhouse.

Ridiculous rallies

Kenny Rooney.

The trio were first, second, and third in kills for the Bisons as DeJonckheere had 278 and Rooney had 168.

Return to the Final Four

After a successful regular season, the Bisons managed to get themselves to the Final Four for the first time since 2011-12. Although it was not an ideal outcome, with the Bisons failing to win a single set, it only builds confidence for next year. In the playoffs we also saw the emergence of Scott Vercaigne, who played very well in his games. He managed a start against Mount Royal in the quarterfinals, where he excelled with 14 kills and four digs.

He also registered six kills in the semifinals against Saskatchewan.

Cassie Bujan were both shining lights for the Bisons this year. Cassie led the herd with 192 digs this season, and really started to step it up in the latter half of the season. Haille finished second on the Bisons in kills with 146.

Booker’s excellent rookie season

Sydney Booker didn’t grab all the headlines this season, with no flashy kills or diving digs, but her setting abilities were second to none. You cannot hear the ball ever touch her hands when she lays up a set for one of her hitters. Booker earned herself a spot on the Canada West AllRookie team with her fantastic play.

She averaged 6.44 assists per set and led Manitoba with 393 assists.

Dobie’s digs

A veteran of the Bison squad, Caleigh Dobie was a rock for Manitoba this year, as she was constantly foiling opposing teams’ attacks with her digs. Many times, Dobie would provide some clutch digs to keep the rally alive and help gain momentum. In a game against Saskatchewan early in the season, Dobie put up an astonishing 23 digs, her best of the season. A leader on this relatively young squad, she’ll look to lead the Bisons to greater success next season.

Finishing on a high note

After a relatively disappointing season, the women were able to throw all that out the window and play with pride in their final game of the year against the Calgary Dinos.

The Bisons played a back-and-forth, tight game but ended the season with a 3-2 win. Studler had 22 kills that night, her best output of the year for a single game. Cassie Bujan also saved her best for last, with a 23-dig performance. There is plenty to look forward to for this Manitoba team, and they can take the confidence from that win into next season.

Women First win

It took five games, but the women managed to get their first win of the season against the Grant MacEwan Griffins with an impressive 3-1 display. It was a scrappy performance, but nonetheless it was a victory. The women didn’t play as well as they may have wanted to in 2015-16, but this was a big accomplishment for them to get that monkey off their back. Tori Studler played some of her best volleyball that weekend, as she hit a combined 26 kills between the two games.

This was a recurring theme all year long, as the men had an uncanny ability to make plays out of absolutely nothing. Many times you would see Caleb Hickok make a diving dig to keep a play alive, and in a playoff game against Mount Royal, Devren Dear went underneath the net and into the crowd to keep the rally going.

The Bisons would eventually score a The Bujan sisters point on that same rally. Through an Manitoba had a pair of athletes organized defense and some amaz- who consistently played well for them ing athletic ability, Manitoba always night in and night out. Haille and managed to steal momentum after winning a long point.

Comeback against Winnipeg

Games against the University of Winnipeg are always a treat to watch, as bragging rights are on the line and the intensity is always ratcheted up.

When the Wesmen visited Investors Group Athletic Centre on Feb. 6 they were eager to avenge their loss in the Duckworth Challenge. They started off hot by taking the first two sets, but the Bisons dug deep (no pun intended) and fought back to win 3-2 . It was a nail-biting affair and great showcase of the talent of these volleyball players in Manitoba.

Decisive kills

How can you write a top five about the Bison volleyball team without mentioning Devren Dear? The sixfoot-five outside hitter was a monster all year, punishing teams with his ability to smack the volleyball.

Dear led the Bisons with 349 kills on the year, averaging 4.37 kills per set, which was good enough to rank third best in the Canada West. The Bisons had so much attacking threat on the court at once that even if it wasn’t Dear smacking home kills it was DeJonckheere or Mr. Reliable,

PHOTOS BY CHANTAL ZDAN

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Sports

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

The best of Bisons hockey Looking at some of the biggest storylines, plays, and moments from the 2015-16 season ANDY CHE & RYAN STELTER, STAFF

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he 2015-16 season for the University of Manitoba Bisons men’s hockey team was an interesting one to follow. The Bisons were the youngest team in the Canada West and managed a fourth place finish with a 13-13-2 record before getting upset in the first round of the playoffs.

The women fared much better than their male counterparts in the postseason, riding two upsets to make it to the conference final. Below are a few of the highlights from the 2015-16 campaign for each team.

included a marvelous 46-save perfor- in the Canada West. DePape only incredible performances to beat the mance against a very good Alberta failed to register a point in four games. Bears: a 7-4 offensive shootout one team, as well as playing all three A gifted winger, DePape came up night, then a 3-2 defensive lockdown games against the Calgary Dinos big at many points throughout the where Paulic stole the show with 46 in their quarterfinal series. Spriggs year scoring key goals and leading saves. It was the first time since 1964was solid for the herd as well, post- by example on the ice.

65 that Alberta were unable to win in ing 3.50 GAA and a .895 save perDePape was also named a Canada Manitoba. centage. With Paulic being a rookie West First Team All-Star to cap off and Spriggs entering his third year his great year.

Red hot rookies next year, Manitoba looks to be set Bisons head coach Mike Sirant in between the pipes in the coming Besting the Bears did some great recruiting this past years.

Manitoba seemed to have the off season, bringing in a number of Alberta Golden Bears’ number this young players. The Bisons had 11 Jordan DePape’s year, as they took seven out of a possi- rookies on their roster this year, and sensational season ble eight points against the traditional two rookies in particular were able The 23 year old co-captain of the powerhouses of not only the Canada to make an impact.

Men Bisons showcased his brilliant offen- West, but the CIS. It was the first Brett Stovin finished fourth in sive talents this year. He racked up 41 time since the 1929-30 season that rookie scoring with 26 points in 28 Double threat in net The Bisons had quite the goaltend- points in 28 games (19G, 22A), earn- the Bisons won a season series against games (12G, 14A) with 15 of those ing tandem this season. Both Justin ing himself the Canada West scoring Alberta. When the Bears came to points coming on an 11-game point Paulic and Byron Spriggs played title. DePape also went on a ridicu- town on the weekend of Jan. 8-9, streak, while Adam Henry slotted exceptionally well. Paulic’s highlights lous 15 game point streak – the longest the Bisons were able to put on two right into the Bisons’ top defensive pairing and looked like a seasoned veteran. Henry finished 14th among defensemen with 14 points. The pair earned themselves a spot on the Canada West All-Rookie team as well.

Playoff exit

This doesn’t seem like a very positive thing to talk about, as the Bisons were upset in a three game series against the fifth-placed Calgary Dinos. Manitoba learned a lot in that series, though, and as a young team, there is nothing but positives to draw from this experience. Sirant said it best after the Bisons lost 6-1 in game three to eliminate them from playoff contention: “We’re feeling a lot of pain right now, but the pain we suffer now will only make us stronger for next season.”

Women Sharman leads again

Even though she’s just in her second year, Alanna Sharman is emerging as a true leader. After leading the CIS in regular season points as a rookie, Sharman has managed to be a point-leader again as a sophomore.

Despite an 18-point drop in her performance this season, she topped the Bisons in goals with 10 and assists with 12.

Kirkup’s homecoming

Karissa Kirkup is back home in Manitoba after a brief career at the University of Maine and MinnesotaDuluth. A member of the U22 Canadian team, Kirkup opened her Bisons account as a successor of former captain Maggie Litchfield-Medd.

Wearing the number 15 jersey formerly occupied by Litchfield-Medd, Kirkup did not disappoint. She co-led the team with 15 points in 28 games.

Comeback home opener

The Bisons got their season off to the right start after a 2-1 comeback win in the home opener. The game was tied at zero until Natasha Steblin scored to give the Pandas a 1-0 lead in the third.

Alanna Sharman tied the game and Lauryn Keen scored with three minutes remaining to cap off a victorious comeback win.

Hovi scores four

It’s not every day that a player scores four goals in a CIS game. The Bisons got to experience it, however, when Venla Hovi scored two doubles against Calgary in a 5-0 win. The four goals were scored three different ways, including even strength, shorthanded, and on the powerplay.

Playoff OT thrillers

In back-to-back playoff series, Manitoba was able to steal victory away from their opponent, in both cases in impressive fashion.

In the quarterfinals, the herd emerged victorious in the longest game in Canada West history. The Saskatchewan Huskies and Manitoba Bisons stood at a 1-1 deadlock before Venla Hovi played the role of overtime hero. The Finn’s goal at 9:02 of fifth overtime rewrote the history books as the Bisons progressed into the conference semi-finals of the Canada West playoffs.

A f te r e l i m i n at i n g t he Saskatchewan Huskies in three games during the first round of the CanWest playoffs, the Bisons took their next opponents Alberta to the same stage of the series. In an actionpacked game three, the Bisons led 3-2 before Sasha Lutz scored an equalizer for the Pandas with 14 seconds left in regulation.

The game was settled in the first overtime period by the Bisons’ Alexandra Anderson at the 4:31 mark.

PHOTOS BY CHANTAL ZDAN

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From the Olympics to overtime hero The story of Bisons women’s hockey forward Venla Hovi ANDY CHE, STAFF

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rom time to time, the CIS is blessed with the presence of international stars in women’s hockey. In 2011, Canadian heroine Hayley Wickenheiser kicked off her CIS career with Calgary, while Russia’s Iya Gavrilova also joined the Dinos three years ago. This season, Venla Hovi joined the University of Manitoba Bisons from Finland.

As she would go on to prove in her debut campaign as a CIS athlete, her arrival was integral to the Bisons’ season. The departure of captain Maggie Litchfield-Medd at the end of last season left a gap in the team’s frontline – a role which Hovi was enthusiastic to fill.

Becoming a Bison

First impressions of the University of Manitoba left Hovi with an eagerness to eventually don the Bisons’ colors.

“I used my Canadian contacts to ask about the program,” said Hovi.

“I had a good feeling about the team and school based on my Skype calls with coach Jon Rempel.”

That was all it took for Hovi, who inked a deal with the Bisons in the summer of 2015.

The decision to pursue a degree in extended education was costly for the 28-year old, as the native of Tampere, Finland was a star in the SM-sarja – the top tier of Finnish women’s hockey – before taking the student athlete route in North America.

A product of Finland

Hovi was a dynamic point-producer in Finnish women’s league hockey, amassing 208 points in 205 regular season games. Her postseason totals were just as distinctive, with 34 goals and 26 assists in 66 games.

Her most successful season saw her average over two points per game with 53 points in 26 appearances, and she even made a trip to North America in 2006 to perform for one season with the North Dakota Fighting Sioux of the NCAA. The playing level in the CIS was

a change for the nine-season veteran of the SM-sarja.

“I’d say that CIS hockey is more straightforward than playing in the Finnish league,” said Hovi. “The teams are very even and competitive.”

into a leader herself. By 2012, she had earned the alternate captain’s “A” on her sweater when she laced up for KalPa in Puolio. The next season she was promoted to full-time captain.

Olympics

The 2010 Olympics saw Team Finland clinch a bronze medal in women’s hockey, where Hovi contributed with two goals in the first two games. Hovi’s second goal ended up as the game-winner in a 2-1 matchup against China.

Finland ranked second in the group and medaled in the top three after their 3-2 overtime win against Sweden. It was the national women’s team’s second bronze medal in four Olympic tournaments. greatly to the Bisons’ near-CinderThe festivities hosted in Canada ella run in the Canada West conferwere especially memorable for the ence, it was one of her six postseason members of Finland’s women’s goals that ranks above and beyond hockey team. For Hovi, the city of any other she has ever scored to date.

Vancouver will forever play an extravPlaying in the top-tier of Finland agant part in her hockey career. had always been an aspiration of “I remember the great crowd, my There might not be Hovi’s. In her hometown of Tampere, first two Olympic goals and our many goals that the SM-sarja became a stomping bronze medal,” said Hovi. “The city ground for the five-foot-seven for- itself was a great experience and I top that moment ward to achieve her hockey goals. remember getting my Olympic tattoo for Hovi during the “I’ve always wanted to play hockey in Vancouver.” at the top level and the Finnish league remainder of her was a great league to improve and A veteran turned sophomore Having already experienced one reach my goals,” said Hovi.

CIS career. However, season in the NCAA, Hovi opened with three years left Ascending in leadership her career with the Manitoba Bisons With the captaincy vacant in the with a rough idea of the style of play in her eligibility, there Bisons’ lineup, there is a real possibil- in the CIS. Following a three-game point- will be plenty of time ity of a promotion in team leadership for Hovi next season. Coming off less streak to kick off her CIS career, for the Manitoba just one season in the CIS, her expe- Hovi netted four goals on Oct. 31, Bisons to find out rience and leadership already speak 2015 against the Calgary Dinos. The volumes for a group of developing Bisons won the game 5-0. players, most of whom are just comDespite being in just her second ing off their second year of eligibility. year of North American experience, It wasn’t long ago that Hovi her- Hovi displayed a consistent point The historic goal self was a developing star in Finland. production for the remainder of the Manitoba were on the road against She was surrounded by veterans who 2015-16 regular season. She finished Saskatchewan in the first round of she learned from, despite an enor- with seven goals, six assists, and 13 the Canada West playoffs this seamous age gap. points in 17 games. son. After dropping the first game “I learned so much from playing The Bisons’ #9 displayed even in the best-of-three series, the Bisons with older players,” said Hovi. “The greater tenacity in the postseason, responded with a 5-1 win in game two. age of the players vary from 14 to 40 registering another 13 points. This Manitoba then took the Huskies to a in most teams.” time, it took her only nine games to decisive game three.

Before long, Hovi had developed do so. In addition to contributing The score was tied 1-1 heading into

Alanna Sharman played provider and Hovi beat Huskies goalie Cassidy Hendricks at 9:02 of the fifth OT, sending Manitoba into the next playoff round and cementing her place in CIS history

PHOTO BY JEFF MILLER

overtime with goals from Manitoba’s Lauryn Keen and Saskatchewan’s Lauren Zary. Four overtime periods had passed as the Huskies outshot the Bisons 67-41. Game three entered an everlasting fifth overall period – the second longest game in CIS history.

Hovi stepped up and snatched the headlines for the visiting Bisons.

From the moment overtime hit, she had the belief she could make herself a hero.

“I kept telling myself that I need one good chance and I can do it,” said Hovi.

Alanna Sharman played provider and Hovi beat Huskies goalie Cassidy Hendricks at 9:02 of the fifth OT, sending Manitoba into the next playoff round and cementing her place in CIS history.

“The goal was a result of a great team effort,” said Hovi. “I saw that everyone was very tired and I was feeling pretty good, and had a good feeling about our line. It was a great pass from Alanna Sharman and I managed to get a good shot.”

There might not be many goals that top that moment for Hovi during the remainder of her CIS career.

However, with three years left in her eligibility, there will be plenty of time for herself and the Manitoba Bisons to find out.

24

Sports

VOL. 102 NO. 26 March 16, 2016

Professional soccer could work in Canada A Canadian Premier League might be on the way and there’s no reason why it wouldn’t succeed RYAN STELTER, STAFF

Soccer League team – set post-season attendance records.

In late 2015 during a 2018 World Cup qualifier, the Canadian men’s national team also garnered 20,000 people in their massive 1-0 win over Honduras. That record will most likely be broken when Canada takes on Mexico at home on March 25.

PHOTO BY CHANTAL ZDAN

I

n an article in the Hamilton You may be wondering why The quarterfinal match between Spectator that appeared in June 2013, Canada would ever want a profes- England and Canada saw 3.2 milit was announced that the Hamilton sional soccer league, but if you look lion people tune in on TV in Canada.

Tiger Cats of the CFL would part- at the numbers, it makes sense. This The interest is there and there are ner up to host a team in a potential past women’s World Cup broke new enough fans here to support a league.

Canadian soccer league. The pros- attendance records, with 1.3 million On top of the World Cup, Toronto pect of a professional soccer league people attending numerous matches FC had the fourth highest attendance in Canada is very exciting and would throughout Canada. An average of in the MLS last season, while the definitely be a positive for the country. 26,000 people attended each match. Ottawa Fury – a North American

“A professional league would be nothing but good for Canadian soccer, as it would make it easier for your average Canadian to access the sport” Since the inception of the MLS in the United States, their national team has seen a lot of improvement, producing some elite level talent that have played in various top leagues in Europe. A professional league would be nothing but good for Canadian soccer, as it would make it easier for

your average Canadian to access the sport.

The logistics of the league have not been decided yet, as we don’t know how many teams there will be or if it will be its own league or a division of the North American Soccer League (NASL). Winnipeg has the potential to host a team with the venue at Investors Group Field being more than acceptable.

Canadian soccer has taken a lot of great strides in the past few years, and this will only add to the growth of the game. There is no reason as to why Canada cannot become a soccer superpower when a country like the Netherlands only has 16.8 million people yet they have been to three World Cup finals.

A soccer league in Canada is a tremendous prospect, and soccer fans in Canada should be very excited. The only thing I ask is that you go out and support it if it comes around, as there is still a very real possibility that the league could flop within a couple years. I believe Canadian soccer fans deserve a league and would welcome it with open arms.

Heritage Classic might be just what Edmonton and Winnipeg need Nostalgia brings new hope for two ailing franchises ANDY CHE, STAFF

T

he Edmonton Oilers and From 1982 to 1990, the Oilers and Winnipeg Jets can absorb some Jets met in the Stanley Cup playoffs valuable inspiration with the upcom- six times, adding fuel to a rivalry ing Heritage Classic, set to take dating back to the WHA days. The place on Oct. 22 and 23, 2016. For matchups featured some of the best two young franchises with extended NHLers of the 1980s – the likes of periods of mediocrity in recent years, Wayne Gretzky, Dale Hawerchuk, a series honouring some of the NHL’s Mark Messier, and Thomas Steen. greatest players and histories of all Both franchises can now relive the time could prove to be beneficial for golden days in different perspectives the developing stars of the modern with Gretzky, Hawerchuk, and comgeneration. pany returning to the ice one more

PHOTO BY CAROLYNE KROEKER

time.

The Heritage Classic will certainly most of the modern generation would Since reaching the Stanley Cup put the modern Jets amongst the class have forgotten the greats that once final in 2006, the Edmonton Oilers of NHL clubs deemed “prestigious” wore the original Winnipeg Jets have failed to reach a similar level of enough to be recognized for such sweater. The alumni game set to take success. Despite possessing the tal- an occasion. In recent years, storied place on Oct. 22 will enable history ented and fairly experienced crop of franchises such as Montreal, Detroit, to repeat itself, and despite the fact Taylor Hall, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Chicago, Pittsburgh, and Boston that the Jets succumbed to the nearly and Jordan Eberle, the Oilers have have earned themselves a nostalgic unstoppable dynasty of Oilers in the found themselves consistently hitting event. playoffs, their valiant efforts from the the NHL’s basement.

1980s will now be celebrated over 35 The Heritage Classic could serve years later.

For the longas a reminder of what the modern In a much larger picture, it now Oilers may become one day. It’s hard means all seven Canadian teams will lived history of not to think of Oilers centre Connor have participated in an outdoor game McDavid’s generational talents as in their history. It’s even more impresthe Winnipeg a second coming of Gretzky, while sive in the case of the contemporary Jets, recognition Hall’s two-way style resembles that Winnipeg Jets, who were absent from of right winger Glenn Anderson, and the NHL scene for 15 years. After just and celebration goaltender Laurent Brossoit’s upside five seasons following a return to the is certainly long could one day match the longevity NHL, the heart of the Prairies will displayed by Grant Fuhr. take part in a game meant to celebrate overdue While the Oilers will likely take a their franchise history. nostalgic perspective for the Heritage It’s fair to say that other franchises Classic, the Jets will take more of a Even though the original that have achieved great success in modern outlook based on the history Winnipeg franchise rests in the des- the modern era such as Dallas and of the franchise. erts of Arizona, its remnants still Tampa Bay are worthy of an outdoor Winnipeg has never been involved remain embedded in the city that game. Yet, for the long-lived history in a novelty-themed hockey series gave birth to its history. of the Winnipeg Jets, recognition and since the original Jets took on the When the original Jets departed celebration is certainly long overdue.

Soviet national team in the late 1970s. for Phoenix in 1996, it appeared that