9 March 2016

MANITOBAN the

THE OFFICIAL UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA STUDENTS’ NEWSPAPER

NEWS

Mixing it up UMSU election results in second consecutive mixed slate Page 3-4

FEATURE

5 Days for RaY Asper students head campaign to combat youth homelessness Page 12

SPORTS

Snapping the slump Men’s basketball wins first playoff series in 15 years Page 23

VO L 1 0 2 · N O 2 5 · M A R C H 9 , 2 0 1 6 · W W W.T H E M A N I TO B A N .CO M

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Index

VOL. 102 NO. 25 March 9, 2016

NEWS

Hitting back

The Manitoban sits down with PC education critic Wayne Ewasko

page 7 EDITORIAL

Designed with everyone in mind

A discussion of accessible video games page 8

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 Evan Tremblay

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

JUNIOR COPY EDITOR Sarah Doran

DESIGN

DESIGN EDITOR Bradly Wohlgemuth

design@themanitoban.com

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

REPORTERS

SCIENCE

The science of synthesis

U of M prof designs and synthesizes new molecules page 15

CORRECTION

In "Talking transportation" (March 2, page 7), Coun.

Janice Lukes was misquoted.

The original text quoted her as saying “Transit people don’t care about the sidewalk, the sidewalk people don’t care about

the transit. In all, it helps me to do my job better and that is really important.”

Lukes actually said “There's transit people that maybe don’t care about the sidewalks.

The sidewalk people maybe don’t care about transit. There's different groups of people in these conversations, but it helps me do my job better. I think that's really important.”

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

Will Landon Jeremiah Kopp Sari Habiluk Anthony Labonte

Leif Norman Chris Zuk Caroline Norman

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

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

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News

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

Tanjit Nagra wins presidency, will lead majority Strong UMSU executive in 2016-17 Mixed slate elected for second consecutive year after narrow vote margins, recount CRAIG ADOLPHE, STAFF

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or the second year in a row students have elected a mixed slate executive to lead the University of Manitoba Students’ Union (UMSU).

The incoming executive will be led by president-elect and current Arts Student Body Council president Tanjit Nagra.

In an extremely tight race – in which the margin between first and second place candidates was smaller than the number of spoiled ballots for four of the five executive posi-

tions – two candidates from UMSU For You and Strong UMSU each won a plurality of votes in the initial count.

For the final position, vicepresident internal, two candidates (Harrison Katz of UMSU For You and Adam Pawlak of Strong UMSU) tied in the initial count with 1,161 votes each. A recount that extended into early Saturday morning put Strong UMSU’s Pawlak ahead by nine votes.

The final results were:

President

Tanjit Nagra, UMSU For You – 1,029 votes (28.0 per cent) – ELECTED Astitwa Thapa, Strong UMSU – 990 votes (27.0 per cent) Niall Harney, UMSU Forward – 847 votes (23.1 per cent) Zachary LeClerc, Zach for Pres – 463 votes (12.6 per cent) Andrew Fenwick, Take Back – 334 votes (9.1 per cent) Spoiled ballots – 97

Vice-president advocacy

Allison Kilgour, UMSU For You – 1,215 votes (33.9 per cent) Dara Hallock, Strong UMSU – 1,229 votes (34.3 per cent) – ELECTED Ashley Penner, UMSU Forward – 1,144 votes (31.9 per cent) Spoiled ballots – 172

Vice-president external

Wilfred Sam-King, UMSU For You – 1,299 votes (36.0 per cent) – ELECTED Bénédicte LeMaître, Strong UMSU – 1,208 votes (33.4 per cent) Hannah James, UMSU Forward – 1,106 votes (30.6 per cent) Spoiled ballots – 147

Vice-president internal

Harrison Katz, UMSU For You – 1,161 votes (32.1 per cent) Adam Pawlak, Strong UMSU – 1,170 votes (32.3 per cent) – ELECTED Anatol Rennie, UMSU Forward – 914 votes (25.3 per cent) Nick Kuznetsov, Take Back – 373 votes (10.3 per cent) Spoiled ballots – 142

Vice-president student services

Ashley Richard, UMSU For You – 1,062 votes (29.2 per cent) Jessica Smith, Strong UMSU – 1,271 votes (35.0 per cent) – ELECTED Michaela Bohunicky, UMSU Forward – 939 votes (25.9 per cent) Shahab Valipour, Take Back – 360 votes (9.9 per cent) Spoiled ballots – 128

Community representatives

Tanjit Nagra, incoming president

PHOTO BY MEGAN COLWELL

Five community representative positions – Aboriginal, international, LGBTTQ*, students living with disabilities, and womyn – were open for nomination. Only four received nominations, with three of the positions going uncontested. The international students’ representative position, which was contested, was put to a recount after the initial count registered a difference of only 9 votes – a 1.2 per cent difference.

Contested – international students’ representative Masroor Khan, international students representative – 367 votes (49.0 per cent) Steffan Aganbi, international students representative – 380 votes (51 per cent) – ELECTED

Uncontested – students living with disabilities, LGBTTQ*, and womyn’s representative Alan Bridgeman, students living with disabilities representative – 85.4 per cent (181 yes; 31 no) – ELECTED Theo De Silva, LGBTTQ* representative – 89.5 per cent (314 yes; 37 no) – ELECTED Smriti Kunwar, womyn’s representative – 88.8 per cent (1,591 yes; 201 no) – ELECTED

Adam Pawlak, incoming vice-president internal

Wilfred Sam-King, incoming vice-president external

Dara Hallock, incoming vice-president advocacy

Jessica Smith, incoming vice-president student services

No candidates were nominated for the position of Aboriginal representative. UMSU council is expected to open nominations and select a candidate to fill the position for the coming year sometime after May.

Referendums

The University of Manitoba’s chapter of the World University Service of Canada had their $2.50 fee increase pass by referendum with 66.6 per cent of the vote (2,446 yes; 1,224 no; 84 spoiled).

Campus radio station 101.5 UMFM had its proposed $1.50 fee increase defeated with only 45.6 per cent of voters supporting the motion (1,686 yes; 2,016 no; 61 spoiled).

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News

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

Mixed UMSU executive vows to work together Following turbulent campaign and razor-thin election, mixed-slate leadership elected GARETT WILLIAMS, STAFF

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fter students elected a mixed- didate Ashley Smith. slate executive to lead the All those elected will serve their University of Manitoba Students’ first term on the executive.

Union (UMSU) for the second consecutive year, candidates who once “Everyone is elected traded barbs on the campaign trail will have to come together to steer to their position the union’s agenda as a unified front. for a reason and Following three days of voting, UMSU For You presidential nomi- I hope that the nee Tanjit Nagra was elected with executives that a razor-thin margin of less than 40 votes. Wilfred Sam-King, who was were elected feel elected vice-president external, is the the same way and only other UMSU For You candidate to win a seat. they’re ready to get The positions of vice-president advocacy, vice-president internal, work done” – Tanjit and vice-president student services Nagra, incoming all went to Strong UMSU candidates Dara Hallock, Adam Pawlak, and president, UMSU Jessica Smith, respectively.

After Pawlak finished the initial count tied with UMSU For You’s While Nagra and Hallock were Harrison Katz, a recount was called involved in one of the more turbulent for all executive positions. Pawlak exchanges at a candidates’ forum Feb. emerged from the second tally with 25, Nagra said it’s incumbent on all a nine-vote lead. The widest mar- the new executive members to put gin for any position was 209 ballots the campaign behind them and look between Smith and UMSU For You ahead. vice-president student services can“I hope that, regardless of which

slate everyone ran on, all the elected members feel the same way and that we can get along and do our duty to serve the 25,000-plus students here at the U of M,” she said.

“Everyone is elected to their position for a reason and I hope that the executives that were elected feel the same way and they’re ready to get work done. The election campaign is work in itself but the real work is the upcoming year and [carrying out] our mandate from the students.”

Hallock admitted the forum exposed a potential division in the leadership but said the executive will reflect the will of the student body that elected it, saying “the majority of the time, we had a lot of respect for each other.”

“As far as I’m concerned, we’ve just got to push everything aside [and] think about what is actually best for students,” she said. “I mean, any executive, mixed or not, is going to have differences eventually but the point is you’ve just got to get over that.

Personalities, you’ve got to put that aside as well and focus on what’s best for students.”

Pawlak agreed, saying “obviously,

there’s going to be some personal things to overcome but I’m pretty confident that we can.”

“As far as I’m concerned, we’ve just got to push everything aside [and] think about what is actually best for students” – Dara Hallock, incoming vice-president advocacy, UMSU “The students elected us five because they feel that we’re the best in our respective positions to move forward,” he said. “I’m pretty confident we can work together. We all want the best for the student body.”

All the elected executives said a priority for the union moving forward must be promoting itself on the

campus to bring more students into the fold.

“I think it’s time that students took a bit more initiative to actually educate themselves on who’s representing them,” said Nagra. “You pay quite a chunk of student fees – and student fees will be even higher in the fall term – so it’s a matter of understanding you’re a member of this union, you have a duty as a member to make sure you’re electing accountable people into those roles and to ensure that you have your voice heard by casting that ballot.”

Pawlak said bringing more students to the ballot box is a priority.

“I don’t think anything is off the table,” he said. “I think we have to look at every single thing, the whole structure of the system and also improving voter turnout in general through social media, through technology, use that to our advantage, and then move forward because voter turnout is very important.”

Momentum slate takes three of four seats on UWSA executive Mixed-slate executive elected in University of Winnipeg Students’ Association’s general election SEAMUS HAMILTON-PATTISON, STAFF

PHOTO BY CAROLYNE KROEKER

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he final results of the 2016 University of Winnipeg Students’ Association (UWSA) General Election saw three-fourths of the Momentum slate’s candidates elected to their respective executive positions.

Last year’s election saw the entire One Voice slate elected to the UWSA executive, of which only one member chose to run again.

Kevin Settee, the current UWSA vice-president external affairs, ran

uncontested for president, and was elected with 614 votes.

Vice-president external affairs candidate and fellow Momentum slate member Sadie-Phoenix Lavoie was also unopposed, and was elected

to her position with 604 votes.

189), but UWSA chief elections comMomentum’s vice-president stu- missioner Myles Smith advised that dent affairs candidate Laura Garinger the position would be subject to a beat out Alexa Potashnik (one of two recount the evening of March 4. members of the competing United Mohamed Behi (accessibilVoice slate) for the position, garnering ity director), Mitchell van Ineveld 404 votes to Potashnik’s 257. (business and economics direcThe only member of Momentum tor), Abigail Pudwill and Andrew who will not take office next school Vineberg (community liaisons), year is vice-president internal candi- Allan Dunkeld (education director), date Johnathan Northam, who was Jacqueline Pelland (LGBT director), narrowly beaten out by United Voice’s Jade DeFehr (status of women direcother member, David Fanhbulleh. tor) and Laura Gurbhoo and Hazim Fanhbulleh received 362 votes, while Ismail (part-time/mature students Northam only received 303. directors) all ran unopposed, and Adrienne Tessier beat out Julianne all were successfully elected to their Petrasko and Sydney Christie for the respective positions on the UWSA position of arts director, walking board of directors. away with 344 votes to Petrasko and David Wiebe was elected to the U Christie’s 282. of W senate with 587 votes.

Oladele Ojewole will serve as Only 8.2 per cent of the student union’s new environmental ethics body voted in this year’s election, a director after receiving 381 votes to jarring drop from the previous year’s Avery Letkeman’s 248.

14 per cent turnout.

The position of science director was the most hotly contested in the election with Mohamed Abo Aoun, Raphael Hoult, and the team of Meghan Fehr and Lochlan Wilson all running for the position.

Aoun was declared the victor after a recount. He had 247 votes to Fehr and Wilson’s 246 (trailed by Hoult’s

VOL. 102 NO. 25 March 9, 2016

News

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YikYak reveals ugly side of social media apps on campus New app used to spread rude comments, sexist remarks about UMSU candidates SHREYA GHIMIRE, STAFF

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ocial media has been a part of However, UManitoba Confessions campus life at the University of 2.0 is still up and running, though Manitoba for years – but some new they have been posting less frequently apps are exposing the darker side of than before, with the most recent post social media platforms that allow being from a month ago.

YikYak, another place for people anonymous users to publicly mock and deride their fellow students. to make anonymous posts based on One of those apps is YikYak, a where they go to school, has in many social media platform established in ways replaced it.

2013 that allows users to communicate Like UManitoba Confessions, on a discussion thread that is only YikYak is especially appealing to uniaccessible to those within a 1.5-mile versity students because it’s a place radius. for people to read about issues and YikYak has generated considerable comments specific to their campus, controversy in primary and secondary promoting a sort of campus culture schools in North America, resulting among the student body, where jokes in the app being banned from several and stories tend to revolve around life schools over so-called cyberbullying at the U of M. concerns.

There was a lockdown at an Ottawa school in January when a “I would walk around gun reference popped up on YikYak, campus and people and police in Charlottetown have reported that many students are would look at me refusing to go to school because and I would wonder they cannot take being exposed to the comments on the app’s discusif they were the ones sion thread. writing things about Last week, the ugly side of the app was exposed at the U of M me on YikYak, and after students took to YikYak to discuss the candidates running for I always felt quite the executive of the University of uncomfortable” – Manitoba Students’ Union (UMSU).

Comments about the women runBénédicte LeMaître, ning for UMSU executive positions former UMSU viceranged from debates on the attractiveness of candidates to assumptions president external about their intelligence due to their candidate physical appearance as well as explicit specialist in new media, expressed sexual comments. concern but also cautioned against Among those on the receiving viewing these apps as inherently end of these remarks was Bénédicte Just last week alone, posts ranged nefarious.

LeMaître, a candidate for vice-pres- from complaints about long lines as “Students have always sought out ident external as part of the Strong Starbucks to the weather. However, ways to communicate that are out of UMSU slate. LeMaître, who gar- students also posted explicit attacks reach from parents and teachers – in nered 1,208 votes, lost the election on women, international students, many ways, YikYak is the modernto Wilfred Sam-King, who received indigenous people, and other demo- day equivalent of passing notes in the 1,299 votes. graphic groups on campus. classroom,” she told the Manitoban “This affected my campaigning Kelsey Hrappstead-Rimke, a U of in an email. because I constantly felt like I was M student and YikYak user, told the “With an anonymous note in class, under scrutiny by students at the uni- Manitoban that the app is especially one is able to narrow the perpetrator versity. I would walk around campus popular among students in residence. down to the 30 or so people in the and people would look at me and I “We would all sit around and see classroom. On an app like YikYak, would wonder if they were the ones what was on there, because often- that’s nearly impossible.” writing things about me on YikYak, times you can see what’s going on When asked how universities can and I always felt quite uncomfortable,” really close to you,” she said. respond to this issue, Clary-Lemon LeMaître said.

“Lots of times it was a way to fig- emphasized that these apps need “Anytime I did something, it ure out where the parties are before to be put in their context: YikYak would either become criticized or socials and things like that.” is what Myspace was a decade ago. sexualized on YikYak.” Trevor Toffan, a U of M student And because university students are and former YikYak user, said that the adults, universities should treat them From UManitoba anonymity of users means that many as such and not take steps to ban the Confessions to YikYak students feel they can make rude and app or to use other coercive measures.

These kinds of posts are not new racist comments that they would not “One of the best ways to spoil a at the U of M and, as reported by post elsewhere. good back-channel gossip mill for the Manitoban two years ago, they “It’s part of the allure for some peo- students is to make it a place for were prevalent on the UManitoba ple because a lot of people are scared everyone – that means that faculty, Confessions and UManitoba to voice their opinions on Twitter, student services, administrators, Confessions 2.0 pages on Facebook. for instance, where it can be traced university communications, and At the time, the Manitoban spoke back to you as a person. I think it marketing departments all need to to the anonymous administrators of gives cowardly people an outlet on start using the technology,” Clarythese pages, who publish the sub- the Internet,” Toffan said.

Lemon said. missions they get from students “In general it’s an okay thing as “In using anonymous geolocative anonymously. long as people don’t act on what they virtual spaces for a variety of means According to the Manitoban’s ear- say. Some people just need to get it to situate university life – rather lier coverage, sexist and racist confes- out of their system.” than only to fuel gossip, hatred, or sions get a substantial number likes Jennifer Clary-Lemon, associate fear without repercussion by those and shares. professor in the department of rhet- between the ages of 18-24 – we not The UManitoba Confessions oric, writing, and communications only undergird their communitypage has been inactive since May. at the University of Winnipeg and oriented, communicative function,

GRAPHIC BY JONDELL COOMBS

but we also make that anonymous gossip-mongering note a lot less fun to pass around.”

U of M response

Despite the growing popularity of social media, and the controversy surrounding YikYak in particular, the U of M doesn’t have a broad social media policy applicable to the entire campus.

According to Karen Meelker, access and privacy officer at the U of M, while certain faculties may have their own faculty-specific social media policies, there is currently no overarching one for the university.

Meelker also told the Manitoban that even though the university is a public space and students can take photos on campus, photos taken with the intent of publicly shaming someone crosses the line into disrespect, and can therefore be addressed by the U of M’s Respectful Work and Learning Environment (RWLE) policy.

According to Jackie Gruber, human rights and conflict management officer at the U of M, online activity can trigger the policy if a complainant brings it forward through the human rights and conflict management office as a case of discrimination, sexual harassment, or personal harassment.

Students who post sexist, racist, or homophobic content can be investigated and disciplined because the comments made would be considered a form of discrimination, she said.

The RLWE policy is in the con-

sultation stage of its revision as part of the larger behavioural policy review process that the university is undertaking.

According to Gruber, the revised policy will be more specific and clear about its ability to respond to incidents of disrespect that occur on social media to ensure that students are more aware of their responsibilities to each other.

According to Meelker and Gruber, their offices work closely together when incidents occur online that may breach either the privacy policy, RWLE policy, or both. It is largely done on a case-by-case basis.

When asked what can be done when these policies are breached by someone who is anonymous, like on YikYak, both Gruber and Meelker acknowledged the difficulties this posed, and the unique way anonymity can encourage disrespect or prompt generally unacceptable comments from students who feel empowered by the knowledge that the post cannot be traced back to them.

Meelker noted that when there have been extreme cases on other campuses in North America, such as when threats are made, the YikYak company has willingly worked with police and universities to hand over the identities of the individuals making the threats. Therefore, students should not rely on the assumption that their anonymity is protected at all costs when they post socially unacceptable content on YikYak.

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News

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

Universal transit pass on track for fall 2016 roll-out Negotiations for discounted transit program entering final stages OSHO SAMUEL ADETUNJI, STAFF

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opes of having the universal transit pass (U-Pass) available to university students in Winnipeg for the fall of 2016 have surged as negotiations between the city transit authorities and university administrations and students draw closer to their final stage.

In November 2014, Winnipeg students signalled approval for a

to each university’s student unions for final approval. The draft offers full transit passes to students of both schools for a fee of $260 for a full school year.

According to Zach LeClerc, vicepresident internal for the University of Manitoba Students’ Union (UMSU), the four-year agreement at $130 per term shaves more than $300 off a regularly priced transit pass, which would run $560 for the school year.

He noted UMSU and UMGSA are in talks to make UMSU the signatory for both organizations “because UMSU has more resources in the university to take over and implement the plan in co-ordination with PHOTO BY CAROLYNE KROEKER the needs of the graduate students.”

LeClerc told the Manitoban legal U-Pass through referendum votes teams for the U of M and the U-Pass at both the University of Manitoba Working Group are reviewing the and the University of Winnipeg. The draft statement to ensure everything University of Manitoba Graduate is in place.

“Hopefully in the next week or two Students’ Association (UMGSA) also voted in support of the program. we will be done with that [and] we City council endorsed the initiative will have a compiled agreement on in March 2015. our side [identifying] what our needs In January, the city’s transit are to send back to transit,” he said. department sent draft agreements “We are hoping to have an agreement

finalized by early to mid-April.”

Emily Epp, the University of LcClerc noted full-time stu- Winnipeg Students’ Association dents who are members of UMSU (UWSA) vice-president internal or UMGSA will benefit from the affairs, said the association is awaitprogram. ing response from the transit depart“Not all students are required to ment on proposed amendments. pay this,” he said, noting part-time “We have met with Winnipeg students won’t have access to the dis- Transit and voiced our concerns counted pass. about the agreement,” Epp told the Manitoban in an email.

“They shared some of our same “We are hoping to concerns and seemed amenable to most of our proposals. Winnipeg have an agreement Transit will be taking our concerns to finalized by early their legal department and we expect a response within the next few weeks.” to mid-April” – Epp declined to comment on Zach LeClerc, specific concerns being addressed in negotiation, citing confidentiality. vice-president Alissa Clark, a spokeswoman for internal, UMSU the city, said in an email negotiations are on track for a fall roll-out.

“We continue to work with both For full time students, opt-outs institutions and their student unions will be available for those meeting to finalize the terms of the agreeone of three criteria: living outside ment,” she said. “Eligible students the City of Winnipeg, being cur- will receive a U-Pass in September rently registered with the Canadian 2016.”

National Institute for the Blind, or being employed by Winnipeg Transit.

Master’s in indigenous knowledges to launch in the fall After nearly 10 years of consultation, funding has been secured for first program of its kind in Manitoba SHAWN GARBUTT, STAFF

PHOTO BY CHANTAL ZDAN

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fter nearly a decade of laying the groundwork, the University of Manitoba is ready to offer a master’s degree in social work specializing in indigenous knowledges (MSW-IK).

Following many rounds of consultation with various community groups, including conversations with academics, indigenous people, and administrative bodies, the U of M will be officially offering the program in the 2016 fall academic term.

Accommodating up to 18 students,

the program is unique in the way it will integrate teaching from both professors and elders in the indigenous community at large. Additionally, the specialized master’s program will emphasize the interpersonal skills of social work practitioners.

There are currently three universities in Canada offering an indigenous-based master’s in social work – the University of Regina, University of Victoria, and Wilfrid Laurier University. This will be the

first program of its kind in Manitoba.

Though the program has now been approved, critics have complained the process of developing the program has taken too long.

The program’s architects, however, disagree. Jim Mulvale, dean of social work at the U of M, said the university faced a number of obstacles formulating the program, noting “budgetary contractions” are among them. However, he said he believes the university managed its

time adeptly through the implemen- geting for a provision of approxitation stages. mately $600,000 in annual baseline “It just takes time to propose brand funding. The majority of the sum is new programs,” said Mulvale, going being allocated for salaries for the on to say even the process of modify- university to hire the staff necessary ing existing programs takes a great to oversee the program. deal of time.

“Ordinarily, if money is required Mulvale added there are careful for a course, it takes two years to processes to be navigated developing get approval just for that stage,” said new programs but said, in the end, Collins, remarking that the MSW-IK they lead to stronger proposals. managed to escape electoral politics David Collins, U of M vice- and the related delays as the program provost of integrated planning and has been identified by the univeracademic programs, agreed, noting sity and Winnipeg community as a careful attention was paid developing priority. the program.

It is unclear whether or not a “It was just lengthy in the gesta- turnover in government would affect tion phase, in discussing what it the implementation of the program. was,” said Collins, who praised the Both Mulvale and Collins stated the relatively rapid course the program April election is unlikely to have any took through university administra- negative repercussions on the delivertive bodies. ance of the MSW-IK, as it has been “It’s a very new course and provides expected for some time. a different way of instruction, which Mulvale said he hopes to see required some clarification, but it was the program in existence come fall approved by the university as a major regardless of which political party priority and went through govern- forms government in the spring, sayment fairly quickly.” ing this academic discipline is necesTypically, upstart post-secondary sary and overdue. programs take time to earn approval “The future will unfold as it will, from government officials as they but I think there is broad consenusually come alongside a request for sus in the community and certainly funding. in the university that these kinds of Manitoba’s Department of programs and other indigenous iniEducation and Advanced Learning tiatives, too, are so necessary for the approved the program’s funding future of the province.” request in January of this year, bud-

VOL. 102 NO. 25 March 9, 2016

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Tory education critic hits back after NDP criticisms Wayne Ewasko calls for greater collaboration; non-committal on tuition fee increase, student loan interest, post-secondary funding GARETT WILLIAMS, STAFF

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ith a provincial election only a go and vote-buy, just like the minister to more people that maybe felt that little more than a month away of education is doing and the premier, post-secondary education – whether and with polls showing the incum- or I can tell you we’re going to take it’s at the university or at the college bent NDP government behind the a very responsible approach to this. level – was not attainable to them. surging Progressive Conservatives, We’re going to take a look once we there could be a new government get into government April 20, and Indigenous education controlling Manitoba’s finances after take a look at how deep the hole is. M: Minister Allum called the PC ballots are counted April 19.

We already know it’s bad [...] We need party and a PC government authoriUpon first taking office in 1999, to take a good look at that and have tarian in the way it would approach the New Democrats cut tuition fees conversations about how do we see post-secondary concerns. How do by 10 per cent and froze increases this moving forward. you respond to that? for nearly a decade – bringing the fees Manitoba students pay among M: Do you think easing the tether E: Isn’t that the pot calling the kettle the lowest nationally – before thaw- between inflation and tuition fees, black, when he would say something ing the freeze and limiting tuition allowing them to increase, would like that? And I don’t want to get increases to the rate of inflation in help alleviate some of the concerns into total personal attacks on the 2009. The NDP also eliminated universities have in terms of meeting minister or even the premier. Let’s interest from the provincial portion their budget requirements? just go on the words and the actions. of student loans beginning in 2015.

What’s happened here? On the one The University of Manitoba E: The numbers that we’ve heard – hand, he’s saying that we’re authoritrimmed its 2015-16 operating bud- and of course the minister and the tarian but yet he’s the minister who get by four per cent and has sig- department wouldn’t share these squashed COPSE, the Council on nalled a further four per cent is on figures – but the numbers that we’ve Post-Secondary Education, and the chopping block this year. David heard is that if you bring it up to the brought it right into the department.

Barnard, president of the U of M, national average, which would be He is the one that has gone ahead has said tuition fees and provincial close to where Saskatchewan is, you and made various bills and laws that operating grants haven’t kept up with would bring in $40-60 million more have basically given the absolute, final to address indigenous education? demand and has called on increasing revenue into the post-secondary insti- decision to the minister.

Manitoba tuition to a level more in tutions. Now, again, those are converHe is the one that, in your inter- E: I think we need, not to take a politline with the national average. sations that will have to happen and view, said in regards to Aboriginal ical word, but a balanced approach to The Manitoban sat down with we will have to bring everybody into education, that “there was a demand it. The K-12 system, I was involved in Wayne Ewasko, who is the MLA for the fold. Because, again, you want from the student community that the Aboriginal education commitLac du Bonnet as well as the PC critic to make sure that post-secondary this is something that the univer- tee for Sunrise school division for six for education and advanced learning education is accessible to everybody sity needed to do and if that same years. I saw a lot of great ideas being and a U of M alumnus, to discuss so you have to make sure that those demand happens at the University promoted from within the departTory priorities on the post-secondary conditions are there and, at the same of Manitoba, one would expect that ment, within the curriculum branch. education file, including tuition fees time, maintain the quality. they would follow suit.” This is his But what I did find, once I got on and student support packages.

The minister of education and mentality. This is the NDP govern- that committee, was that nobody ever Ewasko, a teacher in Manitoba for the premier, when they went door- ment’s, the Selinger government’s, made sure that it was happening. So 17 years, also took the opportunity to knocking in 2011, promised the mentality: if you demand it, if you there’s a lot of great documents out respond to criticisms levelled against universities five, five, and five [per speak loud enough, you should get there, a lot of good educational tools. him and the PC party by NDP cent increases in government grants it. This is their thought process. As The treaty commissioner, the curricuEducation Minister James Allum in between 2011-2013]. They broke that opposed to actually sitting down with lum that’s going to be coming out in an interview with the Manitoban two promise. They went door-to-door the very people that have a stake in regards to teaching about treaties, it’s weeks ago. Allum charged the elec- knocking and said “we’re not going to this – students, professors, teachers, going to be a lot of good stuff. tion of a PC government would result raise taxes.” They broke that promise. instructors, parents. Collaboration.

We need to make sure that is getin higher costs to students and less ting taught. So then you move on to provincial support for post-secondary Student loans and post-secondary institutions, specifiinstitutions, among other criticisms. support packages cally universities – you mentioned U “This is the NDP of W, that’s a good initiative. [At] the M: To go back to support packages for Tuition fees University of Manitoba, off the top students, 2015 is the first year that the government’s, MANITOBAN: The University of Manitoba portion of student loans of my head, I don’t know how many the Selinger Manitoba is preparing for a second are interest-free. Will that continue courses are offered that already have round of four per cent operating bud- under a PC government? indigenous education incorporated government’s, get cuts and president David Barnard into them but that’s part of the conhas said tuition fees in Manitoba E: It was an interesting announce- mentality: if you versation as well. haven’t kept up with the university’s ment by the minister. Interest-free How many students are takdemand it, if you needs. Tuition fees in Manitoba are student loans. So, that again, is someing courses already that have an speak loud enough, among the bottom three nationally thing, much like the tuition increases Aboriginal perspective or an indigand increases are capped at inflation. or anything along those lines, that enous component? Is this even someyou should get it” – Where do you stand on tuition fees? we’re going to be having conversathing that needs to be mandated? The minister is all about top-down, “thou tions about once we get in. We have Wayne Ewasko, PC EWASKO: That is something that looked at those interest rates. We did, shalt.” Well, I don’t think those coneducation critic we’re going to be looking at. I have about a year and a half ago, talk about versations necessarily have happened chatted with Michael Barkman, interest-free loans to see if there were [...] These post-secondary institutions [chairperson] from the Canadian various different levels in how you have their own cultures within them Federation of Students [Manitoba could incorporate that to make it a M: On the indigenous education and so they need to adapt and I trust chapter], and one of their two main little bit easier on students once they issue, the U of W has the mandatory what a lot of these leaders within concerns – not necessarily concerns, got out into the workforce. indigenous credit requirement. The these institutions are able to do. but things that they are hoping for U of M is currently in discussions – is they want to make sure that stu- M: As far as the bursary plan, is there about how to meet its own goals on Front and Centre campaign dents’ accessibility to post-secondary anything you can tell me toward that front: whether it’s going to be a M: In an interview with the education is affordable. But at the what that might look like under a credit requirement or more integra- Manitoban in February, the minsame time, the other thing that he Progressive Conservative govern- tion into existing curriculum. You ister of education and advanced mentioned is he wants to see con- ment? Or is that going to wait until have said before that you want to see learning James Allum told us that a sistent funding to post-secondary the election is underway? those issues addressed with a greater Progressive Conservative government institutions. So those two things, emphasis in grades K through 12. would not support the U of M Front you have to have those conversations. E: I think the little bit that I can tell Where do you stand now? What do and Centre fundraising campaign, I could promise you the moon and you is that it’s going to increase access you think is the most appropriate way which aims to raise $500 million.

PHOTO BY GARETT WILLIAMS

The NDP government has pledged $150 million to the campaign over a seven-year timeframe. The minister said, “Ewasko has made it quite clear that he doesn’t support the Front and Centre campaign and they would not have invested in it the way that we did.” Is that correct?

E: I’d like somebody to do a fact check and see where I ever said that we weren’t in favour of the Front and Centre campaign. The day that it was announced [...] was the homecoming dinner. In fact, I was the only MLA at the homecoming dinner at the University of Manitoba. I’m an alumnus. This amount of money that has been promised by the minister, it’s not like he showed up with a $150-million cheque and handed it over to the University of Manitoba and then it showed up on their budget as a $150-million minus on the books.

That’s not what happened.

Now the contributions: this is where the minister, if he was up front – and centre, no pun intended – with the whole $150 million, what he should have said is that $150 million is what the University of Manitoba is hoping that will be coming from the provincial government. Does that mean that all of a sudden it’s a $150-million cheque that is just turned over? No. For the minister to say in your interview with him that we are against the Front and Centre campaign, that couldn’t be farther from the truth. We actually applaud the university for stepping up and getting out there and doing some of these things.

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

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

Marijuana legalization in Canada is coming eventually Policy infrastructure needs to be in place before full legalization JILL PATTERSON, STAFF

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ince Justin Trudeau’s election there has been mounting pressure to see fulfilled his promise to legalize the recreational use of marijuana. Although the criminalization of marijuana has had more negative consequences than benefits, we still need to be mindful of the various legislative implications that full legalization would have.

As it stands now, in Canada it is legal to purchase and consume marijuana with a prescription, but it remains illegal and a criminal offense to do so without the proper paperwork.

We must distinguish between decriminalizing the drug and legalizing it. Marijuana, in some countries, is illegal but decriminalized, meaning that while not technically legal, there are no criminal penalties applied if you are caught with small amounts of it.

Legalization, on the other hand, means consuming the drug is allowed, and as a result frequently regulated by the government. It is important to understand the distinctions because they have very different social and economic implications. Trudeau has promised to fully legalize marijuana, but before that can be done there are several barriers and issues that need to be examined.

First and foremost, we need a large and extensive public education campaign to clear up many of the

myths that surrounding the drug. if – and under what circumstances Contrary to what many young people – recreational marijuana can be adverthink, marijuana can be harmful to tised, if there are to be various comthe body of a still-developing teen- panies and dispensaries involved in ager. Contrary to what many older producing and distributing the prodpeople think, marijuana does not act uct. Which leads to another issue: as a gateway drug leading to the use who can grow and sell it? of “harder” narcotics; it can in fact be In the case of alcohol, under cersafely consumed. tain circumstances individuals can We also need to remember that produce their own liquor for personal just because the drug may become use, but for other types of alcohol state-sanctioned does not mean that it is prohibited to make it in your it is safe to consume in any quantity. own home, and it is never permitAlcohol provides a good example of ted to sell the alcohol you make. We this: although it is legal to consume need to determine if there are any alcohol there is a long list of rules circumstances under which growdictating when it is not acceptable ing your own marijuana will be to consume it. allowed – though a recent ruling by Which leads me to my second the Supreme Court has indicated point: before marijuana is legalized that, at least for medical users, it is there needs to be an extensive policy unconstitutional to prohibit growing framework put in place in order to for personal use. properly regulate it. A big part of There are also retroactive implicathis framework will have to be laws tions regarding those who have been regulating when and under what cir- incarcerated for marijuana-related cumstances it is legal to use marijuana. offenses. What happens to these We would need to determine to what individuals once it is legalized? Will extent an individual can use the drug they be immediately issued pardons – what would constitute driving while and, if currently incarcerated, will under the influence? Where would they be released? From a moral stance people be allowed to use the drug, will these individuals be offered any and how? Can they ingest it or just restitution for being imprisoned smoke it? Can they consume it in “wrongly”? public or only in their own homes?

There are also more practical Will there be designated public areas questions and issues to be dealt with, where it will be legal to consume? such as prices. If the price is too high, As well, similar to alcohol and cig- people will look elsewhere for a more arettes, it will need to be determined affordable (and illegal) product. If

GRAPHIC BY EVAN TREMBLAY

the price is too low then there are lower tax revenues, and no incentive to produce it.

Although legalizing marijuana would have significant benefits for society, it most likely will not be the utopian pot-smoking stoner society everyone is imagining. It will likely still be illegal to smoke in public and to grow your own stash. The legalization of marijuana will probably look

a lot like that of alcohol: it can only be used in the home and designated areas, and will not be openly advertised or available to just anyone. In fact, it may become more difficult for youth to access and we may end up with stiffer penalties for people using the drug illegally. Legalization of marijuana necessarily means regulation, so be careful what you wish for.

Why Bernie Sanders is getting the young feminist vote An American in Manitoba explains SARAH DORAN, STAFF

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he 2016 U.S. presidential race is no less – can be before solidarity is taken out of the picture.

– and, indeed, the era of older femi- their specific troubles, or those who shaping up to be one of the most less important than politics.

But that’s just LGBTTQ* matters. nists – because that’s when she really fall on the LGBTTQ* spectrum and bizarre elections in recent memory.

But there’s a problem with just How about racial discrimination? exploded onto the scene. Sure, she theirs. Every person should be equal The nominee currently leading the assuming that Sanders appeals to In August 2015, Black Lives Matter says she’s updated her ideas to be to every other person.

Republican party is delusional racist younger feminists (and young voters activists interrupted a rally where relevant now, but I’d rather have a With Sanders, there’s a precedent peacock Donald Trump. The deni- in general) solely based on his plat- Sanders was due to speak and criti- candidate whose views have aligned of change for everyone. With Clinton, zens of the Internet have gleefully form. By all accounts that’s part of his cized his treatment of the issue. Sanders with mine for a significant period there’s every chance it’ll be just for seized upon a conspiracy in which popularity, but the truth goes deeper. apologized, which is par for the course of time. other white women.

Ted Cruz, another Republican nomiLet’s look at other marginalized when politicians make a blunder. But Feminism is the idea that men and nee, is really the Zodiac serial killer groups. Sanders has been supporting here’s the difference: Sanders then women should be equal. You can’t call Sarah Doran is an American student of the 1970s, with Illuminati-esque LGBTTQ* rights since at least 1983 hired Symone Sanders (no relation) to yourself a feminist if your feminism who will be voting in the upcoming memes popping up left and right. when, as mayor of Burlington, Vt., he be his national press secretary. does not include women of colour and election And I, given the chance to vote for held the city’s first Pride parade. He Why is that important? Symone potentially the first female president voted against “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Sanders is a young black woman who in American history, am doing my in 1993, and the Defense of Marriage left the Campaign for Juvenile Justice best to elect another old, white man. Act in 1996, which legally defined for Bernie Sanders’s campaign. She’s I’m a Bernie Sanders fan. I’m also marriage as a heterosexual institution also a Black Lives Matter activist. a feminist. and allowed states to refuse recogni- And almost immediately after she As Jill Patterson points out in her tion to same-sex marriages performed joined, the Bernie 2016 campaign March 2 article “A vote for Clinton in other states. website released a comprehensive isn’t a vote for equality for women,” Guess who signed both of those racial justice page. whether or not these two positions into law? Bill Clinton. True, Hillary In other words, when voters are contradictory has become a matter Clinton’s husband’s views are not nec- pointed out a problem with his platof somewhat heated debate. It’s true essarily her own, but Clinton herself form, Sanders reached out to the that older feminists see it as only right admitted to opposing gay marriage affected community and listened to that women should support other as recently as 2013. what they had to say. If he does this women. And that’s generally a good I don’t know about anyone else, for one marginalized group, there’s an sentiment. The divide comes up in but I’m much more inclined to trust excellent chance he’ll do it for another. regards to exactly how different from Sanders on his platform of social jusFor many young feminists, one’s own views a political candidate tice than Clinton given their pedi- Clinton is too firmly entrenched – for the highest office in the nation, grees, even if feminism is completely in the politics of her husband’s era GRAPHIC BY JONDELL COOMBS

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

The lack of indigenous student engagement Getting involved is worth it, for yourself and future generations WAABISHKIGAABO

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oozhoo, Waabishkigaabo nindizhinikaaz Biizu ndoodem, Wauzhushk Onigum Indoonji-baa.

I am writing this article in response to there being no candidate to fill the Aboriginal student representative position on UMSU council during this year’s election. I hope to provide encouraging words for our current indigenous students who are thinking about getting involved, and for those who have no wish to be involved.

With the talk of “reconciliation,” “indigenizing the campus,” the increasing recognition that the university sits on Treaty 1 land, and more seats on councils across the university, the requisite tools and spaces are there for indigenous students to become engaged. The big question is, why are indigenous students still disengaged from campus life?

Indigenous students have the lowest turnout in elections, council events, and university events. I do not state these as fact, but as observations made by myself, indigenous colleagues, and others. This article is not meant to condemn indigenous students for not engaging, but to provide encouragement for those who feel they can’t get involved, for one reason or another.

Indigenous students make up the highest percentage of student parents in this institution. I am one of these parents. It can be difficult being away from your child; I spend the majority of my time in Winnipeg whilst my

daughter is in Kenora and it is stressful and disheartening. I myself have trouble maintaining a balance, and at times consider quitting university altogether. This is one of the most common reasons I hear for why indigenous students do not get involved, and it is the most valid point I have come across. To combat this I remember that the harder I work, the more I do, the better life I can give my child in the future. Hardship always has a payoff in some way.

the experience.

Coming from small-town Kenora to the “big” city was tough. I felt isolated and like I had no friends. For many indigenous students, particularly those just coming from a reserve, the university can be an intimidating place. Indigenous students that I have spoken to have felt out of place, shy, or disengaged from student life. This is an issue that those who are involved, including myself, have been trying to rectify.

I encourage indigenous students to come by Migizii Agamik. I met The requisite tools my closest university friends in this building, and the staff there are and spaces are always supportive of new and senior students. The University of Manitoba there for indigenous Aboriginal Students’ Association students to puts on great events for indigenous and non-indigenous students to minbecome engaged gle and learn in a safe, inviting space.

It only takes a simple “hello” to begin Secondly, students are often making new friends in this building loaded with classes, readings, home- and find ways to become engaged. work, and exams. This is a very good The university experience is what reason not to get involved, and I you want it to be: if you wish to not would never encourage others to go be involved, get your degree and leave, above and beyond in engagement if that is your choice. My article is not it would hurt their grades and their to try to sway you or put down those future. Admittedly I have missed not involved. These are once again my an assignment or two, slept in and experiences and observations. I just missed a class, or stayed up for 40 hope to provide you with encouragehours with a minimum of sleep. This ment and pass what little wisdom I is how I have chosen to engage in have. my university life. While it has been The biggest point I will try to get stressful and tiring, I can only feel across is that engagement can be like I have grown and benefited from as much as you want it to be. I do

not encourage overloading yourself with council meetings when you are bogged down by readings, homework, and class. I do not encourage attending nightly events or talks if you can’t find someone to babysit for your child or if you cannot take them with you.

I can go on and on about what I do not encourage, but I will encourage you to do this: find a way to engage on what works best for you and your schedule. Something as simple as voting, which takes a maximum of 15 minutes to do, or engaging in the policy platforms of candidates that can affect your experience at this university.

Who will be the ones to hold the university, UMSU, and councils accountable as they talk about reconciliation and moving forward into a post-colonial environment?

If you think you can handle more than this build slowly, attend more events, join a council and see if you’d want to be an executive. It was a slow process for me; I came here not want-

ing to get involved, I just wanted to get my degree and leave. After a couple of events I saw the importance and the potential for the work that can be done at this university. Whether I have done anything important at all is a different story. All I know is that I tried and worked to make my university better.

Indigenous people have a unique relationship to the land the University of Manitoba sits on, and to the future generations that will walk these halls after us. Who will be the ones to hold the university, UMSU, and councils accountable as they talk about reconciliation and moving forward into a post-colonial environment? After you have left this university, what impact have you made for yourself and left for the future that follows you? The only one who can answer these questions is you. There is no guarantee that any one of us will make a change but what will we tell our future? That we didn’t try? Or will we be able to tell them truthfully that we tried, not just for ourselves, but for those generations to come?

Waabishkigaabo (Will Landon) is the outgoing Aboriginal student representative on UMSU council.

Features Features Editor: Lauren Siddall Contact: Me@themanitoban.com

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5 Days to combat youth homelessness Asper students head campaign to benefit Resource Assistance for Youth, increase fundraising goal LAUREN SIDDALL, STAFF

PHOTO BY LAUREN SIDDALL

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rom March 7 through 12, six University of Manitoba students will be living outside as part of the 5 Days for the Homeless initiative.

5 Days for the Homeless was founded by the University of Alberta’s school of business in 2005. The initiative quickly caught on, and business schools across Canada started taking part. Five “sleepers” live outside for five days to simulate the experience of homelessness in an attempt to raise money for local charities supporting homeless individuals, as well as raise awareness of the stigma surrounding homelessness.

This year, the co-ordinators for 5 Days for the Homeless have added extra events to try and make more of an impact and attract a larger crowd – including a five-kilometre run and a performance fundraiser.

The U of M chapter has set a lofty goal of $25,000 for their eighth year participating in the nation-wide initiative – $5,000 more than last year’s goal. All of the money raised throughout the campaign period will be donated to Resource Assistance for Youth (RaY), a non-profit organization working with youth experiencing homelessness in Winnipeg.

RaY, in addition to providing homeless youth a safe place to have a meal, take a shower, and do their laundry, also provides valuable resources such as job training. RaY also works with homeless youth and local landlords to help them come to a rental agreement and secure a place to live, in addition to addressing the issues associated with living

in a harsh environment that leads to the individual being homeless at a young age.

“RaY does a lot of great things there. We got to do a site visit and chat with some of these homeless youth. It was really a paradigm shift for me – it changed my perception to see how real it is,” said the U of M’s 5 Days for the Homeless co-chair George Semchuk.

they do have a big impact,” said “Being involved the last couple make every single faculty involved Dancho. years, the first thing I notice is that as much as we can, and make every Cam Teschuk, one of the sleep- stigma. We don’t want it to be seen single student aware of what we are ers this year, is also excited to get as a mockery of homelessness. We doing and that it is benefitting local involved with the campaign. understand that these individu- youths experiencing homelessness,” “This is an initiative that I’ve seen als sleeping outside are not going Dancho said. grow and evolve every year that I’ve through even close to what these “Once there’s that awareness out, been at this school, and it’s always individuals who are actually experi- people are very happy to help the something I’ve wanted to be a part of encing homelessness,” he said. cause. It is a great cause – it’s just a because it’s such a good cause – it’s an matter of making people aware of it,” initiative that I care about. To have added Semchuk. that experience as I’m now going into “It is a great cause Teschuk’s experience of preparthe workforce and moving on will ing for the initiative, he says, has “I got to know RaY – it’s just a matter help me spread what I’m going to been quite the opposite of Dancho learn to other communities outside and Semchuck’s experience on the really well and got of making people the university,” he said. administrative side. to see what they do aware of it” – As for the organization benefitting “I’ve tried to go out of my way to from the campaign, Teschuk couldn’t prepare as little as possible. It’s not an firsthand – they do George Semchuk, be happier. authentic experience if you’re planhave a big impact” 5 Days for the “I think what distinguishes this ning out what you’re going to wear campaign from Siloam Mission and everyday or what you’re going to eat, – Myles Dancho, Homeless co-chair Winnipeg Harvest initiatives is the or looking at the weather. I’ve tried 5 Days for the fact that it is directed at youth and to go in completely blank, trying to people our age. When you go to those To prepare for the upcoming simulate the experience as close as Homeless co-chair bigger charities and shelters, you see week of fundraising, Semchuk and possible in this unique atmosphere.” a lot of older people and people who Dancho have been working closely “The only real preparation that I have struggled with homelessness with the University of Manitoba have done is talk to people and try “These people are our age, and for a long time and you almost feel Students’ Union, and current presi- and raise awareness, just letting peodoing this campaign of simulating detached from them. But what’s dent Jeremiah Kopp specifically, to ple know about the campaign who the experience to raise awareness for unique about RaY is that you’ll try and establish corporate sponsors. haven’t heard about it before and it here at the university is a great way go and meet someone who’s been But, according to the co-chairs, the trying to get more people involved to help out and give to that awesome touched and affected by RaY, and main focus has been raising aware- outside of just the Asper school,” said charity that supports those youths,” it could be someone that you’ve met ness and promoting campus-wide Teschuk. he added. in class one day – that’s what it really involvement.

Semchuk ’s co-chair, Myles feels like,” he said.

“The overarching goal is definitely 5 Days for the Homeless is taking place Dancho, agrees. After being involved In his experience with the cam- awareness, and full-campus involve- from March 7 to 12. For more informawith the initiative for two years col- paign over the last few years, Dancho ment. Though it is facilitated by the tion, or to donate, visit 5days.ca/schools/ lecting donations, he has nothing but has also noticed the amount of stigma Asper school of business and the university-of-manitoba good things to say about 5 Days for surrounding homelessness, and Commerce Students’ Association, the Homeless, and the beneficiary. around the campaign specifically, that’s the way it’s been set up, our “I got to know RaY really well and which they are looking to address big thing this year has been to make got to see what they do firsthand – this year. it campus-wide. We’re trying to

Science & technology 14 Science & Technology Editor: Chantelle Dubois Contact: science@themanitoban.com

Chimpanzee activity may be ritualistic Theories abound after chimps filmed displaying odd behavior MALAK ABAS, STAFF

GRAPHIC BY BRAM KEAST

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himpanzees in West Africa have near trees with similar markings in been filmed throwing rocks at West Africa. trees. This alone seems not so unusual, The researchers observed chimbut the real mystery is that no one panzees flinging stones at tree trunks. knows why.

The video also showed other chimAfter discovering piles of stones panzees softly placing rocks at the up against trees with certain mark- base of the tree. They found chimings on them, scientists from the Max panzees displaying similar behavPlanck Institute for Evolutionary ior in several areas, but the trees Anthropology set up motion-acti- appeared to be specifically chosen vated cameras at four research sites for this activity.

Interestingly enough, this activity has not been observed anywhere besides West Africa. While it is known that chimpanzees use rocks as tools, this performance did not appear to aid the chimpanzees in foraging, mating, or even playing.

Laura Kehoe, a PhD researcher in wildlife conservation and land use at the Humboldt University of Berlin, was the first to discover this behavior.

“Nothing like this had been seen genetics, behaviour, and culture,” before and it gave me goose bumps,” said Hjalmar Kuehl of the Max Kehoe wrote in an article for Scientific Planck Institute for Evolutionary American.

Anthropology, in a news release for Theorizing on the purpose of this the study. activity has already begun, with a “The PanAf is only possible due study published in Scientific Reports to the numerous collaborations with in February. The study considers two chimpanzee researchers, field worktheories in particular. ers and national wildlife authorities The first is that throwing rocks in 14 countries across Africa.” could be a male display. The loud noise of the rock against tree bark The humanity of could be a way to attract females chimpanzees and intimidate other male chimps.

Chimpanzees are innately social However, not only adult male chimps creatures. They have a strong sense were observed throwing rocks, and of community and family ties, much the female and young chimps who like humans. Their similarities with were also doing it exhibited vocal human beings are stunning. Many behavior similar to the adult males. things that were once believed to be specifically human activities, such as the building of tools, are traits found in chimps as well. Chimps also kiss, Many things that hug, and hold hands. Humans and were once believed chimps have DNA that differs by only one per cent. to be specifically The throwing and placing of stones might be a similarly human human activities, activity that chimpanzees also parsuch as the take in. Kehoe notes that humans themselves have collected stones as building of tools, a means of tribute throughout history. are traits found in “Indigenous West African people have stone collections at ‘sacred’ trees chimps as well and such man-made stone collections are commonly observed across the “[Rock throwing as a male display] world and look eerily similar to what could be especially likely in areas we have discovered here,” she said. where there are not many trees with Animals performing rituals that large roots that chimps would nor- mimic the rituals of human beings mally drum on with their powerful is not an entirely new concept, and it has been found before in intellihands and feet,” Kehoe said.

“If some trees produce an impres- gent species. Elephants, for example, sive bang, this could accompany or will sometimes visit the carcass of replace feet drumming in a display a recently deceased fellow elephant and trees with particularly good in their community. They will hover acoustics could become popular spots around the body, in a manner that for revisits.” could almost be compared with The second theory, however, sug- humans and funeral proceedings. gests that this activity is ritualistic in nature. It is possible that the chimps How to get involved are throwing, placing, and arranging The Max Planck Institute for rocks as some sort of sacred ritual.

Evolutionary Anthropology has also The activity could be considered a initiated the Chimp & See project, cultural one, seeing as it is confined which allows any person who signs to a certain geographical location. If up on their website to browse over this were the case, it would prove that 7,000 hours of chimpanzee footage there is much more to the nature of collected by researchers. The projchimpanzees than scientists currently ect asks that volunteers who sign up know. online browse footage and identify different types of chimpanzees and “The Cultured Chimpanzee” note their activity.

The study was a part of the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary To learn more about the PanAf project Anthropology’s project titled “The or to join Chimp & See, visit www.

Pan African Programme: The chimpandsee.org Cultured Chimpanzee” (or PanAf), which seeks to understand the different natures of chimpanzees from different environments.

By using investigative methods such as camera traps, fecal samples, and isotope analysis, the project looks to connect varied chimpanzee behavior to the cultural evolution of human beings.

“The PanAf project represents a new approach to studying chimpanzees and will provide many interesting insights into chimpanzee demography and social structure,

VOL. 102 NO. 25 March 9, 2016

Science & Technology 15

Synthesizing substitutes for rare elements using inorganic chemistry Researcher profile: David Herbert JEREMIAH YARMIE, STAFF

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avid Herbert is an assistant professor in the department of chemistry. As a synthetic inorganic chemist, he uses chemical reactions to produce particular molecules or compounds of interest.

“The focus of inorganic chemistry tends to be on the roles of elements other than carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen, which are the socalled organic elements,” Herbert told the Manitoban.

“Synthetic chemistry is all about moving electrons around – forming and breaking bonds.”

Inorganic chemistry also focuses on organometallic compounds, or molecules that contain a carbon atom bonded to a metal.

“Our current interests are in using inorganic chemistry to try and solve certain problems that we think are important,” said Herbert.

Herbert’s lab designs and synthesizes molecules that can be applied in a variety of different fields, including the production of clean and renewable sources of energy.

“We’re really interested in converting electricity, either derived from sunlight or renewable sources like hydro, which is hugely important in Manitoba, and using that energy to drive chemical reactions,” said Herbert.

Through these reactions, energy can be stored in the form of fuel or used to create products that are currently created using fossil fuels.

Herbert’s lab also focuses on replacing scarce elements that are often used for their unique chemical properties.

Examples would include iridium and platinum, both of which are used in materials for their light-emissive properties.

“What we’re trying to do is design molecules that can be based on more abundant elements, like copper or zinc, to perform at the same level as we can get with the more expensive and scarcer elements.”

The Herbert lab is also interested in making organic molecules by deriving the carbon molecules from carbon dioxide, reacting through a sort of artificial photosynthesis.

Photosynthesis is a process in which plants use the energy from sunlight to convert carbon dioxide taken from the air into sugar. Unfortunately, artificial photosynthesis by humans has not gotten anywhere close to the efficiency of plants – a process perfected through millions of years of evolution.

“If you are trying have solutions ‘We would love to do things that are for things like climate change that expensive, but we just can’t right now really require the globe to act in con- because of the economy.’” cert, those need to be distributable Herbert says it is important to find [...] That idea of distribution means solutions based on abundant materithat we have to target things that are als which don't require excess costs, in abundant,” said Herbert. order to have a chance of convincing “There is this interesting interplay people to adopt such technologies. between government policy and Besides the environment, there economics. There is a refrain that are many other reasons why divesting comes up often where politicians say, from scarcer elements is beneficial.

PHOTOS BY MEGAN COLWELL

For example, consider the sociopolitical implications of using conflict minerals sourced from the Congo in our electronics.

Herbert is also involved in the Solar Hydrogen Activity research Kit (SHArK) North!, an outreach program in association with high school students from Daniel McIntyre Collegiate.

“One thing that I think is impor-

tant about the SHArK program is that it’s not simply outreach – it’s actually an opportunity for students from local high schools to do active research,” said Herbert.

Through the SHArK program, high school students are able to look at the chemical repertoire that the periodic table has to offer, and choose different compounds to test to see if they can help facilitate this water-

splitting reaction.

“The idea is to use crowdsourcing to try and discover new materials that are capable of performing water-splitting reactions.”

As the next generation is at stake if climate and energy issues are not solved, engaging young people in alternative fuel source research will help them better understand their future.

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

GRAPHIC BY BRAM KEAST

COMIC BY KELLY CAMPBELL

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17

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

Cre8ery hosts old campus art community Collaborative exhibit features seven former school of art classmates TOBI NIFESI, STAFF

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rom March 5-15, seven local artists who all attended the University of Manitoba’s school of art together are collaborating to showcase an art exhibit aptly called Re:Union at Cre8ery gallery and studio, which is located at 125 Adelaide St. in Winnipeg’s exchange district.

The artists – Elaine Baril, Jordan Miller, Brian Pollreis, John Roshon, Dawn Wilkinson, Louise Valcourt, and Stevan Siemens – all attended the U of M together from 1997-2003 and have displayed shows with one another at a few venues over the years.

nature, while Miller wanders freely within the confines of her canvas by creating abstract paintings. Pollreis’s works explore three-dimensional media and his own perception of nature, whereas Roshon uses wood, paper, and sometimes beeswax to showcase the beauty of the cycle of life. Wilkinson uses photographic paintings to celebrate everyday life, Valcourt’s acrylic and mixed media paintings explore the subconscious, and Siemens’s art/science installation uses sound waves to express moods.

This collaboration of these talented artists and their art styles has created a common theme of bold and “Art-making can be expressive colours, organic structures, and sheer fun. a lonely process, so “We have a nice mix of representahaving a community tional and abstract art, colorful bold styles and softer pieces, as well as brings strength sculptural and found art,” Valcourt and camaraderie” commented.

“The contrasts work together well – Lou Valcourt to form a unique voice that varies in visual tone.”

The Re:Union show, however, The artists hope to encourage marks the first time all seven former both artists and art students to stick classmates will be displaying their together and collaborate more. This work together since graduation. Each way, they can continue to stay motiartist brings to the table their distinc- vated in a line of work that can sometive and unique art styles to spice up times make one feel lonesome. the exhibit.

Miller owns and runs Cre8ery, “The contrasts work and it was her idea to finally get the group back together to display under together well to one roof. form a unique voice “We are all graduates of the U of M bachelor of fine arts honours pro- that varies in visual grams,” Miller told the Manitoban. tone” – Lou Valcourt “Some of us started a gallery after art school, and some of us continued to exhibit together.”

According to Miller, in 2002, “It can be daunting as new artist five out of the seven started a gallery out of art school, trying to figure out called Five on Third, which was even- your next steps on your own,” said tually renamed to Outworks Gallery Valcourt. and lasted until 2011.

“Art-making can be a lonely proWhether they owned a gallery cess, so having a community brings together or simply collaborated on strength and camaraderie, and shows, all the artists have managed resources that you can pull together. to keep in touch with one another You can encourage and motivate each over the past 13 years. other. I find it very inspiring.”

This show aims to promote the idea of long-term collaborations For more information on Re:Union, amongst artists. including gallery hours, visit www.

“Over the years we have kept in cre8ery.com touch through not only showing together, but have also made a point to reach out and get together as friends, and reconnect from time to time,” said Valcourt.

Re:Union works to highlight the artists’ unique styles, and how they complement each other: Baril draws inspiration for her paintings from

PHOTOS BY CAROLYNE KROEKER

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Arts & Culture

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

Sarasvàti seeks solidarity through storytelling This year’s Cabaret of Monologues to tackle gendered violence globally and locally SEAMUS HAMILTON-PATTISON, STAFF

PHOTO PROVIDED BY SARAVASTI PRODUCTIONS

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n honour of International Women’s Week, experimental theatre company Sarasvàti Productions will be hosting their 13th annual Cabaret of Monologues at the U of W’s Asper Centre for Theatre and Film.

“When we started doing the initiative, it was really about finding a way to tell as many stories as possible,” Sarasvàti Productions artistic director Hope McIntyre told the Manitoban.

“It’s just been so popular that every year we talk about if there’s still a desire for it and yeah, there is, so that’s been fabulous for us.”

The cabaret – which will be

performed at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. on March 12 – will feature ten actors performing traditional monologues or slam poetry/spoken-word pieces either written by themselves or notable Canadian playwrights.

The ten performances run the gamut from serious to comedic – with topics ranging from a game show for women (in which the winner’s sexual assault claim is deemed believable) to the silent issues faced by indigenous women in local communities.

“We’ve discovered that, every year, there’s something that clearly is the top of people’s minds in the community, so every year there’s an ability to find a theme, topic, or issue that we can use to create a tying or linking-in of all the pieces,” McIntyre said of the cabaret’s longevity.

This year, the production’s theme is Stolen Sisters. This is a clear reference to the prominent issues of missing and murdered indigenous women in Canada, though McIntyre said the theme is meant to extend to cover gendered violence as a whole.

“A lot of the pieces do deal with missing and murdered women and

are very specific to the indigenous community [...] but then also, we had submissions and response from people addressing it on a different kind of perspective, the whole concept of popular culture,” said McIntyre.

“We’ve had so many high-profile cases of sexual assault by media figures, by celebrities. The trials, the back-and-forth on them go on for years. Some writers were really interested in tackling that side of the story.”

McIntyre went on to explain that it was also important to explore the theme on a global scale, as gendered violence abroad can present itself in many entirely different forms.

“We specifically set out and talked to communities, and created a piece about the stolen girls [...] in Nigeria from April 2014 when the girls were taken by [Nigerian-based Islamic extremist group] Boko Haram.”

With regards to selecting pieces and performers for the cabaret, McIntyre told the Manitoban that the process is generally “as accessible as possible.” This year however, there was a distinct emphasis on engaging

the local community. it’s really a fabulous chance to share.”

“We reached out to the community With the acquisition of artists like to find artists with lived experience, Black and Shamin Brown – whose people who wanted to tell their stor- spoken-word piece, Finding Freedom, ies,” McIntyre explained. challenges the marginalization of “That led to some different ways of women and girls in the sex trade – telling stories. Definitely with Mary McIntyre said she’s pleased that the Black’s piece QUIET – which has Cabaret of Monologues has grown kind of gone viral – it’s very much beyond being a purely local event. a different medium, because she’s “I think when you talk about somethrowing on her own story and thing like gender-based violence or storytelling tradition as an indigen- some of the other topics we’ve tackled, ous woman.” you certainly see that both across this With a collaborative event of this country and globally, there are comnature involving so many different monalities,” said McIntyre. performers, it comes as no surprise “That’s very interesting to look when McIntyre explains that one of at, how an indigenous Winnipeg the most incredible parts of putting woman’s story has some of the syson the production is simply watch- temic issues that you would also see ing the performers get to know one affecting women in Nigeria.” another.

“Bringing all 10 performers into The Asper Centre for Theatre and Film one space, it’s this amazing energy,” is located at 400 Colony St., adjacent to said McIntyre. the U of W main campus. Tickets are $10 “I think in the years we’ve done it, at the door, or $12.50 in advance from most of the artists have talked about www.sarasvati.ca that as part of the beautiful thing with this experience. Working with the other artists, coming into the room together, hearing their pieces –

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

OLIVIA MICHALCZUK, STAFF

OLIVIA MICHALCZUK, STAFF

The Zolas Swooner 5/5

The Small Glories Wondrous Traveller 5/5

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he Zolas’ third studio album Swooner is an upbeat, vibrant, and engaging experimental indiepop album.

Opening track “Molotov Girls” sets the mood for the album, with a busy backing band and catchy riff that carries on throughout the song, aside from on its equally catchy chorus. “Molotov Girls” seems like an introduction to all the instruments the Zolas have at their disposal, with certain sounds making one-time appearances to keep you on your toes.

An empowering, feministic pop anthem, Swooner’s title track is the Beatles-like vocals met with a all-male band’s salute to the high- memorable piano melody. functioning women that seem to “Why Do I Wait (When I have it all by working for what’s Know You’ve Got a Lover)” starts theirs. off with a guitar and vocal harmoThe Zolas do a great job com- nies, before kicking in the synth bining hard-hitting guitar with an and transitioning to a fuller instruoverall really synth-y sound, espe- mentation. This is one of the only cially with the track “CV Dazzle.” slow tracks on the album, and it feaThis combination makes for a suc- tures some ethereal vocals playing cessful, yet experimental-sounding between different effects to match tune. the experimental nature of the song.

“Freida on the Mountain” is a Every track on the album is standout track simply because catchy and dynamic. Making it it’s so different from the others. to number two on Texas-based It’s a complete throw-off from Canadian indie music radio show the album’s indie-pop aesthetic This Great White North’s list of the at points, and the chorus sports “Top 10 Canadians to Watch at

PHOTO PROVIDED BY TAKE AIM MEDIA

SXSW” is evidence enough that the Zolas’ tour is going to sell fast – a tour that’s making its way to Winnipeg’s Park Theatre on April 2. The band’s combination of kinetic live energy and an album this solid definitely makes them something to check out.

www.thezolasmusic.com Tickets to the Zolas’ show in Winnipeg are $20 in advance, and may be purchased online via www.ticketfly.com or in person at the Park Theatre and Music Trader.

innipeg folk/roots duo the Small Glories open up their debut album with a clap and banjopicking beat, followed by dueling male and female vocals throughout the entire song, titled “Had I Paid.”

The two weave through unpredictable harmonies and play off of one another with extremely impressive, breathtaking ease.

Cara Luft is an ebullient and engaging earth mother, contrasted and complimented by JD Edwards – a seemingly intimidating “cross between a biker and a long-haul trucker.” Together, they’ve joined forces to put together a truly beautiful album.

The banjo f lows through “Home,” and the vibrato in Luft’s voice is truly mesmerizing. First accompanied by only Edwards and then, unexpectedly, a full choir, it’s a beautifully emotional song with tear-jerking lyrics.

In “Fast Turning World,” Edwards and Luft trade verses, but share the chorus. It sounds like authentic 1960s-70s American folk with Luft sounding eerily like Joni Mitchell at points, with impassioned lyrics to boot.

“1000 Stars,” originally by fellow local songwriter Greg MacPherson,

ALBUM ART PROVIDED BY INDOOR RECESS INC

reminded me of the first time I heard Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours.

It’s extremely unpredictable, and the decisions they make musically are so odd, but they never seem wrong. Once again, mesmerizing.

“Way Over Yonder” is a really fun song. On this one, Edwards and Luft have an additional twang to their voices, laughing and hollering on the track while accompanied by a wide assortment of instruments that tend to weave in and out of one another as opposed to remaining consistent throughout the song.

This is an altogether solid album from beginning to end, and by far one of the most diverse local albums I’ve ever encountered.

Edwards and Luft are a perfect match – their voices together are magic in the making. They’re such accomplished solo musicians with a dozen critically-acclaimed albums between them – and together, they’re unstoppable.

www.thesmallglories.com

VOL. 102 NO. 25 March 9, 2016

Arts & Culture

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Ratzlaff’s Reservations makes world debut New play resonates personally and politically TOBI NIFESI, STAFF

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teven Ratzlaff is set to debut his new play Reservations at the Rachel Browne Theatre (211 Bannatyne Ave), where it will run from March 10 to 20.

This Theatre Projects Manitoba production attempts to challenge common views and opinions about the real cost of being settlers, and poses tough questions about our home, identity, and history as Canadians.

The first act of Reservations focuses on a battle between foster parents and the Aboriginal Child and Family Services agency responsible for their children, while the second tells of the philosophical and spiritual journey of a Mennonite farmer who gifts his land to the Siksika nation.

A playwright who does not shy away from politically controversial subjects, Ratzlaff points out that there are issues in this play that will resonate with every Manitoban regardless of their beliefs.

“I don’t think it is possible to be an awake Manitoban without feeling some kind of personal relation to issues like these,” Ratzlaff told the Manitoban.

“It seems like there is an interesting legacy and situation that we are all implicated in. I feel like there is that personal connection of living in this place.”

Reservations will be co-directed

by Ian Ross – a recipient of the 1997 Governor General’s Award for English Drama – and Emma Tibaldo, the artistic and executive director of Playwrights’ Workshop Montréal.

Together, Ross and Tibaldo hope to get their cast – consisting of Ratzlaff himself, Tracey Nepinak, and U of M alum Sarah Constible –

PHOTO BY LEIF NORMAN

to creatively draw the line between “This is what theatre is supposed with the honesty and directness it to young people who are unaware of, performing and making political to be about – to inspire discussions, needs. or have questions about our nation’s statements. make people think about the big pic“My late husband said one time, history.

“Every good play asks good ques- ture in a way that is accessible.” ‘being an Aboriginal person in “You are young and an adult, and tions,” said Ross.

For these thespians, the issues Canada is a political act, you can’t just in an intellectual stream of your life “How many movies have we seen addressed in this play are very close to be neutral about anything.’ For me, right now where you get to absorb so about 9/11? Zero. Why haven’t we home, and it could be quite challeng- that is part of who I am,” Nepinak much different information and do seen that discourse and engagement? ing to stage a performance. However, explained. something with it,” said Constible.

There is a part of us that does not all involved recognize the importance “For U of M students, seeing this “This play in particular speaks to want to ask those questions [...] this is of raising awareness and provoking me for a lot of reasons [...] It is a story and being aware is very essential.” what theatre does. It pulls up a mirror thoughts amongst their audience. that needs to be told now. We need to and says, ‘look, this is who I see you “It’s challenging but it feels danger- have these honest, open discussions. Tickets to Reservations are $15 for as, do you like what you see?’” ous,” said Constible. students, $20 for seniors, $25 otherwise, It’s a little more than just art.”

Nepinak told the Manitoban that “It’s nice to work on something so The stories told in Reservations are and are available online at www.theshe too is excited about this type timely.” curated to both educate and enter- atreprojectsmanitoba.ca along with of politically charged, provocative Accord i ng to Nepi na k , tain Canadians of all ages. That being specific show times and dates. theatre.

Reservations is simply telling a story said, the play does pose a challenge

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Arts & Culture

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

21

One last lap

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

Catching up with Bison swimmers Dillon Perron and Kimberly Moors as they complete their final year of CIS eligibility MIKE STILL, STAFF

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he fall of 2012 was a major landmark in the lives of Bisons swimmers Dillon Perron and Kimberly Moors, marking a second chance for both of their CIS careers.

Perron, 24, had originally swam with the team in 2010, while Moors, 29, had started in 2004. Neither, however, was quite happy with where they were academically and chose to take some time off. Though their stories may be slightly different – with Moors taking a more extended break – fate brought the two sprint distance swimmers back in the fall of the same year and neither have looked back since, leaving a permanent mark on the Bisons swimming program.

“I feel like I found myself a little bit. I was kind of going through some personal issues in my life, so I just kind of joined swimming to heal myself and I wanted to be a strong role model for my daughter as well” – Kimberly Moors Perron’s accomplishments over the years have included a first place finish in the 50- and 100-metre breakstroke at the 2012 Canada Cup (shattering two Bisons’ and provincial records), as well as four medal finishes in the past two years at the CIS National Championships. Last season, Moors became the first Bisons women’s swimmer to medal at the National Championships since 2006, and followed that up with a silver medal in the 50-metre butterfly in this year’s championships.

Takeaways

While their time with the program has officially come to a close, both swimmers have nothing but fond memories of the past four years and have also learned a fair amount of about themselves in the process. For Moors, a dedicated single mother, her return to the pool was beneficial both mentally and emotionally.

“I feel like I found myself a little bit. I was kind of going through some personal issues in my life, so I just kind of joined swimming to heal myself and I wanted to be a strong role model for my daughter as well,” Moors said.

“I think now that I’m towards the end of swimming, and I’m graduating, it’s like wow, I did all this. I just feel like I can do anything I put my mind to now.”

Perron was quick to emphasize the

enjoyment aspect.

“I think, as cliché as it sounds, just learning to have fun [swimming].

You go through phases where you feel like you’re not having success in the sport and it feels a lot like work – not fun work,” Perron said.

“Especially this past year, I knew it was probably going to be my last year swimming and definitely my last year with the varsity team obviously, and just trying to enjoy it and really have fun in the water, so that’s kind of the way I attacked the CIS national championships this [past] weekend – just to remind myself to have fun while racing. I think that’s probably one of my biggest takeaways.”

For Moors, her biggest takeaway has been the ability to manage tension and anxiety.

“You learn that sometimes you just can’t control everything,” Moors said.

“Sometimes my daughter is sick and I’m like ‘oh no, I can’t go to school or make swim practice and now I’m going to have to make up that swim practice,’ so for me, it’s just learning the U of M and has now became an how to balance my roles and coping Academic All-Canadian. with stress.”

“A lot of the determination and “I think I’m a better mom, because competitiveness that I have within I’m able to tackle and organize my myself has translated into school, life in a certain way, so I just feel like so that’s obviously one thing that I I’m overall a better parent and even took from the sporting world and was a better student, because swimming able to apply to my academics and it and training that much in a week, worked out really well,” Perron said. plus doing the schoolwork, that takes “Obviously you don’t enjoy every course you take, but for me, I just discipline as well.” wanted to see if I could get an A in Maturity this course just because I wanted to, Both standout athletes have and it’s the same thing I do in the become role models to their team- water.”

Being a mature student, Moors mates due to their perseverance both inside and outside the classroom. has generated considerable respect Perron, for example, struggled with from her teammates due to her past his grades when he first enrolled at accomplishments as well as life

PHOTOS BY CHRIS ZUK

experience.

“Since I’m a mom, I kind of feel like a lot of the girls have looked up to me. I’ve driven a lot on the meets, so at the end of the meets, I do a three highlights of the meet, and the girls just love it, so I like to think that we’re both [herself and Perron] positive role models,” Moors said.

What’s next?

Swimming-wise, both Perron and Moors will head off to the Olympic trials in just over a month , and each have stated that will likely be the final event in their competitive swimming careers. Moors will graduate with her kinesiology degree this April and is planning to take a year off to be a

personal trainer and then apply to get into occupational therapy. Perron will continue his involvement as a swimming coach with the Junior Bisons as well as his own company, which he started last summer.

When asked if they plan to maintain a presence with the swim team after the year is done, both agreed unanimously that they would.

“It’s a really weird feeling getting ready to wrap it up, so I think it would be nice to kind of keep the ties,” Perron said.

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Sports

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

Hot takes with Steltsy and Still Talking Winnipeg Jets and concussion spotters in the NHL MIKE STILL AND RYAN STELTER, STAFF

both the Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks not making the playoffs.

The lack of competition from the Pacific division allowed Winnipeg to squeak into a wild card spot.

This is a developing team and they have a plethora of young talents such as Connor Hellebuyck, Nic Petan, Josh Morrissey, and Marko Dano (recently acquired from Chicago).

However, this might be a longer struggle, as the Moose have not had a stellar year in the AHL so far. They are currently tied for dead last – not a good showing from the Jets prospects playing down in the minors.

We have yet to see any proof of these kids being able to play at the NHL level, so until we see that, the Jets may be on the outside of the playoff picture for a couple years still.

Hope should not be lost yet, but don’t expect the world from this Jets team.

Independent concussion spotters a step in the right direction for NHL

GRAPHIC BY BRAM KEAST

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his week is an NHL edition of hot takes, as Ryan discusses why fans shouldn’t be too upset with the Winnipeg Jets’ current record and Mike provides his input on having spotters at NHL games to try and identify concussion symptoms among players.

Expectations are too high for the Jets

in the race for prized prospect Auston Matthews. I have some unfortunate Many Winnipeggers are scratch- news for Jets fans; this is the way they ing their heads about the dismal sea- should be playing. son the Jets have had so far. With Last year was a fluke, to be frank. less than 20 games remaining in the The Jets took advantage of a down season, Winnipeg looks primed to be year in the Western Conference, with

This season, the NHL – as part of their new concussion protocol – placed independent spotters in all 30 arenas in order to help identify potential concussion symptoms. The decision follows the NFL’s installation of the same policy four years ago.

In my opinion, the most critical piece of information about these

spotters is the fact that they operate independently from the NHL teams and are hired by the league.

Prior to this season, teams had the opportunity to hire their own spotters. However, there may have been a bias in that regard, as teams may not have firmly enforced concussion protocol since it wasn’t a league-wide consensus.

The league-appointed spotters also don’t have to be physicians. I believe this is a positive choice, as the “common” man or woman would likely be quicker to point out unusual behaviour displayed by a player as opposed to the former, who may have the tendency to brush off certain symptoms as not “specific” enough to qualify as concussion related, an issue that I’ve personally had in the past when dealing with doctors or trainers.

With an increasing amount of pressure being put on pro leagues to step up their concussion protocol, I have to tip my hat to both the NFL and NHL for finally beginning to take steps towards improving player safety.

You can catch Steltsy and Still’s hot takes every Tuesday morning from 10-11 a.m. on 101.5 UMFM.

‘C’-ing the future of the Jets captaincy Wheeler is frontrunner to be the next Jets captain, but might not be the ideal choice ANDY CHE, STAFF

GRAPHIC BY CAROLINE NORMAN

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hen the Winnipeg Jets traded native’s dominant display on the ice captain Andrew Ladd to and experience as a member of the the Chicago Blackhawks late last Thrashers-Jets franchise warrants month, Blake Wheeler quickly sur- team captaincy. The choice appears faced as the favorite to wear the “C” a no-brainer. However, general mannext in Winnipeg. The Minnesota ager Kevin Cheveldayoff may want

to hold off on the decision. that one day, the honor of wearing the ated with this vision of leadership.

With the Jets undergoing a youth “A” or “C” will be bestowed onto them. The most dominant player on an movement in key positions, the best Lowry’s father, Dave, captained NHL roster may not be suited for option might be to allow one of their the Calgary Flames from 2000 until team captaincy. Problematic scenaryoung lions to develop into a leading 2002. The current Jets winger plays ios have occurred when a supposed player – something that has been a a similar power-forward role as his “best” player on a non-playoff team is popular choice among other NHL father, suggesting that he could promoted to captaincy, with the highclubs as of late. also one day emerge as a captain in est profile example playing out with The Colorado Avalanche, for Winnipeg. Although he does not play the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2001. example, shocked the league last a dynamic offensive game as many of Vincent Lecavalier had his captaincy season with a dominant entrance the contemporary captains do, Lowry stripped that season, with the 1998 to the Stanley Cup playoffs led by is a natural leader. Realistically, he first overall pick demanding a trade captain Gabriel Landeskog. Just 19 could be wearing the assistant’s “A” as a result. years old at the time of his promotion, within the next few seasons.

The most likely choice at this time the Swede was given the “C” on his Scheifele, a 2011 first-rounder, is for Winnipeg is Wheeler. With his sweater after veteran Milan Hejduk expected to fulfil the role of franchise promotion to captaincy, there is relinquished the captaincy ahead of centre and could be a captain in the a high chance that either Dustin the 2012-13 season.

NHL one day – although it might Byfuglien will regain his assistant The best examples of success with take a few years for Winnipeg to first status, or Myers will have a letter on a young leader are Chicago’s Jonathan test Lowry and Scheifele as alternate his jersey for the upcoming season.

Toews and Pittsburgh’s Sidney captains.

For the Jets, there is no way of Crosby – both Stanley Cup holdTwo players rivalling Wheeler for figuring this out at the very moment, ers. To a lesser extent, the Islanders the “C” are Bryan Little and Tyler meaning Cheveldayoff will need to named franchise player John Tavares Myers. Little is one of the longest play the waiting game on his next captain of their budding Brooklyn serving players in the franchise since skipper. team three seasons ago. his debut in 2007. Myers, on the other Winnipeg’s line of young talent hand, leads by example, with one of knows no bounds compared to the his finest moments in a Jets jersey average depth chart of any NHL ros- being a selfless shot block with his ter. Potential leaders such as Adam face to help Connor Hellebuyck to a Lowry, Mark Scheifele, and Josh shutout against Pittsburgh.

Morrissey are emerging. It is evident However there is a danger associ-

VOL. 102 NO. 25 March 9, 2016

Sports

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Men’s basketball snaps 15-year playoff slump, sweeps Fraser Valley Bisons move on to Canada West Final Four this weekend MIKE STILL, STAFF

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he University of Manitoba Bisons men’s basketball team accomplished a huge feat this past weekend, winning their first playoff series since the 2000-01 season. Not only did they win, they did so in emphatic fashion, sweeping a Fraser Valley Cascades team that has made four straight trips to the Canada West Final Four. The sweep was also the herd’s first since 1999-00 – the first year they joined the Canada West conference.

Thursday

The herd dominated the opening contest, taking an early 9-0 firstquarter lead and never looked back, winning 78-59. Fraser Valley had numerous opportunities in the opening 10 minutes to take control of the matchup, however they couldn’t get any shots to fall. The visitors missed their first three shots – all clean looks – and scored just 10 points in the first.

Statistically, the game was relatively close. The Bisons had just two more rebounds (45-43) and neither team made more than two treys apiece, however it was the home side’s hustle and depth on the bench that made the difference.

The Cascades had copious opportunities for put-back points off offensive rebounds, but were simply unable to convert against the Bisons’ also got to the free-throw line four tum at different times in the contest. to give the Bisons a 38-34 advantage. aggressive defense. Nate Brown – a times due to his hard work down low. The Cascades entered the fourth The herd entered the final 10 minutes commanding post player for Fraser “I think this recovery allowed me quarter down by nine, but were able up 57-48, after a 10-point third quarValley – was negated all game long to be more aggressive – the shoulder to claw back in the final four minutes ter by AJ Basi, but couldn’t ice their by a combination of Wyatt Anders, and the hand weren’t really hurting of play to force overtime. The Bisons trip to the final four, as Brown scored Brett Jewell, and Jonathan Alexander, and I was able to have more con- were no strangers to OT basketball, eight unanswered points in the span who was tremendous as a reserve once fidence,” Anders said post-game. though – hitting OT on four separate of just over two minutes to bring the again and collected 12 points along “Obviously these guys [Fraser Valley] occasions during the regular season Cascades within two. with nine rebounds on the evening. are talented, their whole start- – and they emerged with the 77-72 Guard Kevon Parchment – the Offensively, Keith Omoerah and ing lineup is talented, so when I’m victory. lifeblood of the Cascades all season Anders were both strong on the glass, bringing it, now we’re really tough.”

The visitors led 23-18 after the – capped the comeback in the final collecting nine and eight rebounds opening quarter, but saw their advan- seven seconds of play with a midrespectively. Anders – who hadn’t Friday tage evaporate heading into halftime range jumper that sent the game to seen game action in over three weeks Game two was far more competi- thanks to Jewell, who scored eight OT tied at 64.

– collected a team-high 17 points and tive, with both sides trading momen- of his 12 points in the second quarter Justus Alleyn and Ilarion

PHOTO BY CHANTAL ZDAN

Bonhomme II took over in the fiveminute extra session for the Bisons, scoring eight of the team’s 13 points in overtime and securing the Bisons’ trip to the final four. Alleyn used his speed and aggressiveness to drive to the lane and generate fouls from the Cascades, while Bonhomme capped the game with a three-pointer in the final 12 seconds.

Men’s volleyball crashes and burns in Alberta Third-ranked Bisons get swept out of the Canada West Final Four RYAN STELTER, STAFF

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fter a very successful regular season campaign for the University of Manitoba men’s volleyball team, their playoffs came to a horrific end this past weekend. The Bisons fell in three sets (22-25, 19-25, 22-25) in the semi-finals on Friday against the Saskatchewan Huskies and had to play in the bronze medal game against Alberta to still have a chance at the CIS National Championships.

Unfortunately, they were swept 3-0 (18-25, 17-25, 14-25) in that game as well.

Friday

dominated in every single statistical The herd was out-served and category and just couldn’t solve the out-played by Saskatchewan, as the Huskies, who finished fifth in the Huskies had six service aces to the Canada West. Ken Rooney, who has Bisons’ one. Devren Dear led the been reliable for the Bisons all year Bisons with 16 kills and Luke Herr long, continued that trend by going managed six digs – a team best. seven for 12 at the net for a team-best The first set started off fairly well .500 hitting percentage. for the Bisons, as they held a 21-18 The Bisons as a whole had a good lead at one point, but they allowed team hitting percentage, as they went the Huskies to come back and take .302, while the Huskies only had a .280 the set 25-22. Manitoba managed to percentage. open up every set with a good lead but were unable to continue that momen- Saturday tum for a set victory.

After a disappointing loss on The Bisons were completely Friday, the Bisons were looking for a

rebound to salvage their season and Kevin Falconer made an impact in perhaps move on to the CIS National this game, however, after not being Championships. That was not the much of a factor throughout this playcase, however, as they were swept off run for the herd. He led the Bisons by the first-ranked Alberta Golden with six digs.

Bears. Manitoba got beat out in three It wasn’t the ending to the season straight sets and it wasn’t even close. the Bisons would have hoped for, as They were outscored 75-49 – some- they strung together a very good thing that didn’t happen often this regular season campaign in which season. they finished second in the Canada The Bisons only had 24 kills West with an impressive 19-5 record. compared to the Bears’ 40. Adam Alberta was unfortunately their DeJonckheere led the Bisons with 11. weakness, as they were a combined Manitoba finished an abysmal 19 of 1-3 against the Golden Bears.

71 hits, for a team hitting percentage of .070.

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Sports

VOL. 102 NO. 25 March 9, 2016

Thunderbirds eliminate Bisons in women’s hockey Manitoba’s Cinderella run ends at conference final stage after dropping series 2-1 ANDY CHE, STAFF

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fter two consecutive upsets in subsequent weeks, the University of Manitoba Bisons women’s hockey team saw their dream run come to an unfortunate end in the conference finals this past weekend, falling two games to one on the road against the UBC Thunderbirds.

Friday

point streak to four games.

The Bisons did not let up for the remainder of game two. Erica Rieder scored the go-ahead goal midway through the third period, her first of the postseason.

Less than a minute and a half after taking the lead, the Bisons found an insurance goal through Erin Kucheravy, extending the visitors’ lead to 3-1.

The scoring was rounded out with Hovi’s second of the contest and playoff league-leading sixth goal in the Canada West conference.

Close games were an element of hockey familiar to the Manitoba Bisons this season, having played in seven one-goal contests since January. However, on Friday night, the herd was on the losing end in their game one tilt at UBC, drop- Sunday ping the contest 2-1.

In each of the first two series The Thunderbirds took the lead of the Canada West postseason, midway through the first period, the Bisons took their opponents with Shiayli Toni scoring her first to a game three and stole victories of the postseason. away from home. On Sunday night, Manitoba answered through their impressive run in the playoffs Lauryn Keen with less than a quar- came to an end as the Thunderbirds ter of the period left to play. Alanna clinched a decisive 2-1 win.

Sharman set up Keen to beat UBC The Bisons trailed for the entire goaltender Danielle Dube.

60 minutes and despite Karissa The Thunderbirds regained the Kirkup’s late goal providing a spark, lead before the first period was the herd couldn’t overcome UBC. over. Mathea Fischer managed to The T-Birds began booking their chip the puck over Bisons goalie ticket to nationals early in game Amanda Schubert one minute after three by getting their noses in front the Bisons tied the game. just three minutes into the game.

Fighting a 2-1 deficit, the visi- Defenseman Celine Tardif scored tors turned up the tempo on Dube. her first goal of her postseason and After firing five shots in the first UBC took the 1-0 lead. period, the Bisons managed eight Although the Thunderbirds in the second, then 14 in the third were on the board, momentum period. fully swung the way of the Bisons.

Despite their push to equalize Manitoba outshot the hosts 12-3 for the second time in the game, after one period, with Dube keepDube remained sharp. The fifth- ing the herd scoreless. year netminder could not be beaten The T-Birds responded in the in the last 40 minutes. second, outshooting the Bisons 9-4 With a star-studded perfor- in the frame. Schubert was sharp mance from their goaltender, UBC to keep the game 1-0. hung on for a narrow win.

To begin the third period, Bisons blueliner Caitlyn Fyten Saturday took a body-checking penalty that Manitoba gave themselves a proved costly for Manitoba. Logan chance to take out second-ranked Boyd capitalized for a two-goal UBC on Sunday, after a resounding cushion.

4-1 game two win on Saturday.

With their season on the line, It was the hosts who took a very Kirkup managed a powerplay early lead in the game. Defenseman goal with two minutes remaining Kelly Murray opened the scoring and gave the Bisons some light. just two minutes into the first Unfortunately for the visitors, time period. Dube saved 10 shots in the was against them and the buzzer frame to keep UBC in the lead after sounded to send them home with 20 minutes. a 2-1 defeat.

If the home side had any momentum entering the second, it was taken away in an instant. Venla Hovi struck just seven seconds into the frame to tie the contest at one.

Sharman recorded the lone assist on the goal, extending her playoff