7 September 2016

MANITOBAN the

THE OFFICIAL UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA STUDENTS’ NEWSPAPER

Science

Nye back in action The reasons we love Bill Nye and other 90s stuff Page 14

news

Game of downloads U of M copyright office warns of email extorition Page 3

Sports

Rough start Bison football team falls to Calgary in season opener Page 23

Vo l 1 0 3 · N o 4 · S e p t e m b e r 7, 2 0 1 6 · w w w.t h e m a n i to b a n .co m

Index

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VOL. 103 NO. 4 September 7, 2016

Editor-in-Chief Craig Adolphe

editor@themanitoban.com / 474.8293

Business manager Kiefer Sheldon

accounts@themanitoban.com / 474.6535

Advertising Coordinator Daniel Parys

ads@themanitoban.com / 474.6535

Editorial

Managing Editor Lauren Siddall

me@themanitoban.com

News Editor Garett Williams

news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

News Editor Levi Garber

news@themanitoban.com/ 474.6770

Comment Editor Shawn Garbutt

comment@themanitoban.com

science & technology Editor Malak Abas

science@themanitoban.com

arts & Culture Editor Tobi Nifesi

arts@themanitoban.com

Feature

Women in Canada

Federal minister talks about the work to be done

Sports Editor Ryan Stelter

sports@themanitoban.com

Copy Editor Sarah Doran

copy@themanitoban.com

Design

Design Editor Bram Keast

design@themanitoban.com

Graphics Editor Kelly Campbell

page 10

graphics@themanitoban.com

Photo Editor Miguel Yetman

photo@themanitoban.com

Video Editor Asad Aman

video@themanitoban.com

graphics associate vacant news

pHOTO associate vacant

A fresh Frosh

Reporters News vacant

UMSU outsources concert with hopes of saving money

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

page 5

Volunteer Contributors Comment

Does your vote count?

Electoral reform a chance to increase representation

MANITOBAN 109 HELEN GLASS U N I V E R S I T Y O F M A N I TO B A WINNIPEG, MB R3T 2N2

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comment

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U-Pass U-Turn Problems with the U-Pass can still be addressed page 7

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

Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement #589160 A “volunteer staff” member is defined as a person who has had three volunteer articles, photographs, or pieces of art of reasonable length and/or substance published in three different issues of the current publishing year of the Manitoban. Any individual who qualifies must be voted in by a majority vote at a Manitoban staff meeting. Elected representatives and non-students may be excluded from holding votes as volunteer staff members in accordance with the Manitoban Constitution.

The Manitoban is the official student newspaper of the University of Manitoba. It is published monthly during the summer and each week of regular classes during the academic year by the Manitoban Newspaper Publications Corporation.

The Manitoban is an independent and democratic student organization, open to participation from all students. It exists to serve its readers as students and citizens.

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

Students and other interested parties are invited to contribute to any section of the newspaper. Please contact the appropriate editor for submission guidelines. The Manitoban reserves the right to edit all submissions and will not publish any material deemed by its editorial board to be discriminatory, racist, sexist, homophobic or libellous. Opinions expressed in letters and articles are solely those of the authors. Editorials in the Manitoban are signed and represent the opinions of the writer(s), not necessarily those of the Manitoban staff, Editorial Board, or the publisher.

All contents are ©2016 and may not be reprinted without the express written permission of the Editor-in-Chief.

Yearly subscriptions to the Manitoban are available for $40.

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News

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

U of M forwards 8,000 emails regarding illegal downloads Copyright office likens threatening notices to extortion Garett Williams, staff

T

he University of Manitoba’s copyright office is warning that notices forwarded to students, mostly from American rights-holders, seeking cash settlements for alleged illegal downloading activities are tantamount to extortion.

Amendments to Canadian copyright legislation that came into effect in 2015 require internet service providers (ISP) – which the university qualifies as – to forward notices indicating the alleged infringement from copyright owners to suspected illegal downloaders.

However, some rights holders – commonly producers of pornographic materials – are issuing aggressive letters warning of multi-million dollar lawsuits, the loss of scholarships, and even deportation for international students if an immediate cash settlement of hundreds of dollars is not paid.

“None of which are real consequences that could ever happen in the Canadian scheme of things, but we hear from students all the time – especially international students – who are really freaked out by this,” Joel Guenette, U of M copyright strategy manager, said.

He noted the threats contained within the notices reflect U.S. laws and that “we don’t want any student to fall prey to any sort of extortion scheme.”

The notices are drafted by the copyright holders, who monitor how their own content is being shared through the internet, and are then sent to the ISP who identifies the user through an IP address.

Notices issued through the university are delivered through the @ myumanitoba email account.

In the less than two years since the changes – branded as the notice and notice regime – came into effect, nearly 8,000 such letters have been processed by the copyright office of the U of M’s Office of Fair Practices and Legal Affairs.

Guenette said the majority of the notices are issued by HBO and relate to illegally downloaded episodes of its flagship show Game of Thrones, which has been the most pirated television show for several years running.

He said the cable network’s letter is a straight-forward notice that it is aware the content has been downloaded while outlining how the show can be paid for and viewed legally.

While the likes of HBO do not threaten legal action, Guenette noted the copyright owners that do have no legal basis to solicit a settlement.

He noted nothing in Canadian law requires the university to identify the end-user to the copyright holder.

The user’s identity can only become known if the notice is responded to directly by the alleged downloader or the rights holder takes the ISP to

Joel Guenette, U of M copyright strategy manager

court for the release of the personal unscrupulous copyright holders. information.

The Canadian Office of Consumer “We can’t tell students ‘ignore Affairs (OCA) asserts that U.S. copythese notices’ and we can’t tell stu- right fines and penalties do not apply dents ‘never pay a claim’ but, person- in Canada and there are no obligaally, I want students to know what tions on the subscriber to contact the these are and I want them to know copyright owner or the ISP. that most of these settlement claims are extortion.”

He encouraged students that “We don’t want are unsure of how to proceed upon any student to fall receiving a notice to seek appropriate legal advice. prey to any sort of “It’s a student’s right to determine extortion scheme” whether or not [they] want to make that settlement. I just think they – Joel Guenette, should be fully informed before they U of M copyright make that decision,” he said. “When I’m talking to students directly, with- strategy manager out giving them legal advice, I would say ‘if I were you, I would never pay this.’"

Adriane Porcin, an assistant pro“In my opinion, I don’t think any fessor in copyright law at the U of M student on campus should be pay- faculty of law, said copyright laws ing this.” generally apply within national borSince the law designed to discour- ders but jurisdiction can be estabage illegal downloading came into lished outside that if circumstances effect, critics have warned that the permit and a compelling case is prefailure to explicitly prohibit notices sented in court. from soliciting settlements has left She also said receiving a notice the legislation open to be abused by from a copyright owner is only an

photo by miguel yetman

allegation and does not mean an infringement actually took place.

“Ignoring the notice will not trigger a lawsuit,” she said. “But, since the provider has the obligation to keep information about the notices forwarded for six months, there is a possibility that the copyright owner will try to sue the provider to obtain information regarding the identity of the persons who received the notice.”

According to a blog post by Michael Geist - a law professor at University of Ottawa where he holds the Canada Research Chair in Internet and E-commerce Law - any copyright owner looking to sue an end-user would first have to navigate a lengthy and expensive legal case in an effort to recoup damages that the legislation caps at $5,000.

Guenette said he expects many more students to receive notices in the coming year, which he accompanies with an information package advising them how to best proceed.

While students are expected to maintain certain integrity obligations with respect to copyright ownership, he said the university reserves any punitive measures such as restrict-

ing access to the top one per cent of high-volume users. Even then, access is only restricted if the user fails to respond to communication from Guenette’s office and is restored following a meeting.

“I don’t think any student on campus should be paying this” – Joel Guenette “It’s not because we want to or we really care ab out these downloading activities necessarily,” he said. “It’s because we have to process them by law.”

“We want students to know that we’re not supervising their internet activity,” he added. “It’s rights holders that are doing this directly and we have no choice but to process the notices.”

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News

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

U of M bolsters indigenous support with two new endowment funds Levi Garber, staff

Indigenous Initiatives Fund

photo by miguel yetman

T

he University of Manitoba has rolled out two new endowment funds dedicated to supporting First Nations, Métis, and Inuit initiatives and scholars.

Both the Indigenous Initiatives Fund and the Indigenous Scholars Fund are aimed at encouraging indigenous achievement, a commitment of the university’s 2015-2020 strategic

plan.

U of M provost and vice-president academic Janice Ristock said in an email the funds “are two examples of the university focusing resources and attention on efforts to incorporate indigenous voices and ways of knowing into our learning, discovery and engagement programs.”

The faculty of education’s director

of indigenous initiatives, Frank Deer, shares Ristock’s enthusiasm for the two new funds.

In an email to the Manitoban, Deer said “It is hoped that the students who are studying in an area relevant to indigenous studies would benefit greatly from these new opportunities.”

indigenous background.

The Indigenous Initiatives Fund The scholars selected will be awards $20,000–$50,000 for projects given tenure-track/tenured assistant, that foster community engagement instructor, librarian, or associate probetween indigfessor positions. enous organizaAny full-time “It is hoped that tions, groups, and staff/faculty, communities and the students who across all faculties the university; and departments, develop or revise are studying in an can apply or subcurriculum to area relevant to mit candidates for both funds. better incorporate indigenous indigenous studies Both funds were included perspectives and would benefit in the U of M’s knowledge; and support innova- greatly from these 2016-17 operating tions in teaching budget and were new opportunities” – approved and learning to by the enhance success Frank Deer, director board of goverof indigenous nors in May. of indigenous students.

The awards initiatives The proposal will be distributed submission on a competitive deadline for the basis to faculties, schools, colleges, Indigenous Initiatives Fund is Oct. libraries, and administrative units.

31, 2016. The application deadline for Any projects that will foster sus- the Indigenous Scholars Fund is Sept. tainable benefits, achieve a large 19, 2016. impact and/or “desired outcomes in a limited duration” – without requiring continuous operational funding – will be prioritized.

Indigenous Scholars Fund

Alternately, the Indigenous Scholars Fund is aimed at recruiting five to six scholars of Canadian

UMFA, administration remain at bargaining table Garett Williams, staff

photo by miguel yetman

D

espite sitting down for 20 bargaining sessions over the summer break, the University of Manitoba and its faculty have been unable to agree on a new contract before classes resume this week.

After efforts to reach a one-year agreement prior to the April 2016 provincial election failed, full-scale bargaining between the University of Manitoba Faculty Association (UMFA) and the university began in May with the aim of reaching an agreement by the time classes resume on September 10.

“This year, we began our discussions earlier than we have in the past because we wanted to negotiate a successful agreement before the

beginning of the fall term,” Gregory Juliano, the university’s chief negotiator, said in a question and answer release posted to the university’s online communication arm, UM Today.

“The U of M has made attempts to achieve this timeline, but it could not be reached.”

Juliano was not made available to the Manitoban.

“We are currently exchanging revised proposals and we will examine them thoroughly, and try to negotiate any additional revisions we feel are necessary,” he said in the release.

“We are pleased that the sides have established and are committed to an ambitious meeting schedule in order to come to a successful agreement as soon as possible.”

UMFA president Mark Hudson also declined to comment directly, citing “the need to respect the bargaining process.” UMFA did, however, issue a release stating: “Our guiding priority throughout bargaining is to ensure the University of Manitoba is a great place to learn,

research, and teach. Fairly compensated academic staff, with a meaningful say in what happens at [the U of M], are absolutely indispensable to this goal.”

The most recent three-year collective agreement expired March 31.

When negotiations began in May, Hudson said the two sides were not far apart in terms of salary but he noted that outstanding governance issues critical to the faculty association were still being ironed out.

U of M executive director of communications John Danakas said in an email that several more meetings are planned for September and there has not been a cut-off date set as of yet to reach an agreement.

“There is no imminent deadline at this point,” he said. “There is a strong desire to see the negotiations reach a successful conclusion as soon as possible.”

University of Manitoba Students’ Union (UMSU) president Tanjit Nagra said the university administration has kept the union executive in the loop on the progress of negotia-

tions. Nagra maintained that, for the Winnipeg Faculty Association time being, the organization remains (UWFA) ratified its own long-term neutral. contract that will see salaries climb 7.5 “For now, UMSU does not have per cent through 2020. The contract a stance on UMFA, administration also includes increases to the yearly and negotiations,” she said. “We don’t maximum pensionable earnings for have any position statement ... At this the defined contribution pension plan. point, council has not taken a stance At an annual average increase of as whether or not we are choosing 1.6 per cent, the U of W salary boost a side.” slightly tops the one-year, salary-only “We are neutral in the matter, for offer of a 1.5 per cent increase that now. However, perhaps that could the U of M forwarded to UMFA in change.” the spring.

She said UMSU is keeping a The initial offer included annual close eye on bargaining and is in increments already allotted to faculty the process of developing its com- and staff and additional adjustments munication strategy in the event of a based on rank and discipline. The work-stoppage. average actual increase would have “The last time there was the pos- been closer to 3.94 per cent for the sibility of a strike, I think I was in my 2016-2017 contract year, according first year and I was really unsure as to a university release. to how everything worked in regards to the picket line and everything like that,” she said. “That is definitely something I want to get out there, especially to new students so they know what their rights are in that situation.”

In July, the University of

VOL. 103 NO. 4 September 7, 2016

News

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Frosh looks to rebound UMSU confident annual music festival will return profit Levi Garber, staff

T

he University of Manitoba Students’ Union (UMSU) is aiming to at least break even with the 2016 Frosh Music Festival after losing nearly $80,000 on the event last year.

Despite controversy in the past surrounding the sources of Frosh’s financing – which included a dispute with University 1 Student Council surrounding a $40,000 sponsorship contract – and losing $76,000 in 2015, vice president external Wilfred SamKing said he is confident this year’s event will turn a profit.

While UMSU will cover the logistical costs estimated around $40,000, Winnipeg promoter Diyobo will pick up the tab for acquiring headlining artists in exchange for 80 per cent of Frosh’s profits.

“We have already acquired close to $40,000 in sponsorships,” said Sam-King in an email. “As of now, we are estimating that we will not need to use any funds from the already approved upon budget line for orientation.”

UMSU’s orientation budget set aside $27,500 to support the event.

Diyobo will be on the hook if the festival incurs a deficit.

The finances surrounding the school-year kick-off event have caused the students' union problems since it began in 2013.

The inaugural edition ran $150,000 over budget resulting from weak ticket sales and a scheduling conflict with the festival’s headliner, Childish Gambino, that stretched the event into a second consecutive day.

The following year, the festival recorded a modest profit just over $3,300. However, $25,000 was allocated to Frosh from UMSU’s orientation budget to help cover expenses.

The current UMSU executive considered scrapping this year’s Frosh Music Fest altogether when it started planning the 2016 version of the event.

However, after negotiations with Diyobo landed an agreement to offload much of the risk, UMSU ultimately decided to go ahead with the festival.

“The decision was very tough and, honestly, there were days when we thought ‘Frosh isn’t happening,’” said UMSU president Tanjit Nagra.

“It just didn’t make sense for us to spend that much money on a concert […] but when they [Diyobo] expressed interest in taking on the

photo by chantal zdan

financial burden that we did not want the organization to take […] we decided to work with them.”

“As of now, we are estimating that we will not need to use any funds from the already approved upon budget line for orientation” – Wilfred SamKing, UMSU vice president-external In a separate email, Nagra said the students' union is expecting to return the festival to profitability.

“For the first time in years, we are projecting an actual profitable Frosh

Music Festival and I'm so proud to be a part of the executive team that made it happen.”

The festival will take place on Sunday, Sept. 18 at the Max Bell Centre.

This year’s festival is primarily sponsored by MTS and will feature American DJ Deorro, Dutch/ Moroccan DJ R3hab, and American electro-dance group Cash Cash as its headliners.

Early bird student tickets for Frosh are still available for $48 at Answers with valid student ID and early bird general tickets are available for $58 online.

Tickets for MTS Frosh Fest are available at Answers on the first floor of University Centre as well as online at diyobo.com Tickets for MTS Frosh Fest are available at Answers on the first floor of University Centre as well as online at diyobo.com

photo provided by umsu

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

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Safe spaces and the lies we’ve been told Safe spaces host freedom of expression, not the thought police Shawn Garbutt, staff

graphic by kelly campbell

T

he current war against political repressive times. In Mapping Gay correctness saw the conservative L.A., scholar and activist Moira side celebrate a major victory when Kenney made the argument that the University of Chicago dean of stu- original safe space is found in gay dents John Ellison warned future and lesbian bars. This was because undergraduates that trigger warn- of their character as natural comings and safe spaces would not be munal centres for members of the tolerated on campus.

LGBTTQ* community, where the "Our commitment to academic stigma of public identification was freedom means that we do not sup- lessened in the face of fraternity. port so-called trigger warnings, Those opposed to the idea would we do not cancel invited speakers like us to believe that safe spaces, as because their topics might prove con- caricaturized by Ellison, are places troversial, and we do not condone the where one retreats to in order to cease creation of intellectual safe spaces uncomfortable debate and discussion. where individuals can retreat from Many who seek the abolishment of ideas and perspectives at odds with the safe space call it the practice of their own,” Ellison wrote in a letter intellectual coddling. Alas, the evermisconstrued safe space. to the incoming student body.

This is just one misstep of many by Brace yourself, for this cartoonish free speech warriors since the con- version of the safe space is brimming cept of safe spaces and trigger warn- with debauchery. ings came to popular culture after Supposedly, the cowardly go here being relegated to the realm of radi- to suit up with ideological plates of cal scholarship and the LGBTTQ* armour. The all-powerful trigger community since the sixties. warning is the law of the land.

Safe spaces were conceived by In this imagined hellscape, hordes those living on the fringes of society of radicals foam from the mouth as a way to provide refuge from the and scream, “Check your privilege!” daily trauma of living in culturally amidst debate whenever they lose

ground on the political battlefield.

Some claim their victory cry, the wailing sobs of straight white men, is trumpeted while they trample the grave of Lady Liberty herself.

Accommodating trigger warnings and granting safe spaces leverages unheard voices in our communities against the everyday bullhorn of popular opinion What’s wrong with this picture?

Only the fact that it is wildly and irresponsibly inaccurate. Safe spaces are not spa retreats for the feeble-minded who lack the necessary rigour to participate in stimulating debate. Safe spaces are not where liberals go to put on noise-cancelling headphones after

hearing the opinions of an economic This is the Achilles heel of intellectual conservative. No, there is not a trigger debate? Such a proposition is totally warning for “privatization.” asinine.

Yet this is the way safe spaces and Safe spaces accomplish the exact trigger warnings are described by opposite of what is claimed by its those who seek their removal from detractors. Rather than imposing on campus classrooms. These carica- freedom of speech, accommodating tures are not only dehumanizing to trigger warnings and granting safe individuals who have experienced spaces leverages unheard voices in significant trauma, but they are also our communities against the everyincredibly insulting to the intellec- day bullhorn of popular opinion. In tual integrity of those who seek safe fact, without safe spaces, freedom of spaces. thought is compromised due to the Fundamentally, safe spaces are lost opportunity for disenfranchised havens from oppression for those persons to share their ideas on an who have suffered institutional harms equal playing field with their peers. with interpersonal ramifications.

It is, in fact, women who are being Denying those who legitimately seek censored when only eight per cent of them imparts deep disrespect on the sexual assault cases are ever reported naysayers’ side. Collective society is to the police in Canada. Even fewer to blame for the maltreatment of mar- make it to trial due to the arbitrary ginalized groups, so it requires great barriers complainants face in prelimihubris for the privileged to wallow nary court processes. in their comfortable complacency It is, in fact, First Nations people rather than even lift a finger to help who are being censored when the establish safe places for those who epidemic of missing and murdered seek respite from oppression. All indigenous women was shelved time one must do is simply allow safe and time again by the federal governspaces to form. I question why many ment for just under a decade. choose the alternative and instead do Living daily as a member of a everything in their power to make marginalized group can be exhaustsafe spaces impossible. It is morally ing emotionally, mentally, and even suspect that one would rather waste physically in the case of certain hate their time mud-slinging at those who crimes. Safe spaces and trigger warnmake the case for safe spaces than do ings are one of many tools universities the bare minimum and accommodate can use to mitigate these effects. disenfranchised individuals in their So instead of flaunting false braacademic circles. vado, claiming to champion free What exactly is the big issue? Is it speech and intellectual stamina a matter of mere convenience? Should by condemning these safeguards, that be the case, it’s high time we remember this: they do not exist for stop spitting in the faces of those who you, but for the members of wounded have it the worst only to say, “tough communities. Channel that righteous luck, things as they are work just fine anger pointed at that which you do for me.” not understand into compassion and Beyond convenience, many com- respect for your fellow humans.

But go tell a straight man in your mentators deploy with glee the “freedom of expression” argument against women and gender studies class to safe spaces and trigger warnings. check his privilege. I guarantee you it Really, what at all does this mean? will be he who is the most “triggered” Demanding the revocation of bigotry person in the room. I guess it’s a good and hate speech in our classrooms thing his safe space is the entire world. debilitates freedom of expression?

Letters to the editor Readers weigh in on the new U-Pass I mean, I'm sure it's an inconvenient cost for anyone who can afford to drive every day. But as someone who lives in the North End, who buys a bus pass for $75 a month just to go to a good university to get myself a better education, this is a godsend. I'm not privileged enough to live in Sage Creek and drive every day. I rely on transit for this. Yes I think it should be optional, but I'd ultimately rather have it than not. I think many people in the same situation as me will agree.

– Laurel Persowich

sive option by a landslide got more Frustrated mostly with opt-outs expensive. in the sense where there was no con– Taylor Nimchonok sideration for those suffering from severe motion sickness and anxiety We're finally catching up to other disorders preventing them from being large universities in the country. This on a bus. I can't see the silly opt out should provide incentive to Winnipeg paper until September 1st and might Transit to improve and expand on need my doctor to fill out informa- their existing system, which would tion. Additionally, for some people make it more convenient for the a 10-minute drive to the university people who are complaining about becomes a 75-minute bus ride. It's it. Every change comes with backlash, frustrating that the cheaper option but everyone will have to suck it up got cheaper and the more expen- and embrace it.

– Kasey Rae Morgan It'll save me $500 but also add an extra hour to my commute. Getting to and from campus will be more unreliable and also lugging around my bags, sports equipment and instrument in the winter on the bus sounds like a nightmare... and it is.

Taking the bus just isn't worthwhile or feasible for a lot of students, including those who live close to campus or who have busier lifestyles. What our student fees are used for should

be complained about if people are unhappy so that other frivolous expenses don't get added for whatever reason in the future. Frankly I didn't enroll at U of M with the idea of making sure you and everybody else has an easier time making it to campus, but soon you'll be entitled to whatever fee I have to pay to help you get there.

– Eren Oleson

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Comment Comment Editor: Shawn Garbutt Contact: comment@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Everything you need to know about the U-pass (that no one is saying) Jeremiah Kopp

photo by miguel yetman

T

he U-Pass program and the Winnipeg’s 2016 budget documents, debate that surrounds it requires transit revenue only covers the cost more nuance than this era of tweets of 43 per cent of bus services. This is and Facebook posts allows. This is a good thing because it is accessible, the largest individual student fee that but it should make non-transit users has ever been levied at the University scratch their heads as to why they’re of Manitoba – it deserves proper paying an additional $260 to further scrutiny. subsidize the service.

On a basic level, debate breaks There will be people who save down into two evenly divided camps: money from the U-Pass who could if you plan to use the U-Pass, you really use it and students who will love it because it saves you money. If shift to using the bus. Yet there you don’t plan to use the U-Pass, you will be just as many students who hate it because it costs you money. really need the money but cannot Go figure. reasonably use public transit. There Most people agree that the U-Pass are many students who require a car is a good idea in theory. There is just because they work part or full-time one sticky point that does not sit well while putting themselves through with students: it’s mandatory. If the university. There are also many stuU-Pass had opt-outs, you would be dents who require a car because of hard pressed to find an opponent to their family situation and child-care the program. requirements. It is wrong to assume You have been told that opt-outs that students who take the bus need are impossible. That is not necessarily the money more than students who true. The city of Winnipeg says that drive. Students do not come in a onein order to responsibly budget for the size-fits-all model and it is dangerous U-Pass, there would have to be a firm to make that assumption. commitment of program participaWhat nobody is saying is that tion to allocate annual funding. The the U-Pass is not actually designed city and the University of Manitoba, to save the average student money. however, both track transit ridership Rather, the U-Pass imposes an to and from campus and therefore additional penalty on those driving can make reasonable assumptions to campus in an effort to penalize about participation without charg- drivers and discourage that specific ing everyone $260. behaviour. The idea is that transit is In truth, there are no opt-outs more environmentally friendly and because regular transit is already so accessible than driving a car, so we subsidized by government that the should attempt to alter consumer only way prices can get lower is from behaviour through taxation. non-bus users opening up their own Although the creation of transit wallets for the program. According to culture is a great goal, it is unfair in

these circumstances because, well, we live in Winnipeg. We are not Toronto, we are not Vancouver. We do not have the density, the infrastructure, or the climate of other major metropolitan cities. For many students, taking the bus is just not possible. This is not because they are enviro-hating-gasguzzlers; it is because Winnipeg is a geographically large, low-density city that just so happens to be occasionally colder than Mars.

If you live more than fifteen minutes away from campus, taking the bus would mean multiple transfers and waiting for large periods of time in -30 C weather. This plan disproportionately benefits students who have accessible transit routes; for many students, daily commutes of three hours or more could be expected. To add insult to injury, the program only runs for eight months, excluding the four warmest months of the year when students could most conveniently use transit.

It’s unfair to charge all students the same price for a service that at best is available in disparate levels across the city. While it is true that rapid transit will significantly improve service to campus, we don’t know exactly what shape it will take and who will have access. Thousands of students are now paying for the U-Pass and will never use new infrastructure during their time on campus.

Concerns regarding the U-Pass cannot be dismissed as simply standing in the way of sustainability or progress. These are legitimate worries

for many students.Thousands of students who take summer courses are out of luck. Most concerning is that students who suffer from a mental illness preventing them from taking crowded buses on long commutes are unable to opt out of the program.

For many students, taking the bus is just not possible. This is not because they are enviro-hatinggas-guzzlers; it is because Winnipeg is a geographically large, low-density city that just so happens to be occasionally colder than Mars While I am just as concerned about climate change as the next person, students aren’t the cause of poor infrastructure planning. If we want to create a sustainable city, we must first build the infrastructure in an efficient manner. Then we wouldn’t have to force people to take the service; they would do it of their own accord.

For those who argue that this is

just the beginning of a culture shift, I would say that making students bear the brunt of this sustainable revolution is wrong. Students are contributing significantly more to the program than government. If the principle is so sound, the city should be stepping up in a larger way to further prioritize and subsidize transit – not just for students but also for all Winnipeggers.

For better or for worse, the U-Pass succeeded in referendum on two separate occasions. Yet the implementation of new public policy, like those who create it, is imperfect. This does not mean that we simply abandon change and embrace the status quo.

The U-Pass is premised on sound principles; it just has several large flaws that need resolving.

My time in student government is over, but the next generation of leaders must be informed on the issues.

There can be opt-outs. There can be full-year service. It is up to students who have strong opinions about the status quo to get involved and create the necessary change.

Jeremiah Kopp is a former University of Manitoba Students’ Union president who holds a BA in political studies and is a MBA candidate in the Asper School of Business.

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Comment

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

It’s time we reform our politics It starts at elections: proportional representation for more inclusivity, democracy Niall Harney

Since parties elected via PR typically receive below 50 per cent of the popular vote, they are forced to work together when forming government.

This means government has to develop a consensus between a wider cross-section of voters when drafting legislation and developing programs.

graphic by kelly campbell

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’m 21 years old. I’ve voted in three elections – municipal, federal, and provincial. All three times, my vote hasn’t counted.

No, I didn’t spoil my ballot. No, my ballot didn’t get lost. My ballots don’t count because of the way we vote. Because of our voting system, I am not represented at any level of government. In fact, most Canadians receive no representation in parliament.

This is all about to change.

If we want our political system to leave fewer voices out, to consider the will of minority populations, and to address rampant economic inequality and climate change, then we must adopt proportional representation In the last federal election, the Liberals promised to change our voting system within eighteen months of becoming elected, and in the spring the new government launched an allparty committee to explore electoral reform. By no later than Dec. 1, this committee will recommend a new system for federal elections in Canada.

As a young person, I’m recommending proportional representation.

So what does this mean? Why are we getting rid of our current voting system, and what are the alternatives?

How will electoral reform change politics in Canada? And why choose proportional representation?

Currently, Canadians federal elections are decided under a voting system called first-past-the-post (FPTP). FPTP is the oldest voting system used in western liberal

democracies, and while many states have moved away from FPTP, it’s still used in parliamentary and presidential systems such as Canada, the UK, and the U.S. FPTP is renowned for its simplicity and efficiency. In every riding, the candidate with the most votes wins, and the party with a majority of seats forms government.

In Canada, if the party with the most seats doesn't hold a majority, another group of parties can work together to out-vote the winner. Outside of that generally rare occurance, the largest party gets all the power to pass laws without having to work with anyone else. You can start to see how many votes don’t count in this system.

In the last federal election, the Liberals received 39.5 per cent of the popular vote, but won 54 per cent of seats. The Liberal government can now pass legislation without having to work with any other party. They won all of the power. The same thing happened in the 2011 election. The Conservatives got 39.6 per cent of the vote, but won 53.9 per cent of seats and all of the power.

So if you’re like me, or the other 60.5 per cent of Canadians who didn’t vote for the Liberal party, you aren’t guaranteed representation in parliament. The winner doesn’t have to listen to you. Efficient, but not so democratic.

The alternatives being explored are versions of voting systems called alternative vote (AV) and proportional representation (PR).

AV, often referred to as “ranked ballot,” is the voting system used in Australia. Like our FPTP system, AV is winner takes all. Under AV, rather than voting for one candidate, voters rank candidates by preference. After polls close, candidate rankings are counted and recounted until someone receives 50 per cent of ballots or upwards of. If one candidate doesn’t get 50 per cent or more on the first round, than the candidate with the fewest first preference votes has their ballots recounted to see if their second preference votes will push the front runner over 50 per cent. This goes on until someone wins. While

Electoral reform is a once in a generation opportunity. It goes beyond changing the ballots we cast our votes on – electoral reform transforms the democracy we live in

government policy on issues like the environment, welfare, criminal justice, and housing.

Electoral reform is a once in a generation opportunity. It goes beyond changing the ballots we cast our votes on – electoral reform transforms the democracy we live in. If we want our political system to leave fewer voices out, to consider the will of minority populations, and to address rampant economic inequality and climate change, then we must adopt proportional representation.

If you want to make sure the allparty committee and the Trudeau government know young people support PR, Leadnow Winnipeg will be hosting a youth forum on electoral reform Sept. 28 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

We finally have a chance to dump Canada’s archaic and undemocratic electoral system and start building a democracy for the 21st century. Let’s take it.

this system allows voters to select a range of preferences, parties can still win all of the power with a minority Arend Ljiphart, an expert on of the votes. Still not fully democratic.

A community consultation on elecFinally: proportional representa- electoral systems who testified tion. PR is the system that has been before the all-party committee on toral reform will be hosted by Minister adopted by most states in Europe and electoral reform, has stated that of Democratic Institutions Maryam Latin America. The idea is simple – “consensus-based” electoral systems Monset at Dakota Community Centre, the number of seats a party wins in like PR increase the representation 1188 Dakota Street, on Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. parliament should be proportional of women and minorities in parliato the percentage of the vote they ments. Furthermore, marginalized receive. If a party gets 40 per cent persons become more imbued in the of the vote, they win 40 per cent of political process when they have community representatives developing the seats.

Features Features Editor: Lauren Siddall Contact: features@themanitoban.com / 474.6520

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A conversation with the minister for the status of women Status of women minister Patricia Hajdu discusses the MMIW inquiry, sexual violence, pay equity, reproductive rights and more with the Manitoban Levi Garber, staff

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ederal status of women minister Patricia Hajdu is no stranger to the struggles of being a woman working in volatile environments.

Prior being elected to Parliament in the Liberal return to power in the fall of 2015, Hajdu worked as executive director of a Thunder Bay homeless shelter. Before that, she raised two sons as a single mother while attending university.

Last week, Hajdu was in Winnipeg to attend a roundtable discussion on gender-based violence as part of a cross-Canada tour on the issue. Hajdu played a major role in organizing an inquiry into missing and murdered indigenous women (MMIW) and has been travelling country-wide to speak at and attend roundtables, town halls, and conferences covering everything from the inquiry – which began its mandate Sept. 1 – to physical and sexual violence against women and international women’s issues.

While in Winnipeg, Hajdu spoke with the Manitoban about the MMIW inquiry and a broad range of issues facing women both within Canada and internationally, including campus sexual assault and pay equity.

Missing and murdered indigenous women inquiry

Manitoban: As minister for the status of women, you were directly involved in organizing the MMIW inquiry and other files that concern structural racism that contributed to

Canada’s missing and murdered indigenous women. What steps did you take while working on the inquiry to challenge violence against indigenous women and systemic racism?

Patricia Hajdu: The government’s role in the [MMIW inquiry] is pretty much complete. We were responsible for choosing commissioners and making sure that the inquiry was designed and planned. We also made sure that the inquiry was funded and launched. Now the inquiry becomes an independent process and the commissioners take over and decide exactly how they will move forward.

The inquiry will be looking at our systems and structures that have failed indigenous people and put indigenous women and girls at an increased risk for violence leading up to disappearance and death. It is so important that the commission remains independent because it is going to look at the systemic racism that exists in many of our structures and systems at all levels, whether we are talking municipal politics, provincial or federal.

M: With that in mind, how did you and your colleagues ensure that the inquiry would be conducted with the respect for indigenous families and communities that has been absent in the past?

PH: We listened closely to the families who said that it was important that an indigenous person

lead the commission, that the person is female, and that the person has some capacity to compel testimony. We are confident in the people that we put in place, who represent a wide variety of indigenous cultures and backgrounds. We also have one person [on the commission] that is two-spirited, as we heard quite a lot about people that were at a high risk because of their sexual identity or gender orientation.

Campus safety

M: Sexual assault on university campuses throughout Canada has been a serious issue for decades – statistics show that one in five women will experience some sort of sexual violence while in university, but only in recent years has combating it come to the forefront of many universities’ priorities. Do you think the federal government should be doing more to combat rape culture at universities and make college campuses safer for female students?

PH: Absolutely. I think we have a role in elevating the issue. For far too long, rape culture – not just at universities but throughout our country as well – has gone without notice and without commentary. People know that it exists, especially women, of course, but we have not had a robust conversation about it. Part of my job is to elevate that conversation. Certainly, on campuses, we have heard over and over from survivors, experts, advocates, front-line workers, and from student groups that on campuses, rape culture is a significant concern.

Campuses and universities are addressing this in different ways across the country. We believe that we (the federal government) have a role as well. We are not sure yet what that role is because we are still in the consultation stages, but we have been very interested in some of the work that is being done to the south of us, in the United States. [The U.S.] has a very strong federal role in terms of addressing campus violence and so we will be exploring some of their legislation that is stronger than ours, quite frankly, around this issue on campuses and seeing what we can include in our strategy.

M: So would you say that past policies on this issue here in Canada have been non-effective and that the federal government needs to have a stronger role in combating this issue?

PH: Absolutely. What we are hearing across the country is that women do not feel safe in many public spaces and that hampers their ability to get an education, earn a living for their family, and live in a state of peace that will allow them to further whatever their goals are. That, quite

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VOL. 103 NO. 4 September 7, 2016

frankly, is not just a violation of their human rights, but also inhibits our capacity as a country to grow. When we do not have women fully participating in our society, culture, and economy due to fear that is stemming from unsafe and uncertain circumstances, it is bad for all of us.

Changing this is a very high priority for the federal government.

Global concerns

M: What can Canada do to become a global leader when it comes to combating gender-based inequality and violence in regions of the world where women are oppressed and living in fear for their safety? Our previous government was less active on this issue, so what will this government’s role be, and your role as minister for the status of women, in promoting gender equality internationally?

PH: One of the things that I was very fortunate to be able to do early on in my mandate was to travel to New York to the United Nations and the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW): an annual conference and group that works for gender equality all over the world. There, we received a lot of enthusiasm from our fellow countries that had noticed Canada’s absence in the last 10 years and were excited to see that we were taking this issue seriously, not just for our own country but globally as well. We also regained our seat on the UNCSW, which allows us to interact with the world in a way that we previously had not on this file of gender equality.

As well, in our foreign aid work, we have reasserted the right for women to choose. Quite frankly, the previous government had defunded work that allowed for the full choice of reproductive rights for women. Programs that offered abortion as one of the options for women in developing countries were not eligible for funding through the previous government. We have re-established that funding and asserted that all women have the right to choose, regardless of what country they live in.

Pay equity

M: The gender wage gap has been a serious issue for years internationally as well as in Canada.

What more will you do as minister to promote the principles of equal pay for equal work?

PH: The government is very committed to pay equity. Part of my mandate is to reduce the gender wage gap that is quite significant. It’s about a 27 per cent gap between men and women.

So Status of Women Canada has been working very closely to look at mechanisms that we

Features

can use [to change this] and we will be responding to the special committee on pay equity that was struck last year in the House of Commons. As a result, we will have strategies in place that will address pay equity within federally regulated companies.

However, we also need to work on areas that we do not have direct control over. Even if pay equity were to be fully established throughout all industries, there would still be an unexplainable gap, somewhere in the range of 15 per cent. That is, quite frankly, a horrifying statistic. What that means is that the systemic biases and prejudices that we carry as a society around what qualifies women’s work and men’s work and who can actually succeed and who we sponsor to positions of leadership, still exist. So the work that status of women does on women in leadership is a critically important component in reaching pay equity photo by robert thivierge across all sectors.

I met yesterday in Thunder Bay with a group this country. One of those things is our comof women that were discussing innovation and mitment to diversity and gender equality in there were a number of women there from the orders-of-council appointments. Those are mining industry. Among that group, there was appointments across Canada on tribunals and a professor from the mining industry and she administrative boards, as well as things like port told me that the numbers [of men and women] authorities and boards like CBC and others. are almost equal in the geology and mining When we look at the legacy of that decision, we sector at Lakehead University. However, when may not see any immediate impacts in the next they leave school, women drop out of that field two or three years, but there will be long-term at astronomical rates to the point where we see impacts when we start to see the true Canada only about five per cent female participation in reflected on those decision-making bodies. that sector professionally.

As well, Status of Women Canada has a To me, those are not just equal pay issues; funding arm that provides grants to organizathose are issues surrounding a work environ- tions that are working on all kinds of gender ment that is not hospitable to women. This can equality issues and one of them is focused on be due to limited childcare access, as a lot of it increasing women’s participation in politiis remote work, or long-held biases and hostile cal life. That also includes at the municipal environments for women to work in. We have level, which is important, as we see even less to change those things if we want to achieve women at municipal levels of politics. [Status true pay equity in this country. of Women Canada] also supports things like Equal Voice and those types of organizations M: On the political leadership level, when it that work to increase awareness for the need comes to equal representation federally, pro- for women at the federal level of politics. We vincial, and municipally, women are far less undertake, in partnership with a number of represented. As minister, do you feel that you organizations across the country, a lot of work need to work to get more women involved in to try and improve women’s capacity to seek politics, not just business? and gain office.

PH: Some of the things that we have done that we haven’t really spoken about as loudly are going to bring dramatic changes for women in

UMSU information page

Science & technology 14 Science & Technology Editor: Malak Abas Contact: science@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Bill Nye’s new show and other sources of nostalgia Miss the 90s? Here’s the science behind it Malak Abas, staff

With The Stars after an injury. His col- records to mass-reproduced journals laborations with popular forums such of Kurt Cobain. Almost half of all as Big Think and AsapSCIENCE Pokémon Go players are older than receive millions of views.

18 but younger than 30.

His original claim to fame, howNostalgia is all about psychology, ever, is never far behind. Today, Bill according to Dr. Clay Routledge, Nye the Science Guy lives on in the a social psychologist and associate form of kitschy merchandise (the professor of psychology at North popular Etsy account “Saints of Dakota State University. Routledge, Science” offers a Saint Bill Nye prayer who also authored the book Nostalgia: candle, for example) and sometimes- A Psychological Resource, believes that clever memes. nostalgia serves as a remedy to feelInterestingly enough, a lot of the ings of emptiness. merch and memes are consumed not “In particular, we believed that by the age demographic the show negative mood, loneliness, and once was for, but by young adults, feelings of meaninglessness would many of whom are fueled by feel- be potent triggers of nostalgia,” ings of nostalgia towards the show. Routledge said for the Scientific The Internet is filled with young American. photo by bill hrybryk adults praising the show and its posi“We reasoned this be cause of the tive effect on their childhood, and psychological functions that nostalill Nye is back. haps we’ll change the world a little.” Gizmodo even said Netflix “panders gia serves. That is, as previously disBill Nye is perhaps best known to nostalgic millennials” in regards cussed, nostalgia increases positive One of the most exciting Netflix releases slated for 2017 is a as an icon of the 90s. His Emmy- to their new show. mood, perceptions of meaning, and new show hosted by Bill Nye himself, winning hit PBS show Bill Nye the a sense of connectedness to others.” called Bill Nye Saves The World.

Science Guy was an enormous success Nostalgia and its effect In a statement released by Netflix, during its 1993-1998 run, and many on current media Memories make money the release date has been set for the people who were of school age at that Nostalgia, particularly 90s nostalSo what’s the deal? Why has 90s spring of 2017 and adds that every time (and long after) have fond mem- gia, has proven itself to be a power- nostalgia become so popular? The episode will “tackle a topic from a sci- ories of the show. The show’s hyper- ful rallying emotion for young adults, important thing to remember is that entific point of view, dispelling myths, accessible approach to the pursuit of and a market for content creators. nostalgia in general is massively profand refuting anti-scientific claims science, mixed with its charismatic Along with Bill Nye’s new show, itable. In a 2014 study by the Journal that may be espoused by politicians, host, created a piece of pop culture Netf lix also recently announced of Consumer Research, several experireligious leaders, or titans of industry.” that remains relevant even today. that a second season to Fuller House, ments were conducted to observe how “Today, I’m excited to be working Nye himself remains culturally a sequel to the original 1987-1995 strict people were with their money with Netflix on a new show, where relevant as well. He continues to series Full House, had been ordered, before and after having nostalgic we’ll discuss the complex scientific reach people of all ages through his despite negative reviews from critics. memories. issues facing us today, with episodes activist work and celebrity appear- The popular Nickelodeon show Hey The study found that people on vaccinations, genetically modified ances. Earlier this year, he made Arnold! is returning. Crystal Pepsi appeared to be more willing to part foods, and climate change,” Nye was headlines when former governor of is apparently making a comeback. with their money after being asked quoted as saying in the release.

Alaska Sarah Palin lambasted his Today, you can walk into any Urban to think about their past, compared “With the right science and good appearance in a documentary on cli- Outfitters and find 90s iconogra- to thinking about the future. The writing, we’ll do our best to enlighten mate change. In 2013, he was elimi- phy in varying levels of tastefulness, study notes that this more relaxed and entertain our audience. And per- nated from the popular show Dancing ranging from Alanis Morissette vinyl approach to spending could be caused

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by a feeling of “social connectedness.”

In its press release for the study, the University of Chicago Press writes that this information is “useful to brands looking to elicit feelings of nostalgia in their promotions and product lines as well as charitable and political organizations looking to raise funds for others.”

So all nostalgia is profitable, but 90s nostalgia particularly seems to be everywhere recently. This is just a product of the time we’re living in. By 2020, millennials – meaning people who are between 18 and 30 today – will make up one out of every three adults in the U.S. People who were young in the 90s are of working age now, and many of them have money to spend. Many people within this age group have been raised with some kind of digital influence, and many seek out social connections online.

This, mixed with the fact that millennials are being diagnosed with depression and anxiety – both of which include negative moods that could trigger the need to feel nostalgic – more than any other age group , appears to create the sort of perfect storm that could explain why websites that cater to this age group, like Buzzfeed, feature pages, and pages of content under the “90s” tag.

If the thought of a Netflix series with Bill Nye explaining the world to you fills you with fond memories of a happier time, it might be a psychological response to a changing world. Or you could just be a big fan of bow ties.

Either way, there are worse aspects of the 90s that could be returning – at least it’s not wallet chains.

Space station for sale Who will buy the International Space Station?

Chantelle Dubois

graphic by kelly campbell

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n August, it was announced that NASA has plans to eventually hand over the International Space Station (ISS) to a commercial entity in the mid-2020s.

The hope is that with the ISS in the hands of a private entity, it will continue to be funded so that research may be conducted in low Earth orbit for many more years to come.

This could also mean that the ISS

could generate revenue to help continue expansion and maintenance.

Canada, Russia, Japan, and the United States have all pledged to continue funding the ISS until 2024.

However, it has been reported that Russia is considering separating its modules from the ISS to begin building an independent space station.

Over US$150 billion has been spent on building and maintaining the ISS. These costs include sending modules, supplies, and astronauts.

MirCorp

This won’t be the first time a space station was sold to a private company. After soliciting interest to various potential buyers, Russia sold commercial rights to the Mir space

station to MirCorp – a commercial space company – in 1999.

Over US$150 billion has been spent on building and maintaining the ISS The company planned to use the space station as a platform for various commercial and tourism initiatives, including a reality television show.

NBC was set to air the show, called Destination Mir. MirCorp made many firsts in the commercial space industry, including

the first manned mission that was privately funded to a space station, the first cargo resupply mission that was privately funded to a space station, and the first space walk to be privately funded. The manned mission, which was funded by MirCorp, was the last mission to the Mir space station and involved repairs and maintenance.

However, politics ultimately doomed the fate of MirCorp and the Mir space station. During various obstacles, the space station was being boosted into higher orbit to slow down the deorbit time while the company tried to sort things out. The biggest advocate against MirCorp’s commercial plans was NASA, which at the time saw the company’s efforts as a roadblock to the eventual con-

struction of the International Space Station.

In the end, Mir was put into a controlled deorbit and re-entered the Earth’s atmosphere on March 23, 2011.

How to sell a space station

It is not certain which company will take over the International Space Station, but with private space enterprises becoming much more commonplace, the ISS may see more success than the Mir space station.

It is possible that groups of companies may decide to invest in the space station together, to turn it into a research facility, a tourism destination, or a multi-use facility.

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

On Monday, September 5, thousands of people marched down Main St. from the Forks to Thunderbird House to protest the construction of pipelines and to welcome a sacred totem pole, which had most recently been in Standing Rock, North Dakota, where it was used in ongoing protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline.

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

Upcoming documentary to highlight cultural significance of moccasins Tobi Nifesi, staff

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ultural attires showcase and culture and decided to work on a cultural significance of and craft of preserve values, traditions, and documentary, titled Moccasin Stories. making moccasins. history. It is easy for the essence of The stylishly comfortable footwear these garments to be lost on people has been in existence for a long time in multicultural and diverse societies and is known be part and parcel of “Moccasins represent like Manitoba’s. With this in mind, the cultural history of the indigenous so much to University of Manitoba student people of North America.

Andrew George started a project to “Moccasins represent so much to Aboriginal culture: illustrate the power of Aboriginal Aboriginal culture: resilience and resilience and culture and educate people on the sig- patience. Think about the culture nificance of moccasins to Aboriginal surviving through years of genocidal patience” – Andrew history in Canada. tactics and assimilation.”

George, Moccasin George, who is currently enrolled “Patience is a key component in in the university’s bachelors of educa- making moccasins. The craft [of Stories producer tion program, was first approached by making moccasins] is passed down Manitobah Mukluks, an Aboriginal- from generation to generation, but owned footwear company, to teach so are the materials. There’s a cyclical “Expect this documentary to give people how to make moccasins. nature to moccasins. They connect us you a clear idea on how engaging “They were looking for someone to the Earth.” with the act of making moccasins can George reached out to Charlene impact your life on a personal level project for a while. I’m focusing on to conduct video tutorials on making moccasins. They said they can’t Moore, who is studying in the indig- and in your family and community. a career in education,” George said. find enough instructors to keep up enous governance masters program at We hope [...] you’ll truly appreciate “I hope to take this project, house it with the demand,” George told the the University of Winnipeg, to direct it and its significance to Aboriginal online, and continue the discussion Manitoban.

Moccasin Stories and received funding culture.” on the significance of moccasins “The project never went through and support from MTS TV’s Stories George hopes the documentary through media and lesson plans.” but I immediately started to wonder from Home program.

That being said, more support is becomes a transmedia resource guide why there was an interest. This led With the right pieces in place, for educators and enthusiasts. He needed to ensure the project continme to wonder about the cultural sig- production of the Moccasin Stories hopes to continue to push for greater ues and the documentary comes to nificance of moccasins to Aboriginal have commenced with a release date awareness of the significance of moc- life. George has opened a crowdfundpeople.” scheduled for early 2017. The docu- casins through information provided ing campaign through Indiegogo that Through his findings and revela- mentary, which will include inter- on the documentary’s website, moc- will help in staging a premiere gala tions, George realized what moc- views with several Manitobans, will casinstories.ca. event and continuing conversations casins represent to the Aboriginal focus on educating viewers on the “This will likely be my last major about Aboriginal culture and history.

photo provided by andrew george

“If people can’t contribute to the project financially, like our stuff through social media, join our email list, share it. The more people we have backing the project, the stronger it will be,” said George To learn more about the upcoming documentary, visit moccasinstories. com. If you would like to contribute to bringing the project to life, visit www. indiegogo.com/projects/moccasin-stories

Finding refuge in theatre Theatre program inspires self-expression and creativity among young Syrian refugees Tobi Nifesi, staff

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group of university students and artists have teamed up to develop a program that aims to foster creativity, solidarity, and personal development amongst young Syrian refugees.

Together, these young minds hope to tackle global issues by providing a creative and encouraging outlet for these youths.

The collaborative project is called the Sawa Theatre program and is being produced by Asha Nelson, Shaden Abusaleh, and Kamillah El-Giadaa. As a team, they share a passion for theatre and believe it is one of the most expressive art forms.

One of the producers, Shaden Abusaleh, has previously actively engaged in programs to help Syrian refugees and First Nation communities and fight for women’s rights. For her, Sawa Theatre is just as important as it promotes self-expression and inclusivity amongst individuals who struggle with such themes.

“Sawa is all about providing a safe creative space for these youths, a place where they can express themselves,” Abusaleh told the Manitoban. “Our programs challenge them to try new

things and new ways of reaching out Arts Centre, located at 445 River to others.”

Avenue, on Sept. 9 and 10 starting “One of the first things we ask at 7 p.m. them is to tell us what they don’t like The theatre performance, titled about the program and they actually JUNUN, is a bilingual piece to be tell us how they feel. For them, to be performed in English and Arabic by able express themselves like that to the participants of the Sawa Theatre people around them – that’s the goal.” program. The play follows a series of The Sawa Theatre program fea- interwoven stories of loss, betrayal, tures workshops, content creation ses- hope, love, and trust. sions, team building exercises, and “The play is an original creation theatre games that are geared towards and is performed by a cast of young empowering and encouraging youths. people whose characters are a reflec“The response has been great. I tion of their identity. People who have been particularly impressed with come to see it will be captivated by how interested and committed these that authenticity and with its themes youths has been in the activities. You of love, loss, and self-expression.” can see the impact it is having on their With this play, Sawa’s cast and lives,” said Abusaleh. crew hope to harness the power of Abusaleh believes the participants theatre – one that can be used to are particularly impacted by what she inspire imagination, creativity, selfcalls “step out of your comfort zone” expression and change. moments that occur every now and then. For her, these moments capture For more information, find Sawa the essence of the program.

Theatre on Facebook and Instagram @ The theatre program has partnered sawatheatre. Tickets are available at with Gas Station Arts Centre and the http://m.bpt.me/event/2597902 or for Manitoba Theatre for Young People pickup at the Gas Station Arts Centre. to present a theatrical performance that is will be staged at Gas Station

photo provided by jadyn klassen

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Arts & Culture

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

Summer Lights music festival to stimulate Brandon’s musical economy Shanae Blaquiere

scale will only improve the city’s music scene.

“A lot of touring acts that are coming through just aren’t stopping in Brandon for various reasons, but I think that this will help with that – having more music coming through Brandon all the time,” he said.

Tyler Bancroft, guitarist and vocalist for headlining act Said the Whale, can speak to the Brandon skip-over.

photo provided by summer lights music festival

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n Sept. 10, the city of Brandon will play host to the first-ever Summer Lights music festival. From 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. at the Keystone Centre Grounds, festival attendees will be presented with a showcase of local indie music.

The impressive lineup includes renowned Canadian acts Said the Whale and Joel Plaskett but will also feature local Brandon and Winnipeg acts with prominence.

Festiva l d irector D ylan

MacDonald says that the festival is an extension of the city’s Summer Lights concert series. The series, usually a once-a-month free concert with accompanying music workshops, had been in existence for several years before the expansion into a fullblown festival.

Though Brandon has an annual folk festival, MacDonald says that the Summer Lights festival still explores uncharted territory in the city.

“I do think that it is the first of its kind in that it is a little more indie rock. We’re trying to cater a little more to a younger demographic. I think it’s cool to introduce smaller communities to indie music – and I mean that in a sense of the true, independent, and up-and-coming music.”

MacDonald is dedicated to establishing Brandon’s musical reputation. As a musician himself and as a member of Brandon band the Middle Coast, he feels that a festival of this

“If every small town has a thriving music scene, it’s only going to make the cities even more so. That’s what feeds a city. I mean, I’m from Beausejour. It’s not like everyone’s born inside a city and that’s who makes the music,” said Desjarlais.

Desjarlais pointed to the Tragically Hip’s emergence from Kingston, Ontario as an example of what smaller cities and towns have to offer.

Bancroft, who is thousands of kilometers away in Vancouver, about to record vocals for the upcoming “Young people in Said the Whale record, agrees with Brandon must feel Desjarlais.

He noted that the Canadian a little starved for music scene is “very inclusive” with cool music to see” a “uniquely Canadian” sense of camaraderie.

– Tyler Bancroft, “I think it probably just comes from Said the Whale an understanding that a success for one Canadian band is beneficial to the success of all Canadian bands.

“We’ve toured Canada maybe like Everyone’s trying to build a good 25 or 30 times across the country, and reputation for the country, and we’re we’ve never played in Brandon. That lucky that everyone realizes that is to say, we’ve never hit Brandon as working together is the best way to a stop on our tour [because] maybe achieve that,” said Bancroft. there isn’t a go-to indie venue there.

The carefully-curated lineup Maybe there’s not much of a scene,” reflects the support for Canadian he says. music.

Bancroft, like MacDonald, sees “I think [Summer Lights] did it the festival as a good opportunity right; they’re leveraging everyone’s for Brandon to assert themselves as opportunities properly. It’s still going a spot for touring musicians to play. to be a great show for Said the Whale, “Obviously there’s a population in but obviously it’s going to be a great Brandon and there’s young people day for a young Brandon band to get in that population, and young peo- up onstage with them and see that ple generally want to see live music. level of professionalism,” Desjarlais Young people in Brandon must feel a noted. little starved for cool music to see. A “We’ve been lucky to be able to summer festival like Summer Lights boast a good lineup for year one. is of course nurturing that. A music We’ve been working pretty hard to festival is going to stimulate our make it awesome,” said MacDonald. musical economy,” said Bancroft.

Bobby Desjarlais of Winnipeg’s Tickets for the Summer Lights music Attica Riots, who were recently nom- festival are $15 for students, $20 for geninated for a 2016 CASBY Award for eral audience and can be picked up at best new artist, says that stimulating Little Sister Coffee Maker and Music the music scene in small cities is only Trader. For more information, visit going to improve the overall music summerlightsmusicfestival.com scene.

’Toban turntable Tobi Nifesi, staff

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Tuns Tuns 4/5

album art provided by Tuns

nce an underground sound, (Sloan) Matt Murphy (Super Friendz, drag on with too many repeated lyrics. indie rock has become a com- Flashing Lights) and Mike O’Neill The acoustic guitars and drums reign mercial force to reckon with. This (Inbreds) – who are experienced col- supreme in this album as they are may be due to the evolution of indie laborators and songwriters. Together, well utilized to produce melodious rock music in the past few years as they have produced a collection of riffs. That being said, at some point bands like the Black Keys, the Arctic exuberant melodies as their first each song starts to sound like the last.

Monkeys, and the Killers broke album.

The songwriting is as optimistic through commercial barriers.

The album begins with the glee- as the music. All through the album, The result of this so-called evolu- ful Back Among Friends and doesn’t the musicians speak of a later time – tion is in fact a euphoric-sounding struggle to maintain that vibe all the one that is sure to come and will be music – one that is simply too happy way to the outro I Can’t Wait Forever, better than the last – and of how even to ignore – and that is the best way which sounds like the perfect song to if the summer gets cold, good times to describe TUNS’ self-titled debut close out a party. and bad times never end.” album This half-hour-long album will In any case, the lyrics sit well The Canadian indie rock super- keep your head bopping, even while with the instrumentation and that group is an exciting new band of listening to the empty-sounding To makes for some good music. The musicians – namely Chris Murphy Your Satisfaction, a track that seems to short nature of the tracks and album

fit the tone of the music as a longer version may have sounded worn out or repetitive.

The indie rock group, who named themselves after the Technical University of Nova Scotia, have plenty to be optimistic and happy about with this first body of work and they have gone ahead of themselves to make their listeners happy too, by making an album that will surely brighten up their days.

Check out TUNS’ debut album or learn more about the band on http:// tunsband.com

VOL. 103 NO. 4 September 7, 2016

Arts & Culture

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

Changing of the guard for Winnipeg Jets name new captain, although alternates are more interesting Ryan Stelter, staff

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ast week the Winnipeg Jets announced their captains and alternate captains for the upcoming 2016-17 season. Blake Wheeler was – to no one’s surprise – named captain of the team, with Mark Scheifele and Dustin Byfuglien named as alternates.

Everyone had anticipated that Wheeler was going to be named captain after the departure of Andrew Ladd at the trade deadline last season.

Ladd had donned the C since the Jets returned to Winnipeg.

Cheveldayoff said in a press conference that he felt Wheeler was the right choice.

“Blake has been involved in the community the whole time he has been in Winnipeg,” he said. “Over the past five years I have gotten to know Blake off the ice, and it is there that you can see what a true professional he is.”

Perhaps the most interesting choice was to make Scheifele an assistant captain. The young centre man is coming off his best season as

a Jet, potting 29 goals and 32 assists in 71 games, earning him a nice payday coming out of his entry level contract.

With Wheeler entering the twilight of his career in a few years, Jets management are currently grooming Scheifele to one day lead the young core that they have drafted over the past few years.

Being given an A should be a sign to Scheifele that one day this will be his team. The Jets have a bright future ahead with players like Patrik Laine, Nikolaj Ehlers, and Jacob Trouba (if they ever re-sign the kid).

Kevin Cheveldayoff has decided that Scheifele is his future and that should excite Jets fans, as Scheifele has shown flashes of brilliance and if the Hockey News’ infamous prediction has any merit, Scheifele could be a key leadership cog in a Stanley Cupwinning team.

Taken 7th overall in the 2011 NHL entry draft, many scouts and critics raised their eyebrows at the selection, as many saw Scheifele as a late first

or early second round selection. The Jets liked him enough to take him as early as they did and Scheifele should be proud in being named an alternate captain. Although his numbers have not been fantastic, Scheifele clearly has leadership qualities and seems to be in the long-term plans of the Jets.

Byfuglien, the other assistant captain, is a fan favourite and one of the league’s best defensemen, not to mention his experience winning the Stanley Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2010. Even though he may not be the most open with the media like his now-captain Wheeler, Byfuglien has been cited as a leader in the Jets’ dressing room.

While Big Buff has had his issues off the ice, there is no denying what he can do on the ice. Byfuglien has an uncanny ability to flip the momentum in his team’s favour with one big hit or a rush up the ice. photo by lisa gansky

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Sports

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

Jets take flight at the World Cup of hockey Seven Jets players hope to build momentum heading into the NHL season Kellen Taniguchi

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he NHL regular season does not begin until October, but hockey season begins for some on Sept. 17, as the World Cup of Hockey gets underway in Toronto.

For seven Winnipeg Jets players – and head coach Paul Maurice, who will be an assistant coach for team Europe – hockey season will start early. Making the trip to Toronto with the coach are forwards Mark Scheifele, Blake Wheeler, and rookie Patrik Laine, along with defensemen Jacob Trouba and Dustin Byfuglien.

Also starting their hockey seasons early are goaltender Ondrej Pavelec and sophomore goalie Connor Hellebuyck.

Team USA

Byfuglien and Wheeler have the honour of wearing red, white, and blue when the puck drops on Sept. 17.

Byfuglien is coming off a good statistical year, posting 19 goals and

most represented within this team with centre Scheifele, defenseman Trouba, and goalie Hellebuyck. If you are going to cheer for any team besides Canada, this is the one team you can reasonably pick, with the three Jets and the other young Canadians on the team like Connor McDavid.

Mark Scheifele has represented Canada in international play, so it will be different for him being on the opposing team when he sees the red and white on the ice. He ended last season on a 10-game point streak and had his best season in Winnipeg yet, posting 61 points in 71 games.

Scheifele will look to ride that hot streak into Toronto and help his team give Canada a run for that gold medal.

American Jacob Trouba will be playing with teammate Scheifele in international play instead of against him for once. Trouba struggled in the Jets’ 2015-16 campaign, as he only tallied 21 points in 81 games, a drop off from his 22 points in 65 games in the 2014-15 season.

There is a lot of drama surrounding Trouba entering this tournament as he is still without a new deal with the Winnipeg Jets, and his agent and the Jets management do not seem very close to inking one. Trouba will still participate at the World Cup of Hockey regardless of his contract negotiations with the Jets management. Trouba needs to play well to show GM Kevin Cheveldayoff what he is worth, as he will be paying close attention to how Trouba performs in Toronto.

Also cracking the team North America roster is young goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. He played for team USA at the 2015 World Championships, leading his team to a bronze medal. It is unlikely he will see that playing time this year with graphic by caroline norman the crowded goalie crease of Stanley Cup Champion Matt Murray and 53 points for the Jets over 81 games last 2016-17 NHL season. moved up to pick two and grabbed Anaheim goalie John Gibson. season, Being the force he is on the Finnish sensation Patrik Laine.

Hellebuyck had his first chance ice, he unsurprisingly tallied 119 pen- Team Czech Republic Laine is a star in Finland and was to play at the NHL level this past alty minutes in the 2015-16 season as The lone Jet playing for the Czech their go-to man at the last World season when Pavelec got injured, and well. Another good season from Big Republic is veteran goaltender Ondrej Junior Hockey Championship he took advantage. He posted a 13-11-1 Buff, which landed him in another Pavelec, who has represented his (WJHC) as well as at the World record, along with two shutouts and All-Star game this season. Byfuglien country on numerous occasions in Championships this past year. Along a .918 save percentage. He led the has never represented his country international play. with fellow Finish teammate Jesse goalie carousel of himself, Pavelec, before, so this will be an important The goalie played 33 games and Puljujarvi, he led his team to a gold and Michael Hutchinson in record, first for him. started in 31 of them this past season, medal at the WJHC in front of their save percentage, goals against average, Wheeler just posted the best num- putting up a 13-13-4 record as well as home fans in Helsinki. At the Worlds and shutouts. bers of his career in 2015-16, scoring 26 a .904 save percentage. Pavelec strug- in Russia, he steered his team to a Hellebuyck may not get the goals and a total of 78 points through gled this past season with consistency silver medal and was named the tour- chance to show off at the World Cup 82 games. He became a leader for the and staying healthy and it showed in nament’s most valuable player with 12 of Hockey, but the fans in Winnipeg Jets this year, and was rewarded by his statistics for the season. A colli- points in ten games. should not have to wait long to see being named the new captain of the sion in late November with Arizona Laine hopes to continue his inter- him in the crease again. team on Aug. 31, succeeding Andrew Coyotes forward Shane Doan side- national play success in Toronto, and There is a lot for Jets fans to be Ladd. The last time the 30-year-old lined him for quite some time. Ideally, the Jets fans are hoping he brings that excited about while watching the veteran represented his country was Pavelec will get a chance to show success to Winnipeg. Do we have a World Cup of Hockey this year. From at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, and he some consistency and bring it with Finnish flash 2.0 in the making? the new captain Wheeler to other should be equally as excited for this him to the 2016-17 NHL season. players like Big Buff, Trouba, and a opportunity. Wheeler did not have a Team North America flashy Finnish rookie, there are plenty major role at the 2014 Games, but he Team Finland Team North America is made up of storylines to watch. will hope to continue his hot streak The Jets had things go their way at of under 23-year olds from Canada into the World Cup and into the the 2016 NHL draft lottery, as they and the United States. The Jets are

VOL. 103 NO. 4 September 7, 2016

Sports

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Bison football fall in home opener Mental errors main factor in opening game loss to Calgary Mike Still, volunteer staff

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iscipline was the story in week one for the University of Manitoba Bison football team as they fell 23-14 at Investors Group Field against the Calgary Dinos.

The herd surrendered a total of 18 penalties for 193 yards – generated mainly off of illegal procedure, holding, and no yards calls – causing a lack of sustained momentum offensively which cost the Bisons, specifically in the latter stages of the fourth quarter.

“Our issue was focus, our issue was being tired or being too lazy on a repetition,” head coach Brian Dobie said postgame in reference to the near 200 yards in penalties taken, as well as the mental errors his squad made throughout the contest.

Summary

The home side moved the ball well on their opening drive – getting down to the Calgary 18-yard line thanks to a few key plays from slotback Jesse Walker – but were unable to fully capitalize, as kicker Ryan Jones missed from within the red zone, resulting in just a single point.

The remainder of the first half was a defensive slugfest.

Manitoba took a 4-0 lead after linebacker DJ Lalama forced a fumble which was recovered by fellow linebacker Bami Adewale.

Unfortunately, the herd could only produce three points on the ensuing drive, despite starting at their own

50-yard line. This was again due in part to discipline, as Bisons quarterback Theo Deezar had trouble handling a second-down snap at the Calgary six-yard line and was forced to dive on the loose ball.

“Our issue was focus, our issue was being tired or being too lazy on a repetition” – Brian Dobie, head coach, Bison football Calgary then moved the ball 66 yards on their next drive, before getting stuffed at the Manitoba nineyard line, forcing a field-goal.

The prehistorics’ defence held strong, however, causing the Bisons to concede a safety on their following possession to take a 5-4 lead into halftime.

Once again, the herd’s opening drive – this time in the second half – generated hope. Deezar was able to connect with Walker in the endzone to retake the lead 11-5, after starting at the Calgary 32-yard line thanks to a Donovan Gregoire forced fumble.

Unfortunately, that was as good as it got for Deezar and the troops, as the starting pivot threw three

photo by chantal zdan

second half interceptions. The last post-game. interception shifted the momentum “I was a little off assignment-wise permanently in the Dinos’ favour, as and through my read progression, but they drove 38 yards in six plays on that’s something that we can work on the ensuing possession to take a 22-11 with the coaching staff,” Deezar said. lead – one that Manitoba couldn’t “It’s the first game of the season. recover from.

We have a long season ahead of us. If Despite a less-than-spectac- we quit now we’re not going to have ular performance where Deezar a good end, but if we can learn from went 23-of-39 for 278 yards, he still every single mistake then I think we held high optimism for his team have a phenomenal football team that

has a lot of heart.”

The Bisons’ next task is Regina, as they head on the road to face the Rams at 8 p.m. CT on Thursday, Sept. 8.

BISON FOOTBALL YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS THIS vs.

ALBERTA

SEPTEMBER 16 - 7 PM PRE-GAME PEP RALLY

Curry Pedway Fun activities & prize give aways 1-5 PM Official pep rally 5-6 PM

POST-GAME AT THE HUB

U OF M STUDENTS GET IN FREE TO ALL BISON HOME GAMES! Student ID & barcode sticker required.

Pick up your barcode when you activate your recreation services membership!

#GOBISONS