8 February 2017

arts

Black History Month

Coordinating committee organizes month of events

sports

Green with envy

Huskies out cold after getting swept in Manitoba Page 21

Page 16

news

Daughters of the Vote U of M students, alumni represented in delegation to Ottawa Page 5

comment

Dump Trump Open borders create a safer world Page 9

Vo l 1 0 2 · N o 2 2 · F e b r ua ry 8 , 2 0 1 7 · w w w.t h e m a n i to b a n .co m

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Index

VOL. 103 NO. 22 February 8, 2017

Editor-in-Chief Craig Adolphe

editor@themanitoban.com / 474.8293

Business manager Daniel Parys

accounts@themanitoban.com / 474.6535

Advertising Coordinator Vacant

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

levi@themanitoban.com/ 474.6770

science

Comment Editor Shawn Garbutt

comment@themanitoban.com

Science activism

science & technology Editor Malak Abas

science@themanitoban.com

How to get involved

arts & Culture Editor Tobi Nifesi

arts@themanitoban.com

Sports Editor Ryan Stelter

page 13

sports@themanitoban.com

Copy Editor Sarah Doran

copy@themanitoban.com

Design

Design Editor Bram Keast

design@themanitoban.com

Graphics Editor Kelly Campbell

graphics@themanitoban.com

Photo Editor Miguel Yetman

photo@themanitoban.com

Design associate Kellie Huynh graphics associate Aldo Rios pHOTO associate Chantal Zdan pHOTO associate Star Roxas pHOTO associate Megan Colwell

Reporters

News Osho Samuel Adetunji News Diana Ubokudom News Seamus Hamilton-Pattison Columnist Jeremiah Kopp Columnist Shaden Abusaleh arts & culture Olivia Michalczuk arts & culture Emelia Fournier Sports Kellen Taniguchi Sports Jason Pchajek Copy Joseph Gonzalez

Volunteer Contributors

sports

Final home stand

comment

Bison volleyball teams finish regular season home games page 23

Real Change?

Electoral reform never stood a chance page 10

Will gibson Janis Maudlin Sari Habiluk

Anthony Labonté Scott Lercher

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News

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News Editors: Garett Williams & Levi Garber Contact: news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

Hundreds attend Winnipeg memorial for victims of Quebec City mosque shooting Garett Williams, staff

photo by star roxas

T

he University of Manitoba’s following the attack but the positive Muslim community is reaching response eased their concerns. out in the wake of the killing of six He said the MSA is planning on worshippers at a Quebec City mosque opening its doors and inviting all late last month. university community members to Zeeshan Zamir, president of the visit the mosque on the Fort Garry U of M Muslim Student Association campus to turn the tragedy into an (MSA), said he is at a loss for words opportunity to break down divisions to describe the tragic and distressing and build alliances.

Jan. 29 shooting that left six men dead “In the community and media you and 19 people injured. just hear negative things,” he said, However, he said the immediate “and if you’re a Muslim and you have showing of support – which began a beard, or you go to the mosque, the next morning with emails from there’s a stigma that follows you.” professors and members of the uni“It was very sad but we cannot just versity community, and continued in sit and cry over it,” he said. “We have the evening when hundreds attended to analyze the situation and use all a vigil on the steps of the legisla- the support that we have been receivture – is an opportunity to build ing from the community and just relationships. don’t stop there - we have to move “Our community members made forward.” the statement that this is not the time A white, 27-year-old Quebec to be scared, this is the time to open man and Laval University student your doors even wider and welcome has been charged with six counts of others so that they can interact with first degree murder and five counts us and we interact with them,” said of attempted murder while using a Zamir, noting the association’s mem- restricted firearm. bers mulled over increasing security Authorities have indicated that

he may also face terrorism charges following an ongoing investigation.

“This is not the time to be scared, this is the time to open your doors even wider and welcome others so that they can interact with us and we interact with them” – Zeeshan Zamir, president, U of M Muslim Student Association Hundreds gathered at the provincial legislature Jan. 30 in a show of unity with the Muslim community.

Many of those in attendance partici-

pated in a special prayer service at the Walk for Human Rights, which Winnipeg Grand Mosque that same circled from the Forks around the evening organized by the Manitoba Canadian Museum for Human Islamic Association.

Rights.

The vigil was organized jointly by Ahmed Farag, of the Manitoba Manitobans for Human Rights and Islamic Association, challenged the the MSA and included addresses idea that Canada’s diversity is a weakfrom deputy premiere and minister of ness, pointing to the thousands who justice and attorney general Heather stood nationwide in support of the Stefanson, mayor Brian Bowman, families of the victims. and members of the Canadian “You may ask yourself ‘why are Federation of Students-Manitoba, they out here in the cold standing in among others. solidarity in a vigil for people who Bowman said such attacks aim they have never met, or may never to divide the community – and the meet?’” he said. country – but only bring people closer “The answer is simply one word together.

– humanity. Whether they are “As Canadians, now is the time, Muslims, Christians, Jews, Hindus, more than ever, to stand with our atheists or agnostics, we are confriends and our neighbours,” he said. nected to each other through our “To let them know that we care about humanity.” them, that we will protect them, and that this community, and our country, is a place for everyone.”

“A Winnipegger is a Winnipegger is a Winnipegger.”

Bowman led a march of hundreds of people Saturday in the Winnipeg

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News

News Editors: Garett Williams & Levi Garber Contact: news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

Warming hut designs from U of M architecture students featured on Red River skating trail Osho Samuel Adetunji, staff

photo by miguel yetman

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group of University of Manitoba architecture students have their warming hut on display alongside award-winning designs from around the world as part of the 2017 edition of the annual international Warming Huts: An Art + Architecture Competition.

The six designs selected to adorn the Red River Mutual Trail were unveiled at a U of M faculty of architecture Food for Thought series event Jan. 26. The winners were announced in November.

Warming Huts is an open competition, sponsored by the Canada Council for the Arts, the Manitoba Association of Architects, and StackHouse, that started in 2009 and has received hundreds of entries from around the globe.

In January, designers of the

selected entries assemble in Winnipeg to turn their designs into reality and erect the huts on the Red River.

an additional three – including the U of M project – were selected for construction to sit on the Red River Mutual Trail until the end of the skating season.

“I'm wowed by the The 2017 winners include: “Greetings from Bubble Beach,” opportunity to submitted by a design team from design and compete Chicago; “Ice Lantern,” designed in Nova Scotia; and “Open amongst big name Border,” designed by a team in the artists and architects Netherlands. An installation titled Stackhouse, designed by sculptor from around the Anish Kapoor – known for works globe” – Bianca including Cloud Gate in Chicago’s Millennium Park – is being displayed Dahlman, U of M as an invited submission.

“WarmHut,” designed by U of M architecture student architecture students, and a piece titled “On The Rails,” created by Beyond the three winning designs, Nelson McIntyre Collegiate stuwhich were selected by a blind jury, dent Sean Kohli, make up the final

selections.

The University of Manitoba team consisted of 40 students and four professors.

The design reflects Scandinavian and Indigenous cultures, while giving its occupants a sauna experience.

U of M architecture student Jessica Piper said the competition is a rare opportunity for students to see their designs created in full scale.

“The most exciting thing about this competition for me is to get hands-on experience in a design-build project,” she said.

“I think that students don't often get to see their ideas come to life at a 1:1 scale.”

While Piper admitted the international scale of the competition brings a global perspective to the designs, she said growing local support will

only make the displays stronger.

“I think the more involved the community and students get in the competition process, the more powerful and exciting it will get,” she said. “It would be nice to see competition submissions not only from international designers and architects, but also from members of the local community.”

Bianca Dahlman, communication lead for the U of M team, called the hands-on experience of building the hut invaluable, adding that competing against an international field only sweetens the pot.

“As a student still early on in my academic career in architecture, I'm wowed by the opportunity to design and compete amongst big name artists and architects from around the globe,” she said.

“If it weren't for the Carbuncle design-build, many of the students would have completed their degree having only read about wood framing construction and having never actually lifted a hammer,” she added.

“There's nothing quite like hands-on learning.”

Dahlman noted that the U of M’s sauna-inspired project is the first in the warming hut competition’s nearly decade-long run that is actually warm.

“The skaters and strollers of the Winnipeg community can now enjoy a unique sauna space on the ice where they can relax and get toasty.”

The emotional toll of family violence explored in Arthur V. Mauro Centre’s lecture series Osho Samuel Adetunji, staff

T

he 2017 Arthur V. Mauro Centre for Peace and Justice brown bag lecture series opened Feb. 3 with a presentation examining responses to violence against women.

Judy Hughes, an associate professor with the faculty of social work, delivered a presentation titled “Finding Meaning in Our Response to Violence.” The half-hour talk centred on her research examining how women’s shelter employees work with victims of intimate partner violence.

Her research was conducted through a series of interviews with both shelter workers and clients.

She emphasized that the longstanding notion of considering physi-

cal assault the only form of violence Hughes discussed violence as a women say that it was the psychologiagainst women has to change because violation of the victim’s agency to cal or emotional form of violence that violence reaches beyond the spheres make their own choices, especially stayed with them the longest.” where force is used.

“People go into “I think ultirelationships with mately, out of this, a lot of expecta“It is not just what is done to the I would like to see tions,” she said. body – the shaping of the mind is people move away “You just meet from an idea of someone, you feel important” – Judy Hughes, associate thinking that in a great and you want professor, faculty of social work way only physical to spend time with violence is such a them. And if that marker or definitive person turns out to understanding of what violence is,” when it pertains to family violence be abusive, it changes all of that, all she said, stressing the need to shift and abusive relationships. of those expectations.” focus beyond what happens to the “It is not just what is done to the Hughes highlighted shelter workbody during moments of violence to body – the shaping of the mind is ers’ efforts to restore some semblance the effects it has on the mind. important,” she said. “And a lot of of control to clients by having them

participate in cooking and meal preparations as an avenue toward emotional healing.

The brown bag series is a string of short lectures hosted by the Arthur V. Mauro Centre for Peace and Justice in its St. Paul’s College boardroom over the lunch hour.

Three more sessions are scheduled through the winter term, with the next lecture, “The Socio-Political Challenges Facing Refugee Camp Schools,” slated for Feb. 17.

VOL. 103 NO. 22 February 8, 2017

News

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U of M students, alumni selected as Daughters of the Vote delegates Fourteen Manitoba women among 338 selected to sit in Parliament on International Women’s Day Diana Ubokudom, staff

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s part of events to mark Canada’s 150th anniversary – and to honour 100 years of women’s formal involvement in federal politics – 14 women from Manitoba have been selected to sit in Parliament on International Women’s Day on March 8 as Daughters of the Vote delegates.

The initiative is being spearheaded

by Equal Voice, a national organization dedicated to seeing more women elected to all levels of political office in Canada. The 14 are among 338 young women from across cultural backgrounds selected to represent every federal riding in Parliament.

“Just to be amongst the 338 that were chosen is quite inspiring” – Taylor Morriseau, Daughters of the Vote delegate Among the Manitoba selectees are University of Manitoba microbiology and genetics student Taylor Morriseau, representing Provencher, and U of M graduate Jacqueline Keena, representing Winnipeg South Centre.

Morriseau said she is extremely Jacqueline Keena happy to be one of the delegates, given her strong interest in women’s in economics at Carleton University Headingley, respectively.

U of M Fort Garry campus. participation in politics. in Ottawa.

Morriseau called the opportunity “We do a lot of leadership skills She said it is an honour to have to sit in Parliament on International development for ourselves but we “Obviously it feels pretty amazing to be chosen,” she said. “I mean, all been chosen and commended the Women’s Day “revolutionary and also translate that into a lot of comthese amazing women across Canada, initiative. inspirational.” munity work,” she said, pointing to “This event was kind of created as and just to be amongst the [338] that “It might even change my career a Bannock and Backpacks project were chosen is quite inspiring.” a part of Canada’s 150th anniversary focus, I have no idea,” she said. “I the group is organizing to support “Increasing the representation of celebration, so it’s a real honour,” she have never really thought of politics Winnipeg’s homeless population. women in politics is something that said. but we’ll see.”

Morrisseau is also involved with I feel quite strongly about, as well “I think it is a really significant On Jan. 24, the fourteen selectees Create H2O, a group that works as increasing Indigenous women’s thing for the federal government to were also invited to a political forum toward providing clean water for representation, so it definitely feels be part of, and for Equal Voice to at the Manitoba legislature to discuss Indigenous communities. like a success.” put on [...] because just over half of women’s engagement in politics, one “That’s something that I obviously Morriseau also noted that Canada's population is female, but of 13 such events scheduled for each feel very strongly about,” she said, although a science degree is not only about 26 per cent of the members provincial or territorial legislature. adding that “I’ve been translating that exactly related to politics, they are of Parliament are women.”

Betsy Kitchen of Equal Voice said into public speaking engagements U of M graduate medical stu- the delegates were selected by a non- quite recently, and bringing awareconnected.

“It’s not really related with what dent Carly McLellan, U of M partisan panel based on three main ness to the issue.”

I’m doing, which I find pretty inter- women’s and gender studies student criteria: their demonstrated leadWhile studying at the U of M, esting, but obviously there is a sec- Johise Namwira, and University of ership potential, interest in public Keena served as a University of tion of government that adheres to Toronto graduate law student Alana policy issues, and their level of com- Manitoba Students’ Union (UMSU) Robert have also been selected to munity engagement. chief returning officer, chaired the science,” she said.

Keena holds a bachelor’s degree in represent Saint Boniface-Saint Morriseau is a member of the electoral reform board, and served agribusiness from the U of M, and is Vital, Kildonan-St. Paul, and Indigenous Circle of Empowerment, as member of the UMSU bylaws currently pursuing a master’s degree Charleswood-St. James-Assiniboia- an Indigenous students’ group on the committee.

photo provided by jacqueline keena

Prior to the 2015 federal election, Keena also served on the board of directors for Be the Vote, a nonprofit organization that works toward increasing youth voter turnout.

“That was something we were really proud of and the youth voter turnout did increase during the election,” she said. “That was not all our doing but our creative awareness and information campaigns were effective in contributing to that.”

Morriseau and Keena will join their national colleagues in Ottawa March 7 for a national leadership forum before the Women’s Day events scheduled for March 8.

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News

News Editors: Garett Williams & Levi Garber Contact: news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

Nursing students challenge imported American entry exam US-based entry-to-practice exam American-centric and disadvantages French students, says CNSA Seamus Hamilton-Pattison, staff

M

ore than 400 nursing students and professionals gathered at the Canadian Nursing Students’ Association (CNSA) national assembly late last month and registered their concern with the NCLEX-RN entry-to-practice exam.

On the third day of the national conference, which was hosted in Winnipeg from Jan. 25-28, assembly goers drafted more than 1,500 letters outlining their concerns with the exam, which was introduced in Canada in 2015.

Three pre-written letter outlines issued by the CNSA each focus on a different complaint, including translation issues for the test and a lack of French prep material, mandatory third-party prep materials at a cost above and beyond tuition fees, and a lack of Canadian content on the American-produced exam.

According to a CNRA release, the first-time pass rate for Canadian nursing students writing the NCLEX-RN was 70 per cent in the test’s first year. Only 27 per cent of Francophone writers passed in their first attempt. That compares to an 87 per cent first-time pass rate students achieved on the Canadian Registered

Nurses Exam (CNRE), which the NCLEX-RN replaced.

The release, signed by the CNRA board, called the discrepancy “shocking” and president Bryce Boynton said students’ concerns have not been addressed.

“Francophones have a complete lack of preparatory materials for this exam when their Anglophone counterparts have an unlimited amount” – Bryce Boynton, president, CNSA “Students need to be heard and listened to,” he said.

“They have been ignored far too long. We are calling for urgent collaborative remediation and by going public, we are wanting to

hold Canadian nursing regulators native French language and taking a students writing outside major city accountable.” gamble on understanding the English centres like Vancouver or Toronto The letters are addressed to the version of the test,” he said. have difficulty finding a testing centre presidents of the Canadian Council The CNSA’s website specifically hosting the exam. of Registered Nurse Regulators notes that the exam makes little Boynton noted that the testing (CCRNR) and the National Council consideration of cultural competence centre in Regina hosts the exam only of State Boards of Nursing, the with respect to Canada’s Indigenous three days per year. In Newfoundland, US-based developer of the exam, populations, “which impedes integra- it’s eight days, he said. and call for immediate constructive tion of [the] Truth and Reconciliation “If your testing date lies outside dialogue.

Commission [of Canada’s] calls to of these preset dates,” he said, “then After decades of the Canadian action.” writers are expected to travel out of entry exam, the CCRNR made the The lack of relevant material, province or even out of country to switch to the NCLEX-RN – an exam Boynton said, has led to a shift in write the exam, which is just an addibased on computer adaptive testing – education as well, with classes grow- tional cost for finances and stress.” in January 2015. The test was created ing more focused on preparation for Boynton rejected the idea the test to test the competency of American the NCLEX-RN rather than empha- standardizes qualifications across nursing students. sizing the experience of nursing in Canadian and American borders.

“Why would Canada invest in creThe CNSA, along with students Canada.

Boynton took to task some of the ating world-class nurses just to have across Canada, has expressed concerns about the NCLEX-RN’s lack main reasons the NCLEX-RN was them emigrate to the US?” he said. of relevancy to “unique Canadian initially favoured, stating that while “International regulation is not realcompetencies.” computer testing is faster than the istic. That is like saying nursing and Boynton referenced a government pen-and-paper process, studies have healthcare are the same everywhere review in New Brunswick that noted shown it is “not the best option for in the world. If one thing works here, 20 of 60 questions reviewed included testing competencies due to computer it may not work elsewhere.” errors. He added that Francophone literacy and the question styles associstudents have a “complete lack” of ated with it.” prep materials while their English He also noted that while students colleagues have access to “an unlim- are allowed to write the exam every ited amount.”

45 days – which he said is a necessar“Many Francophones are being ily small interval given the difficulty scared away from writing in their students have passing the exam –

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

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Liberals give a masterclass in spin with the nixing of electoral reform promise Shawn Garbutt, staff

photo by Miguel Yetman

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hen election time rolls around, Liberal party campaigns pull out tall tales. Be it the environment or the economy, a good Liberal knows the secret to success lies not in substance but appearance. Smile to the Assembly of First Nations and wear traditional clothing while promising a nation-to-nation relationship.

Do the same when it comes to business interests in the energy industry, and when the time comes to make a decision, approve two gas-guzzling pipeline projects and remain indifferent to ensuing Indigenous outcry.

This is following the Liberals'

habit of making crystal clear promises while campaigning that are mystified once they assume power.

For example, the Liberals committed to implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP), an instrument that grants, among other things, a right to Indigenous peoples to declare nationhood. This would plausibly imply the sovereign power to block any pipeline that would cross First Nations territory. Upon forming government, the Liberals pumped the breaks on UNDRIP, the very instrument they made out as sacred,

as the justice minister said adopting UNDRIP directly into Canadian law would be “unworkable” and “a distraction.”

Simply put, the Liberals’ key to getting elected is by playing the spin game. A massive brokerage party – essentially a coalition of diverging political views held under the same banner – is driven by inclusive messaging that can appeal to voters of all stripes. And the Liberals are a brokerage party par excellence, having made standing on shaky ground and holding no core political commitments beyond vote-mongering into a certified art.

Trudeau’s reign so far, including that Trudeau would “make every his most shameful walk-about yet vote count” in Canadian democracy. on electoral reform, is indication only The only plausible way of interpretof what more is to come. In brazenly ing this claim is as an endorsement arrogant style, the Liberals have now of proportional representation. No reneged on various campaign prom- other system so literally makes every ises that acted as the pillars for their vote count. This is achieved through left-platform. the use of an algorithm known as the Gallagher index, which is applied to election results in order to calculate the proportion between Trudeau has always votes received and seats allocated for walked on both lines every party. The goal is to use this to achieve “perfect proportionality” in of this issue. It’s the the House of Commons.

Liberal way to talk But the Liberals were keen to decry – in a viciously paternalistic out of both sides attack – the intelligence of average of your mouth Canadians during a particularly distasteful session of Parliament, where the recently replaced minister of demThe Liberal spin is evident when ocratic institutions Maryam Monsef one examines their various green joked about how no one could poscommitments made during the elec- sibly have the brains to figure out how tion that were walked back on, like an equation like the Gallagher index phasing out subsidies to fossil fuel works. companies – an ode to their supposed Unfortunately for the Liberals, commitment to creating a diversified, Canadians do have the brains to figsustainable economy – and speedy, ure out how promises work. substantial investment in green In this case, it’s basic math. infrastructure. In power, the subsi- Trudeau promised to reform the elecdies remain as the government has toral system, got elected, and now already contracted itself into a natural refuses to go forward with reforms. gas subsidy until 2025. Oil compa- It’s simply not adding up. Two plus nies, then, are allowed even more two does not equal five, mister prime opportunities to profit at the public’s minister. expense. This is due to the Liberal government’s stamp of approval on Canadians will only the pipeline projects and additional failure to follow through with their tolerate so much promise to strengthen the regulatory powers of the National Energy Board. before stepping off For the Trudeau government, their merry-go-round promises mean nothing if the party has something to gain from dumping them. This level of self-interest in politics is as dangerous as it is shortTrudeau is on the record saying sighted. What point is there to an electoral reform is a “priority for a election if parties can say whatever lot of Canadians,” clearly indicating they please in an attempt to gain votes that the government was aware that when there is no principled intent to the promise for change in the eleccarry out their very proclamations? toral system was a game changer for Trudeau infamously claimed that many left of centre voters looking for any appetite for electoral reform is a reason to vote strategically. based on a visceral hatred for forOf course, Trudeau has always mer Prime Minister Stephen Harper. walked on both lines of this issue.

This is the Liberal mindset at its most It’s the Liberal way to talk out of explicitly patronizing, further shown both sides of your mouth – to tell when Trudeau declared in his man- the left you believe in deficit spending date letter to the new minister of while assuaging the right by talk of democratic institutions that there “eventual” budget balancing. Indeed, is no “clear preference” for reform, Trudeau had already concluded despite statements otherwise from precisely that the moment electoral the all-parliamentary committee on reform presented itself as a danger to electoral reform. his reign on Parliament Hill, it would This government has a damn- be sent to the guillotine. ing view of voters. They are myopic For the Liberals, politics is a spin “sheeple” that only desire a virtuous game. But they would do well to leader that knows better and will sort remember that Canadians will only things out for them. Conviction and tolerate so much before stepping off logically held beliefs are to be spoon- their merry-go-round. fed to the public.

The Liberal campaign, premised on the silly reactionary slogan of “real change,” applied the simple claim

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

Want to solve the problem of radicalization? Open your borders Western practice of clamping down on refugee intake is no solution Shaden Abusaleh, staff

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n Feb. 3, Seattle district judge James Robart temporarily suspended Donald Trump’s travel ban, an executive order which barred the entry of citizens from seven Muslim majority countries including dual nationals from those same countries, for 90 days. Trump’s now-stalled executive order also prevented all refugees from entering the U.S. for 120 days and indefinitely suspended the Syrian refugee resettlement program while prioritizing Christian refugees. The list of Muslim countries included in the ban are Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. Conveniently, this is a list of countries with which Trump has no business ties. The Trump administration has now formally appealed the suspension of the Trump travel ban, but the damage has already been done.

This travel ban was implemented on the premise of the need for extreme vetting measures for migrants – this measure was added on top of the extreme pre-existing vetting measures that are primarily imposed on refugees of war, autocratic governments, and ethnic cleansing.

The impact of Trump’s ban was immediate. Within minutes of signing, many were detained and prevented from returning to their studies, jobs, families, and homes in the United States. Soon after, there was intense backlash as thousands protested in airports across the country.

And while Trump’s pundits continue to respond with shock, confusion and denial over the term “Muslim ban” – because as it has been eloquently pointed out, “how can it be called a Muslim ban if Muslims from other countries are being allowed into the United States?” – the terrorists that Trump is trying to protect Americans from are sitting back and watching America as it spirals into decline.

ists and radicals everywhere because Letting in foreign visitors, immiit instills the visceral fear that such grants, or refugees is not a threat to fanatics are trying to inflame. In fact, Americans; the numbers speak for the likes of Trump and Bannon are themselves. Data released in 2015 sugthe best thing that has ever happened gests that of the 750,000 refugees that for the terrorists’ cause. have made the United States their The Muslim ban is a compromise home after September 11, 2001, only to American security, as it exacerbates two have been arrested on terrortensions and breeds hostility by telling related charges – for trying to offer Muslims that they are the very same support to members of al Qaeda The Muslim ban is terrorists whom they are fleeing from. operating in Iraq – while zero have a compromise to This Muslim ban perfectly aligns with been arrested on charges of domestic the wishes of extremists because it terrorism.

American security, only confirms their “Americans hate as it exacerbates us, they don’t care about us, they are Donald Trump our enemies” narrative which they’ve tensions and breeds been trying to infuse into the Muslim may have been world for so long. For terrorist organihostility by telling zations, the West embracing this nar- the best thing that Muslims that they rative is the perfect recruitment tool. has ever happened Islamophobia is real and the rise are the very same to terrorists of Islamophobic, anti-Muslim, and terrorists whom they anti-refugee rhetoric has had a significant impact, manifesting in mosques are fleeing from in western countries being vandalIn fact, to justify the Muslim ban, ized and burnt and Muslim women counselor to the president and deluThe travel ban was crafted with having their hijabs snatched off their sional woman Kellyane Conway fabthe help of Steve Bannon, an alt-right heads in public. Anti-Muslim senti- ricated the ‘Bowling Green Massacre’ “thought”-leader, who also happens ment is most clearly seen when main- which she explained was an attack to be chief strategist in the Trump stream media continues to repetitively executed by two Iraqi refugees. This administration. Whether intended associate terrorism with the Muslim attack, despite Conway’s wishful as such or not, the Muslim ban he faith, which is both insulting and thinking, did not happen. helped to produce is a gift to extrem- demeaning.

This Muslim ban divides Muslims

photo provided by gage skidmore

against the West, contributing to a in the first safe country they arrive rising tide of intolerance in the world. in, meaning refugees who first land We’ve already seen examples of this in the United States are ineligible to in Quebec, when an Islamophobic, apply for refugee status in Canada.

Trump-leaning white nationalist And so, while Americans have a long walked into a mosque in the middle way to go to fight against the rise of of a prayer and shot and killed six hateful mantra and Islamophobia, we worshippers, wounding 18 others. must also pull up our sleeves and get That didn't stop the internet, includ- to work. ing right-wing media like Ezra Fighting against extremism Levant’s Rebel and Fox News, from means opening our arms to those reporting that the attacker was a fleeing hateful rhetoric and violence.

Muslim who shouted “Allahu Akbar” This starts with calling on our MPs at the top of his lungs as he killed his to open up our borders, continuing to fellow Muslim brothers. It took the call out hate with our marches, and Canadian prime minister’s office to choosing to hold hands under the pressure Fox News before the media banner of unity in response to those outlet would remove their false tweet that seek to divide. accusing a Muslim of the Quebec shooting.

The Quebec shooting – a terrorist attack – should have been a wake up call for all Canadians who by and large seem to assume that we are the leaders of the progressive world because of our tendency to compare ourselves to to the United States. However, between 2012 and 2014, hate crimes against Muslims doubled from 45 to 99 per year. We also have the Canada-U.S. Safe Third Country Agreement, which requires refugees to apply for refugee status

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

Rest in peace: Canadian electoral reform, 2015-2017 An obituary for Canadian electoral reform, killed by the two-party system Jakob Sanderson

photo by miguel yetman

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he hopes of Canadian electoral reform died peacefully in the afternoon on Feb. 1, 2017. lthough many of us believed it was dead on arrival, it remained propped up on life support until Trudeau felt the public was distracted enough with American politics that he could safely kill it. Am I being too cynical? Perhaps. But no matter how sinister or longstanding the electoral reform scheme is, it does not change the final outcome. This is not a fouryear setback. Electoral reform will

not happen in Canada as long as the diversity that enriches our country is two major parties continue to stay diluted. In our elections, most votes in power. are wasted on unelected candidates, Recently, Trudeau talked about while 39 per cent of the votes transthe potential a referendum on pro- forms to 55 per cent of the seats and portional representation has to divide 100 per cent of the power – a phenomthe country at a time when we need enon that occurs nearly every election. unity. I agree we need unity, but to Many centrists cite this as an appeal achieve that we must have a gov- of FPTP since it keeps out extreme ernment people believe in and one political views. However, these scare that helps all voters feel heard – not tactics used to put down proportional just those we agree with. First-past- representation are simply uninformed. the-post (FPTP) has long served as A threshold on the minimum pera centrifuge by which the political centage of votes required to gain a

seat could be levied to keep extreme international meme. Perhaps the reaparties out of Parliament, and even son Trudeau couldn’t find consensus if they do get into Parliament, major on the topic of electoral reform is parties could choose not to put them because he did everything he could in their coalition and thereby mini- to avoid looking for it. mize their influence.

Democracy is not designed so It is clearer than ever that politicians can ‘protect’ a wayward citizenry from the top down. that electoral reform Democracy is supposed to be a value will never happen as neutral system; its purpose is to thoroughly represent the will of the long as the two main people. While concerns over the likeparties stay in power lihood of coalition governments are legitimate, these would only enhance likelihood of parties being forced to compromise and work together, Over the last 16 months, I learned something most Canadians would electoral reform was far more than my surely prefer to our polarized system. personal pet project. Many friends, I would happily watch our parlia- politically motivated and otherwise, ment ‘suffer’ from a little deadlock reached out to me to talk about how if it meant our government would much electoral reform was necessary. match our political culture. After all, When I was door knocking during conciliatory minority governments the last election, numerous people are how we got universal healthcare. cited it as a top issue. The polling, aside from the slanted and useless mydemocracy.ca results, speaks for Perhaps the reason itself. I truly believe that if the question of electoral reform had gone to Trudeau couldn’t a referendum, it would have passed – which is why it never did. find consensus on It is clearer than ever that electoral the topic of electoral reform will never happen as long as the two main parties are in charge. reform is because The current system benefits them too he did everything much. While there are a multitude of reasons the NDPs’ federal campaign he could to avoid turned into a three-month bloodletlooking for it ting, the fact is that last election was the best chance to break that two party cycle.

The excuse Trudeau used to nix I alongside many other Canadians the preposterous thought that every watched electoral reform get chewed vote should be counted equally was up by the Liberals and unceremoeven more enraging than the decision niously spit out 16 months after the in the first place. He blamed us. fact. So, my fellow Canadians, I ask Even though Canadians voted you to prove Trudeau wrong when overwhelmingly for parties that cam- he says you don’t have the appetite paigned on ending FPTP, Trudeau for reform. Write your MP, flood the wasn’t convinced enough to follow newly-minted democratic institutions through on his promise. He decided minister Karina Gould’s inbox, or he needed more proof. Why? Is that best of all, consider whether or not not the point of an election? You put the party you vote for in 2019 will forward a list of policies you want to listen to Canadians when they ask enact, and if the public votes for you, for electoral reform. Because when it you have a mandate to pursue them. comes to ending FPTP, to paraphrase Still, he had a multitude of options a certain Papineau MP from last to test this public support, none of election’s Maclean’s debate: nobody which he seemed interested in pursu- believes you, Mr. Trudeau. ing. Polling showed that Canadians’ top two priorities for a new system Jakob Sanderson volunteered for the were proportionality and local rep- NDP campaign during the 2015 federal resentation. In other words, it seems election. the public wanted mixed member plurality or single transferable vote.

But instead of pursing that directly by, say, having a referendum to determine the national preference, or even asking specifically which system was preferable through a direct survey, Trudeau sent former democratic institutions minister Maryam Monsef into the House of Commons to dismiss a multiparty committee report with a calculus flash card and a BuzzFeed survey, turning his youngest, most promising minister into an

Science & technology 12 Science & Technology Editor: Malak Abas Contact: science@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

March for Science scheduled to challenge Trump presidency Malak Abas, staff

how old the earth is.” He’s wrong, by the way – give or take 50 million years, scientists have calculated that the earth is 4.54 billion years old.

The protest is being called a response to recent alarming policy changes by the Trump administration

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cientists across the United States the Trump administration, including will march to protest recent anti- planning to repeal Obama’s Climate science efforts by the Trump admin- Action Plan, and having a gag order istration in what’s being called the placed on the U.S. Environmental “March for Science.”

Protection Agency.

The march is taking place on April The protest has received the offi22, which is already globally observed cial approval of groups such as the as Earth Day, and has already gained American Society for Cell Biology a large amount of traction – both the and the Association of Psychological Facebook group and Twitter profile Science in Washington D.C. have over 300,000 followers. The An official statement from the protest is being called a response to March for Science website declares recent alarming policy changes by that it is time to “walk out of the lab

and into the streets.”

“Mischaracterization of science as a partisan issue, which has given policymakers permission to reject overwhelming evidence, is a critical and urgent matter,” the statement reads.

“It is time for people who support scientific research and evidencebased policies to take a public stand and be counted.”

In the short few weeks of Trump’s presidency, he has made choices even outside of policymaking that

Trump himself has a long history of being stubbornly anti-facts. Even a brief look into his many attempts to discredit basic science finds examples of him calling climate change a “very expensive hoax!” and saying that Photo provided by Meredith Nutting asbestos is completely safe, and in have been seen as red flags in the fact has gotten a “bum rap.”

American science community.

While the march originated in Arguably, the most notable deci- just Washington, marches as far away sion is choosing former Texas gov- as New Zealand are being planned. ernor Rick Perry as the country’s Canadian science groups are already Energy Secretary. Perry, who is planning parallel marches in solidarreplacing nuclear physicist and former ity. Canadian non-profit organization MIT professor Ernest Moniz, has a Evidence for Democracy is planning bachelor of science in animal science a science march in Ottawa, and and once told a nine-year-old child “March for Science” Facebook events at a voter meet-and-greet that he was have been made for cities including “not sure anybody actually knows Toronto and Winnipeg. completely and absolutely how long,

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Science activism is on the rise – here’s what you can do to help Chantelle Dubois, volunteer staff

graphic by by Aldo rios

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cientific activism is on the rise.

Whether the result of the recent U.S. election, or fatigue from constantly fighting against science censorship, it is becoming increasingly obvious how important discourse between the scientific community, citizens, and politicians is.

Certainly, this rise in rebellion is not unfounded – for example, during Stephen Harper’s time as prime minister, several procedures were put into place that made it increasingly difficult for scientists to be transparent with the media and general public about their work. Furthermore, critical research centers were shut down and defunded. While many of the procedures set by Harper’s government have since been rescinded, Canadians are not unfamiliar with control, suppression, and censorship of the science community.

In the U.S., “rogue” organizations have begun to actively archive data to protect against censorship and sup-

pression. With a cabinet pick that is largely anti-climate change, there is a fear of what might come next.

There are many ways to help ensure the voice of the scientific community can continue to be heard, and hopefully facilitate more scientific and fact-based policy making. If you are a concerned scientist, or just a science enthusiast, here are some ways you can get involved in shaping the future of science.

314 Action

314 Action is a non-profit organization which strives to facilitate more communication between those working in STEM fields and politicians, advocate for the integrity of science, be a voice for scientists on social issues, and engage more with the public through media.

The organization advocates strongly for more elected officials with scientific backgrounds so that they can speak and take action on

issues like climate change, STEM education, and regulations that suppress scientific research.

Canadians are not unfamiliar with the control, suppression, and censorship of the scientific community 314 Action intends to support scientists who wish to run for public office in order to facilitate policies that can ensure science is used to solve issues threatening the planet today.

SciStarter

icated to connecting scientists and people in their communities.

Science projects that utilize the help of involved volunteers, also known as citizen science, create mutual benefit. While the scientists on the project have collaborators outside of academia that can provide different views and opinions, the citizens get a firsthand view of scientific progress, along with acknowledgment in future publications of the study. This kind of solidarity is a positive method of democratizing science, as the research receives citizen feedback and is always available to the public.

Potential SciStarter volunteers can create an account and customize a dashboard that users can add their projects to.

If you aren’t a scientist, but have Let’s Talk Science a passion for science and want to get – UManitoba Scientific education and engage involved in ongoing science projects, SciStarter is a massive database ded- ment is key to ensuring young stu-

dents grow up to value the importance of science in everyday life. If you are looking to make a difference, engaging in science education is an important and worthy cause.

Let’s Talk Science is an active and growing organization across Canada, and has had a chapter at the University of Manitoba since 2002.

Regularly reaching out to thousands of students as young as three and up to high school students across the country every year, the organization strives to increase scientific literacy in youth by delivering free, hands-on, fun activities.

Let’s Talk Science recruits hundreds of volunteers annually, and accepts monetary or in-kind donations to help them keep delivering their activities free of charge.

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

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graphic by Kellie huynh

graphic by Scott Lercher

graphic by aldo Rios

Arts & Culture

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

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Winnipeg celebrates 36th annual Black History Month The series of celebratory events will explore the cultural history, beauty, and challenges of black communities Emelia Fournier, staff

photo by miguel yetman

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very year, the month of February presents a time for the celebration and appraisal of black history, and in honour of the tradition, Winnipeg’s Black History Month celebration committee (BHMCC) is holding the 36th annual Black History Month celebration event series all through this month. The celebratory showcase will feature concerts, symposiums, and workshops.

The goal of the Black History Month is to highlight the progress and accomplishments of the black community and explore the richness of black culture. The BHMCC’s goal is to celebrate black culture and history and use it to enlighten the public about ongoing issues.

“A lot of our events focus on youth, trying to find different avenues to get them more involved with Black

History Month, and with history as a with the future, and understand the Canadian black civil rights icon. know, don’t understand, or just don’t whole,” said Nadia Thompson, chair conditions of today,” said Thompson.

“It’s small stuff that will eventu- take the time to understand other of the BHMCC. The committee aims to become ally grow through leaps and bounds. backgrounds and cultures.”

“When you’re in school, the infor- a hub for Winnipeggers to learn We have to start somewhere,” said Whether you consider yourself a mation they’re giving about black more about the black community. Thompson. “Our goal is to make member of the black community or history is very limchanges in the not, the series of events presented by ited. We want to education system, Winnipeg’s BHMCC will prove to be “We need to know where we come be a vessel of that to have a more in- both entertaining and eye-opening. information.” depth look at black from to move forward, to progress and Reaching out history as a whole.”

For a full listing of events, visit understand the conditions of today” – to youth is high on Over the years, http://bhmwinnipeg.blogspot.ca. If you the committee’s list the BHMCC has want to get involved with the BHMCC, Nadia Thompson, chair of BHMCC of priorities because collaborated with you can reach them at bhm.winnipeg@ young minds tend libraries, schools, gmail.com to be more receptive and open to Although the Canadian educa- and communities to make educalearning and education. The com- tional curriculum remains largely tional resources more accessible. mittee, through a series of celebratory Eurocentric, the Canadian govern“As a majority, Canadians are events, will enlighten young minds ment has made some progress in very open and understanding, and on the cultural history, relevance, and engaging with and providing more are committed to equality for everychallenges of black communities. information about black culture and body,” said Thompson. “[That being “We need to know where we come history. For example, the new ten dol- said], there is an underlying ugliness. from to move forward, to progress, lar bill will feature Viola Desmond, a There’s a lot of ignorance. People don’t

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When everyone’s a critic Toronto Generator panel reflects on the democratization of cultural criticism Hannah Lank, the Varsity

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ORONTO — What does it immediate dialogue between an audi- losophers. That we disagree on what mean to be a critic at a time when ence, directors, casts, and critics, and is good and what is bad is obvious, opinions flood our news feeds and it has resulted in a democratization but perhaps this inconclusiveness Facebook timelines, and everyone of criticism with an increase in the reveals a purpose of art: to generate discussion. claims to have an important critical diversity of voices being heard.

Philosophy lecturer Scott Howard, perspective? In the era of fake news – or “alternative facts,” as Trump who has taught the University of advisor Kellyanne Conway would “What makes for Toronto philosophy department’s have us believe – and a rising level aesthetics survey course, said, “The a good critical of inflammatory rhetoric across the idea that art criticism is fundamenglobe, should we be attempting to tally about giving value verdicts isn’t perspective isn’t distinguish between various critical mandatory.” the pedigree of the views? And if so, what makes a good We tend to view criticism as a critic? consumer commodity: how many publication, but the These were among the questions stars is an exhibit, performance, or asked at a panel discussion held on insight of the author” other work of art worth, and is it Jan. 12 by Generator, a Toronto artisworth spending my money on? In graphic by elham numan tic incubator, which brought together – Scott Howard, Howard’s view, perhaps we should be four prominent artists and intellec- University of viewing criticism and the knowledge criticism, expressed a similar view: We are entering an era where tuals to debate the issue of cultural possessed by professional critics as “We cannot consider criticism and art many believe the role of art in our Toronto department criticism in an age where mainstream a “tool for explaining the different as opposing forces. Together they are lives is becoming more significant critical reviews are losing prominence. ways in which [a piece] might be an part of a healthy ecology.” than ever as an outlet for dissent and of philosophy When consumers choose what to interesting artwork.”

“If we think of criticism ... as peo- expression, as a means of inciting click on and what to ignore, and when Howard referenced philoso- ple explaining why they think stuff conversation and critical thinking. social media feeds are largely tailored The question is: are all those voices phers such as Arnold Isenberg and is interesting ... then it doesn’t strike Perhaps criticism will have an for our individual news preferences, worthy of being heard? Glenn Sumi, Alexander Nehamas , and their belief me as disastrous that the Internet lets imperative role in this, particularly critical pieces often go unnoticed. associate entertainment editor at that “the activity of the best critics everyone be a critic,” mused Howard. as critics make sense of art from a This was much less the case in the NOW Magazine, wondered aloud if isn’t reducible to stamping art as good “I think there’s value in certain criti- variety of perspectives. It is not a time age of print media, where physical a theatre review provided by someone or bad... instead, critics are communi- cal perspectives, but those perspec- to shy away from the perspectives of newspapers served as vehicles for who hasn’t seen a theatrical produc- cating why that artwork is interesting, tives aren’t only found in hallowed others, but rather a time to internalize curated content. tion since high school is valuable – or, or what kind of experience it might institutions like the London Review criticism, discuss, agree, and disagree.

The panel attributed much of the at least, as valuable as someone whose afford.” of Books ... what makes for a good decline of professional criticism to academic background and profession Panelist Michelle MacArthur, critical perspective isn’t the pedigree Hannah Lank is a contributor at the the rise of blogs and the prominence revolves around theatre criticism. assistant professor at the University of the publication, but the insight of Varsity. of opinion writing online. A strength The question of objective value of Windsor’s school of dramatic art the author.” of digital media is that it allows for in art has long been debated by phi- and prominent researcher of theatre

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Arts & Culture

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

Ione Thorkelsson’s Synthia’s Closet is an artistic exploration of synthetic life With current exhibition, award-winning artist highlights the nuance of rapid scientific development Tobi Nifesi, staff

photo by miguel yetman

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cience is a discipline that pushes about synthetic life and that got me “A lot of my works are about difficult nature’s boundaries and questions thinking about putting these things human interactions with the natuknown principles, and with today’s together. Everything just seemed to ral world and this seems to be about rate of scientific and technologi- come together at the right time at the humans interfering with the natural cal advancement, there is a need to right place.” world in a strange way. So it’s a conThe story in question was one that tinuation of themes that I have been pause and ponder the impact scientific strides may be having on our society. took the scientific community by working on.”

With that in mind, Manitoban artist storm back in 2010, when American Synthia’s Closet forces one to perIone Thorkelsson is determined to biotechnologist and entrepreneur ceive and react, apprehensively, to use her art to explore the interventive John Craig Venter and his team of sci- their natural environment. On enterentists successfully produced synthetic ing the dark exhibition space, the visinature of science.

In a uniquely captivating and life from scratch in a Boston chemis- tor’s attention and focus is drawn to 31 crafty manner, Thorkelsson is explor- try lab. This feat spurred Thorkelsson hanging globes suspended from the ing the advent and advance of syn- to stay abreast of developments in the roof and concentrated towards the thetic life in her exhibition Synthia’s scientific community about synthetic far end of the gallery. Within each Closet, on display at the School of Art life while simultaneously working on globe is a microenvironment containGallery from Jan. 12 to Feb. 24. With an exhibition that explores the power ing vestigial elements of animal and this installation, the recipient of the and potential of man-made genomes. plant species entwined with wire filaOver the next f ive years, ments. This spectacle, coupled with 2010 Governor General’s Award in Media and Visual Arts builds on her Thorkelsson consulted scientists and the silent ambience of the room, stuns reputation as a conceptual contem- technicians, as she crafted the exhibi- the visitor – and is synonymous with porary visual artist and returns to her tion, and named it after Synthia - the man’s reaction to the seemingly nonname Venter and his team gave their intrusive interference of science with primary technique of glass blowing. the natural order of life.

“I work with glass all the time, and invented synthetic organism.

“Synthetic life seemed like a big bioThere are four panels at the I work with natural elements,” said Thorkelsson. “There was a new story logical step to me,” said Thorkelsson. entrance of the exhibition that visitors,

who are so enticed by the suspended discoveries that are being made, but spectacle, will most likely miss or with a little bit of hesitation that what overlook. These panels include John if those things go wrong.”

Craig Venter’s Wikipedia page, a For Thorkelsson, this installascreenshot of the tion is perfect for synthetic organthe School of Art “I am fascinated ism Synthia “Syn” Gallery as she had Venter’s Facebook been crafting the by the progress of page, a cover page exhibition with current researchers, the space in mind. of a September 2014 issue of She believes the and there is a Popular Mechanics relatively new themed “How to potential for things ga ller y space Make Anything” bodes well for the to happen rapidly. If university and is – an issue that expands on artiall those things are telling of the proficial life – and gressive nature of happening at the page 84 of the today’s artists and same publicaarts. same time, then it tion featuring an “I think there is article titled “How becomes a nuance to energy in young to Make Things people and that is the situation” – Ione amazing Glow.” These to have carefully selected and watch. Young Thorkelsson, artist and strategically artists now seem placed panels to be open to all highlight man’s vulnerability to the kinds of possibilities so they comallure of scientific feats and negligence bine all kinds of arts styles, media, to gaining complete knowledge and and crafts. I think it is a lively world understanding of the scientific dis- out there.” covery or process.

“I am fascinated by the progress of From Jan. 12 to Feb 24, Ione current research, and there is a poten- Thorkelsson’s exhibition Synthia’s Closet tial for things, scientific discoveries, will be on display at the School of Art to happen rapidly. If all those things Gallery (225 ARTlab, 180 Dafoe Road). are happening at the same time, then For more information about the exhibiit becomes a nuance to the situation,” tion, visit www.umanitoba.ca/schools/ said Thorkelsson. “I am hoping that art/800.html people experience both those things: the energy, beauty, and science of the

Stacey James set to release debut solo album New album highlights local singer-songwriter’s personal and musical growth Emelia Fournier, staff

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photo provided by stacey james

innipeg-based singer-songwriter Stacey James will be releasing her first solo album, 11 11, this month with an release show at the Park Theatre on Friday, Feb. 10.

James was previously the lead vocalist and songwriter for both Grooveport and Stacey James & The KiK. With her musical influences ranging from Prince, Aretha Franklin, and Alicia Keys to Jann Arden and Alanis Morrisette, James’ new album showcases her versatility and unique blend of blues, soul, pop, funk, and rock. The album features talented musicians like Joe Curtis, Brad Lazer, Keith Dzedzora, and Jim Jolly, amongst others. “[11 11] is a good display of who I have been, and where I have been,” said James.

For James, this album reflects her

growth as an artist and takes the listener through different facets of life, from heartbreak to introspective selfdiscovery. 11 11 highlights her musical growth and confidence stemming from her extensive experience with collaborative musical projects.

“As an artist, I have become more comfortable with my authentic self, and my ability to express that to my art,” said James. “I used to write a lot more metaphorically, because I was afraid people would hear it and know exactly what I was saying.”

On 11 11, James allows herself to be more vulnerable with her listeners, writing with a deeper sense of frankness and authenticity than she has in the past. She has been writing songs constantly throughout her musical career, whether for the bands she has fronted or for other musicians. Making 11 11 felt like a natural

progression of her music career as air except for you and your passion.” she takes the bold step of writing and The album’s name, 11 11, came released her first solo album. about during the days leading up “[I had] to put myself back into to and during the recording prothe different places of my life that cess. Ever so frequently, she would inspired the songs,” said James. see the numbers in different places.

Performing, recording, and writ- Eventually, she decided to name the ing music is a labor of love and, this album 11 11. endeavor took longer than expected, “Apparently when you keep seeing due in part to the death of her live the number 11 it’s a sign of synchronband’s guitarist over the course of icity, that you’re on the right path,” recording. Despite this, James stayed said James. strong and pushed on. To convey the emotion of the songs, both during Stacey James’ album release show at recordings and performances, James the Park Theatre on Feb. 10. Tickets are has had to relive some of these past – available online or at the door . Physical and sometimes painful – experiences. copies of 11 11 will be available on Feb. “There’s this place you can get to 10, with a digital release set for Feb. 11. as an artist [where] you step outside Visit www.staceyjameswriter.com for of yourself and your insecurities and more information. your thoughts. No one else is in that room but you and your own spirit,” said James. “There’s nothing in the

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

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On the Hot Stove Brett Stovin talks snipping the flow, and the men’s hockey rejuvenation Ryan Stelter, staff

graphic by aldo rios

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n this edition of the Hot Stove, Brett Stovin talks about how the men’s hockey season has turned around, his personal play this season, and cutting his hair for cancer on Feb. 9.

M: You’ve scored less this season, but have assisted more than you have last season. Have you changed your game at all or is that just how things have gone for you?

Manitoban: Last time we talked, you guys weren’t exactly where you wanted to be, but in 2017 you’ve gone 7-2-1, is this how you expected the team to play?

“We’re both getting sick of our hair, so we decided to do something good with it, and we’ve all been affected by cancer” ­– Brett Stovin, Bison men’s hockey assistant captain

Stovin: I think the break was the biggest thing we needed, we were waiting for that for a few weeks before Christmas – we knew we needed it.

We had a lot of banged up bodies and I didn’t want to use it as an excuse, but it does make a difference when you can get consistency in your lineup. So the break was huge for us. We came back and we’re healthy for the most part, we had the lineup we wanted and stuck with it, we’re healthy and we were lacking that consistency on the ice for the last year and a half and we seem to have found that since Christmas. We have the depth and the consistency and those are helping us right now.

S: It’s a little bit with the just the way it’s gone but it's also been dealing with my injury. I'm not as an efficient skater, I’m not skating as well as I have in the past and I’m not thinking about it during the game, but it's

enough that it's actually affecting me.

I’ve moved towards more of let everyone come to me. Suck in as many guys as I can and find the open guy, or go get the puck in the corner and instead of driving the net and trying to jam it myself, I drive the net and look for the open guy. Because someone is coming to me that supposed to be covering someone else.

I have changed my game a little bit but that’s also just how it’s been going, a lot of my assists have been shots on net, and someone cleans it up or it’s a face-off win and a great shot from my line mate. I'm just hitting posts, getting robbed; things like that so it’s been a little bit of both.

M: Before I ask about the fundraiser you and Jonah Wasylak are doing, who’s got the better flow?

S: I’ll give it to Jonah, he’s had it for three or four years and his is a little longer I think. I give it to him just because he’s had it longer and it’s a little bit thicker because of that.

M: What made you and Jonah decide to cut your long hair for cancer?

S: We’ve been growing our hair for a while, I've had long hair for about two and a half years now and he’s had long hair for three, four years. Last year we talked about it but we just didn't have long enough hair. So we decided we were going to grow it out, see how long we can get it before we decided we wanted to do something with it. We threw the idea around, but we never really took it to action.

We were pretty busy with the first half with school and stuff so it never really happened.

We kind of seriously thought about it at the end of Christmas when we came back from break and then when we were stuck in the airport in Lethbridge for like seven and a half hours. We just decided ‘what the heck let’s go for it’ and we drew up a campaign, the mission goals, got the GoFundMe page going, and put it on Facebook. We thought it was just going to be a small thing, we just wanted to quietly cut our hair, wanted to raise just a little bit of money just

to donate and make a little bit of a change. Hopefully someone gets a wig out of it, and then it kind of blew up and in a day in a half we reached $500 and then we raised it to $2,000 and within four days we hit that goal.

Then we decided to make it a bigger thing, we opened it up to the student population, we’re going to make a big event out of it, Cancer Care society reached out to us and they want to come down and present the cheque at one of the games to us.

We’re both getting sick of our hair, so we decided to do something good with it and we’ve all been affected by cancer, one of our teammates have been affected by it this year. So we decided we’d do something good with our long hair.

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Fifth-ranked Bisons sweep Huskies in women’s hockey Jason Pchajek, staff

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his weekend, the fifth-ranked University of Manitoba women’s hockey team played host to the Saskatchewan Huskies for their last regular season home series. The Bisons blanked the Huskies 3-0 on Friday, and won the rematch 3-1 on Saturday.

“To know we can play different types of games, play defensive and lock teams down will be important for us going forward” – Jon Rempel, Bison women’s hockey head coach Friday

The playoff-bound Bisons were back at Wayne Fleming Arena Friday night, beginning their last home series of the regular season against the Huskies. The herd dominated the possession game, helping Rachel Dyck secure the 3-0 shutout win.

Second year winger Jordyn Zacharias opened the scoring, early in the first. Lauryn Keen came streaking down the left sideboards

and chipped a pass to Zacharias. She went forehand, backhand, and placed a shot above the pad of Huskies netminder Cassidy Hendricks to make it 1-0 Manitoba.

In the opening moments of the second period, the Bisons were able to extend their lead. Defenseman Megan Neduzak rifled a one-timer top corner and over the glove of Hendricks.

Winger Venla Hovi picked up her second assist of the night moments later, helping Zacharias pot her second goal. Hovi gave the puck to Zacharias who fought off a defender to get in close. She placed a backhander short side on Hendricks to make it 3-0 Bisons.

Dyck turned away all 24 shots she faced, while Keen picked up three assists and Hovi snagged two in the 3-0 win.

Manitoba was without key contributors Erica Reider and Alanna Sharman, who are off with Team Canada at the 2017 FISU Games in Kazakhstan. However, a few players have elevated their game in their absence.

“It’s an opportunity for different players to get some opportunities and trying to get more players a few more minutes as we head in to playoffs,” Bisons head coach Jon Rempel said post game. “We have to play a team game regardless if those two are in the lineup or not and other people are doing what they need to do here.”

photo by Megan Colwell

Saturday

puck over to Zacharias who potted Saturday marked the final home her 10th of the season. game of the regular season for the Saskatchewan came storming Bisons, as they looked for a sweep back in the opening minutes of the against the Huskies. The two teams second. Rachel Lundberg got the battled it out, playing a physical game puck up to Kori Herner and took off where the Bisons were able to come like a rocket on a breakaway. Herner out on top 3-1. put a laser top shelf on Dyck to cut Manitoba got out front early the lead in half. on the power play. Centre Karissa Hovi did get on the score sheet Kirkup took the puck from defense- in the third, assisting on a goal by man Caitlin Fyten, sending it cross- Keen. The Bisons came into the zone, ice to winger Sheridan Oswald at the 3-on-2, and Hovi threw a backhand left faceoff dot. Oswald rifled a shot pass through a crowd. Keen picked low under the blocker of Hendricks it up on the other side of the goal, for the 1-0 Bisons lead. banging it home.

Zacharias extended the lead to The Huskies threw everything two in the final minute of the first. they could at the home team, but A mad scramble ensued in front of the it wasn’t enough as the Bisons took Huskies goal and Keen popped the the game and the weekend series 3-1.

Dyck made 24 saves for the Bisons, earning her Canada West-leading 15th win.

“Solid, you only give up one goal against a good hockey team that can play and has good players and is well coached, that gives your team confidence,” Rempel said of his team’s work during the weekend. “To know we can play different types of games, play defensive and lock teams down will be important for us going forward.”

The Bisons head out to Edmonton to wrap up their regular season against the University of Alberta Pandas on Feb.10-11.

Bisons earn valuable split on the road in Saskatchewan Ryan Stelter, staff

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he second-ranked Saskatchewan Huskies have not had it easy this year against the Bison men’s hockey team. The Bisons are 2-1-1 against the top team in the Canada West after this past weekend. Manitoba fell 5-3 on Friday night, but shutout the Huskies 4-0 on Saturday.

The Bisons have clinched a playoff spot in the Canada West and sit in fifth place with a 13-11-2 record The Bisons have clinched a playoff spot in the Canada West and sit in fifth place with a 13-11-2 record. They are four points back of Mount Royal for fourth place and a home playoff spot heading into the final weekend of the season.

Friday

The Huskies jumped out to a quick two-goal lead in the first period, getting goals from Jordan Tkatch and Josh Roach 53 seconds apart. Rookie centreman Remi Laurencelle got the Bisons on the board with his sixth goal of the year. The Huskies restored their two-goal lead late on with Levi Cable’s fifth goal of the season.

Saskatchewan added to their lead when Logan McVeigh scored his 13th goal of the year 3:56 into the second frame. Defenseman Blake Heinrich got his second goal in as many games on the power play for the Bisons to make it 4-2 after 40 minutes of play.

The Bisons cut the lead to one halfway through the third period after former Winnipeg Blue Brett Brooks fired home his second of the season. The Bisons pressed hard for an equalizer, but were unable to tie the game, and Roach sealed the win for the Huskies with an empty net goal with ten seconds remaining.

Byron Spriggs stopped 27 of 31 shots in the loss for the Bisons.

photo by Star roxas

Saturday

After coming up short in the comeback on Saturday, the Bisons were able to blank the Huskies 4-0 on Saturday. The opening 20 minutes saw no goals scored for either team, with Saskatchewan outshooting Manitoba 12-7.

Liam Bilton opened the scoring for the herd halfway through the

second frame with his third goal of the season. Adam Henry doubled the lead for the Bisons late in the second with Laurencelle and Nick Zajac picking up the assists on the goal.

Henry got his second goal of the game and sixth of the year in the third period on the power play. 24 seconds later Henry picked up his third point of the game with an assist

on Warren Callis’ goal to make it 4-0. Spriggs was perfect in between the pipes for the herd, stopping all 36 shots he faced, earning him first star honours.

The Bisons finish up their regular season at home against the sixth ranked University of Alberta Golden Bears on Feb. 10-11.

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Sports

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

Manitoba fields six first place individuals and three top relay teams at Bison Classic Kellen Taniguchi, staff

place, by propelling herself up 3.63 meters to clear the bar. The final woman to bring home a first place finish was second year runner Tayo Babalola; she zoomed through the 300-metre race in just 39.93 seconds.

Three male participants also got to the top of the podium, starting with pole-vaulter Adam Gundrum. The six-foot tall senior was able to clear a competition high 4.10 metres. Senior high jumper Alhaji Mansaray was able to clear the bar with a 2.10-metre jump, which was enough to claim first place at the meet. The Bisons were also able to claim first place in the 1000-metre race, with sophomore runner Simon Berube flying to the finish line in a lightning fast time of 2:30.41.

in a fantastic effort, coming in second place with a time of 9:30.19.

“It was a very good two days and strong performances by our 4x200 and 4x800 relay teams for a good start to the season and into the national rankings,” Berube said. “The 4x400 teams also improved their times.”

“Overall, I am pleased with the meet and the team win plus our strong individual results” – Claude Berube, Bison track and field coach

Relay Teams

photo by Jeff Miller

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his past weekend, the University of Manitoba played host to the eighth annual Bison Classic track and field meet, at the James Daly Fieldhouse. Lethbridge, Regina, Alberta, and Lakehead were the four universities that made the trip for the event, and between Manitoba and those four schools, over 300 athletes were showcased during the two-day event.

The Bisons won the meet for the third consecutive year, scoring

a colossal 354.50 combined points, Western Canada. We are hoping to which was miles ahead of second get back some of the numbers for next place Regina, who scored a total of year, but the quality of this year’s 247 points. meet was still very good.”

The 300 plus participants was lower than usual standards, but the Individual performances athletes still gave it their all in what Manitoba fielded six first place was a great competition. athletes, including three women “We didn’t have the same num- and three men. Freshmen Rebekah ber of teams as years previous,” Eckert finished first in the women’s Bisons track and field coach Claude triple jump, launching herself to an Berube said. “But the Bison Classic 11.85-metre jump. Rookie pole-vaulter has always been a premier meet in Emily Blackner lifted herself to first

The hosts were able to bring home three first place finishes in the relay races as well. The women’s 4x200metre relay team crossed the finish line first with a time of 1:40.41, while the men’s 4x200-metre team finished a respectable third place with a time of 1:29.23. The Bisons female 4x400metre team was also able to claim a first place finish for the herd, finishing with a time of 3:54.83; the men’s team was able to finish a close second place in the same race, coming in with a time of 3:21.93.

The lone men’s relay team to finish with the top time was the 4x800metre team, who kept their stamina long enough to outlast the other teams, and finished in just 7:43.71. The women’s 4x800-metre team also put

The eighth annual Bison Classic was a huge success, with a lot of student-athletes putting in tremendous performances, which we can expect to see in future meets this year.

“Overall, I am pleased with the meet and the team win plus our strong individual results. I am excited for the rest of the season,” Berube said.

Bison men’s basketball eight-game win streak comes to a halt Kellen Taniguchi, staff

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he University of Manitoba men’s basketball team was on the road in Brandon this weekend, where they saw their eight-game win streak come to a screeching halt. They fell 79-68 to the Bobcats on Friday night; Brandon picked up where they left off, and defeated the Bisons 92-77 on Saturday night. With the two losses, Manitoba is now 10-8 with just two games remaining in their regular season schedule.

Friday

The Bisons shooting woes were a big factor in their 79-68 loss Friday night, a night where the ball found the twine just 29.5 per cent of the time.

The visiting Bisons got on the board first with a three-pointer by AJ Basi, and they maintained the lead for the majority of the opening frame. The teams exchanged points for the most part, with Brandon tying the game a couple of times, before taking the

lead on the last basket of the quarter; double of 13 points and 11 rebounds. led the home side, scoring a game- 33-20 lead. The game went back to the Bobcats led 18-17 after the first.

Manitoba needed to come out high 21 points. being tightly played, and Basi sank Manitoba fell apart in the second with a fire lit under them in the the final five points of the frame, quarter, with Brandon opening on a fourth quarter to have a chance, and Saturday shrinking the lead to 10 points at 16-0 run to take a 34-17 lead. With that is exactly what they did. After Brandon completed the week- the half. just under four minutes remaining Brandon hit a three pointer to lead end series sweep with a 92-77 win Brandon went on another 8-0 run in the half, Ilarion Bonhomme got a 65-52, the Bisons went on a 10-0 run over Manitoba, a game where they early in the third, to extend their lead jumper to fall, and finally got the herd to cut the lead to just three points dominated the paint area, scoring 54 to 16 points, and built a lead as large on the board. The points compared as 20 points. After being held to 15 teams remained to the Bisons 32. points in each of the previous three competitive for The Bobcats got quarters, the Bisons offense came The Bisons shooting woes were a big the final few minout to an early 10-2 alive in the fourth, but Brandon kept factor in their 79-68 loss Friday night, a utes of the half, lead in the first up with them. Justus Alleyn scored with the Bobcats quarter, but the 11 of his team-high 26 points in the night where the ball found the twine taking a 42-28 lead Bisons answered fourth, but Earl Thompson Jr. also just 29.5 per cent of the time into halftime. back with a 10-2 scored 11 of his game-high 27 points The play in the run of their own in the fourth, to help give the Bobcats third was boomerto tie the game at the win. anging from end-to-end, prevent- with six minutes left to play. The 12. The Bobcats took a slim 17-15 lead ing the teams from changing the Bobcats however, fired right back into the second frame.

Manitoba returns home on Feb. 10-11, scoreboard much. Brandon still had with a 10-0 run of their own, and The teams were back-and-forth where they will host the Mount Royal the lead after three quarters of play, wouldn’t let the Bisons get any closer. early on, with Brandon taking a 25-20 Cougars at the Investors Group Athletic leading 62-50. Keith Omoerah netted Bonhomme had eight points in the lead mid-way through the second Centre to finish off their regular season five points for the Bisons in the third, second half, and finished with a quarter. The Bobcats pulled away, as schedule. and finished the game with a double- Bison-high 14, while Tyvon Cooper they went on an 8-0 run to take a

Sports

VOL. 103 NO. 22 February 8, 2017

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Bison men’s volleyball team crush Wolfpack, women’s losing streak continues Ryan Stelter and Kellen Taniguchi, staff

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his weekend the Thompson Rivers Wolfpack came to town to play the University of Manitoba volleyball teams. The first-ranked men’s team dominated and won 3-0 on Friday and 3-0 on Saturday.

The women had their losing streak extended after losing 3-1 on Friday and 3-1 on Saturday.

Men

The top-ranked university volleyball team in the country made quick work of the Wolfpack on Friday, dispatching them in three straight sets. It was an absolutely dominating performance from the herd, as they out-hit, out-served, and pounded the Wolfpack into the ground.

Devren Dear was up to his usual self, as he smacked home a team-best 13 kills on the night. The Bisons only a set that was plagued with service “It’s nice we got lots of guys on the made 12 errors all night, and had a errors and aces. Thompson Rivers floor too, and they all contributed,” team hitting percentage of .338. The was able to put points on the board in Pischke said. “We played pretty second set saw the Bisons hitting an large part to the Bisons eight service steady throughout, and I’m happy impressive .619, where they had 14 errors; the visitors made six them- with it.” team kills. selves. Manitoba won the set 25-15 on Saturday was more of the same a Caleb Hickok service ace, a fitting Women for the Bisons, as they once again way to end the first set.

After annihilating the Wolfpack The Bisons continued their domi- 25-8 in the first set, the Bisons eventuwon 3-0. The win comes during Manitoba’s final regular season nance in the second set, where they ally lost on Friday 3-1. The rest of the home game, a night where their were able to score four straight points match was a disaster for the herd, as eight seniors were honoured (Ken twice, and five straight points one they hit close to or negatively in every Rooney, Devren Dear, Luke Herr, time within the set. Thompson Rivers set after the first one for a total hitEvan Jackson, Kevin Falconer, Caleb never scored more than three straight ting percentage of .104. Sarah Klassen Hickok, Alex Strachan, and Josh points. The home-side rolled on to hammered home a team-best 10 kills Crellin). another 25-15 set win. for the Bisons, as well coming up with “It’s a large crew,” Bisons head The final set started off really com- seven blocks. coach Garth Pischke said. “I thought petitive, with the teams exchanging Although both teams made a simiit was a good ceremony, and they points, but the Bisons had a 13-10 lar amount of errors, the Bisons were deserved it. There’s a lot of talent lead mid-way through the frame. just unable to get it done offensively. there, and a lot of good memories.”

The Bisons won the set 25-16, and Saturday was more of the same for Manitoba dominated the first set, the match 3-0. the Bisons, as they had their losing

photo by Megan Colwell

streak extended to eight games after a 3-1 loss.

Prior to the game, Manitoba honoured the team’s two seniors, with Caleigh Dobie and Klassen playing in their last regular season home game as a Bison.

“It was a pretty emotional match for the players” –­­ Jon Hykaway, Bison women’s volleyball head coach

have been here for five years, and I’ve only been with them for five months, but they’re two special players.”

The Bisons once again won the first set, but lost three straight for the second night in a row. Manitoba was beaten in almost every single team stat category, and was flat out beat by a good Thompson Rivers side.

“We competed hard,” Hykawy said.

“They’ve got probably the best player in the country, and we tried to do whatever we could do to stop her, but when she comes up with 25 kills, it’s hard to come up on the winning side”

“It was a pretty emotional match for the players,” head coach Jon Hykawy said. “Those two players

The Bison volleyball teams go on the road to play the MacEwan Griffins in Edmonton on Feb.10-11.

Rumours flying in Selkirk Fate of Steelers seemingly up in the air after rumors surface on social media Jason Pchajek, staff

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rouble appears to be popping up those by Wolski, who mentioned that situation for a once proud junior A Lozinski visited St. Andrews School in size. Gimili’s population of just across the junior hockey land- the city of Selkirk and the Steelers city, especially with it being the 50th for the same event. fewer than 2,000 wouldn’t have the scape in Manitoba. Lost behind news ownership group were “at war.” It anniversary season.”

The team will also be holding the same ticket sales potential as Selkrik. that the Opaskwayak Cree Nation doesn’t seem like the team has a probAlthough community support is 19th annual Hockey Night in Selkirk Teulon would not be much better, Blizzard may no longer receive fund- lem with the city at all, but its fans. an issue for the team, Petrash con- Dinner, hosted this year by NHL leg- with population of just over 1,000. tinuously reiterated management and end Ray Bourque. Tickets for the Feb. The current home of the Steelers, ing from the band council, were some ownership’s commitment to Selkirk. 21 event are currently on sale. other rumblings within the Manitoba the Selkirk Recreation Complex, “We’ve gone from Junior Hockey League (MJHL).

“We can only hope the locals wake While Petrash has continuously opened in 1992 and has a capacity of On Jan. 29, Darryl Wolski of the up soon,” he said. “Or this will be a preached that the Steelers will remain 2,751. A much more intriguing option an average of over 2112 Hockey Agency tweeted that the ‘you don’t know what you had until in Selkirk past the end of the 2016/17 for the club, and is also home to the it’s gone’ story.” season, Wolski has his doubts.

Selkirk Steelers had filed papers to Keystone Junior Hockey League’s 1,000 fans on a relocate to Beausejour for the 2017/18 When responding to the initial “I don’t know much more, but I do Selkirk Fisherman.

Friday evening in rumors online, Petrash mentioned know the team is holding practices season. Steelers GM Kevin Petrash From an organizational standpoint that the team is doing everything they in Seven Oaks,” Wolski said. “Now it would be far wiser for the Steelers quickly came out to squash those 2010 to a paltry the latest is the team will play home to try and make it work in the only rumours, saying that the Steelers can to be visible in the community.

400” – Kevin Petrash, were there to stay and would continue Petrash is correct about the work games in Gimli and Teulon next year.” home they’ve ever known. Founded to be involved with the community. the Steelers have been doing, as the Those final comments could not 50 years ago in 1966, the Steelers have Selkirk Steelers GM players – almost always with Steelers be corroborated and Wolski did not brought home 11 Turnbull Cups as “I can definitely say there has been mascot “Beamer” in tow – have been share the source of his information. talk in the inner circles about movMJHL champions. The Steelers curIf the team were to play in Gimli rently sit third in the MJHL and will ing the Steelers,” Petrash said when fixtures at community events. On reached for comment. “The team is “We’ve gone from an average of Feb. 3rd, Colby Dudek and Brady as Wolski mentioned, it would be a look to drum up more support with a severely underappreciated by the local over 1,000 fans on a Friday evening Castellano visited the St. Andrews viable but temporary fix. Gimli is long playoff run. Hopefully that and community. It’s very frustrating for in 2010 to a paltry 400,” Petrash said. Daycare as part of “I Love to Read” around an hour’s drive from Selkirk, continued community involvement the people running the hockey club.” “With these numbers the hockey club Month, and the day prior Taylor but the community center is vastly will be enough to turn the tides for These comments are a far cry from is simply unsustainable. It’s a very sad Fisher, Jake Dudar and Braden smaller, closing in on a junior B arena another junior A franchise.