8 March 2017

NEWS

Free speech or fascism?

Dueling protests square off at City Hall

COMMENT

Tweets are not enough Trudeau must scrap the Third Safe Country Agreement PAGE 10

PAGE 4

SPORTS

Know your enemy Previewing the three teams coming to town March 10-11 PAGE 18 NEWS

"Moron in the White House" Stephen Lewis slams Trump on human rights PAGE 5 VO L 1 0 2 · N O 2 5 · M A R C H 8 , 2 0 1 7 · W W W.T H E M A N I TO B A N .CO M

Index

2

VOL. 103 NO. 25 March 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

COMMENT EDITOR Shawn Garbutt

comment@themanitoban.com

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY EDITOR Malak Abas

science@themanitoban.com

ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR Seamus Hamilton-Pattison

ARTS

arts@themanitoban.com

Making noise

SPORTS EDITOR Ryan Stelter

sports@themanitoban.com

COPY EDITOR Sarah Doran

3Peat talks about influences and Winnipeg's hip hop scene

copy@themanitoban.com

DESIGN

PAGE 15

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 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

SCIENCE

EDITORIAL

30 vaquita porpoises left

Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto

World’s rarest marine mammal faces extinction PAGE 12

Why communist automation can and should be the future PAGE 8

Will Gibson Sari Habiluk Anthony Labonté Janis Maudlin

Delica LeboeMcGowan

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

GENERAL INQUIRIES & ADVERTISING Phone: (204) 474.6535 Fax: (204) 474.7651 Email: manitoban@themanitoban.com FREE MEDIA Campus Plus Media Services Phone: 1.780.421.1000 Email: advertise@free-media.ca

Check the Manitoban’s website and Facebook page for:

• 2017 UMSU General Election candidate interviews

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

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 transphobic, ableist 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.

3

Platform promises

News

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

The Manitoban breaks down promises brought forward by the two slates of the 2017 UMSU election LAUREN SIDDALL, STAFF

L

eading up to the UMSU election, March 8-10, the Manitoban summarizes the major platform points of the two slates running for UMSU. Here is your UMSU election Spark Notes.

work with administration to prevent The slate has also promised to future budget cuts. They also wish to provide U of M students with nap create more scholarship and bursaries pods in University Centre, increase for University of Manitoba students, the public seating available in UC, and improve the affordability of hous- extend GPA’s hours of operation, and ing near the three U of M campuses. introduce on-demand food delivery.

One UMSU vice-president They also plan to develop an academic external candidate Wilfred Sam- tutoring app and expand their camOne UMSU One UMSU has promised to King – who is seeking re-election pus speaker series. introduce a flexible parking pass, – has promised to create mentorship and flexible health and dental plans programs for new students, allowing UMSU United to cater to individual students more them to connect with more senior UMSU United has also promised effectively, two initiatives that went students who can help make the tran- to fight against fee hikes and budinto the works earlier this year. The sition to university easier. Sam-King get cuts and increase the number of slate is also looking to work with has also pledged to increase the num- scholarships and bursaries available Winnipeg Transit to introduce a ber of student jobs and work-study for U of M students. Further, the U-Pass for the summer months and grant programs available. slate promises to lobby the governintroduce a “late night bus.”

Under the umbrella of student ment and administration to lower Nagra and her team plans to lobby advocacy, One UMSU says they aim tuition costs and work with UMSU against expected tuition increases to revise the voluntary withdrawal businesses to provide students living from the provincial government, as and grade point average policies that in residence with discounts. Alaka well as work with the Progressive were recently changed, in addition to and her team have also promised to Conservative government to intro- implementing a safe space policy for continue the development of a flexduce a tuition cap for international all UMSU-owned businesses, events, ible health and dental plan, increase students. One UMSU promised to student groups, and office spaces. co-op opportunities, and introduce

a textbook rental program. the frequency of buses during rush They have also pledged to make hour, as well as extend operating mental health a priority if elected hours. and have committed to reducing UMSU United vice-presithe wait times for seeing a counselor dent advocacy candidate Chance on campus, in addition to provid- Paupanakis has promised to increase ing increased support for student security in student lounges and study groups. UMSU United also prom- spaces and ensure all UMSU events ises to implement a Reconcili-Action are inclusive to students of all culcampaign and EndIslamaphobia tural and ethnic backgrounds. They campaign, as well as a sexual assault have also promised to increase union prevention and response unit. transparency by live-streaming all UMSU United vice-presi- UMSU council meetings. dent external candidate Mathew UMSU United has also promScammell says he aims to promote ised to promote consent culture on environmental sustainability on campus by working with Justice for campus by working with the U of Womyn and the U of M health and M Office of Sustainability to create wellness office. a compost program and reduce water waste. The slate has said they will For more information, watch candieventually look to establish a bike date interviews online at themanitoban. share program at the U of M. UMSU com United has also promised to work with Winnipeg Transit to increase bus routes on campus and increase

UMSU VP candidate apologizes for comments on transgender rights One UMSU VP finance and operations candidate criticized federal bill to extend protections to trans Canadians in November LEVI GARBER, STAFF

A

University of Manitoba Students’ The comments are especially per- sent all students on campus showed Union (UMSU) vice-presiden- tinent, as during a segment of One his disdain to using the appropriate tial candidate has apologized for com- UMSU’s official campaign video pronouns for a person,” he said. ments made in November regarding released on March 2 , Moorthy dis“As a transgender person, I do a federal government bill that would cussed his slate’s goal to “promote and not feel that comfortable voting for provide further protections for trans- celebrate all of our students, no mat- someone who questions something gender people in Canada. ter what their religion, race, gender, that is as simple as treating me as the In a social media post from Nov. or sexuality.” person I am.”

22, One UMSU vice-president Moorthy apologized for his comfinance and operations candidate ments Monday in an email to the Jehan Moorthy criticized a gov- “As a transgender Manitoban, saying that he did not ernment bill that would amend the understand the ramifications of Bill person, I do not feel Canadian Human Rights Act to add C-16 when he made the comments. gender identity and gender expres- that comfortable “I apologize to the trans commusion to a list of prohibited grounds of nity for my insensitivity when making voting for someone discrimination. that post,” he said. “I realized I made In the post, Moorthy wrote: a mistake and deleted it shortly after who questions “could go to Jail and be fined for not posting it.” referring to someone as ‘he’ or ‘she.’

Moorthy also indicated that he is something that is as Right how do I get off Planet Earth. willing to take some form of sensitivI’ve had it. I’ve had enough,” and pro- simple as treating me ity or ally training. vided a link to Liberal justice minister One UMSU presidential candias the person I am ” – Jodie Wilson-Raybould’s statement date and current UMSU president on the passage of the bill from Nov. 18. Theo Desilva, former Tanjit Nagra said that she was preMoorthy’s post has since been viously unaware of Moorthy’s comUMSU LGBTTQ* deleted. ments and that she wanted him to representative The law, titled Bill C-16, would apologize. also amend the Criminal Code of “Jehan is aware that UMSU Canada to extend protections against recently passed a position statement hate propaganda or offences motiFormer UMSU LGBTTQ* rep- that promotes an equitable campus vated by bias, prejudice, or hate to resentative and transgender U of M and opposes transphobia,” she said transgender Canadians. student Theo DeSilva said he was in an email.

Bill C-16 passed in the House of “saddened” when he became aware “He is aware that if he wants to be Commons 248 to 40 on Oct. 18, but of Moorthy’s comments. an acting officer of UMSU that he has not yet been voted on in the Senate.

“Someone that is running to repre- must represent this position to the

PHOTO BY LEVI GARBER

best of his ability.”

Rainbow Pride Mosaic (RPM) – an UMSU service group and campus safe space for LGBTTQ* students and staff – coordinator Brandon Clayton said he is satisfied with Moorthy’s apology.

“We are glad Moorthy realized his mistake and we are glad he will have a more inclusive mindset moving forward,” Clayton said. “It is important that people on [UMSU] council realize they represent all students, no matter who they are.”

Clayton also said that RPM would offer ally awareness training

in the future for any students “for learning opportunities on LGBTTQ* issues.”

DeSilva, however, said he was not satisfied with Moorthy’s apology and insisted the VP finance and operations candidate take the training.

When asked whether she thinks Moorthy should take some form of sensitivity training, Nagra said “I think all students should receive bystander intervention, consent culture, mental health first aid, allied, and sensitivity training. However, enforcing this would be very difficult.”

4

News

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

Large counter-protest dwarfs antiMotion 103 rally at Winnipeg City Hall Small Winnipeg protest part of Canada-wide rallies against Liberal anti-Islamophobia motion LEVI GARBER, STAFF

PHOTOS BY MIGUEL YETMAN

A

small group of protestors was Although it was difficult to tell, action by any group, so [we] felt the confronted by a much larger nearly 15 protestors attended the need to draw the line in the sand crowd of counter-protestors outside Winnipeg March for Freedom, early,” Kinnarath told the Manitoban.

City Hall Saturday.

Liberty, and Justice, organized by the “We found out about this rally The original rally, organized by the Canadian Coalition of Concerned from our anti-fascist contacts in smaller group, was meant to oppose Citizens (CCCC) as part of a nation- Toronto and then we organized it a federal Liberal motion that would wide day of protests against M-103. right away,” he said. “It’s fantastic. condemn all forms of religious dis- Some protestors carried inflamma- Being a Muslim myself, it’s great to crimination, including Islamophobia. tory signs and one wore a slogan on see all the support from everyone, Motion 103 was introduced in his back that read “Stop Sharia Law” from all sides.”

Parliament by Mississauga MP Iqra next to an image of the Canadian flag.

There was a large police presence Khalid last December and debate The small group was dwarfed at City Hall, although no violence on the motion begain in February, however by a much larger crowd of broke out between the groups of not long after a mass shooting at a just over 200 counter-protestors wav- protestors.

Quebec City mosque in January left ing Indigenous and Pride flags and For over an hour, counter-prosix men dead. carrying signs with slogans such as testors shouted at the small group If passed, M-103 would “recog- “Refugees Welcome.” of protestors and argued over a nize the need to quell the increasCounter-protest organizer Omar range of issues with them, including ing public climate of hate and fear,” Kinnarath said he coordinated the Islamophobia, Indigenous rights, resrequest that a government committee opposing rally to respond to what he idential schools, and Donald Trump, “develop a government-wide approach sees as a growing far-right movement among other topics. to reducing or eliminating systemic in Canada.

One of the protestors clad in a racism and religious discrimination, “Very far-right or alt-right groups red “Make America Great Again” including Islamophobia,” and collect have been coming into Canada and hat, who would only provide his first data on hate crime reports in Canada. this was kind of the first national name (Nicholas), said he joined the

demonstration because he found it interesting.

“To be honest with you, I actually wear this hat every day all the time,” he said. “I came here to check things out to see what’s going on. No rhyme or reason, just coming to check things out.”

According to a release from the CCCC, the protest was organized – among other reasons – to tell the government that M-103 is not needed, as “Canada’s existing laws are sufficient.”

“It is not government’s role to single out a specific religion or provide that religion with special privileges,” read the release published on Mar. 3.

M-103 is not a bill therefore it cannot become law. If the motion passes, it will not place any legal restrictions on freedom of speech in Canada.

Canadian Federation of StudentsManitoba international students’ commissioner and University of Manitoba international student Saif Baloch disagreed with the CCCC’s stance and argued with protestors at the rally Saturday.

“I think it’s important to talk about

what’s been happening and what happened in Québec earlier this year,” Baloch told the Manitoban. “The hateful rhetoric that’s going around, even from the establishment parties [...] is not justified.”

“People need to be informed about the hateful rhetoric that’s coming up,” he said. “There was even a person that was saying ‘hate speech doesn’t exist’ and I was appalled by it.”

A similar protest in Montréal Saturday erupted in violence as nearly 100 anti-M103 protestors clashed with counter-protestors.

The Winnipeg protest and counter-protest ended at around 12:30 p.m.

VOL. 103 NO. 25 March 8, 2017

News

5

Stephen Lewis slams Trump on human rights during U of M lecture Professor of distinction and United Nations veteran urged Canadian policy to push back against American nativism OSHO SAMUEL ADETUNJI, STAFF

A

strong voice calling for the revival of human rights spoke at St. John’s College Feb. 28 for the annual Marjorie Ward Lecture.

Stephen Lewis, a professor of distinction at Ryerson University and a renowned former politician who worked with the United Nations for more than two decades, delivered a lecture asking “are human rights eroding in the 21st century?”

The one-hour address exposed the numerous threats to human rights and their crucial effects on the quality of life for the current generation.

Lewis’ speech outlined the role of the United States in the ongoing erosion of human rights and what is expected from Canada as a nation.

“Countries like Canada have to find the courage to stand up to these atrocities” – Stephen Lewis, former UN secretary general’s special envoy for HIV/AIDS Lewis began with a long list of possible implications of the inauguration of a new administration in the White House, led by President Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein at the ongoing Donald Trump, that is averse to the session of the United Nations Human entrenchment of ideals and human Rights Council which started late last rights. month in Geneva.

“We now have a fundamentally Lewis pointed out that they both altered landscape in the United States “without naming names, made it clear and therefore internationally – which how deeply offended and concerned is frankly terrifying,” he said. they were about the behaviour of the “We have a moron in the White president of the United States.”

House who understands almost nothLewis voiced his concerns about ing about the way the world works the recent development in the and is not ideological except for ego- Trump-led government to increase maniac narcissism and accumulation funding to defence while cutting of wealth.” foreign aid. He lamented the impliJust this week, Trump issued cations of the decision, which he said a second travel ban targeting six may inhibit the United States from Muslim-majority countries. An ear- continuing to champion charitable lier version of the ban was abandoned causes in developing countries via after a federal appeals court refused foreign aid. to reinstate an executive order that “The president of the United States restricted travel from seven Muslim- has amassed a little cabal of senior majority countries and suspended military officers around him and we entry to refugees. are now going to begin successively “The consequences and the terrible to increase the defence budget at erosion of rights are identifiable and the expense of human priorities and palpable on every front,” said Lewis, so therefore, you have an unstable, “because it is necessary to say, as all irrational, unpredictable president,” of you know, that this is the most he said. important position in the world, the “I see that not only are they cutmost important and influential coun- ting the environmental protection try in the world.” agencies in order to provide money Lewis reiterated his concerns for arms, but they are going to cut about the leadership of the United foreign aid. Now, maybe it is because States by referring to the speeches of I lived my life in that world for the the United Nations secretary general past 30 years, but it is almost imposAntonio Guterres and United Nations sible to imagine the human havoc, the high commissioner for human rights truncation and elimination of human

PHOTO BY CHANTAL ZDAN

rights that occurs when the United States – which is frequently the single largest donor – starts cutting back.”

“We have a moron in the White House who understands almost nothing about the way the world works and is not ideological except for egomaniac narcissism and accumulation of wealth” – Stephen Lewis He condemned the initial executive order on refugees, issued January, and called on Canada to stay true to the endearing values that have sustained the country for 150 years since confederation.

“I am increasingly of the opinion that what this world wants – and what this world needs – is a voice of principles to say to the president of the United States ‘you are wrong,’” he said.

“We, as a country, have a series to make the City of Winnipeg – once of values and principles which we called the most racist city in Canada cherish for 150 years and we are not – a place where everyone is welcomed prepared to have them subdued by and received with open arms. executive orders issued from the “We try to gather community United States of America.” leaders and advocates who are He called on Canada to stand championing various human rights strong and entrench human rights. to undertake the simple act of work“I don’t think any country should ing together,” he said, citing a recent attempt to assuage the egotism of symbolic walk for human rights.

Donald Trump by playing nice, by “We are continuing to provide shaking hands deferentially, some- more supports to welcoming newtimes reverentially, by pretending to comers, especially refugees, to accept his admonitions provided he Winnipeg. Certainly, when it comes to our Indigenous community, we maintain trade plans,” he said.

“Countries like Canada have to are doing a lot of work right now to find the courage to stand up to these increase our Indigenous inclusion atrocities. As I say, it does not have efforts. What we saw during the to be unduly confrontational but can presidential campaign, some of the be uttered with respect and dignity rhetoric that then-candidate, nowjust dissociating ourselves from the President Trump voiced were deeply pattern or behaviour and saying to offensive and certainly have empowthe world, ‘you want a beacon of con- ered some groups that we would not science? It is called Canada.’” like to see empowered.”

“And yes,” he added, “we may suf“And so what we are trying to do fer some agitation and some difficult is really just demonstrate to our own trade talks and we may suffer some citizens but also to our neighbours as abuse via torture in the middle of the well as global citizens that Canada is night, but we are not going to recoil a place where we welcome newcomers from that – we have a position and and we value and promote human we are going to hold to it.” rights.”

Welcoming to Winnipeg

Winnipeg mayor Brian Bowman was among the dignitaries who attended the event and he spoke about the efforts of his administration

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

8

Automation isn’t the problem, capitalism is SHAWN GARBUTT, STAFF

W

hen it comes to depictions of futuristic societies in film and literature, science fiction nigh unanimously errs on the side of dystopia.

So too do pundits – and nearly half of young people in developed industrial economies, according to a 2016 poll by Future Foundation – when the topic of automation of the labour force is discussed. Indeed, headlines often blare job losses to technological innovation in numbers that seem impossible: one 2016 report by the Mowat Centre, a public policy think tank, declared that a little over 40 per cent of Canadian jobs are highly vulnerable to automation in the next 10 to 20 years. And while high-risk occupations also tend to be low-income, illustrious STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) have also become increasingly susceptible to creeping automation due to some of the repetitive task-based elements that come along with high degrees of specialization.

While this isn’t the Terminator’s famous Skynet scenario, the prospect of large-scale unemployment at the hands of robots may understandably foster hostility and anxiety in the minds of today’s modern precarious worker, or alternatively, precariat.

Another major factor in this potential discontent is the current status of

social infrastructure in Canada and the West at large, which is frankly failing.

Through nationalization, we may ensure that the fruits of automation are distributed appropriately and equitably Unions have been falling both in terms of strength and membership since the eighties, and benefits for both the employed and unemployed have been subject to continual downgrades over the past few decades. Employed workers have seen their benefits shrink due to the spread of the “gig economy,” which has replaced traditional fulltime employment and all the security alongside it with much more turbulent, part-time contract work.

Meanwhile, the vast majority of the unemployed have seen their safety net shredded. In the past 40 years, the distribution of employment insurance has been halved, covering only 39 per cent of unemployed Canadians in

the private sector wouldn’t translate to a monopoly on political power.

Through nationalization, we can ensure that the fruits of automation are distributed appropriately and equitably. Not only would extreme class stratification be prevented, but re-energized profit streams on an unprecedented scale raised from booming business will fund a universal basic income scheme among other additions to the welfare state.

These will include comprehensive skill-building programs needed for the maintenance of a smaller but more diversified economy as well as the resources necessary to integrate coding curricula into the education system. Both would be necessary for the maintenance of economy-wide automation.

With such measures implemented, a reduced workload becomes one of the stepping stones to enlightenment. Freed from the monotonous drone of an all-consuming work week, workers subject to automation will be displaced not only from their jobs but from being cogs in a machine.

With widespread automation, onceworkers will be able to invest in their creative pursuits, their relationships, and meaningful projects that genuinely attract their interest. Even those who wish to continue as career-driven will be free to do so without repercussions, as the types of employment primarily requiring human capital will be dynamic, complex, and richly engaging. Of course, this is all ideal speculation. Nevertheless, the chance GRAPHIC BY KELLY CAMPBELL of this never coming to pass ought not to dissuade our pursuit of what 2016 as opposed to 82 per cent in 1978. payable sums the higher a recipient could be.

The drawbacks to automation on a At large, both local and global labour falls on the income bracket. This is markets have become characterized in order to ensure that those who are mass scale stem not from the innovaby precarity. temporary or permanently displaced tion itself but rather from the fact that It is speculated that the new “dig- from the workforce can continue to modern social systems are woefully ital economy” will only exacerbate live a reasonable lifestyle, and as a unequipped to deal with the upheaval these woes. However, such a conclu- result are able to continue engaging that would follow from what is essension rests on premises of maintain- in the economy. tially an economic revolution. The ing the ideological status quo: the welfare state in its current form does assumption that labour regulations not have the resources to effectively The automation of will continue to benefit owners at cope with the aftershocks of widethe expense of labourers. But rather spread automation of the labour the workforce need than becoming mired in cynicism, we force. As the economy undergoes not be a looming must at least attempt to summon the paradigm shifts, so too must public political will to change the course of policy and the discourse surrounding dystopia, but the future for the better. That is to say, it. Should we successfully reimagine instead could be a the automation of the workforce need the boundaries of this debate, past the not be a looming dystopia, but instead neoliberal confines of free markets gleaming utopia could be a gleaming utopia – so long and small government, then society as the weaknesses in our social infraas a whole will reap the benefits. In structure are addressed.

Secondly, all industries that pro- terms of progress, the alternative simFears surrounding a robotic inva- vide the infrastructure for automa- ply does not compute. sion of the workforce are largely influ- tion must be nationalized. Otherwise, enced by the trenchant grip of late income inequality would soar as capicapitalism on modern society. With talists reap massive profits as staffing certain measures in place, mass auto- costs vanish altogether from budgets. mation of the labour force is not only To allow private holdings in critipermissible, but desirable: a pursuit cal industries of the digital economy worthy of all the political capital the would spawn a superpowered class of left can muster. robo-capitalists, consisting of those A priority of any government allied who own the intellectual property both to the modern day labourer and rights to automation technology economic automation should be the and those who own the companies implementation of a robust universal manned not by salaried but autobasic income. Specifically, one with a mated workers. It would be naïve to progressive index that scales back the think the ensuing economic boom in

9

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

UMSU community reps need a bigger platform JEREMIAH KOPP, STAFF

PHOTO BY MEGAN COLWELL

I

n the throes of yet another UMSU election, it is often easy to become distracted by the high-profile executive positions. These roles are typically contested by well-organized teams with student leaders who have talent, enthusiasm, and experience.

The executive committee is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the union, so it is natural that these candidates are the primary focus of attention. This may be the nature of things, but the problem is that other elected positions are often drowned out and don’t receive the same level of interest or consideration.

UMSU exists to identify and fill gaps in the student experience through advocacy, services, and programming. The five community representative positions – womyn’s representative, international students’ representative, LGBTTQ* representative, Aboriginal students’ representative, and students living with disabilities representative – are of particular importance because they speak on behalf of traditionally mar-

ginalized communities that benefit for election and use their voice to institutional support that will be from the collective action of their advance their community’s interests. required if attracting more candicommunity. These individuals give The starting point should be in dates, interest, and support to these voice to their constituency groups how elections are run and publicized. positions is the ultimate goal. UMSU through their representation at There are always ways to amplify the can play a role in facilitating this proUMSU council, the governing body voices of these representatives and put cess by ensuring community repreof the union. This sentatives have platform is incredsupport once they ibly important UMSU community representatives need more are elected. This because it is used can include inforresources so the advocacy of marginalized to educate the rest mation sessions groups can be carried out more efficiently, of council and the for the representastudent body as a tives on the history more substantially, and with greater impact and whole to the very policies of the real needs and union, financial issues of these groups. them front and centre in the public resources to attend conferences and Marginalized groups are by defin- dialogue. These measures do not have workshops pertaining to their role, ition those who are systematically dis- to be revolutionary either – an email as well as UMSU staff support for advantaged relative to others. Those could be sent out to the student body, research and advocacy initiatives. representing these communities are, specifically focusing on these comOne way to expand the profile in turn, often operating from a defi- munity positions and their policies. and platform of these representacit given that they themselves are a UMSU could also continue to hold tives would be through an “advocacy member of that marginalized com- a separate community representatives report” that UMSU could distribmunity. That is why it is so important election forum in order to increase ute to the student body on the repthat the electoral process and subse- dialogue with constitutents and the resentatives’ behalf with issues that quent governance system create space student body at large. the community has brought forward, to level the playing field and ensure These election-period actions, notices about upcoming events, and that students feel empowered to stand however, are not a substitute for the information on how to get involved

on campus with specific regard given to the five currently identified community representatives.

UMSU community representatives need more resources so the advocacy of marginalized groups can be carried out more efficiently, more substantially, and with greater impact. For a union, there’s no reason not to raise up those members who have historically been knocked down.

10 Comment

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

Trudeau needs to scrap the Third Safe Country Agreement The agreement between Canada and the U.S. is putting refugee claimants at risk SHADEN ABUSALEH, STAFF

Safe Third Country Agreement and opening our borders has economic, societal, and even cultural benefits.

Trudeau said it best: “diversity is our strength.” But the moral, humanitarian argument should beat out all other arguments, and now more than ever the Liberal government has a moral obligation to scrap the Safe Third Country Agreement. Even after an appeals court upheld the suspension of Trump’s ban, those seeking protection from persecution will remain in danger, especially considering the Trump administration will be trying its hand at a second attempt.

A 2015 UNHCR report concluded that the number of people forcibly displaced from their homes, either within their home country or outside their home country, is at 65.3 million

GRAPHIC BY ALDO RIOS

W

hen it comes to refugee policy, his infamous executive order – the million. This means that one person cial border crossings, and many are Prime Minister Justin Trudeau “Muslim ban” – as the reason why in 113 is a displaced person. This num- instead opting to risk their lives and has two stances: one on Twitter, and they decided that asking for refugee ber is greater than the population of limbs and trek for hours through the the other on paper. protection in the U.S. would be a Canada, Australia, and New Zealand harsh and unforgiving winter weather Nowhere is that more clear than in fruitless effort, fearing deportation. combined. by “illegally” crossing into Canada Emerson, Manitoba, a small border And while Prime Minister Justin through farmers’ fields. Because once town with a population of 700 people, Trudeau painted a rosy picture of a claimant enters Canada, the state The Liberal that has made its way to international Canada’s openness on Twitter, claim- must abide by the 1951 United Nations headlines due to the sharp increase in ing to welcome all those “fleeing per- Refugee Convention, which “asserts government should the number of asylum seekers entersecution, terror and war,” his viral that a refugee should not be returned ing Canada near the border crossing. tweet left out an important and strict to a country where they face serious ensure that those In 2017 alone, at least 190 people, have agreement that Canada adheres to: threats to their life or freedom.” In made the decision to take this dan- who cannot now the Safe Third Country Agreement. other words, while it is technically gerous journey and cross into Canada Under the Canada-U.S. Safe “illegal” to cross into Canada outcount on safe to claim asylum. Between April and Third Country Agreement, which side of an official border crossing, haven in the U.S. December of 2016, 410 immigrants came into effect in 2004, the U.S. is international law requires refugees made the crossing. And while there considered a ‘safe country,’ which is be protected from punishment and can find it here has been an outpouring of support for meant to denote a state where claim- deportation on the grounds that they refugees from Manitobans over the ing refugee protection is possible. The are fleeing persecution. last few months, there have also been It is also important to keep in agreement forces refugees to make Many across the country are many who have called on authori- mind that in addition to the grow- their asylum claims in the country calling on the Liberal government ties to implement stricter regulations ing intolerance spreading across the they first landed in. This bars asy- to amend and even scrap the Safe at border crossings in order to slow Western world, we are living in a lum seekers who wish to make their Third Country Agreement, including down the influx of asylum seekers. time where the number of people claim in Canada but arrived in the much of the law community as well as The number of refugee claimants who have been forcibly displaced U.S. first. As a result, any refugee the NDP. Students at the University entering Manitoba has increased from their homes is at a record high. claimant coming from the United of Manitoba Robson Hall faculty of significantly since Donald Trump’s A 2015 UNHCR report concluded States into Canada through regulated law held a research-a-thon to draft election to the American presidency that the number of people forcibly border crossings is denied entry. legal memos as part of the nationwide last November. A number of claim- displaced from their homes globally, Because this agreement only effort to scrap this agreement. ants who have made their way into either within their home country or applies at regulated border crossings, One can make a logical, sound Canada have even cited Trump and outside their home country, is at 65.3 very few are claiming asylum at offi- argument on why scrapping the

A report from Harvard Law School concludes that the United States cannot be considered a “safe country” for asylum seekers anymore because Trump’s executive orders highlight “this administration’s hostility toward refugees and asylum seekers.” The report points to the grave potential consequences of Trump’s executive orders on immigration, which include inhuman and arguably unconstitutional actions such as the large-scale detention of asylum seekers, the removal of refugees without due process, the empowering of local officials to detain individuals on mere suspicion of immigration violation, and permitting discrimination based on asylum seekers’ religion and nationalities.

When two Ghanian refugees almost died after walking for hours to cross into Manitoba from the U.S. on Christmas Eve, losing most of their fingers and toes due to frostbite, Ottawa should have immediately taken a stronger stance and either amended or scrapped the Safe Third Country Agreement. If Trudeau meant what he wrote in his viral tweet about Canada’s commitment to openness in the wake of Trump’s travel ban, then his Liberal government should ensure that those who cannot now count on safe haven in the U.S. can find it here.

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

Vaquita porpoises at risk of immediate extinction due to illegal fishing trade, says WWF MALAK ABAS, STAFF

GRAPHIC BY ALDO RIOS

T

he world’s rarest marine mammal, (WWF) and the Mexican govern- handful of vaquitas in the capturing are ignoring the ban, and are conthe vaquita porpoise, has lost half ment are at odds over how to approach process could permanently render the tinuing to gillnet fish while eluding of its population in one year. this critical situation. While the species extinct. authorities.

Just last year, it was reported by WWF is calling “This breaks my heart,” said the Committee for the Recovery for an outright Leigh Henry, of the Vaquita (CIRVA) that there fishing ban in the It was not always this dire for the vaquita were approximately 60 vaquitas left Gulf of California, W W F senior porpoise. Sadly, their population has in the wild. Currently, CIRVA has Mexican authoripolicy advisor. estimated there to be just 30 vaquita ties, believing this “Wildlife condeclined by 92 percent in just 20 years porpoisesst left in the wild. to be too costly, servation can It was not always this dire for the have suggested be a tough job. vaquita porpoise. Sadly, their popula- instead placing What’s so devtion has declined by 92 percent in just several of the remaining vaquitas in Mexcio has already banned illegal astating about the vaquita is that it 20 years. The vaquita porpoise is the custody, in hopes of preserving the gillnet fishing near the vaquita por- could go extinct with the majority of world’s smallest cetacean (typically species. poise’s habitat. The government has the world having no idea this beautithey reach about five feet in length However, choosing to take the offered $74 million to locals over two ful animal even existed.” and weigh around 120 pounds) and capture route in the case of the years in hopes that the compensation “But I refuse to give up hope. We’ll only exists in Mexico’s northern Gulf vaquita porpoise is dangerous and would supplement what locals who fight on.” of California. considered a last resort. With only 30 rely on gillnet fishing would lose from Vaquita porpoises have died at The World Wildlife Federation vaquita porpoises left, losing even a the ban. Despite this, many fishers such a rapid rate mainly because of

something called “bycatch,” which occurs when a marine species lives too close to a more sought-after marine species, and is caught in illegal gillnets set out by fishers who mean to catch the other species. In the vaquitas’ case, they habituate the same area as the totoaba fish. The totoaba, which is also endangered, is pursued by fishers for its swim bladder, which is used in a Chinese medicinal soup believed to improve fertility. The WWF is also calling for the US and China to end the shipment and sales of totoaba-based products.

VOL. 103 NO. 25 March 8, 2017

Science & Technology 13

How do we fix our infamous pothole season?

An interview with the U of M Pavement Research Group’s Ahmed Shalaby DELICA LEBOE-MCGOWAN, VOLUNTEER STAFF

A

fter surviving months of winter driving, the Manitoban driver’s reward is the beginning of pothole season. The erratic f luctuations between warm and cool temperatures in early spring are responsible for this annual damage to the road system: the warm periods cause water to enter the foundation of pavement as the snow and ice on top of the road melt, and when cold weather returns, this absorbed water freezes and expands, forcing the pavement upward. This process is called “frost heave.” The ice eventually melts, leaving voids beneath the surface of the road. One of these hollow sections becomes a pothole when the bulging asphalt collapses – often under the weight of a vehicle.

In order to reduce how many of these hazards drivers will need to dodge, the City of Winnipeg, the Province of Manitoba and the Government of Canada have invested a combined $105 million towards more than 150 construction projects on local streets. This commitment is more difficult to appreciate from the perspective of drivers, whose commute becomes longer with every lane closed for repairs.

In order to reduce how many of these hazards drivers will need to dodge, the 2017 budget allocates $105 million towards more than 150 construction projects on local streets Fortunately, engineers are working to spare all road users from this recurring nuisance by developing strategies for making road maintenance less expensive and more efficient. The faculty of engineering at the University of Manitoba is contributing to these advancements through the team of engineers who comprise the Pavement Research Group. The Manitoban spoke with Dr. Ahmed Shalaby, the principal investigator of the Pavement Research Group, about his research. The goals of this research include determining how to prevent environmental stressors from weakening pavement, how to prolong the effectiveness of repairs to damaged pavement, and how to detect early signs of damage on roads.

As annoying as the road conditions in Manitoba can be, it is worth considering whether there are any other options available to us.

Surprisingly, the basic material that provides the foundation for many modern road systems does not actu-

GRAPHIC BY ALDO RIOS

ally represent a modern technology. when maintaining roads in Manitoba, Ancient Mesopotamia provides the other than the wide range of temsite of the first documented paved peratures, is the relatively soft soil road system, and the material used that we must build our roads upon. by that civilization was essentially the According to Shalaby, one solution same as the material that often forms for this problem is to use lightweight the basis of our own modern streets materials in road embankments. and highways. That material is called “With the use of traditional matebitumen-modern road builders refer rials, you can expect to have more to this substance as asphalt. deflections and more settlements later It may seem confusing that the on,” Shalaby said. strategy being used today to build “But with lightweight materials better roads was the system used as like [shredded] rubber tires or foam… far back as in Ancient Mesopotamia. or lightweight concrete, you are able However, when asked, Shalaby noted to minimize the stress on the soil, that Manitoba was working with the while, at the same time, elevating best materials available. the road structure to the level that is “A lot of the roads in Manitoba required by design.” are one of two materials, either it’s Shalaby’s Pavement Research asphalt or bitumen or concrete. The Group is also active in evaluating City of Winnipeg builds a lot of con- the suitability of different road sealcrete [roads], and those are the two ants, which are applied when cracks typical materials around the world. form in road surfaces, caused by the They are the best materials because often extreme climate in Manitoba. they are ubiquitous – they are every- Shalaby notes, however, this does not where – and cost-effective,” Shalaby entirely fix the problem. explains. “[This damage] reduces the integ“I’m not sure there is any other rity of the structure, meaning that a material that can meet those require- cracked structure cannot take load ments and remain cost-effective. the same way an intact structure can.

Anything else that we may use would The other way, which is even more be maybe too expensive. If we didn’t damaging, is that it provides more have [asphalt or concrete], we’d prob- opportunities for water to go through ably have to go back to gravel roads the road structure, and that causes a – unsurfaced roads.” lot of damage through erosion and One of the challenges that we face other mechanisms like frost heave,

for example,” said Shalaby.

“That’s one of the maintenance activities that needs to be done promptly… to seal cracks and repair surfaces.”

Automated road monitoring systems, a relatively new invention, can now evaluate road quality with a level of precision that is not possible to achieve merely with human vision Naturally, repairing damaged roads is a priority, but finding ways to detect which roads demand repairs before the damage is too severe is also an important and cost-effective way to ensure that our road systems remain safe for motorists and their passengers. Automated road monitoring systems, a relatively new invention, can now evaluate road quality with a level of precision that is not possible to achieve merely with

human vision. “[Engineers have developed] vans equipped with lasers that are pointing down to the road. They are proximity lasers, so they can measure how far is the road surface and what shape is the road surface, too, and whether there are any undulations in that road surface,” Shalaby said.

“There are software programs that take this data and simulate what happens if a car drives on this road, or a bus drives on this road, or a truck drives on this road, and comes up with kind of a composite index – a value – to say, here is the quality of this road. In terms of its ride quality, [it describes] how smooth that ride will be. Through research, it was found that that index correlates very well to the performance of the road, meaning how long this road should last.”

“That data is collected now routinely on Manitoba’s highway network, and there is a lot of analysis that can be done on this data, in terms of identifying sections that should be repaired or replaced. Because when you have poor ride quality, it makes the road surface less safe… It impacts the stability of vehicles on the road. It impacts, ultimately, the safety of the motorist and the public.”

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

GRAPHIC BY ALDO RIOS

14

15

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

3Peat put faith in local music scene Up-and-coming local hip-hop outfit shares musings on local rap, music, and personal influences OLIVIA MICHALCZUK, STAFF

3

Peat is a local hip-hop trio com- a triangle offence of various styles,” prised of members WATG Steve, said Steve.

Dill the Giant, and E.GG. The “Everyone is very different when troupe delivers hard-hitting lyrics it comes to rhyme style, content, to solid backbeats that have their and overall taste, but there’s someaudiences hooked on the first song. thing special that happens when we Though the group only released get together, and the pieces just fit their EP in September 2016, the together like a puzzle. Kinda like Winnipeg music scene has already Voltron, if you will.” picked up on the music that they’ve been producing since 2015, playing big local events such as Spaceland, “Although we’ve Big Fun Festival, and various hip-hop always had a centric events around the city. The group has also been picked up for a budding creative show at Canadian Music Week 2017 and music scene, in Toronto.

According to Steve, Winnipeg’s it’s always seemed hip-hop scene is on the rise for the like it lacked a first time in a long while.

“In my opinion, the scene is actucommunity aspect, ally healthier than it has been in a but recently it seems long time. Although we’ve always had a budding creative and music like those barriers scene, it’s always seemed like it lacked a community aspect, but recently it are being broken seems like those barriers are being down” – WATG Steve, broken down, and you're seeing a lot of local artists creating together, shar- 3Peat member ing bills, and just pushing each other to go further.”

“There are not enough of us. We “We all got bars, we've all got vibes, gotta get everybody doing their thing we've all got something a little difout here and supporting one another,” ferent to bring on stage,” added Dill. added Dill.

The process of writing a song Each member of the group brings for 3Peat is an organic process that something different to the table, but includes the musical and lyrical work one thing that’s evident by 3Peat’s of all members. performance is that they work “With us, the songs practically cretogether like a well-oiled machine. ate themselves. Someone will make “We like to refer to ourselves as the beat, whether it be myself, Dill, or

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY STEFANIE INFANTINO

E.GG, and before we know it, we're I grew up hearing Mood Ruff, Grand coming up with concepts, writing Analog, Winnipeg’s Most, and Young the verses, and recording,” Steve Kidd,” said Dill. explained.

E.GG also referenced classic rap“Sometimes that happens all in pers like 2Pac and Nas influencing his the same night, sometimes over an poetic style. extended period of time. We like Non-musical inspirations for 3Peat to keep things as self-sufficient and range from members’ day jobs as a organic as possible.” barber and a social worker in a group 3Peat’s inspiration ranges from home to traveling, culture, and family. local artists to classic “golden era” hipSteve said his parents have been hop, focusing on genuine and honest extremely supportive of his art, and artists, and standing by the mantra he draws inspiration from the lessons that “real recognizes real.” they’ve provided: to work hard and Steve mentioned Chris Bennett stay positive. and Super Duty Tough Work when Dill’s inspiration comes from talking about local inspirations. skateboarding as he believes it is “I’ve always liked the classics – “the purest form of pushing yourself Biggie, Pac, Jay Z, et cetera. Locally, forward, literally.”

E.GG says that his inspiration comes from traveling.

“That, along with just living day by day, and the interactions with any and everybody. Who knows who you'll meet along the way that might change or influence your life, right?”

3Peat is especially grateful and inspired by the reception they have had in Winnipeg so far.

“Winnipeg, first and foremost, I want to say respect for the unconditional love and support,” said E.GG on the group’s reception in the city up to this point.

Check out 3Peat’s music at www. soundcloud.com/threepeatmusic and keep up with the band on Facebook or Twitter.

16

Arts & Culture

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

SoFar Sounds sets up shop in Winnipeg International secret concert network opens strong in the city EMELIA FOURNIER, STAFF

ing emerging artists performing in unconventional spaces to a respectful, appreciative audience.

SoFar Sounds – a network for artists, hosts, and guests – opened its online Winnipeg branch in January 2017. Madi Allen was recruited in August 2016 as the Winnipeg city leader to manage the branch by a friend who was running Sofar Edmonton at the time. She has been spreading the word about the organization through social media, and informing musicians through word of mouth.

“My favourite thing [about SoFar Sounds] is the community. Whether it’s friends of mine, friends of friends, or just Sofar show followers, the attendees of the shows are so supportive. They are eager to come and just quietly witness stunning live music,” said Allen.

Sofars are often hosted in people’s homes, and audience members are PHOTO PROVIDED BY MANITOBA MUSIC expected to remain silent throughout the set. Because of the unconvenf you didn’t hear about the stripped- the first “Sofar” ever to be held in tional venues, usually a small space, down concert featuring local artists Winnipeg, courtesy of international artists are required to strip down Okay Mann, Sol James, and Logan network SoFar Sounds. their set to acoustic instruments only.

McKillop on Feb. 27, don’t feel bad.

A “Sofar” is the network’s term Vocals are usually unamplified, and It was supposed to be a secret. It was for their intimate shows, featur- artists are encouraged to get creative

I

with their performances to accom“We welcomed guests to sit in our modate the venue. kitchen and dining room which both The lineup and venue locations have a clear view of the living room, are kept secret. Guests have to apply where the performance took place,” for tickets ahead of time, and the Mathison said of the event, which secrecy of the line-up ensures that he also helped host. guests do not apply for tickets based “We also provided wine and on who is headlining – this allows s’mores which definitely added to the upcoming musicians to gain more intimate feeling of the room.” exposure. Because the events are The branch is currently trying held in people’s homes, the location to reach out to more musicians and is only divulged to approved guests to audience members to strengthen ensure there are not too many audi- and grow a community to support ence members, and to keep the event and host future Sofars through both word-of-mouth and social media. intimate and respectful.

“I had a blast,” said Katlin Mathison, the artist behind the To find out when Sofars are hapmoniker Okay Mann. pening in Winnipeg, check out www.

“Because there was no microphone facebook.com/SofarSoundsWinnipeg, or or amplification, it felt much more www.sofarsounds.com/winnipeg. To get like playing to a group of friends than involved, either as a performer, a vola typical venue gig. I could also see unteer, or a host, and to apply for tickets, everyone’s faces, and noticed how visit www.sofarsounds.com/winnipeg. intently everyone was listening. It was a special feeling.”

Okay Mann will be playing another Mathison was first exposed to intimate show in collaboration with SoFar Sounds while attending school From Here and Away, a Canadian in the UK, where several cities have photography and ethical outdoor goods their own Sofar communities. Having company, at the Forks on March 18. heard positive things from other art- Tickets are available at www.fromists across Canada involved with Sofar, hereandaway.ca he was eager to perform at one himself.

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

EMELIA FOURNIER, STAFF

Mobina Galore Feeling Disconnected 4/5

Japandroids Near to the Wild Heart of Life 4/5 Vancouver-based indie-rock duo Japandroids’ new album Near to the Wild Heart of Life is an ode to rebellion and joy. Keeping tradition with the band’s typically uplifting lyricism, the opening titular track gets the listener “fired up,” and urges the listener to not “leave your dreams to chance or to a spirit in the sky.”

This song introduces larger themes that course through the album: the daunting pursuit of happiness and freedom, and the juxtaposition between the comfort of home and the adventure of new places, backed by an almost adoles-

cent, reckless energy. pulsing alt-rock, with tracks that The album’s second offering, tend to perpetually sound like “North East South West,” explores they’re on the verge of euphoria. relationships through Canadian “Midnight to Morning” and geography.

“No Known Drink or Drug” bring David Prowse’s persistent, flow- the listener back to a very familiar ing drumbeats continue through lyrical stomping ground for rock: “True Love and a Free Life of yearning for a distant love. The Free Will,” a song that reconciles album ends on the meditative “In freedom with loving devotion. a Body Like a Grave,” a more exis“I’m Sorry (For Not Finding You tential, pondering tune that’s fitting Sooner)” is a distorted love song for the end of the album. reminiscent of an older Blur song Near to the Wild Heart is filled with repeated, hypnotic lyrics. with anthemic alt-rock that someJapandroids have been experi- times verges on the territory of menting with different types of cheesiness, but overall, it’s an enjoyeffects and synthesizers on this able ride. album – something new for the band. While this adds additional texture to some songs, it fits comfortably within their usual style of

Power chord-heavy Winnipeg duo Mobina Galore’s latest release – Feeling Disconnected – offers up raw, catchy punk tunes.

The duo expresses dissatisfaction with themselves and their environment through honest lyrics and Jenna Priestner’s strong, yelling vocals. Priestner emphasizes the different rhythmic styles of the songs through her percussive vocals, and it makes her lyrics all the more distinguishable. She transitions well between smoother, more melodic singing to rougher styles.

The overall tone of the album wavers between anger, dissatisfaction, fear, and resilience. The disconnect Mobina Galore presents here is within themselves, their location, and people around them.

While not every track stands out on its own and some are more forgettable, none are outright displeasing.

“Vancouver” expresses the band’s urge to be in bigger and better places, to leave the comforts of their home to experience something greater. “There’s comfort in these walls, they’ve taken me this far, I won’t let it bring me down,” Priestner screams, echoing the

struggles that many young adults feel: the choice between security and adventure.

“Suffer” and “Nervous Wreck” speak to emotional disconnect and being distracted by internal turmoil affecting direct present experiences.

Overall, Mobina Galore manages to maintain an honesty and vulnerability that complements their aggressive, punk-rock attitude.

Feeling Disconnected is tough, it’s loud, and most importantly, it’s human.

VOL. 103 NO. 25 March 8, 2017

Arts & Culture

17

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

18

Men’s volleyball final four preview Trinity Western, Alberta, and UBC invade Investors Group Athletic Centre KELLEN TANIGUCHI, STAFF

Bison men's volleyball team on the court

T

he University of Manitoba men’s volleyball program will host the Canada West final four for the first time since 2004. The Bisons will be the highest seed in the tournament and will play the Alberta Golden Bears in the first semi-final. The Manitoban takes a look at the three teams invading the Investors Group Athletic Centre during March 10-11.

#1 Trinity Western Spartans

ups, and were major contributors to that weekend sweep. Spartans setter Adam Schriemer is also a key piece to the club and he finished second in the conference with 10.28 assists per set, which is a sliver more than Manitoba setter Luke Herr’s 9.88 per set.

The University of Manitoba men’s volleyball program will host the Canada West final four for the first time since 2004

Regular season record: 21-3 Record vs Bisons: 2-0 Streak: Won five in a row (including playoffs) Key players and strengths: Ryan Schlater is one of the biggest hitters in the conference, and is second in Canada West kills and kills per set. The Spartans do not make many attacking errors, with Schlater With all the attackers in the ranked fourth in conference hitting Spartans lineup, they finished first at .308 per cent; teammate Blake in Canada West hitting percentage.

Scheerhorn is third in hitting per- Trinity Western also finished at the centage at .318. The two powerful hit- top of the conference in service aces, ters punished the host Bisons team with outside Eric Loeppky leading during their regular season match- the conference with 0.55 aces per set.

PHOTO BY STAR ROXAS

Weakness: The Spartans finished with 10.48 assists per set. in the top half of the league in most As a team, the Golden Bears categories, but came in 12th in con- defend well and rank second in ference digs. To beat a top tier team Canada West blocks. They also rank like Trinity Western, the opposing third in service aces, so serving misattackers must have a good game and takes are rare for this team and could take advantage of the team’s inabil- be the difference in a set. ity to come up with digs. Opposing Weakness: Like Trinity Western, attackers should be able to find some Alberta has some trouble coming space and success, as the Spartans are up with digs. To beat Alberta, you eighth in conference blocks. will need to out-hit them, and hope they are unable to come up with the #4 Alberta Golden Bears digs when they need them. If attacks Regular season record: 20-4 are successfully applied towards the Record vs Bisons: 0-2 Golden Bears, then that is the best Streak: Won four straight games chance an opposing team has to (including playoffs) defeat them.

Key players: Alberta’s Taylor Arnett is the Canada West leader in #6 UBC Thunderbirds hitting percentage at .377, and the Regular season record: 16-8 team ranks third in the conference Record vs Bisons: 0-2 in that category. They also court one Streak: Won two straight playoff of Canada West’s top killers as well, games with Ryan Nickifor finishing fourth Key players: UBC has what in kills with 335, and fifth in kills per their opponents lack, and that is set with 3.94. The attacking is never the ability to come up with digs. possible without great assists, and The Thunderbirds rank fifth in the Brett Walsh leads the conference conference in digs, and have Tyson

Smith and Byron Keturakis who rank in the top 10 in number of digs.

Thunderbirds setter Keturakis also ranks fourth in service aces per set with 0.43, and ranks fifth with 9.46 assists per set.

As a team, UBC ranks first in conference assists, first in kills, second in service aces, and play well defensively finishing third in Canada West blocks. The T-birds have the most rounded defense, coming behind just Alberta in team blocks.

Weakness: The Thunderbirds have the worst hitting percentage of the four remaining teams, with a .241 per cent that was good enough to rank fifth in the conference. This is a weakness for them because the other three teams in the final four finished as the top three teams in hitting percentage.

The Bisons play their first match against the UBC Thunderbirds on March 10 at 6:30 p.m. at the Investors Group Athletic Centre.

VOL. 103 NO. 25 March 8, 2017

Sports

19

Five Bisons given all-star nod after stellar season Lauryn Keen named Outstanding Player, Jon Rempel takes coaching award JASON PCHAJEK, STAFF

T

he season may not have ended the way they wanted, with the Bisons being swept in two games by the University of Alberta Pandas, but Rachel Dyck, Lauryn Keen, and Venla Hovi still had cause to celebrate.

The three women were among the five Bisons players named to the Canada West first and second all-star teams.

Alexandra Anderson and Erica Rieder were also given the honour.

The Manitoban sat down with Keen, Dyck, and Hovi and talked about the season.

“It’s a team game but to be recognized personally is always nice,” Bisons goaltender Dyck said. “Pretty humbling to see your hard work pay off throughout the season, and it’s a competitive conference so we know that if you do receive anything like this then it’s pretty legitimate.”

Dyck finished the year tied for first in both wins and shutouts amongst Canada West goalies, with 15 and five respectively. The Winnipeg Beach native had success across the board, putting up a 1.51 goals against average and .931 save percentage while playing the second-most games among goalies in the conference.

Keen’s 34 points outpaced all other skaters in Canada West, leading to her receiving a nod as the conference’s Most Outstanding Player.

She recorded nine goals and 25 assists through 28 games this season, eclipsing her previous career totals.

“It just goes to show how hard work can pay off,” Canada West leading scorer Keen said. “When you work as a team it really brings out individual abilities as well, like working hard so other people can be noticed.”

Hovi says that the sheer number of Bisons selected is a testament to the quality of the team.

“You also have to look at it big picture,” the second-year winger said.

“Taking five out of one team, that’s a big amount so it just says something about our team for sure.”

Hovi missed time this season due to injury, but that didn’t slow down the Finnish forward, who produced at a consistent clip on a line with Keen.

Despite appearing in only 22 games this season, she finished tied for third in Canada West scoring, riding a 1.14 points per game average to 10 goals and 15 assists.

Apart from the disappointing end to the season, all three women felt pleased with the year and excited for the next. The Bisons finished the season with a 19-7-1-1 record, good enough for 56 points and a third place finish in the conference.

“I thought this was probably one of our best seasons,” Dyck said of the year as a whole. “We were just consistent the whole way through.

We hit a few bumps, we had injuries, people going away on trips, that kind of thing but it didn’t really affect us.”

This sentiment was reflected by

PHOTO BY MEGAN COLWELL

Keen. “Basing it on my last two years we’ve been the most consistent this year,” she said.

“My first year we had zero expectations so we were just playing to play, last year people weren’t too sure about us, then this year I think the expectations were so much higher and I think we did a good job meeting those expectations.”

“It’s a team game but to be recognized personally is always nice” – Rachel Dyck, Bison women’s hockey goaltender Hovi said that the team has learned from last year, translating that into a successful season.

“I think the whole group just grew so much from last year,” she said. “Playing consistently this season definitely told us that we’ve grown as players and as athletes and people too.”

The same day the five Bisons were given the all-star nod, their coach was given his own praise. Bisons

head coach Jon Rempel was named Canada West’s Coach of the Year for the 2016-17 season. Rempel has been coaching the team for the past 13 seasons, guiding them to two conference championships – in 2008-09 and 2010-11 – as well as five national championship appearances. This is the fourth time Rempel has been named coach of the year, with the last coming during the 2014-15 campaign.

“I have to say personally he was a little different this year,” Hovi said of her coach, prompting laughter from her teammates. “He was able to trust us more and give us more freedom and in that sense he showed us that he was really trusting of all of us and was maybe a little bit calmer.”

“I also liked his approach this year,” Keen said. “I wasn’t around when he was very very intense but there have been times where he’s pushed us very hard and it was nice to come in this year and know what he expects of us, but not having to force us to do it all the time.”

With all three women coming back for the next Bisons season, expectations may be even higher.

Despite losing some key contributors, including Dyck’s backup Amanda Schubert, the three were all optimistic about the season ahead.

“Well I’m going to be in my fifth year so that’s scary,” Dyck said. “I think each year we’ve been able to do something pretty cool and I think next year is just going to get better. So I’m pretty excited about the possibility of what we can do.”

tions of being disappointed that we didn’t go any further I’m sure the whole team is very hungry to work even harder,” she said. “This season we recognized how important those little things are and next year will be our year.”

For now, the three are looking towards their summer break.

However, that doesn’t mean they’ll “I think the whole be resting too much. group just grew “Hopefully get a good job,” Dyck said of her summer plans with a laugh. so much from last “The off-season is always exciting. You year” – Venla Hovi, get that opportunity to work on your game, train hard, and make yourself Bison women’s hungry for next season.”

Keen is looking to fine-tune her hockey forward game during the off-season, but also looking forward to some time off.

Keen added that she was also “You get a whole lot of time to work excited and is looking forward to the on your game, the little aspects you offseason ahead. can’t work on in-season,” she said.

“Putting this year behind us and “Like personal strength for me and looking to next year, so it’s exciting shooting. Just getting some time away knowing we have a summer to train from the rink also.” and get better and take a break from Hovi is in a different boat, as she the rink a bit but I’m excited to come will be heading back home to Finland back next year and take it all the way,” for some time with the national team, she said. a well-deserved reward for a great Hovi also pointed to the poten- year. tial the team has to keep rolling next season.

“When you’re left with the emo-

20

Sports

VOL. 103 NO. 25 March 8, 2017

Manitoba wins semi-final match, but falls to Alberta in Canada West finals KELLEN TANIGUCHI, STAFF

T

his weekend, the University of Manitoba men’s basketball team played in the Canada West final four in Calgary. The Bisons opened the weekend with a thrilling 74-72 semi-finals victory over the fifth-ranked Calgary Dinos on Friday. The herd closed out the weekend with a tough 93-72 loss to the eighth-ranked Alberta Golden Bears in the Canada West finals. With the win in the semi-finals, Manitoba has clinched a spot at the U Sports final eight in Halifax that will take place from March 9 to 12.

Manitoba has clinched a spot at the U Sports final eight in Halifax that will take place from March 9 to 12 Friday

The Bisons defeated the Dinos in a nail-biting 74-72 game to advance to their first national championship since 1985. After Manitoba’s last two playoff runs ended in Calgary, the Bisons got their revenge.

The first half was played tight defensively, but neither team was able to turn their defense into offense.

Keith Omoerah was huge for the Bisons in the opening quarter, scoring all of his seven first-half points in the frame. The tight defense and Omoerah’s big seven points led to the Bisons’ 16-12 lead after the first frame.

Omoerah concluded the game with a double-double of 17 points and 14 rebounds.

In the second quarter, both teams were again kept under 20 points. AJ Basi led Manitoba with 2 treys in the frame, but the home side closed the gap and a Thomas Cooper layup tied the game at 30 at halftime. Basi finished the game with a game-high 19 points, while Cooper led the home team with 17 points.

The offense was rejuvenated in the second half, with the Bisons shooting 50 per cent from the field in the half and the Dinos shooting 44 per cent.

Manitoba’s attempts from beyond the arc were a major factor and they were able to find the bucket on seven of nine attempts, while Calgary could only net two treys in the half.

There were nine lead changes in the second half, eight of which came in the third quarter. The two teams set a faster pace in the half, and exchanged drives throughout.

Calgary was trailing 73-71 late, when

Omoerah sent Max Eisele to the line, but he was only able to sink one of the two free throws and cut the Bison lead down to just one point.

Calgary had to foul on the next possession, which sent Basi to take some free shots, but Basi was also only able to hit one free-throw to make the score 74-72. With just 13 seconds remaining, Cooper missed a game-tying shot for the Dinos.

Dinos guard Mambi Diawara was able to snag the rebound, but missed on his last second attempt as well, and Manitoba hung on to win the game.

Saturday

Alberta and Manitoba played a tightly-contested opening half, with the Golden Bears taking a 38-32 lead into halftime. The Bisons struggled from the field, shooting just 36 per cent, but were able to hold Alberta to 45 per cent in a half that included five lead changes. Omoerah led the herd with 11 first-half points and finished the match with a double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds. Ilarion Bonhomme also netted seven of his 15 points in the half.

The Golden Bears’ shooters were dialed-in in the second half and shot an unbelievable 66 per cent from the field, while holding the Bisons to 37 per cent.

Manitoba was able to keep pace in the third frame, with Basi knocking down seven of his 17 total points.

PHOTO BY STAR ROXAS

With Alberta up 75-66 in the fourth, they put together a 10-0 run to build a 19-point lead on Manitoba.

The Bears didn’t look back from there and rolled onto a big 93-72 Canada West championship victory. Brody

Clarke was an animal for Alberta, finishing with a double-double of a game-high 29 points and 12 rebounds, while Mamadou Gueye scored another 20 for the champions.

VOL. 103 NO. 25 March 8, 2017

Sports

21

Two Bison football players to play at 2017 East-West Bowl RYAN STELTER, STAFF

McKoy and Houston Rennie Jayden have been selected to represent the

return yards with 79. McKoy started good enough for 15th in the Canada all eight conference games this past West. Rennie has made 56 total tackles in his three-year Bison career.

West at the 2017 U Sports East-West season.

Bowl on May 13. In the last two seaThe Winnipeg native has earned The East-West Bowl includes repsons, David Oneymata (2015) and himself a place in the Bison record resentatives of all 27 member schools Geoff Gray (2016) attended the East- books despite only playing three sea- and is for players who are eligible for West Bowl. sons. He is 14th all time in tackles the upcoming CFL draft. A national Onyemata went on to win the with 115.5, 6th all time in intercep- committee of U Sports and CFL J.P Metras Trophy as the best down tions with ten, and 3rd all time with head coaches selected the players that lineman in Canada, and was selected 208 interception return yards. were nominated by their respective teams. The Bowl is by the New Orleans Saints in the 2016 a chance for players McKoy’s explosiveness and vision in NFL draft. Gray to showcase their was nominated for talents to an array the secondary has made him a key the J.P Metras troof CFL scouts and member of the Bisons’ defense coaches. phy and has earned himself an NFL pro The West and East teams have day on March 30.

Senior defensive lineman Evan Foster McKoy’s explosiveness and vision traded victories during the past four was named the defensive MVP at the in the secondary has made him a years, with each team winning twice. key member of the Bison defense. The West won 29-14 in last year’s edi2016 East-West Bowl in Montreal.

Third year defensive back McKoy McKoy’s speed will be on display for tion at McGill. is coming off a great season for the many scouts at the East-West Bowl Bisons. He finished the 2016 season and he will hope to raise his stock for The East-West Bowl will take place with 34 tackles, the 17th-best in the the CFL draft. on May 13 at TELUS-UL Stadium at Canada West. The former Miles Mac Rennie, also in his third year, Laval University with an 11:30 a.m.

Buckeye also finished second in the made the move to linebacker and kickoff.

Canada West with four interceptions. has had a career year. The six-foot He also finished first in interception linebacker racked up 37 total tackles,

PHOTO BY CHANTAL ZDAN

22

Sports

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

Jets fail to solve problems at the deadline with big names left on board JASON PCHAJEK, STAFF

GRAPHIC BY CAROLINE NORMAN

L

ooking back to the trade deadline two seasons ago, when the Jets made key acquisitions that landed them a playoff berth, this past deadline was the usual deal for Kevin Cheveldayoff and company.

The only deal made by the Jets was to send Drew Stafford, a pending unrestricted free agent, to the Boston Bruins for a conditional sixth-round pick.

When names like Matt Duchene, Gabriel Landeskog, Ben Bishop, and Marc-Andre Fleury are available on the trade market, you would expect the Jets to try and address the multitude of issues that remain for the team. Despite this, the phone lines remained quiet at the MTS Centre.

Goaltending: is a move worth it?

The goaltending situation for the Jets this season has been, without a doubt, an absolute disaster. While the Connor Hellebuyck-Michael Hutchinson tandem was initially met with a great deal of excitement,

a mixture of the group in front of Another goaltender that should them and poor play caused the recall have gotten more calls was Scott of veteran Ondrej Pavelec.

Darling of the Chicago Blackhawks.

Analysts are quick to point out The Illinois native is six-foot-six and that the Jets have had defensive issues owns a 15-5-2 record, 2.18 goals against this season, but you need to expect average (GAA), and .929 save peryour goaltender to make “that save” centage in a backup role behind Corey when you need them. Frankly, Hutch Crawford. The 28-year-old is potenand Buck have not done that. Pavelec tially the best backup in the league has, but to this point still is not con- and a player that George McPhee sistent to rely upon long-term. will be looking at hard as the Vegas Three great goaltenders were Golden Knights begin to plan their available at this season’s deadline roster. that could have turned the situation around. Consider Bishop, who was Defense: the Jets shipped off to the Los Angeles Kings, are all right while Fleury was not moved ahead of In the modern NHL there is no the expansion draft. greater commodity than the rightBoth could have been more solid handed defenseman, a commodity options for the Jets in net, while the Jets have in surplus currently. acting as a mentor to Hellebuyck Dustin Byfuglien, Jacob Trouba, as he develops. Bishop is the more Tyler Myers, and Paul Postma all comparable player, a six-foot-seven shoot right. Currently Josh Morrissey American goaltender, playing a simi- and Ben Chiarot are the only lefties lar style to Hellebuyck. However the getting great minutes, which simply major drawback would be the asking won’t last. price, his need for a new contract, and Trouba’s highly publicized disinjury history. dain for playing the left side, if given

the credence it deserves, would give the Jets an unbeatable right side on defense. However, Morrissey is still growing into the top-two role he deserves, and the success of Chiarot has always depended on the partner he has with him.

become more than just Jamie Benn’s brother.

Both players would’ve shored up the Jets top four on the left side, letting Trouba play his natural position and sheltering Morrissey. Benn fits the Jets mold as a six-foot-two, stayat-home defender. Something the Jets sorely need, as they currently sit 19th in the league in shots against The goaltending per game with 30.9 and 27th in team situation for the Jets goals against at 3.19.

It’s no longer a Jets team that can’t this season has been, score – they sit 10th in the league with without a doubt, an 2.92 goals per game – so something on the back end needs to change. A absolute disaster change could’ve come March 1, but didn’t.

Quite simply, the 2017 trade deadWhile the rest of the Jets’ young line was another dud for the Jets. The prospects develop, and Julian draft-and-develop strategy only goes Melchiori is consistently being made so far and with the caliber of pieces a healthy scratch, the team let bet- available, the hometown brass swung ter players go to other teams. Johnny and missed. The Jets need to win, and Oduya, a former Jet, was dealt back soon, because fans can only be patient to the Blackhawks squad he won two so long. cups with, and Jordie Benn was sent to the Montreal Canadiens to finally

VOL. 103 NO. 25 March 8, 2017

Sports

23

Calling it a career Sarah Klassen and Caleigh Dobie had five memorable years as Bisons RYAN STELTER, STAFF

T

hey say that all good things must [after], and my heart just felt warm.”

With Klassen, she was not expectcome to an end, and for Caleigh Dobie and Sarah Klassen of the Bison ing to be looked at by the Bisons and women’s volleyball team, they saw she recalls when Bentley came to talk their careers come to an end on Feb. to her after a match.

28 in a conference match against the Trinity Western Spartans.

Dobie and Klassen have been an “I’ve always wanted integral part of the Bison women’s to be a Bison since volleyball program for the last five years. The pair have been been dyna- I can remember mite on the court, whether it’s Dobie’s what university uncanny ability to dive for a dig to keep a rally alive, or Klassen manag- volleyball meant” ing to always come up with a massive – Caleigh Dobie, block to end a set.

The two of them helped bring the Bison women’s women’s volleyball national champivolleyball libero onship back to Manitoba in 2014, the first time in 14 years. From the highs of a national championship, to the “I was the rural recruit. I was from lows of the last two seasons and being leaders on a young, developing team, Winkler and I remember being in a tournament and seeing Ken watching they’ve seen it all.

Playing in your senior year can be some of the teams,” she said.

“I remember thinking ‘who could emotional, as there are many final moments, but Dobie says that you he be possibly be watching?’ After can’t get wrapped up in it all. the game my coach said they Coach “It’s obviously an emotional year, Ken wanted to talk to me and it was but it’s an emotional year every year,” shocking. Coming from Winkler I she said. “[Sarah and I] treated it as didn’t expect [that].”

Klassen has called being a Bison a celebration, so it was exciting when we finished something because it was one of, if not the coolest things she another thing we have accomplished. has ever got to experience.

“I was really proud to be a Bison, I It kept us sane to approach it that way.” saw it as a privilege,” she said. “Not many people get to represent their In the beginning It’s hard to imagine that five years university on that sort of scale and ago, both Dobie and Klassen were travel the country and show people in similar positions as many of the what it means to be a Bison.”

When asked what she thought it first year players on the current squad.

“The first really emotional night for meant to be a Bison, Klassen said it me was our first home game,” Dobie was all about putting your nose to the said. “Walking out onto that court grindstone and working hard.

“Being a Bison just means you are and seeing friends and family in the willing to work the hardest,” she crowd knowing that I had made it.”

For Dobie, being a Bison was said. “You’re willing to put in the really a no brainer for her, with her time, to preserve, and just grind it dad – Brian – being the head coach out. It means putting the team, the university ahead of yourself.” of the football team.

“I’ve always wanted to be a Bison since I can remember what univer- Special relationship Dobie and Klassen have experisity volleyball meant,” Dobie said.

“When [head coach] Ken Bentley enced a lot together; they both joined came to my house to recruit me, I the program at the same time, and remember calling him to commit Klassen calls winning the national

PHOTO BY JEFF MILLER

title the highlight of her career.

“Winning a national championship was absolutely thrilling, definitely the highlight of my volleyball career,” Klassen said. “It’s something not many U Sports athletes get the chance to experience.”

“I was really proud to be a Bison, I saw it as a privilege” – Sarah Klassen, Bison women’s volleyball middle The pair has developed a special bond in their time as Bisons, and even though both were interviewed separately, they both had plenty of words of adoration for each other.

“I love that kid,” Dobie said of Klassen. “She’s incredible. Over the years we became best friends. Sarah

is intelligent, warm-hearted, the most to the Bison program for the last caring person I’ve ever met. She wears half decade. Dobie will of course her heart on her sleeve and she is one be a bridesmaid for Klassen at her of my best friends in the entire world.” wedding.

Klassen shares the same sentiment “I am looking forward to graduatof her teammate and best friend, cit- ing, and I get the chance to get maring her leadership abilities. ried to an incredible guy,” she said.

“Caleigh was my other half for the “I’ve loved being a student-athlete, but past five years, I don’t think I would possibly the next thing I do, to think be the athlete I am without her,” she that I could love that as well, is really said. “She is so down to earth, and I exciting.” think being a captain is just her thing.”

The departure of Dobie and Klassen will be felt hard by the Bison What now? women’s volleyball program. They are Dobie will be trading the volley- not only fierce competitors, but great ball court for the tennis court, and teammates and leaders on and off the get back into dancing. court. Once a Bison, always a Bison.

“I want to get really good at playing tennis. I used to be a dancer for years, so I’m going to take some ballroom dancing classes,” she said. “I want to keep active and busy and do some things that over the last 13 years of playing this sport you really don’t get the time to do.”

It’ll be wedding bells for Klassen, and she is looking forward to off-thecourt life after being so committed