The University of Manitoba Students’ Union (UMSU) finance committee has tabled a balanced draft operating budget for the 202526 year at the March 20 UMSU board of directors meeting.
The budget was presented by UMSU vice-president finance and operations Carolyn Wang and will be debated and voted on by board members at a meeting tentatively set for April 3, according to acting chairperson Christopher Yendt.
The UMSU Governance and Operations Manual states that the finance committee must submit the budget to board members at least 14 days prior to introducing a motion to approve the budget.
The budget lists total revenue and expenses each at $2,786,866, in contrast to last year’s operating budget which called for a nearly $80,000 deficit.
Wang stated that UMSU is a not-for-profit, adding that “we do not aim to make a profit off of students or suffer a loss.”
Revenue increase of over $240K anticipated
Total revenue for the students’ union’s 2025-26 operating budget is anticipated to increase $240,717 compared to the previous year’s budget.
Fees make up the largest revenue source in the tabled budget, with over $1.9 million anticipated to be collected — over $50,000 more than the original 2024-25 budget.
Wang stated that the increase in fees is due to inflation.
Of those fees, UMSU is
expecting over $1.5 million in union fees which is up by over $40,000, with each student mandated to pay an UMSU fee by the tuition payment deadline each term.
Operational revenue is set at $445,619, increasing by over $200,000 compared to the 2024-25 budget.
A breakdown of the budget shows that that the students’ union is anticipating more than $170,000 in operating account interest revenue compared to the previous year’s operating budget.
UMSU is expecting to generate $350,867 net profit off of its four businesses — GPA’s Campus Convenience, IQ’s Café & Billiards, Degrees Diner and VW Social Club. This is an increase of over $19,000 compared to the previous budget, with VW Social Club and IQ’s Café & Billiards’s net revenue expected to increase by 81 per cent and 83 per cent, respectively.
Wang stated that the thirdfloor businesses in UMSU University Centre were closed for a period during summer 2024 due to renovations, which was accounted for in the 2024-25 budget. She added that no major renovations are planned this summer.
Both Degrees Diner and GPA’s Campus Convenience are anticipated to have a decline in net revenue compared to the last year’s budget, with GPA’s Campus Convenience still being UMSU’s largest revenue generating business.
Spending increase of $158K projected
Along with the anticipated
increase in revenue, the union is expected to spend $158,334 more than the original 202425 budget.
Executive member salaries and benefits are expected to increase by $13,373 or 5.9 per cent to $238,373, with each executive receiving over $47,600.
Full-time salaries and benefits for UMSU Service Centre personnel is projected to increase by $54,600 with a decrease of $43,500 for governance personnel salaries and statutory benefits.
Governance and executive administrative expenses are set to increase by $44,100, which includes a $30,000 increase to the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations.
“CASA membership fees are charged based on the number of students at the organization, so we do have close to 27,000 students,” said Wang.
She added that the CASA line includes travel for relevant board members that need to attend CASA meetings.
Expenditures on UMSU elections is also anticipated to increase by $8,500, consisting of a $1,000 increase for candidate reimbursements and an administration increase of $7,500 or 300 per cent.
Wang said that the increased reimbursements is due to foreseeing “a lot of candidates next year,” after an “unprecedent number of candidates this year.”
She added that the election administration fees pertain to Simply Voting, which is also used by all the faculty associations to conduct online voting.
Marketing personnel full-
time salaries and benefits are increasing by over $38,000, with $20,000 being allotted to a newly established UMSU week programming fund.
Student services spending increases 11.9 per cent
Students can expect to see increased financial support toward student services, with spending increasing from $298,500 to $334,000 — or 11.9 per cent — compared to the 2024-25 budget.
Of that funding increase, student club support will increase by $3,000 or 5.8 per cent to $55,000.
Wang stated that there are almost 200 UMSU clubs in various stages of recognition.
To be eligible for UMSU club funding, clubs must complete a sexual violence prevention workshop and treasurer training and be fully approved, she stated.
The funding for individual UMSU clubs is up to $1,700 total, according to Wang.
Wang promised during her re-election campaign to increase club funding from $1,700 to $2,500, a commitment she made on social media during the first week of March.
“The $2,500 does not mean all clubs will get $2,500,” Wang clarified in a statement to Manitoban on March 24. “It means that clubs who exceed the $1,700 will be eligible for additional funding up to $2,500 total.”
“From what I have seen, most clubs do not surpass the $1,000 range when applying for funding,” Wang stated. “We have had about five or
so clubs reach the maximum funding. These clubs tend to be very active and have hundreds or thousands of members.”
Funding for the holiday hampers and financial support toward the university food bank are each set at $17,000, increasing by $500 and $2,000, respectively.
The UMSU hardship fund, a short-term financial assistance program, will increase by $5,000 or 12.5 per cent to $45,000.
The fund exists to assist students who are in desperate financial need and have exhausted all other options available to them, according to UMSU’s website.
Travel grants are set to increase by $5,000 or 20 per cent to $30,000, with sponsorship increasing by $20,000 or 66.7 per cent to $50,000.
Community initiative funding, which is funding for UMSU community representatives and their respective communities, is not anticipated to increase in the draft budget — remaining at $120,000 as was the case in the 2024-25 budget.
UMSU had seven community representatives in 202425 which is set to increase to eight representatives following the election of a mature and part-time students’ representative, a position that was previously vacant.
Wang stated that she could not comment on the exact amount of funding each community group will receive as that is still being determined. She also could not state whether
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Budget to be approved by board of directors in April
< Cont’d from front page
community representatives would receive an honorarium, citing that it is not at her sole discretion.
“I cannot comment on what the 2025-26 finance committee will decide regarding honorariums for the community representatives,” she said.
The 2025-26 operating budget covers the period from May 1, 2025 to April 30, 2026. The 2025-26 operating
budget can be viewed at themanitoban.com/wp-content/ uploads/2025/03/UMSU_ operating_budget_2025_26. pdf. Questions on the budget
can be directed to Wang at vpfo@umsu.ca.
Net revenue displayed for UMSU businesses (GPA’s, IQ’s, Degrees, VW Social Club).
UMSU operating budget expenses
graphs / Mikaela Warkentin & Milan Lukes/ staff
Women’s Centre recognizes achievements at annual gala
Students and professors receive awards at the Magnificent Women’s Awards Gala
Milan Lukes, staff
he Women’s Centre
Thosted the Magnificent Women’s Awards Gala on March 22 to celebrate the achievements and accomplishments of women on campus — handing out 35 awards to nominated recipients.
“Their strength, resilience and achievements deserve to be honoured, and that’s exactly what we’re here to do,” said Women’s Centre executive Nia Sharma during her opening remarks.
The annual event, which took place in the Marshall McLuhan Hall, brought together undergraduate and graduate students and university staff from various academic backgrounds who received recognition.
The awards ranged from community awards, such as most supportive, most active female student club member and top female athlete to faculty awards, including women in STEM, health science, arts and other disciplines.
“You are all remarkable women, paving the way forward for others and inspiring change,” said Sharma.
Heaven Kaur, University
Most involved in community
Dr. Mandy Buss
Jacqueline Hay
Danica Dobson
Advocacy queen
Leata Goulet
Creativity
Oyinkansola Ilesanmi
Most supportive
Gurpahul Kaur
Black student
female leader
Elinam Okae-Yeboah
of Manitoba Students’ Union (UMSU) Women’s Centre representative and Women’s Centre president, stated that nominations opened on Jan. 19 and closed on Feb. 16. Individuals were able to nominate a peer or themselves by submitting a rationale in response to the award eligibility criteria.
The selection committee chose from 90 nominations.
“I believe there has never been in my lifetime a moment more urgent than now to listen to women, to believe women and to believe in women,” said Jennifer Watt, a guest speaker and assistant professor in the faculty of education.
“We have to keep looking for the generous, the brave, the strong and the compassionate. As magnificent women, we can teach new ways to live with radical love.”
Watt, whose research focuses on exploring how to confront gender based sexual violence in schools, was the recipient of the women in education award and spoke on how education can empower and protect women.
Fabiana Turelli, an assistant professor in the faculty of kinesiology and recreation
Most resilient
Chloe Dreilich-Girard
Trailblazer
Fatima Faiz
Most active female student club member
Joyce Ji
Philanthropy
Tiffany Cheng
Influential
Divya Sharma
Cultural awareness
Sehgeet Thind
management, also addressed those in attendance adding that she is “proud of our common project of a more just world.
“The strength of each of us has beautiful, transformative power,” she said.
The event also featured live music by the Mia Chantal Trio, composed of students in the Desautels faculty of music jazz studies program.
Kaur stated that the biggest takeaway message from the gala is to appreciate every woman in your life.
“Appreciate them, tell them that you appreciate their work, tell them that they are loved, they are known, that you are always there for them,” she said.
“I think often, we get too busy in our own lives. We don’t acknowledge our loved ones.”
Leata Goulet will be sworn-in as the 2025-26 UMSU Women’s Centre representative and Women’s Centre president on May 1. Kaur did not seek re-election and successfully contested the position of UMSU vice-president university affairs.
“I am so excited to con-
Award winners
Indigenous female leader
Michaela de Hoop
Top female athlete
Maya Turner
The caregiver
Alexis Smith
International student leader
Fareedah Ganiyu
Women in STEM
Dr. Denice Bay
Rana Ahmed
April Quill
tinue the amazing work that the Women’s Centre has been doing, and support the amazing women on our campus,” said Goulet, who serves as an executive member.
“I want you to remember that I am here to support and advocate for you.”
The Women’s Centre is one of seven UMSU community groups with a designated space on campus.
Women in health science
Dr. Deanna Santer
Lea Soliman
Sarah Baldwin
Women in arts
Dr. Andrea Charron
Bianca Siem
Women in education
Dr. Jennifer Watt
Women in business
Nur E Janna Oishee
Women in agriculture
Sarah McCann
Maheshika Jayasinghe
2025-26 UMGSA general election results
Oluwajuyitan elected to serve as UMGSA president
Sylvester Delali Agbado, staff
The official results of the 2025-26 University of Manitoba Graduate Students’ Association (UMGSA) general election has been publicized and will be ratified at the March 26 UMGSA council meeting.
The election took place online from Monday, March 17 at 9 a.m. to Tuesday, March 18 at 5 p.m. Timilehin Oluwajuyitan,
a PhD candidate in food science, secured the role of president and senator. Oluwajuyitan polled 454 votes from 525 cast, running unopposed in a yes or no vote.
Lamia Mahzabin, a master’s student in natural resources management, secured the vice-president academic and senator role in a contest against Israel Abejoye. Mahzabin garnered 310 votes while Abejoye obtained 213, with 523
total votes cast.
Armin Aghajani, a PhD candidate in electrical engineering, was chosen as vice-president external and senator. Aghajani secured 466 votes out of 523 and ran uncontested.
Peggy Wu, a master’s student in supply chain management logistics, was elected as vice-president equity and inclusion in an uncontested race. She received 452 yes votes out of 507 votes cast.
In the uncontested race for vice-president events and clubs, Diwan Oulai, a master’s student in peace and conflict studies, received 483 yes votes from a total of 538 votes cast. Graduate students also voted to establish an opt-outable legal essentials service fee of $35.12 per student for full year access. The program includes a legal consultation service which provides legal counselling on a variety
The centre provides a safe space for women on campus to work, share and learn together, according to UMSU’s website. The centre also advocates on behalf of women at the university and provides products and services.
The Women’s Centre is located in 190 Helen Glass at the Fort Garry campus.
Women in architecture
Kristen Yeryk
Women in U1
Shutkrati Tyagi
Women in law
Kaitlyn Clarke
Women in social work
Mary Anne Clarke
Lilian Talabis
Women in environmental studies
Samia Farhana Sobhan
of topics, as well as legal representation on certain matters.
The legal essential program referendum passed with 394 votes in favour and 164 votes in opposition.
The UMGSA general election results can be viewed at umgsa.org/election-results-2025-2026.
photo / Milan Lukes / staff
UMSU President’s Dinner costed over $10K, says Sharma
Sharma reveals event costs ahead of motion which called for the disclosure
Milan Lukes, staff
The University of Manitoba Students’ Union (UMSU) President’s Dinner costed $10,319.29, according to UMSU president Divya Sharma.
UMSU Forward: The 100th President’s Dinner was held on March 13 in the Marshall McLuhan Hall to unveil the union’s five-year strategic plan and was also advertised as a “special event celebrating UMSU’s 100th president.”
The invite-only event featured a networking reception, a dinner buffet and a panel discussion per the invitation, and had politicians and university administrators in attendance.
Sharma disclosed the costs behind the event at the March 20 UMSU board of directors meeting — moments before a motion by student-at-large Victoria Romero was set to be introduced that called for the cost disclosure.
According to Sharma, the largest expenses were a buffet service for 88 guests at $4,717.63 followed by an Indigenous tea set gift for 70 guests at $3,453.88.
“Canadians supporting Canadians, supporting local was at the cornerstone of this,”
she said.
The event also had appetizers worth $806.78 and non-alcoholic beverages totaling $600.
Sharma said that UMSU was able to get the venue free of charge.
Romero questioned why UMSU provided a meal to university administrators and politicians that she claims “are exploiting students,” to which Sharma cited the need to build connections.
“We’re not going to get anything done by not being able to build that rapport,” she said.
Sharma added that UMSU has close relationships with the university administrators that attended, such as through bi-weekly meetings set to address students’ concerns or sitting on the same university-level committees, she said.
Motion for cost disclosure still stands
“I’m aware that we just got this information from the presentation, but I’m not going to retract the motion,” said Romero.
Romero’s motion called for a public disclosure and stated
that “undergraduate students who are paying members of UMSU are entitled to know how their student dollars are spent.”
She said that nothing in the meeting agenda or elsewhere indicated that the cost disclosure would be provided during the board meeting, claiming that more students would have attended had they known the disclosure would
Romero also stated that she collected over 35 signatures of students who wanted to know costs behind the event.
The motion, which was seconded by Women’s Centre representative Heaven Kaur, was referred to the finance committee by acting chairperson Christopher Yendt for review.
UMSU’s Governance and
UMAnime School Festival 2025
Operations Manual states that a motion moved by a student-at-large that is seconded will be referred to a relevant sub-committee for consideration.
After being referred to committee, UMSU policy and strategy advisor Sophie George noted that Sharma’s presentation slide of the cost breakdown will be available in the meeting minutes online.
President Divya Sharma presented the cost breakdown at the March 20 UMSU board meeting. occur.
photo / Milan Lukes / staff
The U of M Anime Club presented School Festival 2025 in the multipurpose room of UMSU University Centre on Monday, March 24. The festival featured a marketplace with dozens of vendors, a maid café hosted by Ai-Kon Winnipeg, performances, games and prizes. The club has been around since 1997 and brings together all people who have an interest in anime, according to the club’s website.
photos / Zulkifl Rafah / staff
Students cite discrimination amid security incident
Students say peace officer was ‘mocking us’ for speaking Spanish
Milan Lukes, staff
wo students origin-
Tally from Colombia said they felt discriminated against following an incident with an institutional safety officer on March 11 in the Engineering and Information Technology Complex (EITC).
Juliana Rueda said that she was sleeping on the couches in the open student space around noon in the EITC with her boyfriend Sebastian Munevar when an officer woke them up and left her in a situation “[feeling] extremely threatened.”
“We were sort of cuddling on the couch, and we can understand if that is not allowed […] the part that we’re not okay with is the way she approached us,” said Rueda.
Rueda claims that the officer said that they were breaking the rules for sleeping, were going to be reported to their faculties and had to leave campus.
According to Security Services, sleeping on campus is only permitted in residences for personal safety reasons and under building code requirements.
Rueda alleges that the officer began asking personal questions, such as what her mother would say if she saw her, and “what do you have going on that you can’t sleep at night?”
“When we started to refuse to answer [the] personal questions, she started getting mad and saying that we were being ‘disrespectful,’ that we were not helping out,” she said.
Officer was ‘mocking us’ for speaking Spanish, says Rueda
According to Rueda, Munevar, who had also been sleeping, then started speaking Spanish asking what is going on.
“[The officer] turned around and was like ‘why can’t you say it to my face,’” claims Rueda, who said she clarified to the officer that they were speaking to each other in Spanish — their native language.
Rueda stated that the officer said “you can continue
your buenos dias or whatever somewhere else.”
Buenos dias is a Spanish phrase for “good morning,” according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary.
Rueda claims that the officer also inquired if they were Canadian.
“Sebastian told her we have our permanent residence. And she was like, ‘yeah, because Canadians are friendly,” said Rueda.
“And then I asked her, what are you implying? Is it that we’re not friendly or because our culture is not friendly?”
Rueda said that the officer denied making that implication, stating, “I’m just saying that, you know, Canadians are friendly.”
Witnesses confirm remarks
“It was very uncomfortable the way the security guard came in and was berating them,” said one witness to the Manitoban who wished to remain anonymous for safety reasons.
“And I remember the
second she said, ‘you can continue your buenos dias or whatever, like just do it somewhere else,’ I turned to my friend and I said, ‘she can’t say that,” said the witness who was studying nearby.
Wesisa Sifuma, another witness that spoke to the Manitoban, said that her boyfriend recorded part of the interaction which has since been circulated on social media.
In the video, the officer is seen asking students nearby if they “feel comfortable having people lying on top of each other in a public space.”
Students could be heard responding with statements of approval, followed by the officer responding, “what if they were people that — you know what, I’ve got nothing.”
“Juliana and her boyfriend, they were not making us uncomfortable at all,” said the witness.
The officer is heard in the video stating, “I’m not doing anything bad” and “I’m doing my job.” She is also heard saying, “I’m asking you to pack up your stuff and have this conversation somewhere else,”
Rueda claims that with others starting to get involved, the officer stated that she wanted to take the conversation to a private setting.
“We refused, just because we didn’t feel safe with her and we just wanted people around if anything were to happen,” said Rueda, who stated that the conversation moved to the hallway.
She claims that the officer apologized for being harsh but said that “when an authority figure comes up to you and says to do something, you do it.”
Rueda said that she and Munevar eventually left EITC and immediately went to Student Advocacy in UMSU University Centre to file a report.
Security Services calls information ‘concerning’
“We are aware of the situation,” stated Security Services in a statement. “The information is concerning, and we want to assure you that we are treating this matter seriously.”
Security Services stated that “the situation is being formally addressed,” but did not share details citing protection under privacy legislation.
“I felt like I wasn’t safe in that situation,” said Rueda. “And it was really shocking because this is a person that’s supposed to be keeping us safe and keeping the peace.”
“I definitely felt discriminated against, especially because of all of this, things that she said about us not being Canadian and not being friendly and mocking us in Spanish.”
Munevar said he also felt discriminated and shocked.
Institutional safety officers are licensed security officers that can carry batons, handcuffs and aerosol weapons with some powers to arrest individuals.
They were deployed at the university in May 2024 to assist with campus security following amendments to the Police Services Act.
Screenshots from the video of the incident show the officer and Sebastian Munevar along with Juliana Rueda in the EITC. twice.
photos courtesy of / Juliana Rueda
Gene Bowers sworn in as Winnipeg’s new police chief
‘I refuse to accept the level of violence the city is experiencing,’ says Bowers
Milan Lukes, staff
ene Bowers was offi-
Gcially sworn in as Winnipeg’s 19th chief of police on March 17, committing to working toward community-based solutions, restoring justice initiatives and strengthening partnerships.
The ceremony took place at the Pinnacle Club at the Princess Auto Stadium.
Bowers, who has been with the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) for 36 years, replaced former police chief Danny Smyth who retired in September. Art Stannard had been serving as acting chief.
The new police chief said that it is a “great honour” to have been selected by the Winnipeg Police Board, adding that he will “commit to serving all citizens of Winnipeg in a fair and respectful manner.”
“Today’s policing requires more than simply enforcing law. It is about serving with compassion, understanding and respect,” he said after taking the Oath of Allegiance and Office administered by provincial court Chief Judge Ryan Rolston.
“We will and should be held accountable when we are wrong,” said Bowers.
Bowers, a graduate from the U of M, said that he served as a law prevention officer while being a full-time student before serving as a foot patrol officer in the Spence neighbourhood during his early years with the WPS.
“Along my path to becoming chief, I served at each rank of the service, every day working alongside members who answered the call to serve and protect our community with professionalism and pride,” he stated.
Bowers said that he witnessed his father’s struggles with mental health who took his life when he was nine years old.
“It gave me the gift of empathy, understanding and compassion for those that
have lost loved ones, not only to mental health, but to those who have lost loved ones to other tragic events,” he said.
He stated that he believed that becoming a police officer would provide him the chance to help those suffering from trauma.
“I will work toward community-based solutions to address issues related to mental health crisis to ensure that professionally trained mental health practitioners are the ones responding to people who are struggling with mental health so that people like my father will get the help they need,” he said.
Bowers shared that he was raised by a single mother and faced financial struggles, often between making the right and wrong decisions as a young teenager.
He said that the structure was brought to his life through sports, allowing him to “gain an appreciation of the true impact that our community
organizations provide daily.”
“I am living proof that investment in young people during adolescence contributes to holistic development and the likely pursuit of a positive future,” he said.
Bowers committed to restoring justice initiatives, “particularly in relation to the youth in our city,” to keep them out of the justice system and vowed continued support toward the retail theft initiative.
He also committed to supporting community groups working to address food insecurity, poverty and addictions, as well as strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities and leaders.
“My vision is that the Winnipeg Police Service will be a leader in reconciliation with our Indigenous communities to heal past wounds,” he said.
“And my ultimate hope is that reconciliation will be rolled into the fabric of our service.”
‘Violent crime cannot be tolerated,’ says Bowers
“As chief, I refuse to accept the level of violence this city is experiencing and will ensure its suppression strategy is deployed to meeting this challenge head on,” said Bowers.
He added that this would include focusing on repeat violent offenders and that he would implement a dedicated unit to address violent crimes.
“The Winnipeg Police will not be spectators or wait for more citizens to be victimized,” he said. “Violent crime cannot be tolerated.”
The latest WPS statistical report from 2023 shows that violent crimes were up 12.1 per cent compared to the previous year, and up 31.4 per cent from the five-year average — which is listed as being 11,469 violent crimes.
“Being chief of police is one of the most critical leadership roles in our city,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “It carries
with it immense responsibility because if people don’t feel safe, then everything else in the city is affected.”
Councillor Markus Chambers, chair of the Winnipeg Police Board, said that “under Chief Bowers’s leadership, we are confident we will see significant strides in enhancing public safety while building positive and enduring relationships within our community.”
Bowers said that the WPS has a strong relationship with Security Services at the U of M and noted that they are “always willing to respond to incidents and issues that are happening” on campus.
Bowers was previously announced as Winnipeg’s next chief of police on March 7, following a comprehensive and diligent recruitment process by the Winnipeg Police Board, according to a press release.
Mayor Scott Gillingham, Police Chief Gene Bowers and provincial court Chief Judge Ryan Rolston during the swearing-in ceremony.
photo / Milan Lukes / staff
The BUGS community welcomes biology undergraduates
Student association creates opportunity for science students
Taycie Adeoti, staff
The Biology Undergraduate Students’ Association (BUGS) is a network of undergraduate students in the department of biological sciences, amplifying community engagement and social networking opportunities.
Katherine Wilton and Elayna Paddock Thiessen, co-presidents of BUGS, said in a joint statement that “we hope to foster a welcoming environment in our student lounge space and to host both academic and social events that support students in their university journey.”
All events are open to anyone, stated Wilton and Thiessen, but some services are available to members who pay a membership fee of five
dollars per term.
BUGS offers members academic support like study nights, study tips, and for paid members, resources such as a bank of past midterms and finals for select courses and donated flashcard decks.
Study nights are held as review sessions and include practice questions and study tips from upper-year students.
Wilton and Thiessen expressed that they were happy with the turnout to the BUGS study nights, stating that more than 80 students have attended at times.
“It is great to see so many new faces and to meet so many students who are new to the U of M community at events such as these,” said the co-presidents.
“We know it can be very intimidating for new students to approach midterms and final exams for the first time in university.”
A student lounge located in 111 Biological Sciences Building is accessible to students for studying and socializing.
BUGS also hosts free food giveaways once a month along with a variety of networking events throughout the year to make connections with other students and faculty members.
BUGS’s largest events of the year are the annual Biohazard Halloween social and their research nights. The Halloween social is usually hosted on campus, giving students in the faculty the opportunity to connect. It also features prizes
from local businesses, music and specialized drinks like their test tube shots, according to Wilton and Thiessen.
Research nights give faculty members the chance to present their research opportunities to undergraduate students.
“This year we were able to hold two separate research nights, one per semester,” said Wilton and Thiessen. “The first focusing on ecology and animal biology and the second on cell molecular and health sciences which brought over many researchers from the Bannatyne campus.”
They also added that they have received good feedback from students and instructors about their academic events.
The faculty of science has
offered to work with BUGS to improve their student lounge space. “We are hoping to liven up the space with more colourful furniture, plants and hopefully a mural to give the basement a bit more life,” stated Wilton and Thiessen.
The co-presidents are also hoping that these updates will allow for a wider range of events, including movie nights, with the promised technology upgrades.
“Being a part of a group on campus is always a great opportunity to build new connections,” Wilton and Thiessen said. “Due to our place in the department there are also lots of opportunities to get involved even beyond the confines of your role on council.”
Tito Obasoto shares career lessons
The Bisons men’s basketball athlete is confident in the team’s success
Abdul-Jalilu Ahmed, staff
The Bisons men’s basketball guard Tito Obasoto has stated that playing basketball has taught him life lessons.
Obasoto also expressed confidence in the team’s potential for success next season.
The Manitoban: Looking at the just-ended season for the men’s basketball team, what would you say about the entire performance of the team?
Obasoto: It was a very long season, but we put it all together at the right time. We proved to ourselves that we belong with the top teams in the nation. And that’s with the fact that we lost such a big piece and such a great player in Simon Hildebrandt. Although we did not reach where we wanted to reach, we showed, and we learned from these experiences that we are right there at the cusp.
M: I watched all your home games, and I was impressed with the way you guys played, especially team unity, team bonding, how you guys showed it on the court. How are you guys able to do that?
O: Well, a lot of us or a large number of us came in at the same time and we have all been playing together in the same city. We are all hometown kids, so we have been playing together since we were in grade seven, grade eight, high school. These are not just my teammates, these are my real friends and we spend a lot of time in the locker room outside of practice. We do a lot of team bonding and out of that came this selfless nature about our team, and that’s how we can show it on the court.
M: There is volleyball, there is football, there is soccer, but you chose to play basketball. What does it mean for you to play basketball?
O: It means the world to me. Basketball is a great avenue and has shown me aspects of life and given me experiences that I would not be able to get if I was not playing the sport. It is a great sport because you learn how to interact with people, you learn how to manage people, you learn how to laugh with people, you learn how to talk to people, you learn how to manage people’s emotions. And it is bigger than the sport. It has taught me how to be a good human being and how to be a good person and that is what basketball means to me honestly.
M: I watched all your home games and in some of the games, you guys managed to
pull a comeback and that was absolutely fantastic. Which game would you say, ‘I really enjoyed this game today?’
O: I would say a couple. A lot of the times we’re going into big games as the underdog and that is what always fuels our comebacks, our tenacity. In terms of the games we really showed that the most, I’d say one, our Calgary one [against the Calgary Dinos] when we played away, our TRU [Thompson Rivers WolfPack] game and also the U of W [Wesmen] games. Winnipeg is just always a big game because everyone in the city is always here. We have dropped
a couple games to them in the past, so it just always means more. And for the Calgary game, just the powerhouse and the legacy that Calgary has and we had a point to prove and show that we belong and the fight that we showed at the end really meant something to me.
M: Looking at how the Bisons men’s basketball team performed in the just-ended season, I feel like the future is bright for this team.
O: I truly do believe that because this is a team that has played together for four years now and we’ve played a lot of big games. We obviously
lost but there are a lot of games where we won, and we learned even in those losses. Next year is a chance for us to really put all those experiences together and the future is bright because we have been in those situations, and we are now seniors. We have a good chance of doing something great and we just have to put our head down and work and be consistent.
M: As a student-athlete, you are an engineering student and at the same time, you play for the Bison men’s basketball team. How are you able to combine the two?
O: It is very hard. I wouldn’t
even say I am doing the best job at it, but it’s not different from the work you have to put into basketball. A lot of that just has to come with discipline and managing your time very well and prioritizing school, because for me, I love to work. I like to go to the gym, I like to go shoot after practice. I understand what I have to do to get better at basketball and I remain disciplined in that aspect of the work, and it translates over to school. I don’t view it as a lot because I know it’s just what I have to do. I just prioritize those things and everything else in my life falls around that.
photo courtesy of / Dave Mahussier
photo courtesy of / Neil Noonan
Inside the brain cancer battle
U of M researcher makes strides in understanding glioblastoma
Rhea Bhalla, staff
Glioblastoma is one of the deadliest forms of brain cancer, with a five-year survival rate of less than five per cent. Despite initial success with chemotherapy and radiation, the recurrence of glioblastoma presents a significant challenge, as the cancer becomes resistant to further treatment.
Glioblastoma is fast-growing and aggressive. It originates from astrocytes, cells that support nerve cells. While the exact cause of glioblastoma remains unclear, it is known to develop when cells in the brain or spinal cord experience mutations in their DNA, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and survival. This results in the formation of a tumor, which can invade surrounding tissues and press on vital areas of the brain or spinal cord, causing further complications.
The symptoms of glioblastoma vary and may include severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, blurred or double vision, speech difficulties and seizures. As the tumor grows, it can also cause issues with coordination, balance and movement, along with personality changes and cognitive decline.
Though it can occur at any age, glioblastoma is most commonly diagnosed in older adults. Risk factors for glioblastoma include aging, previous exposure to ionizing radiation and inherited genetic conditions such as Lynch syndrome and Li-Fraumeni syndrome. Despite ongoing research, no preventive measures have been identified for glioblastoma.
There are no known cures for glioblastoma, but treatments like surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy may help to slow tumor growth and manage symptoms.
Tanveer Sharif, an associate professor in the U of M’s Max Rady college of medicine, is leading research efforts to better understand this disease and develop new therapeutic approaches. His team’s recent
graphic / Teegan Gillich / staff
study focuses on the metabolic characteristics of recurrent glioblastoma, providing new insights that could lead to more effective treatments.
“Grave statistics which are linked with this disease itself is a huge motivation,” Sharif said, as he noted that no new glioblastoma therapies have appeared over the past 20 years.
“We are really dedicated to making a difference in this field of research which needs breakthroughs. Glioblastoma diagnosis, unfortunately, for now, is kind of a death verdict.”
In his recent study published in Neuro-Oncology, a journal of the Society for Neuro-Oncology, Sharif and his team focused on understanding the unique characteristics
of recurrent glioblastoma that allow it to return after initial treatment and withstand further treatment.
To investigate this, the team generated recurrent glioblastoma tumors from the primary tumors of ten different patients. Through in-depth analysis, they identified several characteristics present in the recurrent tumors that were not found in the primary disease.
“That itself tells us that those metabolic characteristics were quite unique to the recurrent disease,” Sharif said.
These findings suggest that the recurrence of glioblastoma involves distinct changes in the tumor’s metabolism, which contribute to its resistance to treatment.
Building on these insights,
Sharif’s team repurposed a drug used in Alzheimer’s treatment to treat recurrent glioblastomas. The drug was tested in preclinical studies using mice with xenografted glioblastoma tumors, with promising results. This research opens up new possibilities for treating recurrent glioblastoma, offering hope for more effective therapies where current treatments have failed.
“This is a very exciting preclinical study,” Sharif said.
He encouraged the broader university community, particularly students, to become involved in the breadth of research conducted at the Max Rady college of medicine.
He emphasized that there are many ways for students to get involved, including opportun-
ities for summer studentships and long-term career paths as graduate students.
“The future generation of Canadian scientists is key to making a difference,” Sharif said. “My message to the broader community is that they should make every effort to get involved.”
Sharif also highlighted his team’s commitment to conducting cutting-edge research.
“We’re doing state of the art research to take the U of M to new heights,” said Sharif, adding his team’s goal of elevating the university’s standing among the U15 group of leading research-intensive universities in Canada.
Revealing the mysteries of the universe
U of M astrophysicist leads mission to explore black holes and neutron stars
Divyata Gosai, staff
S
amar Safi-Harb is a professor and Canada research chair in extreme astrophysics, physics and astronomy in the U of M’s faculty of science.
“I am a high-energy astrophysicist,” she said, “which means I study the fate of stars after they die, and I study the formation of some of the most exotic objects in the universe, like neutron stars and black holes.”
Safi-Harb first developed an interest in physics during high school, initially considering a career in medicine. Upon starting university, she chose to pursue physics, realizing by the end of her undergraduate studies that the subject was her true passion.
“I was really fascinated by physics and especially understanding the formation of the constituents of matter,” she said. “I was interested in particle physics in particular, and so I decided to go into particle physics, and I went to the University of Wisconsin-Madison in [the U.S.] to pursue particle physics.”
Safi-Harb began her journey by studying elementary particles, such as neutrinos, motivated by her curiosity about their mysteries. While participating in a
government-funded fellowship in the U.S., she explored various research areas and unexpectedly discovered a passion for astrophysics. She found a fulfilling path in highenergy astrophysics, where she applied physics to investigate cosmic phenomena and unravel the mysteries of the universe.
Today, she specializes in high-energy astrophysics, with a focus on X-rays and gamma rays. These elements of the electromagnetic spectrum are essential for studying phenomena such as the deaths of stars, the formation of black holes and the birth of new stars. Her career began in X-ray astronomy, which has played a key role in major discoveries including the detection of black holes.
their nuclear fuel, the sun is eventually going to die in billions of years.”
Safi-Harb explained that massive stars have a lifespan of millions of years, and they ultimately die when they exhaust their nuclear fuel. This death results in a powerful explosion known as a supernova, which creates a very compact star.
nomena such as neutron stars, black holes and supernovae.
“The Chandra X-ray Observatory has been the most powerful mission launched by NASA 25 years ago to study the universe”
She recently joined the Lasar Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory, which investigates gravitational wave ripples in spacetime predicted by Albert Einstein. Her current work focuses on multi-wavelength and multi-messenger astrophysics, combining observations of light and gravitational waves to achieve a deeper understanding of the universe.
— Samar Safi-Harb, professor in the U of M’s faculty of science
“I started [research] in X-ray astronomy and my area of focus is the death of stars and the formation of some of the most exotic magnetic stars in the universe,” she explained.
“These objects that I study are called neutron stars. When [massive] stars 10 times the mass of the sun run out of
She studied rotating neutron stars that emit beams of radiation, similar to the way a lighthouse operates. These beams are detected as pulses when they sweep past earth, leading to the discovery of pulsars. Her research focuses on understanding the extreme physics resulting from stellar explosions and the formation of these exotic objects.
Safi-Harb expanded her research from X-rays to other areas of the electromagnetic spectrum, collaborating with global partners to study highenergy astrophysical phe-
“I’m heavily involved in the development of missions for the future, particularly in X-ray astronomy,” she said.
“One of the missions that I’ve used in my career for the past 25 years is called the Chandra X-Ray Observatory.”
“The Chandra X-ray Observatory has been the most powerful mission launched by NASA 25 years ago to study the universe, the X-ray universe, with very high precision. It has a very high angular resolution. It is like the Hubble space telescope, but in X-rays or X-ray universe.”
Safi-Harb is contributing to the development of a
next-generation X-ray telescope called the “Super Chandra.” This advanced mission will provide much sharper resolution and greater sensitivity, enabling us to look deeper into space and respond faster to sudden cosmic events, such as those detected through gravitational waves, according to Safi-Harb.
Safi-Harb is leading a team on the advancing collaborative connections for earth system science (ACCESS) mission, an advanced X-ray imaging satellite chosen by NASA for the next phase of development. ACCESS is one of two missions currently competing for final approval, having received $5 million to support its case, according to Safi-Harb. Her team is focused on studying neutron stars, compact objects and supernova remnants. If selected, the mission is expected to launch in 2032.
“I think it’s important for students, young people to follow their passion […] be informed and seek mentors who can help you achieve your goals or connect you with people in the field you’re passionate about,” Safi-Harb said.
graphic / Teegan Gillich / staff
Glory of the Indian film industry
Experience the diaspora of Indian movies and cinema
Devvrat Nathwani, staff
Let’s be honest, I am a cinephile. Some may say to the point of paranoia. I would like to give a big shoutout to the filmmakers and Indian film producers for giving us this indescribable treasure of art and entertainment. I am hoping that readers will read this article and desire to explore the marvelous Indian cinematic experience.
Almost every weekend, I find myself opening the Cineplex app and looking up if there are any new Indian films. Let’s dig into what appears as just the tip of the iceberg of the gigantic Indian film industry. In India, there are several regions. Therefore, each region has amassed the wealth of their individual cinema. The major ones are Hindi cinema, popularly known as Bollywood, South Indian cinema — which includes Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam films — and Punjabi cinema, which enjoys a massive fan following in Northern India as well as abroad.
Personally, I am fond of mainstream Bollywood Hindi movies. Some of the major film stars from this space are Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Katrina Kaif. These iconic superstars enjoy a massive fan following not just in India but at a global level.
I vividly recall watching my first motion picture at the age of four, which was the Hindi-language film Jab We Met, a cult-classic entertainer starring Kareena Kapoor Khan. This film just made me fall in love with the movies. As I grew up, I found myself tilting toward the action and action-comedy genre.
This space was dominated by bankable stars like Hrithik Roshan, Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif. My favourite action franchise is the
YRF Spy Universe, created by Aditya Chopra, current chairman and managing director at Yash Raj Films, a major film production and distribution company based in Mumbai.
Ek Tha Tiger, the first production from this franchise, was released in 2012. It starred Katrina Kaif and Salman Khan as Zoya and Tiger, fictional intelligence agents of rival agencies who go rogue after falling in love. I was completely blown away by the action sequences, story and chemistry between the lead actors and music numbers. To this date, they are my favourite onscreen couple.
been the first “Pan-Indian star.” Another factor which is of supreme importance in Indian cinema is the music. Bollywood actors are celebrated for their dancing abilities just as much as their acting ability.
Having said that, the South Indian cinema is gaining momentum quite rapidly. South Indian superstar Prabhas is said to have
Let me throw some light on the fanbase of Bollywood films in North America, particularly Canada. Shah Rukh Khan, also known as “king of romance,” gave three consecutive commercially successful films on the trot in 2023. These films were Pathaan, Jawan and Dunki. I remember going to Cineplex at Polo Park to watch his film, Jawan. I do not believe I have ever worked as hard for my final exams as I did trying to get a ticket for that film. And I thoroughly enjoyed the whole cinematic
experience that the film had to offer. I take after my mother for my love of massive Bollywood films as opposed to my father who is more into intellectual, cerebral films.
I remember going to Switzerland in 2019 and there is one park where the statue of legendary filmmaker Yash Chopra had been erected. We were told by our tour guide that this statue is a tribute to him for filming major portions of his directorial ventures in Switzerland. Yash Chopra is the founder of Yash Raj Films. Everyone in my family is a die-hard fan of Yash Chopra films. It is great that his son Aditya Chopra (mentioned above) has carried the legacy forward.
One family, which has been called the “first family graphic / Teegan Gillich / staff
of Indian cinema,” is the Kapoor family. This dynasty has been pioneered by Prithviraj Kapoor, an iconic actor. His legacy was carried forward by his descendants Raj Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor, Ranbir Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor Khan. Recently, to celebrate one hundred years of Raj Kapoor, the prime minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, was invited by the Kapoor family to the Raj Kapoor Film Festival. Raj Kapoor has been referred to as the “eternal showman” of Indian cinema. Bollywood produces more movies than Hollywood and sells more than 4 billion movie tickets per year, almost twice more than Hollywood. I am proud of the fact that I hail from a country of great artistic depth.
Giving a voice to the voiceless
Why community radio is important in developing ideas and skills
Adam Johnston, volunteer staff
Community radio provides a key voice on key issues that commercial radio fails to address while providing healthy and honest engagement with topics that are sorely needed.
UNESCO defines community radio as “a medium that gives voice to the voiceless, that serves as the mouthpiece of the marginalized and is at the heart of communication and democratic processes within societies.”
UNESCO’s definition is at the heart of why community radio thrives. This may be as a result of people’s perception, as reported in surveys, that they feel there has been a reduction in local content and an increase in commercialized music and media.
Canadian community radio stations saw a spike in listeners of 4.4 million from 2017 to 2022, with 66 per cent of Canadians listening to local news on a community or campus station. People involved in social movements are also highly supportive of community radio, with 68 per cent of union members listening to a community or campus radio station.
Campus radio is key in
developing the vibrancy of community radio. Campus stations are usually run by students, or a university or college, with programming developed by its students or the local community.
Since being revitalized in 1997, run by U of M students and community volunteers, 101.5 UMFM provides a unique blend of talk, music and specialty programming, catering to the Winnipeg region. UMFM attracts an audience of 45,000 weekly listeners.
In nearly two years as host of Not Necessarily the Automobile on 101.5 UMFM, here are some of the lessons I have learned and the importance of community radio.
New and sharpened communication skills
As a host, I have been able to learn new skills and hone old ones, such as booking guests, researching information and preparing scripts, interviewing guests and mixing audio clips for show preparation. UMFM has allowed me to advocate for key issues that do not get the proper attention normally on commercial radio stations. Campus radio shows like Not Necessarily the Auto -
Sibling rivalry
Do you and your sibling still fight?
Quinn Mayhew, staff
My sister and I have always fought. That’s just the way it’s always been. In my years, I’ve seen siblings who coexist in peace, who always look so proud of each other and who are each other’s best friends. That’s me and my sister, but we can also be each other’s worst enemies.
Growing up as a sibling is hard. But growing up as an identical twin, is extremely hard. I grew up with the same face as my sister, the same friends, doing the same university degree, playing the same sport and ultimately sharing everything I own or had, which has left me with some bitter feelings and resentment.
When people treat me the same as my sister, I immediately think, “how would you like it if that was done to you?” An example of this is when, let’s say, someone is mad at one of us. Like clockwork, those emotions of anger usually point to the other twin too, which is ridiculous. How
would you feel if I was mad at your sibling and decided to lump you into that anger because you happened to look alike?
Twins occupy a weird sibling dynamic that seems to cross the line when it comes to sharing. We share everything. Although I find that most siblings have to share some of their play items growing up or clothes when they get older, they don’t seem to share everything. Even though they share some things, the small or medium amounts that, in my opinion, become a point of contention that leads to fights growing up.
In my experience, people who don’t fight with their siblings are weird, like mythical creatures. Please tell me how you don’t fight. I need to know, I’m desperate.
I also find that siblings who are closer in age tend to fight more. There are more overlapping factors to fight about, for example, the car, clothes being stolen, food, friends and makeup. When you are closer
mobile allows for a deeper discussion on the challenges we face as a city, including ever-increasing bus fares, road safety for cyclists and transportation equity. Without shows like the one I host on UMFM, topics like active and public transportation don’t get discussed within the public realm, which is necessary for debate on how we improve our city.
Voice of the voiceless
One of my favourites, WWE wrestler CM Punk, has called himself “The Voice of the Voiceless.” Campus radio stations like UMFM can provide a voice for the voiceless. As a member of the Red River Métis Nation, Indigenous person and champion of public and active transportation, I have used the show to advocate for transportation equity to address climate justice by discussing policy on finishing our active transportation network, reducing city financial waste in accelerating urban sprawl, improving Winnipeg Transit efficiency and reducing financial barriers to public transit access. Many of these issues within public and active transportation can
also address working toward Indigenous reconciliation as there is a higher percentage of Indigenous people who use public transit and active transit to get around and live with higher rates of poverty. Community radio stations are truly the “voice of the voiceless,” as they provide a critical sphere for developing key ideas that don’t get the light of day on commercial radio. These ideas are necessary to ensure a healthy
and honest democracy while developing new skills for volunteers to advance their personal and professional growth.
Adam Johnston hosts Not Necessarily The Automobile on Thursdays at 11:30 a.m. on UMFM 101.5. He can be reached at notnecessarilytheautomobile@gmail.com
in age, disputes seem to pop up more as opposed to having a larger age gap because you might not have all that much in common.
An article from the New York Times reported that “observational studies have shown that sibling conflict may happen up to eight times an hour.” However, another study by Mark Ethan Feinberg, a professor of health and human development at Pennsylvania State University found that “conflict does decrease into adolescence,” as “early and middle childhood are particularly difficult times for sibling aggression.”
For myself, it is the opposite.
Although I believe for most kids, early and middle childhood sibling rivalry is the hardest, I still find myself fighting with my sister more than ever due to unresolved issues from our childhood that have transferred over into adulthood.
Even though my sister and I have disagreements, we still
love each other very much. So, I think it’s possible to still find that middle ground with your sibling. We must know when to pick and ignore battles. That makes the big difference within the sibling dynamic.
I think as we age, naturally, more boundaries between siblings are created. You leave home, get married or have kids, maybe. I think the fights just don’t matter as much anymore because paths naturally diverge, and you each
live your own separate lives. My fights with my sister are usually about the most ridiculous things that won’t matter the next day. I believe having those sibling fights, no matter how big they seem at the moment, usually becomes a funny story or memory later on despite it not being so funny at the time. I imagine those fights will be something to laugh about in the years to come.
graphic / Fumnaya
Ifeadi / staff
graphic / Fumnaya
Ifeadi / staff
The provincial budget problem
How the trade war is affecting small businesses
Thandeka Katsika, staff
On March 20, the Manitoba provincial 2025 budget was released. A provincial budget is an outline of the expected expenditures and revenues of a region. It often reveals the priorities of a region and how finances will be used to improve these areas of concern.
The 2025 budget includes contingencies in place as a response to potential tariffs from U.S. President Donald Trump on Canadian goods. Even though Trump ordered 25 per cent tariffs on Mexico and Canada on Feb. 1, two days later, he announced a one-month pause on these tariffs.
On March 4, the tariffs took effect once again, and Canada placed retaliatory tariffs on the U.S. in response. Two days later, Trump signed an executive order to temporarily pause tariffs on Canada until April 2.
The introduction of Trump’s tariffs has triggered a trade war involving Canada, Mexico, China and the United States. I am sure this trade war has disrupted trade relationships and created financial uncertainty for many Canadian companies — the most vulnerable of which are small businesses.
Small companies, especially those relying on exports to the U.S., will have a particularly difficult time deciding how to handle additional costs. They have smaller financial margins to work with in the case of sudden increases in exportation costs, so they will feel the blow of this trade war more harshly.
Already some small Manitoba businesses have had delayed shipments and cancelled contracts due to these tariffs. According to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), small businesses in Manitoba are hoping for a stable and predictable global tax landscape from the provincial budget. This is particularly important for businesses with lower revenues, as it enables them to manage risk and develop informed plans for the future. Small businesses can be financially fragile, so having accurate expectations in terms of taxes, regulations and policies lets them avoid unexpected expenses.
The CFIB has also expressed that a majority of its members want to see long-term affordability relief. Rather than just providing temporary assistance amidst the U.S. and Canadian tariffs, many business owners want a prov-
incial budget to address the core factors contributing to affordability issues and establish a consistent and effective budget — one that can counter the potential negative effects of tariff placements and cause minimum damage to the financial health of Manitoban businesses.
The 2025 budget seems to have offered no such relief to small businesses. Despite a request from the CFIB to reduce the retail sales tax on products such as machinery and equipment, the provincial budget does not indicate that this request has been met.
a negative impact on consumer numbers. If products or services are more expensive, people may be less likely to buy them, which will affect the businesses’ revenues. Like most businesses, small businesses depend on customers so a reduction in customers can have significant effects on the profits of the businesses.
who sell goods that are retail taxed, it may be more difficult to deal with increased prices. It may be more important for small businesses to maintain a competitive price, making it slightly more difficult for them to pass the retail sales tax on to customers.
Even in this time of price increases, I urge consumers to continue showing their support for smaller Canadian companies
Budget 2025 claims to show an increase in capital spending which will protect Manitobans from tariffs and stimulate the economy.
iffs from China looming over the heads of Canadian companies, strategies to develop lasting economic growth are vital.
In fact, retail sales tax revenue is projected to increase by $178 million. The increase in retail sales taxes could have
This disadvantage is heightened by the aspect of competition between small businesses and larger ones. In my view big businesses have more flexible margins and can often handle increases in taxes by shifting the cost to customers, but for small businesses
More capital spending opens doors for more studies into new products and services. Investing in infrastructure and machinery advancement can encourage workforce efficiency and result in economic enhancement. With the threat of American tariffs as well as tar-
Right now, the relationship between Canada and some of her most important trade partners is uncertain. The Manitoba provincial budget seems to have accounted for these uncertainties, however, I do not believe that the measures detailed in the budget are enough to leave small business owners feeling secure. Small businesses are significant contributors to the Canadian economy, employing approximately 10.3 million individuals, as of 2022. Even in this time of price increases, I urge consumers to continue showing their support for smaller Canadian companies.
graphic / Fumnaya
Ifeadi / staff
To complete Sudoku, fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 such that each row, column, and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely. In Straights, like Sudoku, no single number 1 to 9 can repeat in any row or column. But rows and columns are divided by black squares into compartments. Each compartment must form a “straight.” A straight is a set of numbers with no gaps but it can be in any order, eg [7,6,9,8]. Clues in black cells remove that number as an option in that row and column, and are not part of any straight. Glance at the solution to see how “straights” are formed.
For many strategies, hints and tips, visit www.sudokuwiki.org for Sudoku and www.str8ts.com for Str8ts.
If you like Str8ts and other puzzles, check out our books, iPhone/iPad Apps and much more on our store.
Manitoba Opera to present La Bohème
Production of Giacomo Puccini’s classic will run in April
Carrington Dong, staff
This April, the Manitoba Opera will close its season with La Bohème. Composed by Giacomo Puccini, who is known for other iconic operas such as Madama Butterfly, Tosca and Turandot, the opera tells the story of struggling young artists living in the Latin Quarter of Paris in the 1830s. The opera most notably inspired Jonathan Larson’s hit Broadway musical, Rent, an adaptation set in 1990s New York.
“It’s about these four friends, who are artists […] They’re just struggling being young people, creating their art,” said Anna Theodosakis, director of the show.
Much of the plot follows the romance between Rodolfo, a poet, and his neighbour, Mimì. Mimì is quickly accepted into the friend group, and the opera tracks their relationship as they meet, fall in love, break up and navigate the will-they-
won’t-they dynamic of a possible reunion.
Theodosakis highlighted several aspects of La Bohème including the friendship between Mimì and Musetta — a personal favourite character of hers. She also noted the clever libretto which particularly highlights Rodolfo’s use of metaphors and “beautiful phrases.”
Of the character Mimì, for example, Theodosakis said, “Mimì is really sweet, kind, caring […] but I like to think that she’s not just the sweet little girl next door, but actually is pretty empowered for a woman in the 19th century, living on her own and making the best of her situation.”
dosakis has opted for a traditional approach, placing it in its original 1830s Parisian setting. However, she believes that the opera’s themes remain timeless and relevant.
“The thing I think that makes it so everlasting is how
excited about working with the cast, some of whom she has collaborated with before.
“I’m really excited, because in this show about young people, all of the cast is really young — vibrant artists that are just breaking through to being at the top of their career in Canada,” she said.
“The thing I think that makes it so everlasting is how deftly the interpersonal relationships are drawn between the six main characters. So my vision as a director is I’m hoping to really highlight and strengthen and bring out those relationships”
— Anna Theodosakis, director
deftly the interpersonal relationships are drawn between the six main characters. So my vision as a director is I’m hoping to really highlight and strengthen and bring out those relationships,” she explained.
For the production, Theo-
Theodosakis is particularly
“So, I’m really excited to see the youthful energy that they’ll be able to bring to these characters.”
Beyond the storytelling, Theodosakis believes audiences will love Puccini’s music and the immersive atmosphere created by live singing and orchestra.
“Puccini is one of my favourite composers, if not my favourite composer, and
he somehow manages to encompass the feeling of falling in love within a [musical] score,” she said. “It’s absolutely amazing, so hearing the live singers and the orchestra you’ll be able to really feel the music in the theatre.”
While opera has existed for centuries, Theodosakis believes its timeless quality allows for fresh interpretations, keeping it relevant today.
“To me, opera is kind of like Shakespeare,” she said. “My favourite thing is, you can take old operas and reconceptualize them, and they still relate and speak to the societal issues of today.”
The Manitoba Opera’s production of La Bohème will run for three performances on April 5, 9 and 11 at the Centennial Concert Hall. For tickets and more information, please visit mbopera.ca/ season/la-boheme.
Winnipeg Folk Festival 2025 lineup stirs mixed reactions
Internet users express disappointment over lack of big names
Boris Tsun Hang Leung, staff
This summer, the Winnipeg Folk Festival marks its 50th anniversary. The festival, which traditionally takes place in Birds Hill Provincial Park, promises performances by more than 60 musicians from July 10 to 13. Despite this historic milestone, many fans have expressed disappointment with this year’s lineup.
In particular, some internet users have pointed out that the lineup lacks beloved headliners, such as Neil Young and Bruce Cockburn, and mostly features artists who are unfamiliar to the audience. An Instagram comment with over 300 likes on the festival’s page even says, “the worst lineup for a 50 year anniversary I could [have] imagined.”
Others also noted that ticket prices are steep given the perceived lack of big-name performers. According to the festival’s website, tickets range from $91 to $380 for adults, depending on the tier. The 2024 Folk Fest drew 76,500 attendees — the most in its history — but it is unclear whether this enthusiasm will carry over into 2025.
The online backlash raises some questions. Who are the performers in this year’s lineup? Are they as under-
whelming as some have suggested?
Typically, the largest and boldest names on a music festival poster indicate the biggest stars of the show. This year, the first act on the poster is Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, his band. Isbell, a country-rock singer-songwriter from Alabama, has been nominated for eight Grammy Awards, winning six.
Lake Street Dive, an American rock band with roots in Boston, follows as another headliner. The group draws inspiration from 1960s pop music. Also featured are Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, an acoustic duo whose work helped shape the Americana genre. Welch and Rawlings’s 2024 album, Woodland, won Best Folk Album at the 2025 Grammy Awards.
One surprise in the lineup is Ye Vagabonds, a folk duo formed by Irish brothers Brían and Diarmuid Mac Gloinn. The Mac Gloinns have gained acclaim for their moving renditions of traditional ballads such as “I’m a Rover” and “Blue is the Eye,” earning multiple awards from the BBC and RTÉ Radio One in recent years. It is difficult to say definitively whether the online criticism is unwarranted. How-
photo courtesty of / winnipegfolkfestival.ca
ever, an examination of the lineup shows that many of the featured artists are well-respected in their genres. Above all, the festival offers an
opportunity for concertgoers to experience a wide range of musicians — including those they may not have heard of before. Perhaps this year’s
Folk Fest will introduce audiences to their next favourite band.
Stephen Fearing to perform in Winnipeg March 29
Juno Award winning singer-songwriter touring in support of his latest album
Carrington Dong, staff
One could say that Vancouver-born Stephen Fearing has music in his blood.
“My family’s been in music and the arts for generations,” Fearing said. “My grandfather was an award-winning baritone, my great-great-greatgrand-aunt was […] a celebrated soprano in the 1800s and my father and my mother were both professional musicians.”
Since launching his career, Fearing has co-founded the band Blackie and the Rodeo Kings with Colin Linden and Tom Wilson, opened for Merle Haggard, performed at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville and won two Juno Awards, along with multiple nominations.
Fearing described his sound as being a mix of roots, folk and Americana. He draws inspiration from his upbringing in Ireland, which he called a “country full of artists.” He also cited punk, classical music, rock and roll and even church hymns as influential to his music. Amidst these varied influences, however, storytelling remains the constant.
fascinating process, and you will draw from all those different elements at some point or another.”
Fearing’s songwriting process is rooted in this storytelling, getting ideas and writing them down. He cited Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues” as an inspiration.
“There’s a line in [“Folsom Prison Blues”] which he says, ‘and I shot a man in Reno just to watch him die.’ And the truth is that Johnny Cash never shot any -
body in Reno just to watch them die. He was making that up,” Fearing explained. “But because of who he is, and the persona that he projects, but also the way he wrote that song, it’s believable.”
Fearing stated that much of his songwriting isn’t directly based on his own life or any true story, affirming that writing about his real life would get “boring” after a while.
“You have to have a good imagination. You have to have a good sense of empathy, to be able to feel what other people are feeling, and then you spend your whole life trying to figure out how to articulate that in a way that is poetic or interesting or tight. You know, trying to create songs that are like little boats — that they can float, they don’t sink, they’re watertight.”
wasn’t familiar with when I was younger. I knew about sympathy, and I knew about compassion […] But empathy was a different experience, something I didn’t know about and I found out about it later. And I’ve been intrigued by it ever since.”
Fearing believes empathy is essential to songwriting.
“I think as a songwriter being able to experience or practice empathy is really
trio, The Sentimentals, whom he has worked with since 2018.
“They’re three guys who are very fine musicians from Denmark,” he said. “We create an interesting sound, and I’m really excited to bring them on this leg of the tour, because they’ve never seen [the West Coast] of Canada.”
Fearing will perform in Winnipeg on March 29 at the West End Cultural Centre. He has played in the city multiple times, including at the Winnipeg Folk Festival, but hasn’t been back in a few years.
“At the heart of it, I’m a storyteller. I think that’s something I’ve come to realize, is I like telling stories, and not necessarily my own at all, but finding a way into telling a story through music is a fascinating process.”
— Stephen Fearing
important because you can put yourself in other people’s shoes in a way that feels authentic and that’s what makes songs really stick.”
Fearing released his latest album,
Fearing shared that despite the title, the album has joy in it. He developed the themes with co-producer, Ken Coomer. Even titling the album The Empathist rather than “The Empath” was a conscious choice to make sure that the album didn’t seem too heavy.
“It’s great,” he commented on Winnipeg.
“First thing we’re going to do […] I’m going to take [the Sentimentals] to Rae and Jerry’s,” he said, referring to the famous Winnipeg steak house.
Fearing closed by expressing his excitement about the album.
“It’s my 16th album […] but this is the first one that I’ve created my own label to put out,” he remarked. “It’s the first one that I’ve really shepherded […] So I’m very excited to bring this music, and I think
“At the heart of it, I’m a storyteller,” he said. “I think that’s something I’ve come to realize, is I like telling stories, and not necessarily my own at all, but finding a way into telling a story through music is a
The Empathist, on March 14. The album’s title and concept came about two years ago when he was applying for a grant. He made up song titles for the application, one of which was “The Empathist.”
“The idea of empathy really intrigues me,” he said. “It’s a term that I
“If I’d called the album ‘The Empath,’ it would feel like a darker record to me,” said Fearing. “By calling it The Empathist, there’s humour in that, and that is what is in the music too, there’s humor.”
In support of The Empathist, he’s currently touring Western Canada. The tour began on March 13 in Sidney, B.C. Fearing’s accompanying band is Danish Americana
it’s timely. I think there’s stuff in this album that will resonate with people.”
Stephen Fearing’s latest album, The Empathist, was released March 14. Fearing’s tour stops in Winnipeg on March 29 at the West End Cultural Centre. For tickets and more information, visit stephenfearing.ca/tour.
photo courtesy of / Jen Squires
U of M art students present Explore My Insides
Latest student art exhibition examines the interior worlds of humans
Boris Tsun Hang Leung, staff
A computer case drenched in fake blood, naked figures being dragged on leashes and a painting whose stare follows you as you walk across the room — these are just some of the artworks unveiled on March 19 at the opening reception of Explore My Insides at the U of M’s School of Art Student Gallery.
The exhibition features work by students Alex Halipchuk, Alexa Hare, Tat Raynaud-Guerrero and Jordan Zazulak. Halipchuk, the show’s curator, is a first-year fine arts student who primarily works with sculpture and ink-based art. In an interview, he explained that the show came together as a collaboration with friends.
“You could say I curated the show, but I prefer to say that it was more of a group effort. Sure, I brought it all together, but it was a mutual thing,” he said.
“We all kind of work in the same sort of vibe of our artwork, and it just so happened that we’re all already friends, so we were like, ‘okay, well, they want proposals. Why don’t we put together one of these shows? That would be
kind of neat,’ and it kind of just spiraled and snowballed from there, and we’ve ended up with a show.”
The exhibition captures the unguarded interior worlds of humans. While many of the works are physically fleshy, some pieces reveal the inner workings of the mind. “Scopophobia” by Zazulak, for example, references the fear of being stared at.
“Some of the artwork that we show isn’t so much the quite literal insides, but rather someone nude or vulnerable in a way where they may feel exposed and like they’re showing their insides to the rest of the world, and sort of exposing that inner thought process and inner workings of the human mind,” Halipchuk said.
One of Halipchuk’s pieces, “Peter,” features a brain along with other organic shapes inside a computer case. Originally created for a class assignment, it is one of his favourite pieces. The sculpture was initially called “Fleshputer” — a mashup of “flesh” and “computer” — but Zazulak jokingly misheard it as “Peter,” and the name stuck.
“It’s a blend between
organic living things and technology and mechanics and all that. So you could say it’s a commentary on AI or on technology taking over the human world, but I just kind of created him to be as visceral and shocking as possible,” said Halipchuk.
Despite the unsettling and sometimes gory subject matter, Halipchuk believes there is beauty to be found in the work — if viewers take the time to look for it. “I feel like coming in, it’s natural to feel shocked and almost disgusted, but as you sort of interact more with the work, I find that you can see how it’s more quite beautiful than disgusting,” he said.
“These two emotions can come together and create this harmony. Things don’t have to be exclusively repulsive, exclusively beautiful. They could be both at once, as a lot of things are, as humans are both repulsive and beautiful.”
Explore My Insides is on display in the School of Art Student Gallery (158 Taché Arts Complex) until March 26. Visit @alexhalipchukart on Instagram to see more of Halipchuk’s work.
photos /
Ebunoluwa Akinbo / staff
The Bisons undone by defence in 2024-25 season
Bruce and Hooker shine, but defence costs the Bisons a shot at playoff redemption
Faiyaz Chowdhury, staff
The 2024-25 Bisons men’s ice hockey season was one marked by struggles, glimpses of promise and ultimately disappointment as the team fell short of playoff contention, finishing with eight wins, 20 losses and no ties. Despite individual brilliance from key players, inconsistency and defensive struggles hindered the team’s overall performance.
The Bisons’ season opened on a difficult note, dropping both opening games away against the formidable Alberta Golden Bears, 7-3 and 4-0. Early challenges set the tone for the campaign, with the Bisons often showing sparks of offensive capability but rarely maintaining momentum and defensive problems.
Forward Skyler Bruce emerged as one of the few bright spots, leading the team with 31 points (15 goals, 16 assists) in 28 games. Bruce’s versatility was evident through his power-play contributions, registering six power-play goals and eight assists.
Equally significant was Jonny Hooker, whose 17 goals made him the Bisons’ top goalscorer. Hooker’s lethal finishing was particularly potent on the power play, where he scored 14 times, showcasing exceptional prowess.
However, the Bisons faced persistent defensive challenges, reflected by their inability to consistently shut down opponents, often conceding goals in bunches. Defensive lapses cost them dearly in matches like the Nov. 23 loss against the Calgary Dinos, where they fell 7-1, and the challenging road
series against the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds at the end of the month, losing back-to-back games 7-2 and 7-5. Defensive weaknesses, paired with unlucky goaltending, prevented the team from stringing together the much-needed victories.
Goaltender Braden Holt carried the majority of the load, appearing in 21 games, and even contributed an assist. However, the defensive support in front of Holt was shaky, leading to unfavourable outcomes in tight matches.
Backup goalies Kolby Thornton and Ross Hawryluk struggled to make a notable impact in their limited appearances.
The Bisons found little success at home with a record of five wins and nine losses but struggled significantly on the road, finishing with just three wins and 11 losses. This imbalance played a crucial role in not being able to qualify for
the playoffs, eventually finishing with a disappointing winning percentage.
While the overall season was challenging, there were significant individual performances that were better. Riley Stotts demonstrated an elite level of playmaking ability, tallying an impressive 23 assists and 30 points overall. Dawson Pasternak, despite only playing half the season, quickly became an offensive catalyst, delivering 16 points (three goals and 13 assists) in just 14 games. His impact was sorely missed when he was not on the ice, highlighting depth issues in the lineup.
The absence of Pasternak in critical late-season games also raised concerns about the team’s secondary scoring options. With defences often locking down top lines, the Bisons struggled to generate consistent offence from their bottom-six forwards,
which left them vulnerable in low-scoring affairs.
The physicality and intensity were not lacking either, as shown by Grady Lane’s team-leading 56 penalty minutes, indicating the team’s willingness to engage physically, even when scoreboard results were unfavourable.
The Bisons showed late-season flashes of what might have been possible, winning four consecutive games at the end of January and the start of February. Notable was the victory over the Alberta Golden Bears, one of the strongest teams in the conference, in a thrilling 3-2 overtime game on Feb. 7. However, the momentum was short-lived as the Bisons subsequently lost their final three games of the season, further exemplifying their struggle for consistency.
The overtime win against the Golden Bears was especially energizing, as it demon-
strated the Bisons’ capability to rise to the occasion against elite competition. Yet, the inability to sustain this level showcased the critical need for improved endurance, discipline and game management.
Looking forward, the Bisons will face significant challenges in the off-season, particularly addressing defensive reliability and goaltending consistency. The Bisons’ may need to prioritize recruiting depth players capable of stepping into critical roles, especially considering the demonstrated reliance on a handful of offensive standouts. With core players like Bruce, Hooker and Stotts expected to return, the foundation for improvement exists, but without addressing defensive frailties, post-season aspirations may remain elusive.
photo / Nischal Karki / staff
Uchechukwu reflects on volleyball championship
Team captain addresses success of the Bisons’ national women’s volleyball title
Israel Adeogo Abejoye, staff
T
he Bisons women’s volleyball team made history last weekend by winning the U-Sports national championship. The team, led by captains Light Uchechukwu and Julia Arnold, defeated the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds in the semifinals, and won the championship after defeating the Montreal Carabins.
Uchechukwu shared the team’s journey to the championship, their experiences during the competition and their plans for the future with the Manitoban
When asked about the team’s motivation for performing well in the competition, Uchechukwu said, “I think it was more of playing not just for me, but for my teammates. And not trying to be too much or do crazy things but keep the ball in play and just keep it simple because it’s not the Light show. It never has been or will be. It’s about our team.”
Uchechukwu was asked about what the key was to their success. “I think just our hard work,” she said. “Everyone has put in the work over the past few years, that’s either nutrition, in the gym,
at school or just taking care of your body.” She stressed that “intense practice where everyone brings it all in” facilitated the confidence that the team brought to each game.
The team’s journey to the championship was not without challenges. “I think the most challenging part would be just how big the event was,” said Uchechukwu. “And there was a lot of expectations on us to win, not just from ourselves, but from everyone around us.”
Despite the pressure, the team remained focused and composed, drawing on their experiences and training to overcome the challenges. “We love the support that we’ve gotten,” she said. “But when we get on the court, it’s about all of the players. It’s about us playing for each other and just playing our game and staying together.”
The championship win marks the end of Uchechukwu’s volleyball career upon her graduation, but she is grateful for the lessons and experiences she has gained from the sport. “I think it just taught me some other life lessons about just pushing hard and work ethic,” she said. “And I love the sport for that because I don’t know if I
would achieve the things I’ve achieved in sports or my academics if it wasn’t for the work ethic that volleyball has taught me.”
As for her plans after graduation, Uchechukwu is looking forward to applying the skills and lessons she has learned from volleyball to her future endeavours. “Because it’s my sixth year, it took a long time to get to where we are now,” she said. “I think it almost teaches me patience. If something doesn’t happen right away, it doesn’t mean that it won’t happen.”
Uchechukwu noted her appreciation for the team’s fans. “We all see you guys and we’re all so appreciative of all the love and support that you guys have provided us,” she said.
The team’s victory is not just a win for the university, but also for the community that has supported them throughout their journey. As Uchechukwu said to the fans, “I want to say thank you. The amount of support we got at the games were amazing. You guys were like, I don’t even know how to say it, thank you for showing your support throughout the whole season.”
