21 March 2018

SPORTS

Best of the Best

Manitoba claims first ever national championship

ARTS

Resounding resilience

Art project by Indigenous women PAGE 14

PAGE 16

NEWS

Budget 2018 Province cuts postsecondary support PAGE 3

COMMENT

Toll fees for degrees Cuts to university funding devalues public knowledge PAGE 10 VO L 1 0 4 · N O 2 7 · M A R C H 2 1 , 2 0 1 8 · W W W.T H E M A N I TO B A N .CO M

Index

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VOL. 104 NO. 27 March 21, 2018

3 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Garett Williams

editor@themanitoban.com / 474.8293

BUSINESS MANAGER Sohni Tappia

News

News Editors: Imreet Kaur & Shaden Abuselah Contact: news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

Post-secondary to see less funding in 2018

ARTS

accounts@themanitoban.com / 474.6535

Double album release

ads@themanitoban.com / 474.6535

Provincial support for colleges and universities cut by 0.9 per cent

R U S T O W L and housepanther show in West End

EDITORIAL

SHADEN ABUSALEH, STAFF

PAGE 13

me@themanitoban.com

ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Ryan Catte

MANAGING EDITOR Malak Abas NEWS EDITOR Imreet Kaur

news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

NEWS EDITOR Shaden Abusaleh

shaden@themanitoban.com/ 474.6770

COMMENT EDITOR Shawn Huberdeau

comment@themanitoban.com

ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR Olivia Michalczuk

arts@themanitoban.com

SPORTS EDITOR Ryan Stelter

sports@themanitoban.com

COPY EDITOR Evan Tremblay

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DESIGN

DESIGN EDITOR Bram Keast

design@themanitoban.com

GRAPHICS EDITOR Kelly Campbell

graphics@themanitoban.com

PHOTO EDITOR Asha Nelson

photo@themanitoban.com

SOCIAL EDITOR Carolyne Kroeker

social@themanitoban.com

DESIGN ASSOCIATE Kellie Huynh GRAPHICS ASSOCIATE Ernest Zarzuela PHOTO ASSOCIATE Chantal Zdan PHOTO ASSOCIATE Quincy Houdayer

REPORTERS

GENERAL ASSIGNMENT Qudus Abusaleh GENERAL ASSIGNMENT Diana-Abasi Ubokudom COLUMNIST Levi Garber COLUMNIST Kenny Ingram ARTS & CULTURE Jen Doerksen SPORTS Jason Pchajek COPY ASSOCIATE Matthew Doering

VOLUNTEER CONTRIBUTORS

Will Gibson Keegan Steele Erin Meagan Schwartz

SPORTS

Under the microscope

MANITOBAN

Six Bisons invited to CFL Western Regional Combine

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

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NEWS

First genderfocussed budget In talks with Hajdu

PAGE 5

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s part of Manitoba’s $17.4 billion The U of M has indicated it “Part of the long-term plan to to balance the books on the backs of budget for the 2018/19 fiscal year, intends to take advantage and tuition improve the capacity and com- vulnerable students.” unveiled March 12, support for post- fees could climb by about 6.6 per cent petitiveness of the University of Ojewole added that the expected secondary institutions will be cut by in the upcoming fall term. The legis- Manitoba and other post-secondary tuition increases will most severely 0.9 per cent, or $6.3 million. lation also lifts restrictions on course- institutions continues to be to bring hurt students from “marginalized, The government has asked post- related fees. tuition rates in this province more in underprivileged communities, and secondary institutions to make up In a release posted on UM line with those in other provinces.” lower-middle income families.” the funding reduction through other Today following the Progressive The university will present its 2018“Investing in education should be a forms of revenue, including tuition Conservatives’ budget announcement, 19 budget in May. priority for any serious government," increases.

U of M president and vice-chancellor The province will also increase Ojewole said. "Education is an investProvincial Minister of Education David Barnard said the cuts are “dis- funding to the Manitoba Bursary ment in the future of Manitoba, its and Training Ian Wishart said the appointing and present considerable Fund by $2.6 million - the total of economy and fundamental to the province remains committed “to challenges to our institution’s budget- which will go toward low-income development and growth of our ensuring high quality, affordable, and ing process.”

Indigenous students and expand- society.” accessible post-secondary education.”

“My colleagues and I will continue ing the eligibility to students study“We are making tough decisions to advocate strongly with govern- ing at private religious institutions. UMSU reacts within our government as we steer ment for appropriate funding levels However, overall funding for postUMSU president-elect Jakob Manitoba back onto a better fiscal to ensure our province experiences secondary bursaries and funds will Sanderson said that with the expected track and we expect our post-sec- the benefits of ongoing research and decrease by $ 100,000. rise in tuition and decrease in fundondary institutions to do the same,” innovation,” Barnard added.

Funding for Research Manitoba, ing, “the provincial government lied he said.

U of M executive director of which provides grants and funds to students and it's that simple.”

“We have allowed universities public affairs John Danakas said the for research in health, natural and Speaking to the government's tone greater flexibility to set tuition rates university will continue in delivering social sciences, engineering, and while it amended legislation to allow without compromising affordability the programs and services students thehumanities, will be slashed - a for tuition hikes, Sanderson said for students,” added Wishart. expect while advocating for increased reduction of more than $3 million.

“The constant theme was, ‘Students “Manitoba students pay the lowest funding.

Canadian Federation of Students should like this bill because they need tuition in western Canada and enjoy “The university will continue to – Manitoba interim chairperson Dele a higher level of education.’ And so the third lowest rate of tuition in all advocate with government to raise Ojewole called the province’s budget if this bill passes, we’ll pay more in of Canada and we will work to ensure awareness of the value of an appropri- “a total disaster.” tuition but we’ll get a higher level of it remains that way.” ate level of investment in a research“It does not in any form address any education.

In November, the provincial intensive university to the continued important issues or concerns of post“That’s now proven to not to be government passed the Advanced economic and cultural prosperity of secondary students,” he said. true.”

E duc at ion A d m i n ist r at ion the province,” he said.

“The budget once again proves “They’re using our tuition money Amendment Act, allowing univer“In the long term, increased fund- the government’s lack of commit- to pay off the province’s deficit,” sities and colleges in Manitoba to ing to the university of Manitoba ment to investing in accessible and Sanderson added. “The cut is so increase tuition by five per cent plus improves the level of prosperity in affordable post-secondary education extreme compared to inflation that inflation annually. the province,” Danakas added. in Manitoba, but rather continue[s] we're actually going to get a lower

quality of education.”

Sanderson said that the incoming UMSU executive will advocate to the university on behalf of students to implement a scholarship aggregator to link students with scholarships and bursaries eligible to them.

“UMSU does not have the money or the capacity and it’s not their role to provide better funding to post-secondary institutions,” Sanderson said.

In regards to his new position as UMSU president-elect, Sanderson said, "What we've seen over the last while is UMSU executives that seem less than inclined to engage in strong mobilized advocacy efforts.

“And I can promise students that our UMSU executives will try everything that we possibly can to educate these students about these issues, listen to students about how they want us to respond, and mobilize and advocate with the full force of our membership to try and make education as high quality and affordable as possible for our students and that's a promise we intend to keep.”

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News

VOL. 104 NO. 27 March 21, 2018

News Editors: Imreet Kaur & Shaden Abuselah Contact: news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

News

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Province mulls stripping universal healthcare from international students

A conversation with the minister for employment, workforce development and labour

Cuts could see international students paying hundreds more per year

Hajdu discusses the gender-focused budget, the economy, Bill C-65, and the #MeToo movement

MALAK ABAS, STAFF

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he Manitoba government is looking to save money, but it may come at a cost for international students studying in the province.

The provincial government is considering cutting universal Manitoba Healthcare coverage for international students, with the intention of saving the province approximately $3.1 million per year.

While international students would receive coverage through a private plan, they would be required to pay their own premiums, at the cost of approximately $400 per student.

International students at the University of Manitoba pay tuition fess that are more than three-times higher than permanent residents - a full-time University 1 student who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident paid $4,400 in tuition for the 2017-18 academic year, while international students taking the same course load paid $14,800.

While Education Minister Ian Wishart cited the relatively low cost of tuition in Manitoba as a continuing incentive for recruiting international students to study and live in the province, critics consider the possible cuts an additional deterrent for potential students - especially considering the recent passing of Bill 31, which lifted the tuition cap for post-secondary fees.

Dele Ojewole, the interim-chairperson of the Canadian Federation of Students - Manitoba and a former international post-secondary student, said the changes are sending a message to those considering coming to Manitoba.

“It seems the Manitoba Progressive Conservative government is turning a blind eye to the disadvantages of international students, and this is unacceptable” Chris Otisi, UMSU international student’s representative “Over the years, international students have played a very important role in contributing to our economy, from paying thousands of dollars in

PHOTO BY QUINCY HOUDAYER

tuition to paying income and sales increases and possible cuts to intertaxes equivalent to their Canadian national student healthcare.” counterpart[s],” he said.

Chris Otisi, the international “Instead of encouraging interna- student’s representative for UMSU, tional students to stay in Manitoba has called the potential rollbacks a and to help grow the economy, the “movement in the wrong direction.” government’s actions are indirectly “International students will now telling international students that have to pay enormous fees in order to they are only worth the money they remain [in] good health,” Otisi said. have in their pockets.”

“Because health is an important UMSU has since released a state- aspect [of] good living, international ment on the issue, saying the union students will have no option but to stands “firmly against any tuition fee pay for such services.”

Universal Health Care for international students in Manitoba was brought into effect by the former NDP government in April 2012. The current Progressive Conservative government has since made sweeping changes to post-secondary policy, including unveiling a one per cent decrease in support for universities and colleges and the removal of a tuition rebate should students choose to stay and work in Manitoba following graduation.

Otisi added that the University of Manitoba will undoubtedly be affected negatively if these cuts to international students change from possibility to reality.

“It seems the Manitoba Progressive Conservative government is turning a blind eye to the disadvantages of international students, and this is unacceptable,” he said.

“I encourage all international students at the University of Manitoba to stay updated on this issue and realize its effect on us.”

UMSU lends support to international students Council encourages petition calling for amendment to permenant residency process QUDUS ABUSALEH, STAFF

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t its regular council meeting March 15, UMSU council unanimously approved a motion encouraging its members to help increase the number of student signatures on petition E-1524.

Centred around international students and their route towards a permanent residence (PR) status, the petition calls upon Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Ahmed Hussen, to amend the eligibility guidelines under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) - an express immigration category - to allow international students to count full-time paidexperiential and work-integrated learning experiences, such as co-op programs, as eligible work experience for their residence application.

The petition was created by the University of British Columbia’s Alma Mater Society vice president external affairs Sally Lin and sponsored by Vancouver East NDP member of parliament Jenny Kwan.

At press time, the petition has 278 signatures, with 209 from Manitoba.

UMSU president Tanjit Nagra

Petition to opt-out

PHOTO BY QUINCY HOUDAYER

said the University of Manitoba’s large international student body, coupled with the union’s membership with the Undergraduates of Canadian Research-Intensive Universities (UCRU), prompted the executive to expedite advocacy efforts to inflate the number of signatures on the petition.

UCRU is a collective of undergraduate student unions from eight of Canada’s research-intensive universi-

ties. Every year, an UCRU delegation tional students working towards meets with members of parliament attaining their PR status. and policymakers on Parliament Hill “Currently [international students] to discuss and advocate on behalf of are disadvantaged,” Nagra said. the more than 235,000 students under “For example,” she added, “an its purview.

Asper student that is on a co-op term Most recently, the collective cannot use that work term towards has focused discussion on ways their application for a PR.” to improve policies that impact The petition will remain open Indigenous students, the Canada until June 16.

Student Loans program, undergraduate research funding, and interna-

The Science Students’ Association has continued its push for a referendum question on an opt-out for the Manitoban levy, currently set at $12.19 per student each year.

The UMSU Governance and Operations manual states that a motion pursuing a referendum question, and is not submitted by the executive, must have at least 1,000 signatures in the form of a petition from university students for it to be considered in council.

Following a motion moved by UMSU Science representative Navikran Chakra Feb.15, which first proposed the referendum and expedited efforts to procure said signatures, the councillor presented her association's petition - now with over 1,000 signatures - to UMSU council March 15.

UMSU executives said they will now seek to validate the petition.

IMREET KAUR, STAFF

STILL FROM VIDEO BY ASAD AMAN

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decided that first of all anything that And historically, the legislation for was funded, any of the programs had the very first time includes political to have a full gender-based analy- staff. And this is actually the piece of sis - meaning looking at the policy the legislation that is groundbreaking through the lens of the impact it in that political staff have never had would have on women and whether the same protections as other workers women would benefit from that pol- federally or provincially from harassicy or not, or whether there would ment, but also from issues of other be negative consequences on women. unsafe conditions in the workplace.

Secondly, then the minister And so, for the very first time political for status of women and her team staff will be covered.

- Status of Women Canada - were involved in all the budget discussions.

So that they were actually at the table “I think when we listening and advocating for women are thinking about as the finance minister and the prime minister were putting together the limited funds budget for this year. and energy of We know that it is not perfect yet, but we are very proud of the the government, fact that so many of the measures actually look at what are the needs we need to be of women to succeed, what are the addressing really needs of women in terms of a wide variety of perspectives, whether we those people who are talking economy, employment, are the most at risk social wellness.

ederal Minister of Employment, gender equality if we didn’t talk about Workforce Development, and women’s economic success. And if Labour Patricia Hajdu visited the policies that we are putting forWinnipeg to participate in a dis- ward - in particular, how we spend cussion with Manitobans about the our money wasn’t being thoughtful 2018 budget hosted by the Neeginan - we weren’t being thoughtful about Centre March 12. how it would impact women differHajdu took time to speak with ently than men. the Manitoban about Canada’s first gender-focused budget, the #MeToo of precarious work” movement, and the economic “We do know that Sexual harassment in challenges faced by some young the workplace and the it is the foundation Canadians. #MeToo movement We know this is not going to solve for moving forward She also spoke to the importance M: How will Bill C-65 ensure that the issue of workplace harassment. of Bill C-65, an act which amends women don’t continue to face bully- It’s a product of patriarchal culture in an atmosphere the Canada Labour Code and the ing, harassment, and sexual miscon- where men design systems and largely that will reduce Parliamentary Employment and Staff duct in workplaces? What are some women inhabit those systems. But we Relations Act by making it mandaof the next steps that the federal gov- do know that it is the foundation for harassment and tory for federally regulated sectors ernment will undertake to combat moving forward in an atmosphere to develop a framework addressing gender-based harassment? that will reduce harassment and sexsexual violence sexual harassment in the workplace PH: The first thing I would say is Bill ual violence and hopefully eliminate and hopefully and including protections for political C-65 is a piece of legislation that will it. It is going to take all of us, though. staffers, respectively. set an expectation for employers in It is going take people having those eliminate it. It is Below is an abridged version of the federally-regulated sectors to have a thoughtful conversations about being going to take all of interview. The full conversation can policy on harassment and sexual vio- open to looking at new ways of thinkbe viewed online on the Manitoban’s lence, to have a plan to respond when ing about things and doing things. us, though” - Patricia incidents Facebook and YouTube pages. do happen and then to supHajdu, minister port people who have experience it in Young Canadians the workplace. The legislation will and the economy of employment, Gender-focused budget compel employers to ensure that there M: Millennials, young adults, and MANITOBAN: The government [is] an alternative person in the work- recent graduates are over-represented workforce unveiled its first gender-focused place that the person experiencing in precarious, contract, or unstable development budget this year. Is the process of harassment can go to, if they’re not work. How will you work with drafting a budget where women are comfortable with the employer them- [Minister of Finance Bill Morneau] and labour at the epicentre of financial decisions selves of their manager. to address this concern? any different than a budget, let’s say, But also at anytime - and this is PH: Well I would say that the first that doesn’t place that sort of focus And so, in [the] budget of 2017 very new - the person who is experi- thing that we need to do is disaggreon women? we were able to secure what we call encing harassment, should they feel gate that statement a bit, and underPATRICIA HADJU: It is completely a gender statement. It wasn't very that their employer is not following stand that some millennials are at different. I had the honour of being large, it was essentially a reflection that process, [can] come forward to risk of precarious work and others the minister for status of women in of that fact that we needed to ana- the labour department and file a com- are not as much at risk. I think when my first position when I was first lyze our budget through the lens of plaint, if they feel that at any point we are thinking about limited funds elected. And it became very clear equality. And then, this year in fact, the steps have not been followed and and energy of the government, we to that we were not going to move the finance minister and the prime their issue is not getting addressed in need to be addressing really those forward on our measures to achieve minister took it to the next step and the workplace. people who are the most at risk of

precarious work.

And I think we do youth a disservice when we say that all youth are at risk of precarious work because, in fact, some are on very secure pathways into careers and we actually support young people in schools. For example, we have recently increased the number of student work placements that are available to young people when they are studying STEM [disciplines].

These are paid co-op experiences with employers that often times [are] looking for new talent, so it is a bit of a match-making service. Increasing the access to affordable education through increased grants for people of lower and middle-class income - that will go a long way. Making sure that people don’t have to begin repaying their loans until they reach at least $25,000 a year. That’s a way to alleviate the burden and stress people feel, and maybe encourage young people to take the chance in themselves and study, though there may be some debt accumulated.

So there are a number of things that we can do but I think that we have to be really careful to always remember that it is those who are the most vulnerable who are going to be most at risk of precarious work - people that start university or college and don’t graduate for one reason or another and don’t end up with a certificate are going to be more vulnerable to precarious work, people who don’t enrol in post-secondary [education], and perhaps finish high school but don’t manage to enrol for financial reasons or other reasons.

The longer that goes on the more they are at risk of precarious work.

Our responsibly as government is to make sure that our approach is very targeted and that it gets to the people that are the most at risk. And that is why some of the work that we have done is doubling programs like Skills Link, which works with very vulnerable young people 16 to 24, making sure that those programs across the country that young people that have dropped out of school or aren’t employed, that those programs exist, that they are working and they are designed with the person at the centre.

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News

News Editors: Imreet Kaur & Shaden Abuselah Contact: news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

Students sleep outdoors to support homeless All funds raised will be donated to the Resource Assistance for Youth, Inc. DIANA UBOKUDOM, STAFF

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ix U of M students slept in front of UMSU University Centre for five days last week to raise funds for homeless youth in Winnipeg.

Five days for the Homeless, an initiative started by the University of Alberta’s school of business, has now become a national campaign in which 22 post-secondary institutions across Canada participate in an effort to fundraise for the homeless in their local communities.

“We know this is very different from what reality is like when you’re homeless but we’re mainly just trying to create some buzz around this fundraiser, and get people to come out and see what’s going on and encourage more people to donate money” - Julia Krovats, business student Six Students - Austin Coombes, Michael Catanese, Julia Krovats, Aaron Menon, Emily Baker, and Quinn Desrochers - signed up to be “sleepers” for the U of M’s 2018 campaign.

Coombes said the group set a fundraising goal of $20,000, and as of March 16 - the final day of the campaign - the sleepers had raised more than $18,000, surpassing previous year’s goal.

“We’re just over $18,000 right now, and that’s not including some sponsors that we’re still waiting on and things like that. So we’re doing pretty well and pretty excited about that,” Catanese said.

According to the group’s Facebook page, the group raised $20,000 through donations and sponsorships collectively.

The sleepers had to abide by a few rules during the time spent outside, which included leaving behind any form of identification, money, cell phones, and laptops - except during classes. The participants had

no access to showers, and were only allowed to consume donated food items and drinks.

Krovats said the close “replication” of homelessness was strategic, to encourage people to donate to their cause.

“We know this is very different from what reality is like when you’re homeless but we’re mainly just trying to create some buzz around this fundraiser and get people to come out and see what’s going on and encourage more people to donate money,” said Krovats.

Coombes added that one difference was that while they were camped outside, friends came around to offer moral support, noting that homeless people often lack this kind of support network.

Menon, one of the participants, said the restrictions could not be compared to actual homelessness, particularly the mental health aspect.

“We have people here that come and they’ll support us, they’ll bring us food, because we can’t eat unless it’s donated to us,” Menon said.

Menon added that people were surprised to hear they would indeed sleep outdoors over the five days.

“Think about how many youth and people across Winnipeg and the rest of Canada do this every single night,” he said. “If we can do it five nights and that’s what we have to do to get your attention, sounds great, I’ll do it, no problem.”

Menon said the campaign also motivates students, especially those newer to the university community, to become involved in similar initiatives that aim to help the less fortunate.

All funds raised will be donated to the Rsource Assistance for Youth, Inc. (RaY), a “non-profit street-level agency” dedicated to helping homeless youth.

Menon expressed admiration for RaY, observing that the agency was “really making a huge difference in the lives of Winnipeggers.”

As of 2016, RaY had moved 137 youths off the street and provided them with permanent housing, alongside developing employment and training opportunities for youth.

Editorial Editor-In-Chief: Garett Williams Contact: Editor@themanitoban.com / 474.8293

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Comment Comment Editor: Shawn Huberdeau Contact: comment@themanitoban.com

Global community must act for the Rohingya The settling of refugees is well within the means of the federal government

Transport Canada must do its job and protect travellers from airline abuse In disrespecting passenger rights, Canadian air travel is in a tailspin

IMREET KAUR, STAFF

KENNY INGRAM, STAFF

GRAPHIC BY KELLY CAMPBELL

T

he state-sponsored oppression in Myanmar of the Rohingya, a minority ethnic group composed primarily of Muslims often described as “the world’s most persecuted people,” has swiftly become one the gravest humanitarian crises of the 21st century.

The crisis has resulted in more than 700,000 displaced Rohingyas - a majority of whom have fled to Bangladesh, only to weather appalling living conditions in refugee camps and around Cox's Bazar without proper shelter, sanitation, and clean drinking water.

The refugee camps in Bangladesh are now the world’s largest “megasettlement” of displaced people.

The world’s lack of interest in protecting and advocating for Rohingya is troubling: relief in the form of aid and attempts to reach a peaceful solution through diplomatic channels is not enough. The lack of attention to the plight of Rohingya internationally has emboldened the Myanmar to continue the persecution of the Rohingya, resulting in severe human rights violations.

It is imperative that the Western countries understand the history of the country in order to fully grasp the severity of the atrocities and violence faced by its ethnic minority.

A 2015 legal report titled “Persecution of the Rohingya Muslims: Is Genocide Occurring in Myanmar’s Rakhine State?” published by Yale law school succinctly captures the extent of Myanmar’s crimes, historically and currently.

GRAPHIC BY SCOTT LERCHER

Since gaining its independence in 1948 from Great Britain, many regimes unsuccessfully attempted to rule the newly independent state of Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, until a military general took control of the country in a 1962 coup.

Failure to act quickly and stand up for Rohingya will result in a lost generation of Rohingyas Since 1978, the military has targeted Rakhine State - home to 1.1 million Rohingya - and has used abuse, rape, religious persecution, marriage restriction, population control, and murder as methods of systemic ethnic cleansing. This action has resulted in mass migration of Rohingya into neighbouring countries in the Indian subcontinent for decades.

Nation-wide economic stagnation prompted the population to partake in widespread protests - which ultimately turned into pro-democracy protests in nature - during which the military regime killed thousands of civilians and imposed martial law.

However, the military government continued imposing oppressive laws against the Rohingya, including the denial of citizenship as a result of a 1982 citizenship law. Legislation

reduced the legal status of the ethnic minority to foreigners or unlawful residents. The absence of citizenship meant limited access to education, health care, and no voting rights.

The state then came under the temporary control of the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) which held Myanmar’s first democratic elections. The National League for Democracy under the leadership of Aung San Suu Kyi then emerged victorious in the 1990 elections.

In turn, the military imprisoned many pro-democracy activists, NLD leaders including Suu Kyi, and retained control of the state, making Suu Kyi the torchbearer of democracy and peace for which she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991.

Myanmar’s long struggle to form a democratic government gives the West an illusion that a country with a decades-long journey toward democracy cannot possibly oppress a minority group based on their religious beliefs.

Without this historical context it is impossible to “enlighten” the West on a crisis that is more commonly shrugged off as a recent and standalone crisis of our times as opposed to an ongoing one.

The killing of nine Myanmar police officers in October 2016 ratcheted up the nation’s ethnic tensions.

The persistent use of state power to persecute the Rohingya prompted violent action by the militant Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army, which

further escalated tensions. advocacy for the Rohingya or efforts Since the beginning of the crisis, to resettle them in Europe.

Canada has limited its response to In October of last year, Canada expressing mere concern, working appointed Bob Rae as a special envoy through diplomatic channels, and on Myanmar to investigate the gravproviding monetary assistance - ity of the military crackdown. Rae’s which is certainly not enough when request to fully access the Rakhine one considers the gravity of the crisis. State of Myanmar was denied and Canada, along with international the Trudeau government awaits Rae’s organizations such as the United final report to respond appropriately.

Nations, must investigate the role of Yet we can not wait on bureaucrats state counsellor of Myanmar, Nobel while crimes against humanity are Peace Prize laureate, and honorary being carried on a massive scale.

Canadian citizen Suu Kyi in this matCanada must lead by example ter, along with immediately imposing and undertake a proactive role in the economic sanctions on the Suu Kyi resettlement of Rohingya refugees in government which has attempted to Canada and in the West. Bangladesh justify the murdered Rohingya by cannot single-handedly shoulder the labelling them terrorists. responsibility of 700,000 Rohingya Last week, Adama Dieng, the refugees.

United Nations special adviser on One can certainly hope that the the prevention of genocide, said Trudeau government will promise that firsthand accounts of Rohingya to bring a considerable number of refugees in Bangladesh “point to Rohingya refugees into Canada closer the intent of the perpetrators to to the 2019 election in an attempt to cleanse northern Rakhine State of score a few political points, but failure their existence,” which would be to act quickly and stand up for the considered genocide if proven in the Rohingya will result in a lost generaInternational Criminal Court (ICC). tion of Rohingyas.

An ICC referral - which can only All in all, the entire international happen through United National community is to blame for its failure Security Council - is a channel worth to respond swiftly to this plight. exploring to hold the government of Myanmar responsible on an international platform for committing heinous crimes against the Rohingya.

Political grandstanding is not enough. The European Union has collectively condemned the actions of Myanmar’s government that amount to ethnic cleaning - without any real

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ou don’t need to have seen The Twilight Zone to know there is a horror in traveling by plane.

Examples range from women being kicked off of planes for wearing leggings, to a doctor being roughly and forcibly dragged off a plane for not giving up his seat on an overbooked flight, to a passenger forced by a United airlines flight attendant to put their dog in an overhead luggage container - leading to the dog’s death from suffocation.

These experiences are only the tip of the iceberg. What fails to receive the attention it should are the notorious fees and delays of the airline industry, which, when compounded together, are sure to provide a painful experience for every passenger on every airline, even in the absence of unusually abusive treatment.

The most notorious corporate airline activity is the practice of overbooking flights. Airlines, to maximize profits, play a percentage game based on the number of passengers who are statistically predicted to not show up for a flight. As it stands, when that calculation is ultimately off, passengers are forced to give up their seats - and the airline will look after booking them on a different flight.

Although airlines do offer varying levels of financial compensation, a mere sum of money is not enough to justify the emotional turmoil of having one’s travel plans sent into a tailspin.

Delays are not covered by the

same, albeit imperfect, compensatory airline policy. In Canada, based on archaic measures such as Flight Rights Canada, no airline is legally obligated to give passengers any compensation for any delay.

It has been clear that Transport Canada and the airline industry have an alarmingly close relationship The absence of government intervention has failed passengers and citizens in the airline industry. In the U.S., the four largest airlines control 80 per cent of total domestic traffic.

Lack of competition plausibly results in passengers having the choice of just one airline to some destinations.

This is why talks of a boycotting of United Airlines have been completely senseless. It is challenging to boycott an airline when there are situations in which it is the only airline which will fly to your destination.

In Canada, all airlines follow Flight Rights Canada, which is simply an unenforced code of conduct for airlines. In only giving consumers several major airlines to choose from, all of whom have an understanding that the passengers’ interests are not

necessarily the best interest of their supposed to protect consumers from shareholders, passengers time and airlines. However, through its recent again lose out. action - and lack thereof - it has been This is why, when federal Minister clear that Transport Canada and the of Transport Marc Garneau intro- airline industry have an alarmingly duced a bill in May of 2017, things close relationship. were looking up. The bill was supposed to be a bill of rights for passengers. Unfortunately for travellers, This gives airlines the bill was not delivered as promised. the space to lump Almost a year later, its true colours are being shown. any delay into one of Bill C-49, or the Transportation those two categories, Modernization Act, in many ways actually rolls back passenger rights. allowing them to Some rollbacks include tarmac delays easily avoid forking - which were originally capped at 90 minutes in the current legislation over any form of increasing to three hours before any compensation is required should the compensation delay fall outside the carrier’s control. This means a passenger can be delayed in their seat with no food or The issues of Transport Canada water for up to three hours, all with- begin with a mindset divorced from out any financial penalty to the airline, reality. The regulatory body is always insofar as the airline can justify the the first to issue statements such as, delay by appeal to external factors.

“Canada’s airlines are among the best The bill does not require airlines in the world,” with zero evidence to to compensate for delays which are support such a boisterous claim. In caused by “mechanical malfunctions” airline customer satisfaction surveys, or “safety purposes.” We all want to Canadian companies rank near dead be safe while flying. However, what last. is problematic is that this gives airIf that were not enough, statistics lines the space to lump any delay into show Transport Canada gets over 500 one of those two categories, allowing formal complaints a year from air pasthem to easily avoid forking over any sengers. Yet, the number of cases that form of compensation. actually get acted on has dropped Startlingly, the further down the significantly - from 230 in the years rabbit hole you go, the more this all 2013-14 to a pitiful 64 in 2015-16. makes sense. Transport Canada is When the minister of transport is

asked why he cannot do his job and protect consumers, he has one word: competitive. Canada’s airlines must be competitive.

However, it only takes a flight to Europe to dispel that notion entirely.

Since the legislation took effect in 2005, the Flight Compensation Regulation has been protecting every air passenger flying out of Europe.

The concept is extremely simple: the regulation requires compensation of between 250 and 600 Euros, depending on flight distance, for delays over four hours, cancellations, or being denied boarding from overbooking.

And mechanical malfunction is not a valid excuse.

Yet, European airlines are still competitive.

If the minister of transport was serious about protecting consumers, he would use the regulation in Europe as a framework for Canada.

There is no need to reinvent the wheel when regulations already in place are clearly working for the rights of passengers in Europe.

Above all, one thing is certain: it should not take constant protest, email campaigns, and lobbying to urge Transport Canada to do its job - protect airline passengers, not the airline industry.

10 Comment

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Comment Editor: Shawn Huberdeau Contact: comment@themanitoban.com

Features Contact: features@themanitoban.com

Manitoba budget a blow against the university Supporting students and research is crucial to the institution’s academic mission

Election snapshot: UMGSA campaigns Voting for UMGSA general elections will take place March 21-23

JANET MORRILL SHADEN ABUSALEH, STAFF

GRAPHIC BY ERNEST ZARZUELA

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udgets are not only seemingly endless columns of numbers.

They are a statement of the values and political priorities of the government.

The budget released March 12 reduced the province’s operating grant to the U of M by 0.9 per cent. However, anticipated tuition increases and savings from the government’s wage freeze legislation will likely offset the cut in the operating grant, such that the university will have a level of financial maneuverability similar to what it has had in the past few years. Some things, though,

are going to be very different.

Overall support to the university will be relatively unchanged, but the replacement of provincial operating grants with tuition revenue is a trend that has far-reaching implications.

First, this shifting of costs from the wider society to individual students represents a failure to recognize that all of society benefits from a welleducated population, and therefore all of society should contribute to the cost of that education.

Second, as those costs are shifted to the students, education becomes

unaffordable for an increasing number. Within the UMFA ranks, we have already noticed that young faculty have much less financial flexibility than did more senior faculty at the same stage of their careers. University faculty, including both UMFA and non-UMFA members, have typically spent at least 10 years acquiring their post-secondary education, so young faculty carry more student debt as their tuition was significantly more expensive than that of previous generations.

And tuition increases are not the

only thing students have to worry perform robust assessments of how about. well universities are fulfilling their The Manitoba government has academic responsibilities. The goal also cut the tuition fee tax rebate of performing well on an informed, program, and the federal govern- careful, long term assessment will ment eliminated the education and lead to better universities than will a textbook tax credits in 2017. Adding it goal of picking the greatest number of all together, the after-tax cost of post- dollars from students’ wallets. secondary education for Manitoba We in UMFA are also greatly constudents will skyrocket. Costs to cerned about the effect that increased international students were already tuition fees will have on the future of high, and will climb even more. The faculty at postsecondary institutions. situation for the current generation There has been an increased tendency of students will thus be far, far worse on the part of universities to hire casthan what their predecessors faced. ual academic staff rather than offering Even more problematic is that traditional permanent tenure-track as costs of education rise, access to research and teaching positions, a education becomes more unequal. tendency that is also fueled in large The societal divisions created by part by reduced government funding inequality of income and opportu- for universities and greater reliance nity are well documented. The waste on unreliable tuition revenue. that occurs from not developing the For a bright student with dreams potential that exists in the increas- of an academic career, investing in ingly large segments of our society the graduate degrees necessary for denied access to affordable educa- that career is becoming both riskier tion is staggering. Providing access and more expensive. Having the to student loans, a common remedy brightest students going on to pursue offered by government, is no solution: graduate degrees and work in univerborrowing to pay for an unaffordable sities has always been the engine that education does not change the fact powers the pursuit and dissemination that the education is unaffordable. It of knowledge. stays unaffordable, just with interest Without that engine, the entire added. institution of academia is at risk.

Another concern is the effect that When analyzing a provincial the replacement of operating grants budget, it is tempting to only look at with precarious tuition fees has had small changes in items line by line. on universities. Some suggest this But it is at least as important to critimotivates universities to perform bet- cally examine the principles, value ter. Of necessity, it causes an obses- judgments, and societal vision held sive focus on tuition dollars which by the government in power that can lead to a wide range of dysfunc- underlie those line items. What the tional behaviours, from implement- latest provincial budget reveals is that ing “flavour of the month” academic the government places little value on programs to lowering academic either education or students. standards. Universities funded by operating grants still have incentives Janet Morrill, UMFA President to perform: funders can, and should, Associate Professor of Accounting

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ampaigning is underway for the University of Manitoba Graduate Students’ Association (UMGSA) general elections, with one full slate and two independent candidates in the running.

The ballot will include a vote on a referendum to increase the association’s operating budget fee by $4.62, to $58.50, for the fall and winter terms.

The three-day voting period is set to run from March 21 to March 23.

demic, Araujo said, “I would like the I plan to work towards more consisopportunity to raise student issues to tent and accessible governance docuhigher levels of the university.” ments and pursue budgetary options “I hope to advocate for the graduate that will afford increases to student students on academic matters,” she grants.” continued, “collaborate to strengthen Vice-president marketing and the bonds between the graduate stu- events: Sakib Rahman dent body and alumni, and continue Rahman is a third year Ph.D. to expand the improvements of the candidate studying particle physics UMGSA Awards.” and currently serves as co-chair of Vice-president external: Skye UMGSA’s Internal Development Kushner and Review subcommittee.

Kushner is currently a senator He has previously served in 2015In the running: meet the for UMGSA and in 2016-17 served 16 as the president of the University UMGSA candidates as president for the Environment of Manitoba Bangladeshi Students’ ACE slate: and Geography Graduate Students’ Association (UMBSA) and said President: Carl Neumann Association. He is also a master of he wishes “to use the experience to Neumann currently serves as science student in the department of increase graduate student involveUMGSA president, has served as environment and geography. ment in UMGSA” and make vice-president and president of the U Kushner said that with the major- UMGSA more inclusive. of M Philosophy and Ethics Centre ity of graduate students in the prov“I hope to bring more events that Student Associations, and is pursuing ince being at the U of M, “We should serve students in their later years of a masters degree in philosophy. be a strong participant in policy graduate studies,” he said. “I will During the all-candidates forum considerations affecting graduate make myself accessible to general March 14, Neumann noted that his students.” students and open to any suggesexperience as president for the 2017-18 “I would like to work on establish- tions that will make UMGSA an school year has enabled him to over- ing ties at a governmental level,” said organization where all members feel come a “learning curve.”

Kushner, “to ensure that when educa- comfortable.”

“One possible initiative we are tion is a topic of conversation, graduSenator: Laura Forsythe looking at this year is trying to orga- ate students are a part of the story.”

Currently a master of arts student nize graduate students at the faculty researching Indigenous educational level,” he said. “To get different sovereignty, Forsythe will begin her departments within a given faculty Vice-president internal: Cody Ph.D. in the upcoming fall term. to collaborate a bit more.”

Ross She now serves as the co-presiVice-president academic: Silvia A second year Ph.D. student with dent for the Native Studies Graduate Araujo the department of geological sciences, Association, Métis rep for the In her third year of graduate stud- Ross served as a UMGSA council- University of Manitoba Aboriginal ies, pursuing a Ph.D. in the depart- lor in the Internal Development and Student Association, UMGSA ment of civil engineering, Araujo has Review subcommittee for the 2016-17 Indigenous ad hoc committee chair, served as a UMGSA student repre- term and currently sits on the associa- and a councillor for the native studies sentative for the department of civil tion’s Bylaws and Policy Committee. department. engineering and was then elected as “I hope to advocate for students and “I have been on advisory councils UMGSA senator. help make the UMGSA as effective for the creation of courses, degrees, On her candidacy for VP aca- as possible,” said Ross. “Specifically, and teaching,” said Forsythe. “My

journey to this point has prepared me to represent the UMGSA as senator.”

Senator: Roxie Koohgoli Koohgoli, master of sciences student in human nutritional biochemistry, currently serves as vice-president of the Human Nutritional Sciences Graduate Student Association and is a member of the Food Systems and Sustainability Conference organization committee.

“I would like to work on establishing ties at a governmental level to ensure that when education is a topic of conversation, graduate students are a part of the story” - Skye Kushner, ACE slate VP external candidate “I have heard the voices of my peers, listened to their concerns, and have worked with them to resolve any arising issues,” Koohgoli said.

“I look forward to building on the work that I have done and becoming more involved as a senator,” she added, saying that she looks forward to listening to graduate students’ concerns and advocating on behalf.

Independent candidates:

Vice-president external: Ahmed

Elwali Pursuing a Ph.D. in the U of M’s biomedical engineering program, Elwali currently serves as the president of the Biomedical Engineering Graduate Students’ Association.

As VP external, Elwali has promised to work with UMSU to limit tuition fee hikes, enhance the UMGSA and alumni relationship, and improve the relationship between graduate students and their respective supervisors.

“I see my friends, all them have issues between them and their supervisors,” Elwali said, adding that students can sometimes see the progress of their theses or research delayed and, as such, an improved studentsupervisor relationship is necessary.

Senator: Felix Nwaiwu Nwaiwu, third year mechanical engineering Ph.D. student, currently serves as a member on UMGSA’s bylaws and policy committee and faculty of graduate studies appeals committee.

Nwaiwu’s three platform promises are to integrate a diverse perspective into the senate, encourage trustworthy representation of issues concerning both domestic and international students, and increase the engagement between graduate students and the UMGSA senators.

“I looked at the current system,” he said. “How many graduate students really know what the senate does,” he asked, adding that he plans on creating “a platform where I have oneon-one interactions with graduate students”

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

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Arts & Culture Arts & Culture Editor: Olivia Michalczuk Contact: arts@themanitoban.com

Local outfits join forces for double album release

R U S T O W L and housepanther plan double release, safe walk to venue OLIVIA MICHALCZUK, STAFF

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U S T O W L and housepan- two bands. We're all buddies so it just ther have joined forces - and made sense.” half their names - for their double Housepanther’s debut album Club album release show titled Rustcat Soda Lows will feature upbeat tunes Bonfire March 24 at X-Cues’ Café that reflect on the ups and downs and Lounge.

Woods went through over the past two years. Single “filthy lazy” was released March 10 which pairs famil“I think the West End iar millennial woes with poppy beats.

The show will be at X-Cues’ is one of the best Café and Lounge, and Yes Wave spots in the city with Promotions, of which Strachan is a co-owner, will be providing a safe the best food and I walk for anyone that feels unsafe walking to the venue. Volunteers will really want to invite be available to escort people on the people who might five-minute walk from the University of Winnipeg to X-Cues’. Strachan not usually hang out said they are providing the service there to come hang to get more people down to the show. “[We] decided to implement out” - Jory Strachan, the safe walk since the West End co-owner of Yes neighbourhood does have a stigma and we wanted to be as inviting and Wave Promotions as accommodating as possible and ensure everyone feels safe where they’re going,” said Strachan.

The release stemmed from a “I think the West End is one of Facebook status by Bailee Woods, the best spots in the city with the who performs under the name best food, and I really want to invite housepanther, in which she explained people who might not usually hang she was planning on releasing her first out there to come hang out.” album this spring.

Woods added “It’s awesome to see “I was looking to release my album Yes Wave Promotions go above and

by March [or] April and was looking beyond to see people get to a venue for venue suggestions,” Woods said. safely.”

“Jory [Strachan] from R U S T O Jensen Fridfinnson, who plays W L messaged me and said they were electric organ and fiddle for R U S also looking to release an EP around T O W L, is especially excited about that time. From there we just kind the release and what people are going of discussed doing a release show as to think of the EP since the band

PHOTO BY MIKE PETERS

has only performed live since coming together in April 2017.

“Our EP that we are releasing is kind of a big mishmash of styles, we've been going with ‘post-punk Americana,’” said Fridfinnson.

“Lots of honest, heartfelt lyrics from Garrett [Iverson]. I think one of the cool things about this being our first release as a band is that it can be anything - there's nothing to compare it to, and no prior expectations unless people have seen us live.”

Strachan said choosing X-Cues’ for the venue was a switch up from where the band usually plays in Winnipeg.

“We chose X-Cues’ because we really like the venue and the people that run it,” said Strachan.

“It’s a change from the Sherbrooke street venues, not that there’s anything wrong with them, we love playing those venues, we just wanted to do something a little different with our release. Plus [X-Cues’] has a bon-

fire pit in their backyard, which the townie in me is a sucker for.”

Rustcat Bonfire: housepanther and R U S T O W L double release show will be at X-Cues’ Café and Lounge March 24. Tickets are $12 at the door and the safe walk program will be available from the University of Winnipeg to the venue.

Stepping stone to exploring the heart of Winnipeg

Design Quarter market showcases local businesses OLIVIA MICHALCZUK, STAFF

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esign Quarter will be hosting the other, or 12 minutes to walk from a free market at local furniture The Forks into the Exchange. Our store HUT K SPACE March 2 to downtown can be a lot more walkable, highlight some of the businesses that navigable, and interesting than those central Winnipeg has to offer. big box [and] mall parking lots.”

Design Quarter is a non-profit organization created in May 2017 to bring people to the heart of the “We thought this city. The goal of the organization is market would be to attract tourists and locals alike to creative destinations in central an excellent way for Winnipeg by demonstrating that Winnipeg is a walkable and design- the public to get a focused city. taste of what Design Executive director Zephyra Vun Quarter is all about” said that while Design Quarter is often mistaken as an organiza- Zephyra Vun, tion only focused on the Exchange District, it also includes businesses executive director from The Forks and Downtown. of Design Quarter “While the density of our members certainly lie in the Exchange [District] currently, our goal is to highlight this entire, walkable comThe intention of the market is to munity of local makers and design educate design-savvy locals about the entrepreneurs,” said Vun. businesses that exist in the Design “What many also don't realize Quarter, and to provide support is that it takes about 20 minutes to and networking opportunities for walk from one end of the Quarter to the businesses that already exist in

downtown Winnipeg.

“We thought this market would be an excellent way for the public to get a taste of what Design Quarter is all about,” said Vun. “A variety of members all under one roof for a one-of-a-kind, oneday-only, immersive showcase of diverse Winnipeg design culture.

The hope is that people will leave the event wanting more, encouraging them to go out and explore the actual [Design] Quarter to its full potential.”

The market is set to include a selection of Design Quarter’s 55 members. Among the many market participants are Bronuts and Cake-ology providing free desserts, Winnipeg Architecture Foundation and Cinematheque, screening short films, and The Hammond Building hosting an artist doing live interactive art.

The market will not be set up like a typical market, with rows of vendors selling their wares, but rather to provide an experience more similar to a fair, where people can interact

PHOTO BY MIKE PETERS

with the business owners and learn what they are all about in addition to purchasing products from Design Quarter members.

Attendees are encouraged to explore the Design Quarter after leaving the market to see what other local businesses it has to offer.

“Nowadays, people crave products that are not only produced locally, but

that are unique, made with care and attention to detail, and that come from businesses whose practices benefit the community at large,” said Vun. “Design Quarter provides an accessible platform for Winnipeggers to find these local gems.”

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Arts & Culture

Arts & Culture Editor: Olivia Michalczuk Contact: arts@themanitoban.com

VOL. 104 NO. 27 March 21, 2018

National project showcasing Indigenous women artists Project marks largest exhibition by Indigenous women collective in Canadian history

Arts & Culture

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

JEN DOERKSEN, STAFF

JEN DOERKSEN, STAFF

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ore than 160 billboards featuring artwork created by 50 Indigenous women artists will be displayed on highways and cities across Canada beginning June 1.

Resilience will take place from until August 1, 2018. The public exhibition will be the largest exhibition of art made by Indigenous women in Canada to date, according to Mentoring Artists for Women’s Art co-executive director Shawna Dempsey. Dempsey was one of the people who helped come up with the project and said she was determined to make it possible.

“The resistance of Indigenous and in society in general. The artists women predates colonization and will are multi-generational, from emerggo on long after, and we didn’t want ing to established, and from all across to situate this project in the colonial the country.”

Local artist and University of narrative,” Dempsey said.

The public exhibition is in response Manitoba fine arts graduate Jackie to the Truth and Reconciliation Traverse will have a piece in the proCommission’s Calls to Actions, the ject adapted from her mural at 141 79th of which states, “We call upon Sherbrooke avenue, which depicts the federal government, in collabo- Mother Earth with sweetgrass for ration with Survivors, Aboriginal hair. organizations, and the arts comTraverse said she is happy the promunity, to develop a reconciliation ject is happening, and feels honoured framework for Canadian heritage and to be a part of it. commemoration.”

“There’s 50 different artists, we The Truth and Reconciliation each bring a different perspective to Commission of Canada released the this project. There’s going to be a lot PHOTO PROVIDED BY RESILIENCE report and calls to action in June 2015. of dialogue created,” Traverse said.

The report is the result of six years of “We need to be heard and “We conceived of it and fund- testimonials from over 7,000 people, [Indigenous women] haven’t been raised for it in collaboration in with including residential school survivors. heard in such a long time and I think the curator, Lee-Ann [Martin],” Resilience curator Lee-Ann art will unite us all.”

Dempsey said.

Martin said the term “resilience” Resilience is a public exhibition by “It was incredible that we got the refers to the strength of the women design. Billboards across the counfunding. The project budget is larger behind the artwork featured in the try were chosen as the exhibition than our annual budget.” project. medium instead of a gallery space, The project is funded through the “Resilience embodies the endur- a choice that ensures that people of Canada Council for the Arts New ance, sovereignty, and adaptability of all backgrounds will be able to see Chapter program, which was origi- these women as they stand as defend- the pieces.

“Lots of people will see it who nally intended to fund art projects ers of their cultural sovereignty and centred on Canada’s 150th birthday protectors of the land,” Martin said. would never set foot in a gallery,” in 2017.

“The idea is to celebrate the diver- Dempsey said.

Dempsey said they deliberately sity and art of Indigenous women art“Our images are evocative. They’re chose to release the project in 2018 to ists, who have been underrepresented not like advertising images that are and excluded in the art community quick and easy to understand, so we avoid the year of celebration.

hope people will wonder more about them.”

Martin is also hopeful that the public nature of the exhibition will allow the art to inspire many different people.

“We're hoping that the public who see these images across the country will be inspired by the diversity and complexity of their art,” Martin said.

“Billboards have proven to be effective tools for messages that are seen and remembered by broad, diverse audiences.”

The location of the billboards, along highways and in cities, also speak to the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. On the Highway of Tears in British Columbia, at least 18 primarily Indigenous women have gone missing between 1969 and 2006. There are hundreds of other known cases across Canada.

“Of course, when we conceived of the project, we were very mindful of murdered and missing Indigenous women who disappeared from highways or cities where the billboards are located,” Dempsey said.

“We also wanted to present the strength and creativity and power and, dare I say, resilience of Indigenous women.”

Hearing Trees Quiet Dreams 4/5

paniment, as displayed in “Fishing.”

The songs are built around Hnatiuk’s lyrics, allowing his stories to bloom like flowers. raham Hnatiuk and his band Hnatiuk’s tone of voice and intonation fills the album with a sense of Hearing Trees are currently touring British Columbia for the warm nostalgia reminiscent of Steven release of their Page. The storydebut full-length telling in Quiet a lbum, Quiet Dreams shows Hnatiuk’s vocals lead pensive and driving that their narrative Dreams.

The Winnipegtype of lyricism is rhythms through a nostalgic and distinctly based alternative alive and well in Canadian soundscape saturated with subtle Canada. rock project has The third track, been releasing guitar licks and calm yet unyielding piano “Holes in the Sky,” music annually stands out as a since their first strong spot in self-titled EP in June 2014. Quiet Dreams dropped through the album, is an energetic the album, giving the right blend of on March 2, which marked the first song that contrasts with the rest of an energetic and moody ambient sounds day of their 50-day cross-Canada tour. album that otherwise calls back to its before the album’s gentle descent into The band continues to refine its sound, title. The introspective, dreamy sound gloom. This poetic album nods to which resulted in the distinct moody brings to mind the emphatic poetry traditional Canadiana while driving home soil nostalgia that this album of The Tragically Hip, mixed with forward with a thoughtful and prothe energy of indie act The National. gressive take on the genre. offers.

Drums play a crucial role in keep4/5 The album begins on a high note of upbeat indie sound and undeniable ing the tempo driving forward and emotional effort with “Lights Out.” anchoring the album’s sound, with Hearing Trees plays its release show Hnatiuk’s vocals lead pensive and Hnatiuk’s guitar occasionally mel- for Quiet Dreams in Winnipeg driving rhythms through a nostalgic lowing to a more ambient accom- at The Park Theatre June 1 .

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and distinctly domestic soundscape, saturated with subtle guitar licks and calm yet unyielding piano notes. The highs of the album are subdued, and offer subtle contrast to the overall anxious, moody feel of Quiet Dreams.

“We’re All Puppets,” midway

A year of magic with Full Blüm Collective brings art, music, and fun to Winnipeg SOHNI TAPPIA, STAFF

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ocal music community Full Blüm hosted a “Funk Night” at the Good Will Social Club March 9 with partygoers dressed in 70s attire grooving the night away to rhythm and soul music.

Full Blüm provides Winnipeg with a relatively unique concept - a collective devoted to hosting local events complete with live music, light shows, DJs, and whatever else the theme of the party may call for. The group’s Facebook page refers to it as “here to bring people together in interesting ways to celebrate creativity and love, in a fun, interactive and art filled atmosphere.”

The movement was founded by Jordan Voth, a local self-taught DJ. With the support of a few close friends, he was able to gradually bring his vision to life beginning early last February.

“My intention with Full Blüm is to bring together a community of funloving people,” Voth said.

“I guess it’s more about bringing this out in Winnipeg rather than bringing anything to Winnipeg.”

February 9 marked Full Blüm’s one-year anniversary party, which took place at The Pyramid Cabaret.

The benchmark was celebrated with installations created for the event offering a revitalization to the senses for all who came looking. Perhaps the most eye-catching feature was a wall

PHOTO BY SOHNI TAPPIA

of original artwork, which displayed radiant outlines of intricate mandalas and magic mushrooms glowing under a neon blacklight. Partygoers in furs, harem pants, and colourful scarves assembled at the Trading Post to swap small tokens as keepsakes of the evening.

“I’ve always had a passion for bringing people together to share new

and exciting experiences,” Voth said. selves through movement. Voth and “The idea of Full Blüm comes crew lead guests on a journey into the from a combination of many things: realm of electronic music, playing my experiences travelling the world, everything from funk and nu-disco exploring music festivals, the out- to bassline and garage house. doors, and my passion for planning “My favourite part about bringing events.” everyone together is providing a space Over the last 12 months, Full for people to connect with each other,” Blüm has facilitated a space where Voth said. all are encouraged to express them“I love seeing others having fun

and expressing themselves. I can always feel the magic in the room at our events.”

Full Blüm’s next event will be on May 4. Like them on Facebook for more details.

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

VOL. 104 NO. 27 March 21, 2018

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Best in the nation

Sports

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Manitoba pushes aside Queen’s, Concordia en route to finals

Bisons shutout Mustangs to win first national championship in program history

JASON PCHAJEK, STAFF

JASON PCHAJEK, STAFF

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY BRANDON VANDECAVEYE

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY BRANDON VANDECAVEYE

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in favour of the Bisons in the final 40 minutes. Bison goalie Lauren Taraschuk had to make a number of key stops and important moments.

The rookie was unfazed by the contact she received by Mustangs collapsing on goal, or more importantly the pressure of the situation. She finished the game with a 20-save shutout.

“Incredible, there’s no words right now,” Taraschuk said. “I don’t think it’s sunk in yet but we’re going to enjoy this moment.”

Taraschuk’s mentor and goalie-

he University of Manitoba Bisons the third where the club’s resident on goal and after April Clark was stampeded over the University of Olympian showed why she won ejected for hitting Anderson from Western Ontario Mustangs 2-0 in bronze. Venla Hovi tore out of the behind, the Bisons were a able close the U SPORTS Women’s Hockey corner just like Keen, putting one it out.

National gold medal game to win short-side for the 2-0 lead.

“Man I don’t even know what the first national championship in to tell you right now,” Bisons head program history. coach Jon Rempel - who was named “I’m so excited for After a tense first 20 minutes, the U SPORTS women's coach of the “We are the best these players that I Bisons broke through, scoring late in year - said postgame. team in the country” the second and riding the momentum “I’m so excited for these players can’t really put it into to a 2-0 championship victory. that I can’t really put it into words.

-Erica Rieder, Bison Chances remained even through I don’t even know what to say, I’m words” - Jon Rempel, the opening 20 minutes of play before just so happy for everybody. We’ve assistant captain Bison head coach penalty trouble caught up to the worked so hard as a group in the Mustangs in the second period. last - you’ve heard me say it a thouWith Alyssa Chiarello sitting for “I didn’t see it go in at first,” Hovi sand times - worked so hard these tripping, Bison Lauryn Keen went said. “I had a million chances this last four or five years. To bring this partner Rachel Dyck admitted it to work. She peeled out of the cor- tournament and I was like, ‘I can’t group together, adding pieces, keep hadn’t hit her just yet either. ner, and ripped a shot top-corner on buy a goal’ and kept trying to make knocking at the door, just don’t take “I don’t really have any words,” Western goalie Carmen Lasis to give plays and finally, I was super happy.” no for an answer.”

Dyck said. “This is everything we the herd a 1-0 lead.

With three minutes to go, Bison Rempel’s long-serving assis- dreamed of, everything we worked “I kind of just didn’t even think defender Alexandra Anderson got tant coach Rob Voth was similarly for all season it paid off.” about it,” Keen said. “I got the puck tangled up and brought down a speechless.

Fellow senior Alana Serhan was on the wall there and I saw that I had Western player in the corner. She “It’s just so unbelievable,” he said. all smiles during the celebration. She a little bit of space, so I just went for was given a tripping call on the play, “I don’t know how you could express maintained - despite not even considit and by the sound of it there wasn’t and Western pulled their goalie for it any other way, this is just unbeliev- ering Manitoba as an initial option much room.” a 6-on-4 opportunity. able. Yeah, unbelievable.”

- there was nowhere else she would Manitoba carried the lead into Western struggled to get anything Momentum swung distinctly have rather play.

“I’ve had some people definitely pass me over,” she said.

“Jon brought me to Manitoba for a reason and I couldn’t imagine playing anywhere else. The people I played with over the years and playing for Jon, he’s an absolutely phenomenal coach, and yeah I can’t even describe it.”

Alana Sharman was named to the tournament all-star team, recording a goal and two assists in three games. She was an offensive force for the Bisons, which included making a great play at the Mustangs blue-line to halt their advance, fighting past two defenders and beating another on her knees.

“I mean it’s just a testament to our team and all our hard work,” Sharman said. “We had three of the five all-stars. [There’s] just no words, it’s awesome.

“Winning this championship is what we’ve worked for - for me for the past four years - and it’s awesome.”

Assistant captain Erica Reider was an unsung hero in the tournament.

She used her blazing speed to lead the attack from the back-end, making stick plays that ended numerous dangers threats by both Western and Concordia in the semifinal.

“We are the best team in the country,” Rieder said. “Yeah it’s surreal.

I’m so honoured to play with the girls that are on this team and yeah unbelievable.”

T

his weekend the University of Manitoba Bisons women’s hockey club won its first-ever national championship after beating the University of Western Ontario Mustangs 2-0 on Sunday in London, Ont. On the path to the finals, the Bisons first beat the Queen’s University Gaels in a 4-0 quarter final win and then edged the Concordia University Stingers 2-1 in a semifinal shootout win.

Quarter-finals

Manitoba out-skated Queen’s and had the puck on a string all game, pummelling the Gaels 4-0 on Friday.

Manitoba opened the scoring after the puck bounced off Courtlyn Oswald’s leg in front and past Stephanie Pascal for the 1 -0 Bisons lead.

“My linemate kind of did most of the work and it kind of just hit me and went in,” Oswald said postgame. “Just right place right time I guess.”

Alanna Sharman doubled Manitoba’s lead on the power play with a short side goal, her first since October.

“I haven’t scored in the second half of this whole season,” Sharman said.

“So it felt really good, I mean I love being a part of plays and being a part of anybody scoring on my team, but it definitely was a little monkey off the back for that one.”

Defender Alexandra Anderson and forward Lauryn Keen added goals to seal the deal for the Bisons.

Despite extended pressure in the final six minutes at six-on-five, the

Gaels were unable to recover, and the Bisons took their opening game with a shutout win.

The Bisons power play went two for three on the night against the top ranked penalty-kill in Queen’s. For Rempel, however, the stats do not matter in cross-conference play.

“Stats are misleading.

I mean yeah, stats are stats” - Jon Rempel, Bison head coach “I actually didn’t know that stat,” said Bison head coach Jon Rempel.

“Stats are misleading. I mean, yeah, stats are stats. There are some things you can take out of it but I actually never looked at their special team numbers so I didn’t even know that, but I don’t know it’s just the game we play and whatever it is, it is.”

Semifinals

The Bisons secured their championship berth after they swatted the Stingers 2-1 in a semifinal shootout Saturday.

Sophie Gagnon opened the scoring for Concordia, taking the puck in front, dangling around Bison goalie Lauren Taraschuk and tucking a backhander around her pad.

But the Bisons pushed back.

Forward Venla Hovi continued her

monster of a post season cutting into the slot and dropping a back-pass to Lauren Warkentin. The defender ripped one from just inside the faceoff circle, top-shelf on Katherine Purchase to tie the game at 1-1.

“Ten years ago I would’ve taken three shots already, so just waiting around for the right pass I guess,”

Hovi said.

The teams went back-and-forth in a war in the third period, but these two teams were off to overtime, which solved nothing, leaving the game to a shootout.

Jordyn Zacharias shot first for the Bisons, mimicking the move she pulled earlier in the season against

Lethbridge, faking a shot to make Purchase bite, pulling up, and burying a wrister. “[Jon Rempel] asked me before,” Zacharias said about shooting first.

“He was like, ‘Do you want to shoot before?’ and I was like ‘Just put me first so I don’t have to see anyone else just in case they take my move,’ and you kind of get inside your head a bit and I was happy to go first because there’s not a ton of pressure and you just get to try whatever.”

After Taraschuck made her first stop, Alanna Sharman was up next for the herd. She skated up, making Purchase bite with the same move as Zacharias before burying the backhander to put Manitoba up 2-0.

“I actually thought we won on that because I wasn’t thinking very smart,” Sharman said. “I celebrated by myself and realized that my team wasn’t coming on the ice and I was like, ‘Oh another shot.’”

Then it was up to Taraschuk. The Stingers shooter tried to go fivehole on the rookie phenom, but Taraschuk kicked the puck aside and was mobbed by her teammates as the Bisons claimed victory with a 2-1 shootout win.

“When I saw the girl coming at me, it was just ‘Do it for my team,’” she said. “They’ve really stuck in it with me and they got the goal for me when we were down 1-0, and it was just ‘Do it for them.’”

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Sports

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

VOL. 104 NO. 27 March 21, 2018

Fyten’s national championship finale Long-serving Bisons captain ends career with national title JASON PCHAJEK, STAFF

Sports

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Jon Rempel named nations top women’s coach JASON PCHAJEK, STAFF

H

eading into this season, many did this year,” she said. three games in her entire U SPORTS Bisons knew they were play“We have a very close team. We’re career, compiling 44 points - 10 goals ing their final campaign in brown all very good friends, and just to see and 34 assists - in 137 games on the and gold. the girls on this team work as hard as Bisons blue-line.

Next year there will be a hole they do and put in the effort that they The captain came up clutch for in the team’s leadership core after do has been unreal. So to see it pay off her team in the Canada West finals Caitlin Fyten played her final games this year, not only for myself but for against Saskatchewan. In a goalless as a Bison at the national champion- the entire team, has been awesome. I opening game, Fyten caught a pass ship tournament in London, Ont. know that when we go out this week- at the blue-line and ripped a shot on Talking about what ending her end that every single one of those girls goa, beating Huskies goalie Jessica career on such a stage means, Fyten is going to play their hardest.”

Vance to give her team the win and a was the consummate captain, immeFyten has played her entire career series lead they would never give up. diately making it a team moment. with the Bisons, moving to Manitoba Fyten has never been known for “It means a lot but at the same time from her home town of Cremona, scoring goals, preferring to chip I’m just very proud of what our team Alta., in 2013. Fyten missed only in the odd assist every once in a

“I know that no matter what happens, I think I’m going to be happy either way with just the way this year has gone,” she said. “Playing on this team has been just amazing.”

Manitoba entered the tournament as the top seed and finished the season ranked No. 1, and while Fyten agreed that the ranking carried some meaning in the tournament, she noted the team was not feeling any pressure.

“I think we’re kind of embracing it,” she said.

“I don’t know if we’re intimidating to any of the other teams or not, but obviously we’ve got a little bit of a target on our back. But we’re just embracing it because we know we’ve worked for everything that we’ve earned this year, so we’re going to be ready for whoever comes after us.”

Manitoba was more than ready, as Fyten and the Bisons blew past PHOTO BY CHANTAL ZDAN the Queen’s University Gaels with a 4-0 win and battled through the while. Following a series against Concordia University Stingers in a 2-1 Saskatchewan, Bisons head coach shootout win to advance to the finals.

In the final game, Manitoba Jon Rempel said the captain always does the little things right. took the host University of Western Fyten has also been known to Ontario Mustangs to task, claiming play huge minutes for her club when the Golden Path Trophy with a 2-0 called upon, anchoring the top defen- win on Sunday night.

“It feels unreal,” Fyten said sive pairing alongside Erica Rieder.

She’s played the most minutes of any postgame.

Bisons player and is consistently top “I worked five years for this and of the conference in that regard. to have my career turn out this way, This will be the first and only I couldn’t ask for anything better. national championship for Fyten as Watching it countdown with those a player, and for her the chance to play last three seconds on the clock, it felt on this stage was just a bonus. unreal.”

Sharman and Serhan talk U SPORTS Nationals, fan support, and keys to their success JASON PCHAJEK, STAFF

B

ison forwards Alanna Sharman ing at game pace with game inten- tained it was nothing new to them defender Jenai Buchanan’s father and Alana Serhan made sity, picking corners on ever shot and and did nothing to hamper their play. received some attention wearing Manitoba proud early in the U looking ready to roll.

“I don’t really notice it just because the trademark fuzzy Bisons hat.

SPORTS National Women’s Hockey “I felt super good in practice,” she our ice is soft at Wayne Fleming,” According to Sharman, he was not Championship. said.

Sharman said. “We’ve practiced a alone.

In the Bisons 4-0 quarter final lot on soft ice in my opinion, so for “Both my parents are here,” rout of the Queen’s University Gaels, me it’s fine.”

Sharman said. “My brothers both live Serhan helped get the herd started “The support this With both the Bisons and in Ontario so they’re both here and with an assist on the opening goal, University of Saskatchewan Huskies my aunt came from New Brunswick past month and while Sharman snagged a goal and advancing to the semifinals, Canada to be out here too.” assist of her own.

West was guaranteed at least one Serhan did not have any family this season has Prior to their semifinal matchup medal at the tournament. Manitoba come out to London for the tournabeen incredible” with the Concordia University went home with the gold, while ment, but noted a large contingent Stingers, the two Bisons alternate the Huskies fell to the Concordia in Saskatchewan was cheering on Alanna Sharman, captains sat down to share their University Stingers in the bronze Manitoba. Both the assistant captains Bison forward thoughts on the quarter finals and medal game. were humbled and happy to have the their experiences in London, Ont. Both Sharman and Serhan agreed Bisons faithful make the trip out.

“We were excited to get on that ice,” that the conference itself paved the “The support this past month Sharman said of the game against “I took advantage of what was an way for strong representation. and this season has been incredible,” Queen’s. “I think we got the nerves optional skate on Wednesday and I “We definitely have a very strong Sharman said. out pretty early. We haven’t played found that just a couple extra puck conference,” Sharman said.

“Being out in [the Canada West] in a couple weeks so just to get out handles got me really dialed in. It got “I mean the two teams that aren’t final game, having that many people there and get our feet under us. I had me really confident, just super happy even here were ranked second and at the game was incredible, I’ve never a lot of fun.” and living in the moment here.” third - or fourth - for most of the felt that kind of pride and just everySerhan looked great durThere have been a few complaints year.” one was out there supporting us and ing Manitoba’s optional practice about the ice quality at Thompson Fans from out West were out it was awesome.”

Wednesday afternoon. She was play- Arena, but the two Bisons main- in full force Friday night, as Bison Serhan brought it back to the

Canada West final as well, highlighting how incredible the support has been.

“It was funny actually in an interview Western aired on their radio was [Huskies head coach] Steve Kook attesting to the environment that was in Wayne Fleming when we won,” Serhan said.

“He spoke about it being kind of one of those games and atmospheres that you never forget. And I think that’s just the nail on the head for a coach who’s been in the league a long time and has been around hockey.

For him to say that is something very special, the herd is in full force even though we’re not in Manitoba anymore.”

I

n his 14th season behind the University of Manitoba Bisons bench, head coach Jon Rempel has been named U SPORTS women’s hockey coach of the year.

This season, Rempel led his squad to a ranked No. 1 nationally, a Canada West championship, and a berth at nationals. He and the team checked off a fourth box on Sunday - an U SPORTS national championship banner.

“I think the year went pretty much according to how I could’ve scripted it,” Rempel said.

“Our first goal was to finish in first in Canada West - which we did. Our second goal was to qualify for the national championship - which we did, obviously, with our victory over Alberta in the semifinal. [Our] third goal was to win Canada West and get that banner, which we did.”

Rempel’s superb scouting and recruiting skills were on full display this season, with a deep squad ranging from veterans to rookies.

Manitoba went 14-2-1-0 in one goal games, which led the Canada West, something Rempel noted was an advantage heading into London.

“This team played the right way this year,” Rempel said.

“We were comfortable in those games, and I think in years past, even though the team has been very successful - not having really ever knocked the door down in the last three or four years - I think that one of our Achilles’ heels was we weren’t comfortable playing in those kinds of games and weren’t satisfied that we could win a 1-0 game and be OK with that. This year this team is OK with that.”

At the same U SPORTS Banquet where Rempel won his award, rookie netminder Lauren Taraschuk was named to the U SPORTS all-rookie team. She and goalie-partner Rachel Dyck came up huge for their team, both acting as catalysts for the club’s success.

“Big credit to Rachel for really sort

of taking Lauren under her wing,” [the bench] was getting pretty thin,” the extra step,” he said.

Rempel said. he said.

“To take the pressure off of “I thought when Rachel kind of “Had those girls not come in and Alexandra [Anderson] and Caitlin dropped the ball early in the year done some of the things that they did, [Fyten] and Erica [Rieder] in terms and was struggling with that whole and continued to do throughout the of minutes, was someone that could fifth year thing - I mean, without year in certain spots, I don’t know if eat minutes, and she can eat minutes.”

[Taraschuk], we could’ve been in a we’re sitting here today to be honest Rempel also noted the play of big heap of trouble there, until Rachel with you.”

Courtlyn Oswald during the playoff got things straightened out.” run as another important perforDyck stumbled out of the gate mance for the team. early, giving up 14 goals in her first “I think the year “I think Courtlyn has been an four starts - for a 2-2 record - and was unsung hero in these playoffs,” he went pretty much pulled in her fifth start after giving said. up two goals on eight shots against “She had a great year actually, and according to how Mount Royal. From that point she her numbers will never be high just went 10-2, and finished the year with because of the role I have her in, but I could’ve scripted a 1.67 goals against average (GAA). the little things that she does every it” - Jon Rempel, “Rachel did get things straightened game are just so hockey intuitive. out because she realized, ‘Oh, that And she has a hockey IQ that’s so Bison head coach [Taraschuk] could play,’” Rempel high that, as a coach, you really added. appreciate those kinds of things.”

Aside from Taraschuk, the rookies Rempel singled out the play of all played a big role in the team’s suc- Lauren Warkentin, who assisted on cess this season, especially when the Alana Serhan’s goal in game two of team was stretched thin with injuries. the Canada West final.

“Back in October we were down to, “With [Warkentin], what we really I don’t know, in Mount Royal there needed this year was probably to take

Bison soccer hosting pre-season tournament RYAN STELTER, STAFF

Five months after hosting the U SPORTS nationals, the University of Manitoba women’s soccer club is hosting another tournament this weekend.

The Bisons will be welcoming the Universities of Regina and Saskatchewan to Winnipeg for a preseason tournament. The Junior Bison soccer team, comprised of many future varsity players, will also take part.

“Having a competitive tournament during the spring helps to keep student-athletes motivated while they train hard during the off-season and gives them the opportunity to test themselves with other U SPORTS teams towards the end of this period,” said Bison head coach Vanessa Martinez Lagunas.

The Bisons finished last season sixth in the Canada West Prairie division with a 4-7-3 record, then promptly bowed out in the first round of the Canada West playoffs with a 3-1 loss to the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds.

At the U SPORTS National Championship, the Bisons managed a sixth place finish after stunning the University Guelph Gryphons 5-1 in the consolation semifinals, but falling 4-1 to the University of Victoria in the consolation final.

The tournament kicks off with the Bisons and Huskies on Friday at at the Winnipeg Soccer Federation North at 5:30 p.m.

PHOTO PROVIDED B Y JEFF MILLER

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Sports

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

Six Bisons invited to 2018 CFL Western Regional Combine RYAN STELTER, STAFF

PHOTOS BY CHANTAL ZDAN

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ix Bison football players will be The Bison cohort has been worklooking to make an impact at the ing out on the turf fields at the CFL Western Regional Combine University of Manitoba, preparing Thursday. for the drills at the combine such as Offensive lineman Anthony Daley, the 40-yard dash and the broad jump. defensive backs Jayden McKoy and “I feel good now that we’ve been Tyler Fong, linebackers Houston able to run through some of the exact Rennie and James Mau, and wide drill that we’re going to be doing,” receiver Stephen Ugbah were all McKoy said. “It’s good to get some selected to participate. of the muscle memory and get your The top performers at the regional mind into exactly what you’re going combine will be invited to the to be doing so you’re not going out National CFL Combine March 24-25 there blind.” in Winnipeg.

Daley - having played his final Manitoba sent seven players to the season in brown and gold - said he is regional combine in 2017 and 2016, aiming to be as prepared as possible, and six in 2015. but will focus on his personal results.

“Every year Manitoba has a lot of “My main focus is to just be the guys going and to be selected as a part best I can do for myself,” he said. of that group this year is definitely “You can compare yourself to other pretty cool and it’s going to be a good people but I’m trying to compare time,” McKoy said. myself to years previous.”

Daley was last evaluated three years ago, and he said he is excited to see how he has improved.

“Every year Manitoba has a lot of guys going and to be selected as a part of that group this year is definitely pretty cool” - Jayden McKoy, Bison defensive back “Things have changed. I’ve grown up,” he said. “I’ve matured in my

mind and my body so I’m curious to see how I’m able to put it all together now.”

For Fong, the opportunity highlights a long, arduous journey. In May of 2015 he suffered a broken rib, punctured lung, and a broken toe after plummeting 156 feet down a waterfall. Then in 2016 he suffered season-ending an ACL injury “Being able to overcome both those things is still a huge accomplishment for me,” he said. “All the work is getting noticed, and finally getting an opportunity where I can go out and prove myself, and hopefully enough to get noticed and be picked up by a CFL team.”

March 22-25 will be CFL Week in Winnipeg, and Fong said he will be looking to do some volunteering, while McKoy said he might take

some time to relax.

“We’ve been going pretty hard for this combine so after that we’ll probably chill and get some rest,” McKoy said.

With all the scouts watching the combine, there is potential for some of these Bisons to get drafted by a CFL team down the line.

“It would be a life-changing experience,” Daley said.

“It could be something that could provide a living for you for a portion of your life, some people, their whole life. To do that as a job would be amazing.”