5 April 2017

news

Raise the bar, not tuition UMFA against tuition increase

editorial

We want it all

science

Scary strains

Millennials care about more than pot legalization Page 5

Page 3

The global threat of drug-resistant tuberculosis Page 10

news

Improve your IQ Campus lounge closing for renovations Page 4 Vo l 1 0 3 · N o 2 9 · A p r i l 5 , 2 0 1 7 · w w w.t h e m an i to b an .co m

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Index

VOL. 103 NO. 29 April 5, 2017

Editor-in-Chief Craig Adolphe

editor@themanitoban.com / 474.8293

Business manager Daniel Parys

accounts@themanitoban.com / 474.6535

Advertising Coordinator Vacant

ads@themanitoban.com / 474.6535

Editorial

Managing Editor Lauren Siddall

me@themanitoban.com

News Editor Garett Williams

news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

News Editor Levi Garber

levi@themanitoban.com/ 474.6770

comment

Comment Editor Shawn Garbutt

comment@themanitoban.com

Power to the people

science & technology Editor Malak Abas

science@themanitoban.com

UMSU not enough to counter tuition hikes

arts & Culture Editor Seamus Hamilton-Pattison

arts@themanitoban.com

Sports Editor Ryan Stelter

page 7

sports@themanitoban.com

Copy Editor Sarah Doran

copy@themanitoban.com

Design

Design Editor Bram Keast

design@themanitoban.com

Graphics Editor Kelly Campbell

graphics@themanitoban.com

Photo Editor Miguel Yetman

photo@themanitoban.com

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

Reporters

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

Volunteer Contributors

sports

We have a deal USA Hockey strike a fair deal with UWNT

page 17

science

Blood where we breathe A surprising new function for lungs found in mice page 11

Will Gibson Sari Habiluk Varshana Lockman Kieran Labossiére

Valerie Nyamori

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News

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

Faculty union comes out against tuition hikes, prepares for bargaining UMFA president says proposed fee increases will put post-secondary education out of reach for some Manitoba families Garett Williams, staff

photo by megan colwell

T

he University of Manitoba Faculty Association (UMFA) is speaking out against expected tuition increases after the provincial government introduced legislation relaxing a cap on fee hikes in March, arguing that higher costs will put university out of reach for many families.

The Progressive Conservative government introduced a bill to amend legislation put in place by the NDP in 2012 tying tuition increases to inflation. The amendment allows for tuition increases as high as five per cent above inflation annually.

“That doesn’t sound like a whole bunch of money for somebody that’s looking at it with a steady job and a salary, but it’s not the reality for a lot of students [and] it’s not the reality for a lot of Manitoba families,” said Mark Hudson, UMFA president.

Tuition increases have been tied to inflation for five years, following more than a decade-long freeze. For the 2016-17 academic year, tuition increased by 1.2 per cent.

Hudson also noted that the legislation appears to loosen controls on increases to course-related costs, such as lab fees.

He said the uncertainty of courserelated fees, coupled with the possibility of a 20 per cent tuition increase over the term of a four-year degree, leaves students charting their academic path in the dark.

“That’s a huge question mark for students and for families who are planning,” he said.

Any increases under the amendments will not come into effect until the 2018-19 academic year. The University of Manitoba has signaled that it plans to raise tuition to bring its rates in line with other similar universities.

Hudson added that the amendments show the provincial government undervalues the public good post-secondary education represents, noting that public funds once accounted for as much as 80 per cent of university budgets.

“That was a reflection of the fact that post-secondary education actually had the public good component to it,” he said.

“It’s not just about students investing so that they can get a higher income later on – there’s actually a really significant public good.”

Hudson was also critical of the government’s public comments that post-secondary education should be more tightly aligned with the needs of the private sector.

Minister of education and training Ian Wishart has said that the government is aiming to foster tighter links between universities and private businesses, in part to ensure that university programming helps answer the market’s needs and so graduates have

jobs to step into when their studies are complete.

The government introduced changes to the Manitoba Scholarship and Bursary Initiative in the fall that it says will increase the program to $20 million in part by pursuing greater private investment.

to misunderstand what a university is and does.”

Bargaining

UMFA – which represents 1,200 professors, librarians, and instructors – and the University of Manitoba are preparing to negotiate a new collective agreement after the most recent contract expired March 31.

The latest round of bargaining “It’s not just about comes less than six months after the students investing so two sides settled on a short-term, one-year deal in November to bring that they can get a to an end a strike that interrupted classes for three weeks in the fall. higher income later The strike followed more than seven on – there’s actually months of negotiations.

Hudson said the union is meeting a really significant with members and holding consultapublic good” – tions to establish the priorities the faculty intends to take to the bargainMark Hudson, ing table. However, he acknowledged UMFA president that Bill 28, legislation introduced last month instituting a two-year public sector wage freeze, is limiting.

“We’re pretty constrained on that “It is a fundamental mischaracterization of what a university is,” said front right now,” he said.

“Compensation looks like it’s off Hudson.

“Universities have a role in prepar- the table again, given Bill 28 [the pubing people for work, but that’s not lic services sustainability act], and the be-all and end-all by any means so we have to figure out what other of what a university is supposed to things might we have some flexibility do. It’s an institution of knowledge to bargain with.” creation and to reduce a univerThe two sides have held one sity to some kind of a job training preliminary meeting toward a new mechanism is really fundamentally agreement.

University of Manitoba executive director of public affairs John Danakas said the university is seeking ways to expedite bargaining and avoid another labour disruption.

The agreement reached in November included gains for UMFA surrounding teaching workload assignments, the use of metrics to assess faculty performance, and job protections.

However, it did not include salary increases after the provincial government directed the university to extend the existing terms an additional year more than six months into negotiations.

UMFA filed a complaint with the Manitoba Labour Board claiming the university failed to bargain in good faith after a four-year proposal that included a seven per cent increase was withdrawn. The case went before the board in March.

The union also filed a complaint that the university’s introduction of two voluntary days-off programs without first consulting with UMFA went against the collective agreement.

That case went before the labour board in late February.

Decisions on the two cases have yet to be issued.

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News

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

IQ’s café closed for summer renovations Diana Ubokudom, staff

eration, like increasing the hours of operation at other UMSU businesses.

“We are considering adjusting the hours for GPA's Convenience Store for exam period,” she said. “As well, the Starbucks Coffee offered at IQ's should be available at GPA's very soon – though this will be limited to coffee as opposed to other forms of mixed drinks.”

“Students will be welcomed by a new, inviting, and brightened space” – Tanjit Nagra, UMSU president

photo by Chantal zdan

I

Q’s Café & Billiards, located on the third floor of University Centre, is closing temporarily for renovations that will take place over the summer.

According to an official press release, this will be the first major renovation to the café in 18 years.

The upgrades were first proposed by the 2015-16 University of Manitoba Students’ Union (UMSU) council, with f inal plans, financing, and construction

approved by the current council.

In January, UMSU council approved spending up to $1 million on the renovations.

UMSU president Tanjit Nagra said the renovations were initially scheduled to take place last year, but were postponed after council members jointly agreed that it “was best to hold off and take their time finalizing the project over this school year.”

Nagra said that IQ’s will reopen

for the fall session, just before the for students to study or catch up with start of classes, and with better friends.” facilities in place to enhance student “The current UMSUshi space will experience. be converted into [a] kiosk with more In the meantime, accommoda- ‘grab-and-go’ food options, bubble tea, tions will be put in place to ensure and coffee,” she said. that students and staff are not Nagra also added that current staff affected by the closure. of IQ’s will be reassigned to other “Students will be welcomed by a UMSU businesses while the renovanew, inviting and brightened space,” tions last.

Nagra said in an email. “The renoNagra said the union is also taking vated space will have more open space other accommodations into consid-

“For those in search of a quick bite to eat or a cup of coffee it has been as simple as going to Degrees instead, and there has already been a noticeable increase in traffic at the coffee counter,” she said.

In the press release, Nagra expressed excitement and commended the long-awaited move.

“We are hoping we see an increase in student use of the space,” she said.

“These renovations will make IQ’s more open and inclusive and the expected increase in use will allow UMSU to reinvest in student services.”

Joint music and education program put on hold for restructuring Senate votes to halt enrolment in integrated bachelor of music/education program for a year Osho Samuel Adetunji, staff

T

he University of Manitoba integrated bachelor of music/education program (Int. Mus/Ed) has been temporarily suspended for reorganization with the hopes of being reintroduced in fall 2018.

The U of M senate passed a motion on Feb. 1, tabled by the faculties of education and music, to suspend admission into the Int. Mus/Ed program for a one-year period.

The current program was introduced in 1984 as a five-year degree with a requirement of 174-177 credit hours. In fall 2016, both faculties involved in the curriculum agreed to forward a proposal to the senate seeking a restructuring of the program .

According to Edmund Dawe, dean of the faculty of music, changing academic standards from the provincial government now mean

students must complete a six-year, 180 credit hour program to meet certification requirements for a higher salary bracket.

The 174-177 credits that most students in the current program complete are no longer enough to classify them in the higher salary bracket once they graduate.

“Consistently, over 50 per cent of integrated students are taking six years to complete the current fiveyear model,” Dawe said. “Students are graduating at a [lower] classification, yet they have completed six years of course work.”

“At the start of their careers, they are not being compensated fairly for their training, and this has significant long-term financial and career implications,” he said.

Prior to the move for the motion

for suspension, consultations were held with a number of stakeholders including faculty, students, advisers, the music education community, and the faculties of education and music.

Dawe also said the Int. Mus/Ed program demanded more intensive efforts from students, as it spanned from September to June, leaving students with less time than others to pursue summer jobs.

He went further to emphasize the challenges and “heavy workloads” that students face during their years of enrolment in the program.

“The result is unreasonably heavy student workloads, and significant annual logistical challenges in both faculties,” Dawe said.

When the proposal is fully enacted, the integrated program will be replaced with a four-year bachelor

of music degree program with a major in music education.

After completing the program, students will be qualified to apply for their B.Ed, which is an after-degree, two-year program.

“A four-year bachelor of music program will enable students to complete all required music courses, music education specialization, teachable minor, and breadth prior to an after-degree in education,” Dawe said.

“After-degree music students will be better integrated with cohorts of education students in the early, middle, or senior years’ areas.”

The music education specialist in the Desautels Faculty of Music will serve as liaison with the faculty of education and work with the director of school experience in the faculty of education for the practicum compo-

nent of the music education students.

Dawe also stressed that the aftermath of this renewed efforts between the faculties of music and education is expected to yield tremendous results for the students both during their studies and after graduation.

“The result will be a better structured and paced program with both faculties working collaboratively to ensure an outstanding student experience, and a more reasonable professional classification after graduation,” Dawe said.

“A new model will enable the Desautels Faculty of Music to offer a better breadth of music and music education courses to more thoroughly prepare our graduates for their careers as teachers.”

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

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Pot legalization won’t solve Trudeau’s youth problem Marijuana alone won’t bring youth back to the polls in 2019 Levi Garber, staff

Just an idea.

Oh, and the environment? That pesky matter of climate change threatening our country and planet?

Has the Trudeau government been making enough of a decisive effort to combat the most pressing dilemma of this generation and generations to come?

We may not get any good jobs, an affordable education, or be left with an Arctic, but that first legal toke on Canada Day 2018 will be so worth your vote

photo by miguel yetman

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et the brownie batter mixing, folks. We’ve got a landing date for marijuana legalization.

July 2018. Yes, 2018.

Okay, maybe put the batter in the freezer for the time being.

Finally, Trudeau government officials have confirmed that this month they will announce legislation to legalize the recreational use of weed by July 1, 2018.

Obviously, this is a cause that many young Canadians from coast to have been fighting for and whining about for years, if not decades.

So much so that giving Canadians the right to light up a bowl or roll a joint was a central promise during Justin Trudeau’s election campaign, designed to lure young Canadian voters and portray the Liberals as Canada’s youthful party.

Well, we were pretty darned sure that the Conservatives were never the party to represent young people and in 2015, the NDP were busy pandering to centrist baby-boomers, so the Liberals’ plan worked.

According to data from Elections Canada, voter turnout for Canadians aged 18-24 grew to 57.1 per cent in 2015, up from 38.8 per cent in 2011. A full 45 per cent of those young voters went over to the Liberals, according to a survey from April 2016 by Abacus Data.

Was it Trudeau’s charming smile?

The selfies? The “youthful energy”?

Absolutely not.

Young Canadians voted Liberal because now, more than ever, we care

about what goes on in Ottawa and for Canadians aged 15-24 were added And what about affordable and Trudeau made promises to our gen- to the economy after 40,000 full-time accessible post-secondary education? eration that appealed to our struggles jobs were lost that year and 49,000 Well, the Liberals were far less comand realities. part-time jobs were created, accord- mittal during their election campaign Turns out many of those promises ing to data from Statistics Canada. on this front. were as hollow as the pipes we’ll soon Assuming that part-time gigs at They did, however, promise and be legally blazing out of.

Dairy Queen or the local supermar- deliver on increases to the maxiAccording to extensive polling ket aren’t what Trudeau considers a mum amount low-income students data from Abacus, three of the seven “good youth job,” it’s fair to say that can receive from the Canada Student main issues young Canadians wanted the strategy is a pretty huge flop.

Grant and lifting of the two per cent prioritized over the legalization of funding cap on the Post-Secondary recreational weed were “creating Student Support Program for The Liberals shouldn’t Indigenous students. better job opportunities for young Canadians” (63 per cent), “making These achievements, however be worried that college and university more acceshard-fought-for by the groups who young people won’t sible/affordable” (60 per cent), and lobbied for them, are nowhere near “dealing with climate change and the enough to combat Canada’s huge stugo to the polls in environment” (39 per cent). dent debt levels or aid provinces that 2019 – they should be are experiencing perpetual growth in Legalizing the recreational use of marijuana fell to 20 per cent. Further, post-secondary enrolment and facing worried that we will when asked if marijuana legalization financial hardship when it comes to was their top priority for the new providing adequate funding for their Liberal government, only four perTo boot, in 2016, the Liberals universities and colleges. cent of Canadians aged 18-24 said yes. invested $164.5 million in the youth The federal government should lisIf marijuana fell so low on the employment strategy and in this ten to student leaders calling for them list of priorities, then surely the year’s budget, which was tabled last to set up a dedicated transfer system Trudeau Liberals have spent the first month, the Liberals committed to to subsidize provincial grants and 16 months in power working hard to an additional $395.5 million for the thereby make funding more robust, deliver better job opportunities for program over the next three years. much like the federal health transfers young Canadians, more affordable That means in total, the Liberals that provinces rely on to keep hospituition, and a feasible climate change will spend $560 million over four tals and clinics running. strategy, right? years on a strategy that – according This, in tandem with a continWell, not exactly. to the numbers we’ve seen so far – ued provincial post-secondary grant In another attempt to sway young, doesn’t seem to be working. support, would keep tuition at more disillusioned voters, Trudeau promWho knows? Maybe the mari- affordable rates, and prevent the sort ised to create 40,000 “good youth jobs” juana dispensary business will fill that of fee increases we’re about to see here each year over a three-year period. void of 31,000 youth jobs per year. in Manitoba.

He would achieve this by investing I’m not ready to put my money on it, Maybe the feds could redirect $300 million in a renewed youth though. That is, if I had any money, some of those hundreds of millions of employment strategy. which I don’t, because I’m a millen- dollars that are currently earmarked In 2016, only 9,000 part-time jobs nial student. for a struggling youth-jobs program.

The approval of the Trans Mountain and Line 3 pipelines, which combined will pump nearly one million more barrels of oil from Alberta per day, dispelled any hopes that this government placed caring for the environment high on its priority list.

Yes, there’s a carbon tax coming, and yes, Trudeau signed the historic Paris climate change agreement to keep global warming below two degrees Celsius this century. Those acts alone, however, do not translate to tangible efforts to reduce Canada’s carbon footprint or transition the country to a green economy.

Instead, it seems the Liberals are focusing on a different kind of green.

So, young Canadians, rejoice.

We may not get any good jobs, an affordable education, or be left with an Arctic, but that first legal toke on Canada Day 2018 will be so worth your vote.

The Liberals owe young Canadians their majority government. Trudeau, who by the way is also the minister of youth, has an obligation to address the issues youth are facing right now.

Otherwise, the Liberals shouldn’t be worried that young people won’t go to the polls in 2019 – they should be worried that we will.

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

Addressing the opioid epidemic begins with safe drug use sites Dylan Fijal

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n March 1, thirty-one year old Ashten Cook was found dead in a hotel room on Pembina Highway.

She had succumbed to an opioid overdose .

This is yet another tragic occurrence in a growing opioid addiction epidemic in Manitoba, and indeed, across Canada. In 2016 there were at least 24 opioid-related deaths in Manitoba. Of these deaths, nine were related to fentanyl .

This is a health crisis that needs to be addressed, and addressing this crisis begins with safe drug use sites.

Safe drug use sites, which currently exist as supervised injection sites, are safe, clean locations in which users can inject drugs under the supervision of medical staff using clean, supplied equipment. In this environment, medical staff can immediately respond to an overdose, and the pro-

as undesirables. Harm reduction is of which many were for detox and also incremental, focused on manage- addiction treatment services . able small steps rather than difficult That’s 6,532 people who are at big leaps. Supervised injection sites reduced risk of disease from unclean can be the first small step for addicts . equipment. That’s 768 prevented cases If we want to effectively address of serious harm, including risk of serithe opioid epidemic, we need to move ous brain damage, coma, or death.

It’s time to away from criminalizing drug users That’s 5,368 instances of people seekmove away from and move toward harm reduction. ing help for health or other issues. It's Not only is it a more compassionate important to remember that behind criminalization and means of treatment, it’s an effective these numbers there are real people toward compassion means of treatment. The Insite super- getting the help they need. vised injection site in Vancouver’s The concept of supervised injecdowntown Eastside is the first such tion sites has proven effective, and example of harm reduction put into legal facility in North America. Insite proponents are attempting its expanpractice. Harm reduction refers to also operates as a gateway to other sion beyond Vancouver to Toronto reducing the harms associated with services, including addiction treat- and Ottawa. Supervised injection sites should not only be funded drug use without requiring users to ment and detox services. abstain from drug use. It’s meant to In 2015, Insite saw 263,713 visits by across the country, the concept of the treat those who are unable or unwill- 6,532 unique individuals, 768 overdose supervised injection site should also ing to stop using drugs, and to treat incidents , and 5,359 clinical treatment be expanded beyond just injection to them with dignity and without interventions, as well as 5,368 referrals general safe drug use sites. judgement – as people rather than to other social and health services, While supervised injection sites vided clean equipment prevents the spread of infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS. Supervised injection sites are an

are great for those who are injecting drugs, spaces like these are also needed for those with addictions to drugs that are consumed in other ways, like methamphetamines that are smoked, and prescription medications that are consumed orally. This would further help address the opioid epidemic in Manitoba by providing more robust supports and could help thousands seek treatment for their addictions.

It’s time to move away from criminalization and toward compassion.

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Comment

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

Tuition hikes call for the exercise of popular power UMSU is a roadblock to rather than the vehicle for the student movement Kieran Labossière

graphic by aldo rios

U

MSU sucks and we all know it . is structurally unable to effectively any kind of direct connection to the It’s been said many times before resist tuition increases, and is gener- organization. and will continue to be said, but the ally limited to writing spineless, cloyWhat really needs to happen is reality is we can no longer wait for ing press releases and letters. We need organizing on a small scale and giva failed union to become a success. to adopt a strategy of mass struggle ing students direct democratic power.

On March 20, the provincial govern- to oppose tuition hikes and to fight Organizing on a departmental and ment announced its plans to raise the for our interests in an increasingly faculty level would help to build cap on post-secondary tuition fees in a robust movement that mounts a Manitoba, which have been tied to strong opposition to the harmful It is this kind the rate of inflation since 2012. policies of the government and uniThe proposed legislation would versity administration. of consultative allow the University of Manitoba There are personal and political administration to raise tuition reasons that organizing on a microapproach to by five per cent plus the rate of scale is more effective. From the inflation annually. U of M presi- “democratizing” perspective of the students, it is far dent David Barnard has publicly easier to get involved at the departUMSU that makes expressed his desire to raise tuition mental level because that is the level the union such an by $2,000 in order to “catch up” with with which students are most familSaskatchewan. This increase would iar. They know the people in their abject failure damage the ability of students to department, they take classes with access post-secondary education them, where they have probably made and would significantly impact their precarious world. friends. Organizing at the local level financial prospects upon graduation takes away the impersonality of large in a province where average stu- What is to be done? institutions and makes students actudent debt is in excess of $25,000 per We need to organize on a smaller ally want to participate. student. scale. Trying to organize 25,000 From a political perspective, this How are students supposed to undergraduate students from an micro level allows more direct demotake out a mortgage, pay for rent, office of five executives and a dozen cratic involvement. Departments and get a car loan – to start their adult staff is like trying to herd 25,000 small faculties are more easily able to lives, really – if they have $25,000 in stressed and sleep-deprived cats. organize general assemblies of their debt hanging over them? This, com- That’s not some jab at the executives membership to have truly democratic pounded with the fact that the mini- or of council, it’s just the reality of decision making processes. mum wage has been frozen under an institution in which a grand total the new Progressive Conservative of 53 people are elected to represent The mass struggle government, has students’ financial 25,000 students. Most students have Most of us young people have outlook looking even bleaker than no interaction with UMSU besides grown up in a country or countries before. getting a bus pass, dealing with the where mass popular struggle is but UMSU’s official position is health plan, or maybe once a year vot- a fading social memory. We’ve seen unconditional opposition to all forms ing for five people whose faces cover a resurgence in mass political moveof post-secondary user fees, including every conceivable surface of campus. ments through Black Lives Matter tuition, but it is unclear whether the This is at the heart of why UMSU and the Bernie Sanders campaign, union will mount a significant oppo- sucks: students have no meaning- but this is a far cry from the social sition to pending increases. UMSU ful say in how it works and don’t feel movements of the 1960s and the

labour struggles of the first half of the twentieth century. These movements are examples of the power of grassroots organizing. What we need are

are the ones that are able to harness the collective power of the people.

Look at the civil rights movement.

Black communities organized themselves into local chapters of civil rights organizations. Masses of people took Representative to the streets, took direct action in the fight for their rights and won massive institutions can be gains. useful but only to the Look at the labour movement.

Militant workers won the right to extent that they can the eight-hour work day, safe working channel the power of conditions, maternity leave, and many other things we take for granted. popular action into These things were won through mass actions such as strikes, work slowlobbying meetings downs, and marches. Workers faced violent repression at the hands of the new, invigorated social movements police and the state (as in the 1919 to take on the very real threats that Winnipeg General Strike) but conwe are facing today. tinued to fight. And just five years ago, Beyond tuition fees, we are facing 250,000 students in Quebec walked an environmental catastrophe that out of their classes and into the streets our leaders refuse to seriously deal in the face of tuition increases and with, a resurgence of racist ultra-right won a massive victory, stopping the nationalism in our country, and eco- fee hikes and toppling a provincial nomic policies that undermine our government in the process. healthcare, education, and equality.

Tuition hikes are coming. Massive We live in a world where the cuts to social supports that will crush Middle East has been thrown into the poor and vulnerable are coming. chaos by western powers. A world The concentration of wealth in the in which eight men control as much hands of the few is only getting worse. wealth as the poorest 3.6 billion peo- Racists are walking out in the open ple and corporate interests control the again. The climate is getting warmer. political discourse.

Institutions like UMSU cannot and We see and sense these problems will not protect us from these things. yet feel entirely powerless to do any- We’re going to have to organize in thing about them. But we are not our communities, in our faculties, powerless. Political and economic and in our departments to build the power may be held by very few but we kind of mass movement that will be are the majority and we must come needed to take control in light of what together to exercise our collective is coming. power. The most effective movements

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Features Features Editor: Shawn Garbutt Contact: features@themanitoban.com / 474.6520

From war to Winnipeg World University Service of Canada helps lift refugee students out of combat zones and into the classroom Valerie Nyamori

A

l Montaser Bellah Al Jajeh is a in the middle of his work day. Most of landed immigrant from Syria his meagre wages were spent on basic and a student at the University of needs. He was studying engineering Manitoba. but could only afford to go to school He was sponsored to the U of M every other term. through the World University Service As the years went by, Al Jajeh of Canada (WUSC), a non-profit became more convinced that rescue organization that helps to resettle was not coming. He had applied to and educate individuals from areas many organizations but the waiting of the world experiencing turmoil. continued.

He goes by the name Montaser, “I had applied for everything,” he which means victorious by the will said. At that point, he said he was of God. He is a cheerful, outgoing slowly losing hope. individual.

One day a friend posted a staBefore the carpet was pulled out tus update on Facebook promoting from under his feet, Al Jajeh resided WUSC. in Damascus, Syria, with his parents “I remember it was such a random and three siblings. They were middle- post,” he said. class and owned a family business.

Al Jajeh was hesitant to apply since From early childhood, Al Jajeh everything else had failed. His friend said he knew what he wanted to do had to convince him. with his life. “I was going to start my “I received a response within two own business in IT solutions at 19,” he hours,” he said. But he still wasn't said in an interview on campus. convinced. “I believed it was real at Al Jajeh said his father was the interview because there was an arrested for political reasons when embassy employee,” he explained, he was 19 years old and he had to flee laughing.

After the interview, Al Jajeh was to Jordan abruptly that very day, leaving his family behind. He stayed in advised that he would not leave for the house of a relative in Jordan as a Canada until the following year, as refugee for just over four years.

WUSC could not find a placement He worked illegally in very limited for him in 2015. Al Jajeh said he was capacities and earned low wages. He devastated. He was hoping to leave said he remembers running for cover right away. from authorities on several occasions According to Al Jajeh, the story

of a three-year-old Syrian boy whose lifeless body was photographed at the shores of the Mediterranean Sea made a world of difference for many Syrians.

This story demonstrated to the world the dire situation that Syrians faced. Al Jajeh arrived in Manitoba that same year in December as a landed immigrant and student.

WUSC at U of M

WUSC has been in existence since 1920, using the name International Student Service until 1950, and is currently working with people and refugees in 27 countries through more than 86 committees across Canada.

Over 1,500 students have been sponsored through WUSC’s student refugee program in Canada, including 27 who have come through the U of M. Carly McFall is a member of the U of M's WUSC student refugee program committee.

“This organization aims to empower, educate, and employ youth throughout the world,” she said.

The University of Manitoba currently has seven WUSC students and they are each permanent residents of Canada. WUSC not only sponsors refugees to obtain permanent residence and education, but also pro-

vides a support system for the scholOn March 14, WUSC held a ars through mentorship and weekly fundraising event at Ten Thousand events to keep them connected.

Villages on Plaza Drive, which “There are nine million people in McFall said was a great experience [Damascus] and I would run into for all of them. people I know all the time,” said Al WUSC volunteers are hopeful Jajeh. that through their efforts to raise awareness at the fundraising event, they will see more students getting “I don't think I'll involved and supporting the organization. Proceeds from the event ever be able to will go to support WUSC’s student refugee program. repay those people A coffee house event is being but I will try” – Al held by St. John’s College on April 13 with funds from the ticket sales Montaser Bellah also going towards the student refuAl Jajeh, WUSC gee program. Carly McFall said all students, friends, and families are volunteer invited to attend the event.

“We hope as many students as posAl Jajeh said that he is beginning sible will purchase tickets and come to make connections in Winnipeg out to this fun event,” she said. as well.

Meanwhile, Al Jajeh is having his “It’s different here, so that's what own fun living in Canada.

“I love Winnipeg,” he said. “Even WUSC offers. Our relationship has though I have three scars from mosextended beyond [sponsorship].”

Al Jajeh is currently studying quito bites, I will still go camping.” global political economy and now volunteers with WUSC as the stuFor questions about WUSC or their dent refugee program committee upcoming events contact uofm.wusc@ coordinator. gmail.com.

“I don't think I'll ever be able to repay those people but I will try,” he said.

Science & technology 10 Science & Technology Editor: Malak Abas Contact: science@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

U of M professor Dr. Meenu Sharma talks tuberculosis Due to new extensively drug-resistant strains, tuberculosis continues to affect people worldwide Varshana Lockman

Dr. Sharma provided some background history on TB and what has caused organizations to pay more attention to the disease.

“Back in 2006, XDR-TB was first diagnosed in South Africa, where there were 52 diagnosed cases who succumbed to the disease. This situation was a huge awakening for TB efforts and lead to more in-depth testing, more awareness, and, of course, more research,” Sharma said.

The WHO has reported that in 2015, there were 10.4 million new cases of TB worldwide

photo provided by Meenu Sharma

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“Since then, various countries have been putting an emphasis on testing of anti-microbial resistance in mycobacterium tuberculosis. I know it sounds very dramatic but we’ve come a long way since and, as a result, there are more labs that test for drug resistance today. Therefore, more countries are able to detect the drug-resistant strain.”

uberculosis (TB) has been around spoke to the Manitoban about her only 10 per cent of the infected indiHowever, in terms of their antibi- Prevention since ancient history. Evidence of work with TB, the repercussions the viduals will develop symptomatic or otic profile, the two strains are actuWhile many forms of TB are tuberculosis infection has been found XDR-TB strain may have on coun- active TB in their lifetime. The other ally quite different. curable, the likelihood of success in human remains dated as far back tries across the globe, and the future 90 per cent will remain asymptomatic “They differ in the duration of the differs between TB, MDR-TB, and as 9,000 years ago. While it typically of treating TB. or what we refer to as latent TB infec- treatment, the type, and the number XDR-TB. The more drug-resistant affects the lungs, it can infect any tion (LTBI),” Sharma said. of the drug used for treatment.” the strain of TB is, the less likely part of the body, and common symp“The symptoms of active TB are “Treatments of drug resistance are the possibility of curing it. However, toms include a persistent cough and cough, fever, and weight loss, but not generally way more expensive and a there are several treatment options “Resistance to any of fever. While treatable, tuberculosis all symptoms will appear in every patient’s tolerance to drugs can be available. remains one of the most prevalent an issue. TB treatment for a bacteria “The TB vaccine is called bacilli these drugs can occur patient.” causes of death worldwide – nearly To fully understand the severity that’s drug-sensitive or drug-resist- Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine. It due to inappropriate 2 million people died of the disease of the threat posed by extensively ant can range anywhere from a few has effectiveness from zero – or no in 2015 alone. drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB), one months to a couple of years, because protection – to some protection in therapy, inadequate Mycobacterium tuberculosis, must first understand the meaning of it is dependent on the antibiotics used, early years or for some forms of TB. the bacteria that causes tuberculo- therapy, poor drug drug-resistant TB and the treatments treatment regimen used, and the abil- It’s not generally recommended for sis, continues to plague individuals associated with it. ity of the patient to tolerate the drug.” adults in many countries including quality, not adhering across the world, prompting many “TB has four first-line drugs that Canada,” Sharma said. to treatment by health organizations like the World are tested in a lab: isoniazid, rifampin, Detection and the However, Dr. Sharma stated that Health Organization (WHO) and ethambutol, and pyrazinamide,” global threat treatment depends on many factors the patient, or the Center for Disease Control and Sharma explained.

The WHO has reported that in and can often range from four months “Resistance to any of these drugs 2015, there were 10.4 million new to two years with proper treatment.

Prevention (CDC) to declare it a drug mutations global health emergency. can occur due to inappropriate ther- cases of TB worldwide. With this “The factors that can cause variThis is in part because of the emer- in bacteria” – Dr. apy, inadequate therapy, poor drug number expected to grow over time, ability in the time taken to treat TB gence of tuberculosis strains that are quality, not adhering to treatment by Dr. Sharma spoke on how difficult are the number of drugs used, the Meenu Sharma, resistant to antibiotic drugs. In 2015, the patient, or drug mutations in bac- the extensively drug-resistant tuber- duration of treatment, drug resistance TB researcher 480,000 of the people that died due teria. So there are a variety of reasons culosis strain is to detect, and if there as well as other relevant diseases or to tuberculosis were infected with a for acquiring drug resistance. Drug is a difference in the degree of detec- patient factors such as HIV.” multi drug resistant TB (MDR-TB). resistant bacteria cannot be treated tion between the normal strain and For more information on TB, Dr. And now, with antibiotic resistance What is tuberculosis? with antibiotics that they are resistant mutant strain.

Sharma recommends viewing the on the rise, there are strains of extenMycobacterium tuberculosis is a to, because they can no longer treat “XDR-TB strains can be detected CDC website and keeping up with sively drug-resistant tuberculosis bacterial infectious disease that com- or control the disease.” by performing susceptibility tests to news from various health organiza(XDR-TB) that have the capacity to monly affects the respiratory system.

When this resistance occurs, the first and second line antimicrobials in tions around the world. cause more harm than ever.

The disease is spread through aerosols result is the creation of multiple drug- a mycobacteriology lab,” said Sharma.

Dr. Meenu Sharma is a tuber- like tiny droplets or particles gen- resistant TB (MDR-TB). XDR-TB “Some countries lack the capacculosis research scientist at the erated by a cough or sneeze from forms when an MDR-TB becomes ity to perform susceptibility testing National Reference Centre for someone carrying the active disease. resistant to two more second-line for first or second line antibiotics, Mycobacteriology, as well as an Sharma explained the problems that drugs: f luoroquinolones such as hence why they are unable to detect adjunct professor at the depart- arise once a person is exposed to the olfloxacin, and at least one of the XDR-TB or MDR-TB.” ment of medical microbiology at the pathogen. injectable drugs, like amikacin, kanaTo represent the progression of the University of Manitoba. Sharma “A key thing to understand is that mycin, or capreomycin. disease from MDR-TB to XDR-TB,

VOL. 103 NO. 29 April 5, 2017

Science & Technology 11

Lungs of mice found to produce blood Malak Abas, staff

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graphic by aldo rios

ungs are a crucial organ in many animals, including humans.

While their function has always seemed pretty straightforward –to take in oxygen, transfer it into blood, and exhale carbon dioxide – scientists have found a previously unrecognized function of the lungs of mice: blood production.

The study, which was published in Nature by researchers at the University of California San Francisco, was performed by inserting

fluorescent protein into the mouse’s genome.

The protein caused the platelets (small blood cells that bind together to help create blood clots when a blood vessel is damaged), in the mouse to glow, allowing scientists to trace the platalets’ paths. What they found was a massive number of megakaryocytes, a stem cell that produces in the lungs.

If these findings are reproduced in humans, it will prove that the sheer amount of platelets that lungs produce has been greatly underestimated When researched further, scientists found that the lung was producing over 10 million blood-producing platelets per hour, and the platelets produced by the lung accounted for the majority of platelets in the mouse’s circulatory system. Researchers are theorizing that the megakaryocytes are created in the bone marrow, but then travel to the lung to produce platelets.

While it is known that human lungs produce platelets and produce blood, as small amounts of megakaryocytes have been found in lungs before, if these findings are repro-

duced in humans, it will prove that the sheer amount that lungs produce has been greatly underestimated.

The study also found a reservoir of stem cells with the ability to become blood cells in the lungs. Researchers implanted lungs with the fluorescent megakaryocyte cells into mice that had been engineered to have no blood stem cells in their bone marrow, and found that the fluorescent cells travelled from the lungs to the marrow, and helped to produce platelets and other “ingredients” in blood, including neutrophils. In cases where the bone marrow is dealing with platelet or stem cell deficiency, these stem cells were able to leave the lung and contribute to the “refilling” of platelets in the marrow.

If further research indicates that these findings also apply to humans – which they very well may, considering the genetic and biological similarities between mice and humans – it will not only disprove the current theory that states the bone marrow accounts for most of the human body’s platelet production, but it will also affect how scientists approach treating blood diseases in humans, particularly ones that result in a platelet deficiency, such as thrombocytopenia.

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

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graphic by aldo rios

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

Get Out and see this socially aware horror hit Jordan Peele’s directorial debut succeeds at scares, humor, and sending a message Emelia Fournier, staff

5/5

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ritten and directed by MADTv and Key and Peele alumnus Jordan Peele, Get Out has received mass acclaim from both critics and moviegoers – and for good reason.

Dubbed a “social thriller,” Get Out blends horror with elements of social commentary and satire into a solid plot full of surprises.

Chris Washington (played by the talented Daniel Kaluuya) goes to visit his white girlfriend’s parents.

Before leaving, he asks his girlfriend Rose Armitage (played by Alison Williams), “Do they know I’m black?” to which she admits they don’t, but assures him it won’t be a problem.

From the beginning of the visit, there is discomfort for white liberals

trying to demonstrate how not racist they are, with the patriarch claiming he “would vote for Obama for a third time if I could,” as Rose had claimed he would.

Rose’s “douchebag” older brother displays some repressed aggression toward Chris, something that hadn’t happened with her previous boyfriends, apparently. Catherine Keener does a superb, nuanced portrayal of an almost impassable mother, who offers to hypnotize Chris to help him quit smoking.

The black employees of the household, groundsman Walter (Marcus Henderson) and housekeeper Georgina (Betty Gabriel) keep frighteningly tight smiles and unsettling good cheer throughout their first encounters with Chris. The

discomfort mounts when a large family party takes place, with the eeriness eventually escalating into sheer terror by the latter portion of the film.

Get Out blends horror with elements of social commentary and satire into a solid plot full of surprises Lil Rel Howery provides welcome comic relief as Chris’s best friend and transport security administration officer Rod. Overall, Peele does an excellent job at balancing humour with terror in the movie.

The score of the film helps carry what could otherwise be perceived as a sometimes uncomfortable tone to an eerie, more threatening tone – there is something sinister underlying the awkwardness throughout the first half of the film, as we find out later.

The aesthetic and use of visual metaphors throughout the film are well-thought-out. Some recurring imagery and foreshadowing – such as the deer that Rose and Chris hit with their car at the beginning of the film – keeps the audience on their toes and enables them to make connections between the visual metaphors and the film’s plot even after the movie has ended.

The strong (if slightly over-thetop) acting of the cast, captivating cinematography, and Peele’s abil-

ity to smoothly transition between comedy and horror keep the audience engaged throughout the film.

Get Out is an intelligent, visually striking horror movie, and one that deals with racialized issues from tokenism to cultural appropriation, liberal ignorance, and the flawed idea of a “post-racial” world. Peele wants to make more installments of “social thrillers” – we can hope for more engaging, funny, terrifying films in the future.

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Arts & Culture

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

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

Emelia Fournier, staff

Low Roar Once in a Long, Long While...

5/5

Figure Walking The Big Other 4/5 On April 28, Winnipeg-based two-piece Figure Walking will release their debut album The Big Other as they begin a tour of eastern Canada. Comprised of critically acclaimed singer/songwriter Greg MacPherson on vocals and guitar and Rob Gardiner of Conduct on drums, the two deliver powerful, thoughtful alt-rock music.

The Big Other really showcases MacPherson’s strong songwriting. The album is a response to the rising tensions and inequality in society. It kicks off with the atmospheric “Sounds,” which builds in tension into the even more frantic

“Submarine.”

“Spring Thaw” – with a similar post-punk energy to “Submarine” – is a nod to the infamous Winnipeg winters and the energy that is released when the weather finally starts to warm up.

“The Country,” reminiscent of MacPherson’s 2010 release Mr. Invitation, is a jubilant track about prairie life.

“Summer Haze” is just that – giving those acid rock vibes that perfectly accompany summer sun and the daze of heat. The tune is carried by a constant, hypnotic guitar, with MacPherson’s voice soaring over it.

Yet another standout track, “Blue World” cries “In this blue, blue world / we will do what we can do / to believe in ourselves /

and to take something from the mistakes we made,” as if to preach a humane attitude to our mistakes, and the people around us.

The Big Other gets political, but doesn’t divorce itself from the flawed and endearing nature of humanity.

The tracks do get a little repetitive at times, sound-wise; while MacPherson’s voice is engaging, the instrumentals and vocal progressions just don’t vary much throughout the album. This allows listeners to enjoy MacPherson’s lyricism – however, it would be interesting to see Figure Walking experiment with more varying instrumentation and styles in the future.

Low Roar – a solo project of Icelandic songwriter/guitarist Ryan Karazija – will be releasing a new album, Once In A Long Long While..., on April 14. Karazija will bring his set to Winnipeg’s Park Theatre on April 15.

Horns accompany a cascade of vocals and strings on the track “St. Eriksplan.” “Give Me An Answer” is a more rhythmic track, which picks up the pace, and is a standout on the album.

“Without You” is an atmospheric, lyrically-striking track. Karazija gives the image “I’m trying to keep these bones inside my skin / But my body’s in the hole my shadow digs” to illustrate the struggle to keep himself present while feeling the absence of a loved one.

The album f lows between dreamy and floating and more solidly rhythmic tracks. At times it’s reminiscent of Andrew Bird’s style

of vocals atop creatively assembled instrumentals, but with rawer lyrics.

The title track of the album is a more experimental track, with the use of synths and distorted strings and vocals creating a warm texture of sound, talking about the moments of serenity felt “once in a long, long while.”

“Crawl Back” and “13” are atmospheric instrumental tracks that offer calming interludes, helping to tie the tracks together, while welcoming back Karazija’s voice in later tracks.

Once in a Long, Long While... is a soothing, honest, creative album.

Unlike many albums of its ilk, Once in a Long, Long While... stands out through its distinctive melodic and instrumental arrangements, and through Karazija’s frank lyricism conveys emotionality without resting on tired clichés or overly complex and vague metaphors.

Olivia Michalczuk, staff

TUSK Headroom 5/5

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ormed during the spring of 2016, new local rock group TUSK has already hit the ground running with a spot in the University of Winnipeg student paper’s annual showcase/contest – the Uniter Fiver – in January, and a relase for their debut album at the Cavern in March.

He a d ro om starts w it h journey” that “envelopes its audience “Acupuncture,” a groovy, accessible in atmosphere.” It’s evident in all their ambient track that slowly works its songs that they are trying to create way up to an effects-overloaded guitar an experience first, and a structured solo – a recurring theme through the song second. rest of the album.

Halfway through standout track The album crosses genres in a very “Coma,” there is an absolutely beautiparticular way. It seems like the band ful breakdown book-ended by hardprefers to experiment with a variety hitting freeform jamming. It’s almost of sounds, rather than conform to unbelievable that it works, even after any particular style. In the band’s bio, you hear it.

TUSK describe themselves as a “tonal The first song TUSK released in

advance of the record, as well as one of the best examples of this band’s genremeshing, “Stowed” opens with a shoegaze feel, but soon picks up with more rock-like vocals before transitioning into surf-rock, which is all but entirely forgotten with a hard shift into a heavy metal riff. It works so well somehow, a sign of great musicianship to achieve what this song gets across. The song slowly peters off into an acoustic jam to nowhere.

The album is very well done, mixed well and the songs are all great. Judging by Headroom alone, it’s no wonder TUSK has been getting so much attention lately – this is definitely going to be a staple in living rooms, and stationwagons across the city.

follow the arts online at www.themanitoban.com!

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

U.S. women’s hockey team reach agreement with USA Hockey, will play at the World Championship The agreement is a major victory for women’s hockey Jason Pchajek, staff

graphic by kelly campbell

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ollowing a week-long standoff and public relations committees will between the women of the U.S. be established, substantially increasWomen’s National Hockey Team ing the support the team has.

(USWNT) and USA Hockey, the These are massive gains for the country’s governing hockey body women, who previously received blinked. around USD$6,000 from USA Friday morning, the women Hockey during Olympic years, in were on the ice for their only prac- return for staying in peak shape tice before the World Championship and attending various tournaments. tournament they did not know they Meanwhile, the USA Hockey would be attending. They ended their National Team Development boycott of the World Championships Program – a U-18 team which has hours before they were slated to face churned out names like Patrick Kane, the rival Canadians, and two days Phil Kessel, Jack Eichel, and Auston after signing their landmark agree- Matthews – receives around $3.5 milment with USA Hockey. lion in funding annually.

“I’m glad we could come together “That’s what basically we’ve been and reach an agreement that will saying all along: ‘What do they have? have a positive and lasting impact,” Okay, equitable to that,’” American USWNT star Hilary Knight said of defender Kacey Bellamy told the the deal. “This is an inspirational time Associated Press. “And I think that and we’re excited to get back on the that’s the most important thing. ice and represent our country.”

We’re not asking for more.”

Details of the agreement were released on March 29. Each player On the right side of history: will now receive USD$70,000 in USWNT supporters compensation, along with perThe writing appeared to be on formance bonuses which include the wall throughout the fight, with USD$20,000 for a gold medal and countless professional athletes and USD$15,000 for silver. Players will organizations standing behind the also receive a USD$2,000 stipend, women. insurance, travel compensation, and “These women understand inequalper diem amounts on par with the ity when they see it and are expressing men’s team. Marketing, scheduling, their right to be treated fairly as ath-

letes and workers,” read a statement by the NFL Players Association. “Of course, they have our support in daring to withhold their services until a fair agreement is reached.”

to grease the wheels in negotiations, “We’re excited that they’re here,” USA Hockey began reaching out to team Canada goalie Shannon players in order to build a replace- Szabados told the Associated Press. ment team, but were met with swift “It wouldn’t be the same without them resistance as players chose to stand whether they weren’t here or if it was with the USWNT. a different squad that they brought.”

USA Hockey asked current pros, Even with the star-studded roster, “I’m glad we could college players, high school play- the USWNT will be in for a tough ers, and even asked a few rec-league slog. The talent pool in women’s come together and players to fill out the roster. However hockey has grown steadily over the reach an agreement they consistently received the same years, with many European players response. playing college hockey in North that will have a “What I kept going back to is, America. Look for Finland – who positive and lasting ‘How do I say no, but how do I say own the third highest medal total at yes?’ I mean, I just play in a beer the World’s, despite only ever winimpact” – Hilary league,” an anonymous player told ning bronze – to make noise in the Knight, U.S. forward ESPN. “I just play for fun now. I don’t tournament, along with team Russia. train like I did in college. It’s insane.”

As fans tune in to watch the women in red and white try to take “NHL players fully support the The challenge ahead: the home the gold, they shouldn’t forget U.S. Women’s National Team’s effort 2017 World Championship the history that was made. The win to reach an equitable agreement with Despite the short turn around, for the USWNT in these negotiaUSA hockey,” the NHLPA said in a expectations will be high for the tions was not just a win for them, but statement. “It is important that the defending champs. The USWNT for all of women’s hockey. best American women players be on has medaled in every World However, with the storm surthe ice for the World Championship Championship since the tournament rounding the NWHL and the and the notion of seeking replace- began, meeting team Canada in the axing of the University of North ment players will only serve to make finals every single time.

Dakota women’s hockey team, which relations, now and in the future, The United States has won the last abruptly ended due to lack of funding much worse.” three world championships, leaving from the university, there is much USA Hockey seemed to be stick- Canada hungry to take them down on more work to be done to make sure ing to statements made earlier this home soil. However, the Canadians young girls can have the same hockey month, stating that they wouldn’t are happy their bitter rivals will be dreams as young boys. pay their players to play. In an effort taking part this year.

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Sports

VOL. 103 NO. 29 April 5, 2017

Geoff Gray turns heads at NFL pro day Ryan Stelter, staff

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n March 30, Bison offensive lineman Geoff Gray hosted eight NFL scouts and two CFL scouts for his pro day. Gray’s day started in the weight room at Investors Group Field where his measurements (height, weight, wingspan, flexibility) were taken.

The six-foot-six 315-pound lineman recorded a 31-inch vertical and threw up 25 reps at 225 pounds on the bench press. His vertical jump would have been one of the top results at the NFL combine had he been there.

The day then moved to the campus soccer fields where he was tested with a variety of drills, including the broad jump, 40-yard dash, 20-yard shuttle, and 3-cone. Seemingly every single local media outlet was in attendance, as well as a large majority of his teammates. Gray’s 114-inch broad jump would’ve had him tied for second at the combine.

“I think it went well,” Gray said afterwards. “[The scouts] didn’t leave halfway through so I think that’s a good sign.”

The Winnipeg native wrapped up his day with a tour on his unicycle, much to the amusement of all in attendance.

“I started [riding the unicycle] in grade nine,” Gray said. “I mentioned

it in passing at one point and I guess I thought it would be something that would distinguish me from anyone else.”

“I definitely want to be playing football somewhere, and I am lucky enough to have two leagues where I can play football” – Geoff Gray, Bison offensive lineman Gray wants to play in the NFL next season, but is not opposed to potentially playing in the CFL with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. only for Gray, but the entire Bison “I definitely want to be playing football program. football somewhere, and I am lucky “Since 2000 we’ve been the number enough to have two leagues where three pro producer in the nation, just I can play football,” he said. “There behind Laval and Calgary,” he said. would be some advantages in playing “It’s a real credit to our coaching staff. for the Bombers, I know a couple It’s also a real credit to the culture of guys on [the team] and I’ve heard our kids.” good things.”

The electrical engineering stuHead coach Brian Dobie was dent finished his fourth season with beaming with pride afterwards, not Manitoba, playing in all eight confer-

photo by Ryan Stelter

ence games. He was also selected as one of the only two U Sports players to play at the 92nd annual East-West Shrine game in January. Gray has never missed a game in his time as a Bison, and has played almost every position on the offensive line.

Unfortunately, he will not be watching the NFL draft which takes place April 27-29 in Philadelphia, as he will be busy studying for an exam.

“I actually have an exam on the 28th, so up until the 28th I will be in my basement studying for my machine design exam,” he said. “If I get a phone call that will brighten up my day but I still have to do good on the exam.”

2016-17 Bison Sports award winners Kellen Taniguchi, staff

photo provided by jeff miller

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n April 1, athletes gathered Women’s Hockey Outstanding Player for the annual awards banquet of the Year. Keen had a stellar season where standout players were recog- where she put up a Canada Westnized for their performance this year. best 34 points (nine goals, 25 assists), Here are some of the major winners with her 25 assists leading all players from the afternoon. within U Sports. Keen’s monster season also got her named to the 2016-17 Bison Sports Athlete Canada West First All-Star team as of the Year: well as the 2016-17 U Sports women’s Female: Lauryn Keen (women’s hockey First All-Canadian team. hockey) The third-year forward is just the Male: Devren Dear (men’s fourth women’s hockey player to volleyball) claim the annual award during its In his fifth and final year as a 54-year history, and was also the first Bison, Dear was a key piece of a Bison to be named the Canada West team that finished the Canada West

regular season schedule ranked as the number one team in the conference.

Dear finished his final season with an impressive 3.96 kills per set, which was good enough for fourth best in Canada West, and led Manitoba with 309 kills throughout the season. He also finished fifth in conference hitting percentage at .308, and never missed a match for the herd.

Dear was named to the 2016-17 U Sports men’s volleyball All-Canadian First Team and was named a 2016-17 Canada West men’s volleyball First Team All-Star. The veteran enjoyed a second place finish at the Canada West Final Four, and played his last set as a Bison at the 2017 volleyball nationals.

Bison Sports Rookie of the Year:

four times at the 2017 U Sports swimming championships (one gold, one silver, and two bronze medals). Given her stellar first year, Wog is likely to be a force for the Bisons in the pool for many years to come.

Lauryn Keen is just the fourth women’s hockey player to claim the annual award during its 54-year history

Male: James Wagner (men’s basketball) Female: Kelsey Wog (swimming) Wagner was able to contribute Wog made an immediate splash to the veteran-filled Manitoba team in her rookie year for Manitoba, and instantly, and was named to the 2016was recognized in conference meets 17 Canada West men’s basketball Allas well as at U Sports meets. She was Rookie team. Wagner led the Bisons named Canada West rookie of the and ranked third in the conference meet at the 2016-17 Canada West in field goal percentage, with 56.8 swimming championship, and was throughout his rookie season. He also named a conference First Team was also at the 2016 FIBA Americas All-Star after recording three wins at championships in Chile as well as the meet. Wog was also honoured as competing with a veteran Bison team a 2016-17 U Sports First Team All- during the Canada West playoffs and Canadian and stood on the podium the 2017 U Sports National champi-

onships in Halifax. Wagner will look to carry his success and experience into the 2017-18 campaign.

Bison Sports Coach of the Year:

Garth Pischke (men’s volleyball) This is the fourth time that Pischke was honoured with the Bison Sports Coach of the Year award for his stellar work with the men’s volleyball team. Pischke led the herd during a successful year that included being ranked number one in the nation, winning silver at the Canada West final four at home, and competing at the U Sports nationals. Pischke also reached an individual milestone this season and won his 1,300th match on Jan. 14. He has the most wins by a coach in U Sports history. The men’s volleyball team will be losing many veteran players this upcoming season, but if anybody is able to lead a young team to success, it’s Pischke.

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Women’s hockey pro-league faces crisis in second season Jason Pchajek, staff

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hen the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL) began operation in 2015, the hockey world celebrated the history making venture. However, by the time the puck dropped for the second annual Isobel Cup playoffs, support and positive sentiments had faded.

As the first professional women’s hockey league to pay its players, the NWHL caught the attention of many in the hockey community. The new league was seen as a challenge to the Canadian Women’s Hockey League (CWHL) which doesn’t pay its players.

“I’m not sure it’s sensible or healthy for women’s hockey to have two leagues” – Brian Burke, Calgary Flames president of hockey operations

on why league revenues dropped so markedly.

To date, the audit has not gone Cracks in the NWHL started to forward, but the NWHL Players’ show in early November, as league Association was established, which commissioner Dani Rylan announced seemed to calm the waters around that player salaries would be cut to the league. Under the waves, however, offset losses due to slumping attend- things seem more turbulent. ance. It appeared that the fervor and With the IIHF World Women’s excitement surrounding the first sea- Hockey Championship looming, son, which lead to sellout crowds and and beginning when the Isobel Cup national media attention, had passed. playoffs would’ve began, Rylan and Players, though, were not convinced. league execs decided to shorten the In a statement released on Nov. season. However, it seems that season 19, the players demanded a third ticket holders have not been offered party audit of league finances, proof refunds for the lost games. of insurance for players, naming of Then there was the issue of last the league’s investors, and a report season’s Isobel Cup final between

graphic provided by The national women's hockey league

the Boston Pride and Buffalo Beauts, which had to be played out of market at the New Jersey Devils’ practice facility.

Calgary Flames president Brian Burke – who sits on an advisory board for the CWHL – has repeatedly expressed his displeasure with having two professional women’s leagues operating.

“The whole issue of the two leagues will hopefully be resolved in the next year or two,” Burke said in an interview with Yahoo Sports. “I’m not sure it’s sensible or healthy for women’s hockey to have two leagues.”

When asked if he foresaw the failure of one league or a merger of the

two, Burke was uncharacteristically quiet.

“I guess one of those things would happen.” Burke said. “I wouldn’t speculate on which league would survive. But for the NHL to get behind this and for clarity in the market place, for people that want to support women’s hockey, we need one league.”

Similar to the time when the NHL and World Hockey Association (WHA) both fought for domination of the professional hockey market, we could see a similar fate befall either the NWHL or CWHL. In 1979, facing major financial difficulties the WHA agreed to merge

with the NHL, bringing over the Edmonton Oilers, Winnipeg Jets, New England Whalers, and Quebec Nordiques. The other two remaining clubs – the Cincinnati Stingers and Birmingham Bulls – were paid to shut down operation. Perhaps a similar situation will occur here, with the CWHL having much more successful operation and the NWHL’s groundbreaking business model, the two could potentially amalgamate.

It is clear that the NWHL is in trouble, but if the situation with the U.S. national team is any indication, those who pay women to play are on the right side of history.