4 March 2015

MANITOBAN the

THE OFFICIAL UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA STUDENTS’ NEWSPAPER

2015 UMSU General Election A look at the candidates in the running to represent you Page 15-23

Dean of architecture departs Stern leaving amid controversy Page 3

Vo l 1 0 1 · N o 5 3 · M a r c h 4 , 2 0 1 5 · w w w.t h e m a n i to b a n .co m

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Index

VOL. 101 NO. 53 March 4, 2015

Comment

A very special love letter Confessing feelings for our country’s leader

Editor-in-Chief Fraser Nelund

editor@themanitoban.com / 474.8293

Business manager Angela England

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Advertising Coordinator Sara Bulloch

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Editorial

Senior News Editor Dana Hatherly

page 11

news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

News Editor Ethan Cabel

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Comment Editor Tom Ingram

comment@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Managing Editor Craig Adolphe

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science & technology Editor Chantelle Dubois

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arts & Culture Editor Lauren Siddall

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Sports Editor Mike Still

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Copy Editor Carlyn Schellenberg

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Design

Editorial

Design Editor Bradly Wohlgemuth

Join the Herd

design@themanitoban.com / 474.6775

Graphics Editor Bram Keast

U of M Bison need fan support

graphics@themanitoban.com / 474.6775

Photo Editor Carolyne Kroeker

photo@themanitoban.com / 474.6775

design associate Scott Ford

scott@themanitoban.com

graphics associate Evan Tremblay

evan@themanitoban.com

page 6 Arts & Culture

Sports

Beyond boring beer

Predicting the victors

Why craft beer should be on your radar

Coverage of the Women's World Cup

Reporters

News Bushra Tahir News Seamus Hamilton-Pattison Science Jeremiah Yarmie arts & culture Ian T.D. Thomson arts & culture Alana Trachenko Sports Andy Che Assistant copy editor Kristy Hourd

Volunteer Contributors

page 29

page 32

Correction

In the last issue of the Manitoban the article “Candlelight vigil honours slain students” said that the Chapel Hill victims were killed in the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. It should have said Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Additionally, the pronoun “he” was used in reference to Ifrah Zohair.

It should have read “she.”

Sean Tam Keegan Steele Aldo Rios Justin Ladia Kyle Lees Dany Reede

Ron Hooper Marina Manushenko Ryan Stelter Leanne Rutter

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The Manitoban is an independent and democratic student organization, open to participation from all students. It exists to serve its readers as students and citizens.

The newspaper’s primary mandate is to report fairly and objectively on issues and events of importance and interest to the students of the University of Manitoba, to provide an open forum for the free expression and exchange of opinions and ideas, and to stimulate meaningful debate on issues that affect or would otherwise be of interest to the student body and/or society in general. The Manitoban serves as a training ground for students interested in any aspect of journalism.

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News

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Senior News Editor: Dana Hatherly News Editor: Ethan Cabel Contact: news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

Dean of architecture faculty leaving amid controversy Ralph Stern announces he will not seek reappointment after scathing union report Ethan Cabel, staff

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he dean of the faculty of archi- prises of the city planning, architecture at the University of tecture, landscape architecture, and Manitoba announced late last week interior design graduate programs, as that he will not be seeking reap- well as an undergraduate program in pointment when his term ends this environmental design. Moreover, the year. The news comes after a scathing faculty maintains a PhD program in Canadian Association of University planning and design. The faculty is Teachers (CAUT) report recom- run by the dean, with administrative mending that dean Ralph Stern be positions also filled by the associate terminated from any administrative dean (academic) and various departor supervisory role within the faculty ment heads. of architecture.

“I have given my decision careful consideration and believe this is the “I think the real best course of action for me personissue here is that ally and professionally,” Stern said in a statement released earlier today. the administration “I allowed my name to stand for knew about this for reappointment and did so trusting ulty, staff, and students in the faculty the University of Manitoba’s pro- many, many years of architecture, Keselman wrote that Barnard had recused himself from cesses, which I consider to be fair and professional. However, a num- and did absolutely the reappointment review process for the dean of architecture to “remove ber of elements, internal and externothing” – David nal to the faculty of architecture, any potential perception of conflict have attempted to undermine the of interest or bias in process because Robinson, executive of the connection of his family to the University of Manitoba processes. In director, Canadian my opinion, their actions have jeopfaculty of architecture.” ardized the reputation of the faculty Barnard would not comment Association of and the success of our students.” on the conflict when contacted by University Teachers The U of M administration the Manitoban through the U of refused to comment directly on M marketing and communications Stern’s decision when contacted department. by the Manitoban. John Danakas, Ralph Stern, an architect with executive director of marketing and experience at several international National union report communications at the U of M, said universities including the London Earlier this month, CAUT that U of M president David Barnard School of Economics, was appointed released a report detailing a “culture stands by his earlier statement regard- dean of the faculty of architecture in of fear and retribution” within the ing the CAUT report released in early 2010. He has faced significant con- faculty of architecture under Stern’s February. troversy throughout his tenure, with leadership. The CAUT investigation, “At the University of Manitoba, we students and professors complaining which was conducted last spring and have internal processes where con- to administration repeatedly about summer, was launched after several cerns of the type expressed in this his leadership and management style. complaints from faculty members and report can be brought forward, invesStern’s term ends on August 31, the University of Manitoba Faculty Association. tigated, and resolved. Those processes, 2015. unlike that used by CAUT, are fair, Stern was actively seeking reapDavid Robinson, executive direcbalanced and have the ability to col- pointment to his position as dean tor of CAUT, told the Manitoban that lect and weigh complete information,” up until the beginning of February, the organization is pleased that Stern Barnard said in the statement. when he informed vice-president aca- will not be seeking another term as “The CAUT committee’s work not demic and provost Joanne Keselman dean. only ignores these processes; it inter- that he would be withdrawing his “I think this was more than a long feres with them.” name from consideration. In a letter time coming,” Robinson said.

The faculty of architecture com- sent out at the end of January to fac“I think the real issue here is that

Photos by Carolyne Kroeker

the administration knew about this structures that use less material.” for many, many years and did absoSince West’s resignation, CAST lutely nothing, which in the end dam- has been effectively closed and its aged the reputation of the University research put on hold. of Manitoba.”

Among the issues detailed in the Student concerns CAUT report are the circumstances The U of M also received comsurrounding the resignation of three plaints from architecture students faculty members who left due to dif- on multiple occasions. ferences with the dean. The deparIn 2012, several undergraduate tures include former heads of the and graduate architecture students architecture department Nat Chard sent an expansive letter to Stern and and Frank Fantauzzi, the latter after senior administration outlining their taking a grievance-related leave. concerns after the sudden resignation According to the CAUT report, of Frank Fantauzzi as head of the Chard and Fantauzzi left due to inter- architecture department. ference from the dean in the operaTony Neu, a recent graduate of the tions of the department. master of architecture program who “It was clear that it was not possi- also earned his undergraduate degree ble to work to one’s capacity in either in architecture at the U of M, helped teaching or research under the dean’s write the letter. regime,” Chard said in an email to “It was a special place, I felt, before CAUT, published in the report. the dean came,” Neu said, adding The most recent resignation that Stern had a more traditional comes from architecture professor concept of the kind of research the Mark West. West, who resigned architecture department should be Jan. 15, left his position after several conducting. disputes with the dean, including “It was amazing to see these Stern’s insistence that he no longer projects come up, and they weren’t refer to himself as the director of the necessarily what you would imagCentre for Architectural Structures ine architecture to be, but they were and Technology (CAST) at the U poetic explorations into what archiof M, an experimental architecture tecture might be, and it was fun to be centre that he founded. a part of that.”

West has since taken a position The University of Manitoba with the Massachusetts Institute of Association of Architecture Students, Technology. His term there begins which represents graduate architecin September. ture students at the U of M, recently “The upper administration has met with the dean and associate dean known about these problems in some to discuss their concerns. detail for quite a while,” West told the Kailey Kroeker, University Manitoban, adding that Stern scut- of Manitoba Association of tled the unique research CAST was Architecture Students’ president, told engaged in. the Manitoban that the loss of fac“The university processes to solve ulty that have resigned due to Stern’s these problems just didn’t work, and management have led to a marked that’s why I resigned.” increase in the ratio of students to The Centre for Architectural faculty in architecture studios at the Structures and Technology was U of M. involved in experimental, innovative “What was once a very exciting research. The primary research and atmosphere has led to just an atmosthe main attraction of the centre was phere where people are constantly West’s work casting concrete struc- tired,” she said. tures into more flexible textile moulds.

“There have been a lot of negative “That makes all kinds of things effects from these political tensions possible,” West said. on student morale in general.”

“From extraordinary sculptural possibilities to very high efficiency

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News

Senior News Editor: Dana Hatherly News Editor: Ethan Cabel Contact: news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

UMSUshi open for business New UMSU restaurant opens on third floor of University Centre Craig Adolphe and Seamus Hamilton-Pattison, staff

Photo by Sean Tam

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he University of Manitoba Students’ Union (UMSU) held the grand opening for UMSUshi last week, a new take-out restaurant run by the students’ union on the third floor of University Centre.

The sushi restaurant is taking the

place of Global Bubble Tea, which had been leasing the space inside I.Q.’s Cafe and Billiards from UMSU for several years. The University of Manitoba Students’ Union terminated their lease with Global Bubble Tea in order to make room for the

new business. and the Hub. smoked salmon or cooked tuna.

The Refresh slate – which won “We wanted to personalize the UMSUshi is a “grab and go” takelast year’s UMSU election – featured third floor, make it a hub for stu- out establishment, as opposed to a UMSUshi as a cornerstone of their dents – no pun intended [ . . . ] this sit-down restaurant like Degrees or policy platform. isn’t administration, this isn’t faculty, the Hub. UMSUshi is the seventh UMSU it’s not staff; it’s you. It’s run by stu“Sushi restaurants are really satubusiness operating on the Fort dents, for students,” said Al Turnbull, rated in Winnipeg, I feel, and we Garry campus, alongside Degrees UMSU president. didn’t want to just cookie-cutter a Restaurant, the Hub Pub, I.Q.’s Cafe Turnbull told the Manitoban [restaurant]; we wanted to have someand Billiards, G.P.A.’s Convenience that, due to the close proximity of thing that made sense for students Store, Archives Used Bookstore, and Degrees’ kitchen and the relatively here,” Turnbull said. the Digital Copy Centre. easy preparation steps for sushi, they “If you want a couple rolls of Jeremiah Kopp, UMSU vice- have not had to hire new kitchen staff. sushi and you want them quick, president internal, first reported the UMSUshi is currently run by select fresh, and at an affordable rate, then executive’s plans for UMSUshi to staff and management from Degrees. you can come to UMSUshi [ . . . ] UMSU Council at their July 21 meetFood and beverage manager I think that’s the model students ing as part of his officer’s report. The Thomas Blumer will be overseeing want.” Turnbull sees the opening of new business was proposed as part of the operation of UMSUshi in addi- UMSUshi as another step towards a larger redesign plan for University tion to his managerial roles with the the completion of UMSU Street Centre’s third floor, titled “UMSU Hub and Degrees. and the fulfillment of promises in Street.”

Blumer told the Manitoban that last year’s campaign platform.

The full renovation included the sushi will be made with cooked “We’ve accomplished every single removing the wall at the entrance fish prepared fresh every day. goal that we’ve set out to accomplish to I.Q.’s, a mural along the hallway Blumer did not rule out the prepa- since last year’s campaign. I do think near the entrance to the Hub and the ration of raw sushi rolls, but said the we’ve checked off every single thing.

UMFM radio station, small dining introduction of raw fish will be con- That includes Frosh, Frost, UMSUshi tables being added in the hallway, tingent on how the business fares in [ . . . ] UMSUshi was a campaign signage bearing the UMSU Street the coming months. For now, most promise and we don’t throw those name, and renovations to Degrees rolls will be prepared with either out lightly.”

VOL. 101 NO. 53 March 4, 2015

News

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Online voting off the table this year UMSU rejects online voting despite success for UMGSA, other universities Seamus Hamilton-Pattison, staff

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niversity of Manitoba students est we’ve had.” will be voting using paper ballots Laura Reimer, assistant political again during this week’s University of science professor at the University of Manitoba Students’ Union (UMSU) Winnipeg, told the Manitoban that General Election after the union she is supportive of the movement rejected the kind of online voting towards online voting. system that other Canadian univer“I think it’s simpler, it’s immedisities have embraced. ate, and students won’t have difficulty Al Turnbull, UMSU president, doing it,” Reimer said.

“The strength of it is that it’s easy told the Manitoban that it is imperative for candidates and election officials to – students could be able to vote from “physically engage” students, thus pro- their phones with really no excuse viding one reason for not doing it. that the election It’s inexpensive, “I think there are will be conducted wide-reaching, using traditional accessible for too many holes paper ballots this everyone who’s for potential week. got some kind of However, stuonline expertise.” corruption, dent union elecWhile broadly tions have seen suppor tive of hacking, etc. [ . . voter turnout online voting, . ] I also think it decrease repeatReimer pointed edly under the traout potentia l would take away ditional system. drawbacks that, from us fully At the beginwhile more applining of this cable to nonengaging the academic year, st udent body students” – Al the Manitoban elections, could be reported a siga potential cause Turnbull, UMSU nificant decrease for concern for in voter turnout the campus’s less president for the University computer literate 1 student council students. elections in October, with approxi“I think the only drawback is that mately one-quarter of the prior year’s it doesn’t encourage participation by voter turnout. people that aren’t computer literate, Last year’s UMSU General and statistics indicate the greatest Election was reported as receiving voting population is seniors,” she a lower voter turnout than the year said. Turnbull told the Manitoban before, with the participation of that online voting is not a catch-all approximately 21 per cent of eligible solution, and that it creates a host of students. In contrast, the 2013 general other problems beyond lower voter election set a record high of 23.7 per participation. cent.

“I think there are too many holes Such low student voter participa- for potential corruption, hacking, tion has led some universities to insti- etc [ . . . ] I also think it would take tute online voting in order to improve away from us fully engaging the the convenience and efficiency by students. It saves money, but I think which students can cast a ballot. apathy would rise. Our generation is Wilfrid Laurier University in often spammed with this stuff and I Waterloo, Ontario, experienced a don’t think students, unless they’re 158 per cent increase in voter turnout engaged, can very well get through after the introduction of online voting their degree without knowing their in their 2011 student government elec- student union,” Turnbull said. tion. Similarly, Queen’s University “I do not think it would increase saw a three per cent improvement in voter turnout.” their student government election Turnbull said he cannot rule out turnout when they switched from the implementation of online voting paper to online ballots in 2010.

by UMSU in subsequent elections, Online voting systems are not but goes on to cite his own on-the-job confined to Ontario universities. The experience as the rationale behind his University of Manitoba Graduate stance, and the importance he places Students’ Association (UMGSA) on personally engaging with students. introduced online voting for its elec“After running two hard camtions in 2011, with a corresponding paigns, I’m a firm believer in physiincrease in voter turnout. cally engaging the students. We “It definitely is a benefit to voter want to make sure everyone’s getting turnout and to the easing of the pro- engaged and sometimes they need a cess for the UMGSA. We started push. Campaigns can get aggressive, doing online voting in February of but I think we’re all better for it in the 2011, so we’ve done it for our general end. There’s something very human elections for the last few years and about voting and getting engaged in referendums as they’ve come up,” said your election and I don’t think online Laura Rempel, president of UMGSA, voting can ever replace that.” noting the particularly high turnout of last year’s referendum on the U-Pass for U of M students.

“For our U-Pass turnout, it was 34.2 per cent, which is definitely the high-

Graphic by Evan tremblay

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Getting fans in the stands Attendance at Bison sports events needs to improve Mike Still, staff

men and women’s volleyball teams led the nation in fan turnout, with an average of 591 people coming out to show support to the women, and 664 for the men.

While that number can become much higher still, it’s quite promising.

What isn’t promising is the number of people who came out for basketball this year. Both teams were ranked 10th in average attendance, with just 373 people coming out to women’s basketball through the year.

While I understand that the women’s volleyball team was the defending national champion, which would naturally lead to a higher turnout the following year, the two sports still occur in the same gym. The energy level of the crowd plays an impact, regardless of what sport is being played.

“Bison fans are easily the sixth man for any Bison team,” said men’s basketball co-captain Wyatt Anders.

“They provide energy to players when they cheer and fill our stands.

They are valuable to our teams more than they believe, and they take some pressure off us, and add pressure to opponents coming to our gym.”

Even if it doesn’t seem like it, having a strong home crowd can sway the result of a game, especially in Investors Group Athletic Centre, where sound resonates quite effectively. You need look no further than the Big Horns’ booming drums and trumpets to find evidence of that.

Fill the Fleming

graphic by Bram Keast

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hings are changing for the CIS, second only to the University the amount that Manitoba can. Laval letes—who may not otherwise be able better when it comes to sports of Calgary’s 35,650, at McMahon comes the closest, at 12,257, which is to play due to the language barrier—a and recreation at the University of Stadium. still more than doubled by the size school where they were completely Manitoba. The trend in the right During the entirety of the 2014 of IGF. comfortable, both academically direction started in September of 2013, Bison football season, the largest Manitoba ranked 14th in the CIS and athletically. When you have a when the Bison football team played attendance level was at the home in fan attendance at home football school that is catered to the students’ their first-ever game in the newly- opener, where 6,435 fans showed up. games last year, with an average of background, commitment levels will 2,645. It is simply absurd to me that naturally increase. opened Investors Group Field (IGF). That’s pathetic.

A humungous step up from the old There are 27,599 students enrolled we can be so far down on the totem Another huge reason for Laval’s University Stadium, IGF has a capac- at our university. Based on that num- pole, when we have a top tier facility whopping numbers is their alumni. ity of 33,422 spectators, and is hands ber, each and every individual could that is accessible to all students on There are over 241,000 of them, more down the best facility in the CIS. theoretically show up to the game campus. than half of whom are close to home.

These alumni, who again, come from Another positive step occurred at to cheer on the herd. Imagine how the beginning of the 2015 winter term, much of a home field advantage that a French language background, are I challenge each and when the sports and recreation fee could give us. able to promote the excitement of the was tacked onto tuition costs. While There is nothing more embarteam to family, friends, and students. every student to the fee currently amounts to $56.25 rassing than having to use our crossBased on the program’s track record embed themselves in of success, it isn’t hard to convince for full-time students and $42.20 for province rivals in Saskatchewan as part-time students, it gives students an example of how strikingly low our people to come out. the U of M’s winning free access to any Bison sports home turnout is.

Manitoba has a number of alumni game during the regular season.

Griffiths Stadium, where the of their own, and in order to attract a culture, and turn Both examples mentioned above Huskies play their home football, higher turnout to IGF, I believe their out to support your provide strong incentive for students has a capacity of just 6,171. That is participation is critical. There needs to come out and support their fel- more than four times less than IGF, to be more interaction between Bison fellow students! low Bisons as they represent our yet 8,121 fans showed up for their 2014 sports and former athletes, whose university on the court, ice, and turf. home opener. That number trumped experiences and passion could hopeDespite these advantages, our home our biggest turnout, and worse yet, The question then becomes, how fully start a move in the right direcgame attendance is still abysmal. the Huskies ended up winning that does a school like Laval get over tion in terms of turnout. particular game. Fan support makes 12,000 people to come out to every It all starts with IGF a huge difference. single football game? Well, it begins Why isn’t the Investors In order to diagnose the lack of fan The top three football teams in with the culture that is embedded Group Athletic Centre crowd equal? support, it is first important to break home attendance last year (Laval, on campus. down the attendance, based on the Western, and Saskatchewan) all averThe Laval Rouge et Or football Investors Group Athletic Centre, sport. The most logical place to start aged over 5,000 fans per game, yet program has only been around since where both the volleyball and basketis with football, since we have the none of those three schools have a 1996, but it was an instant success ball teams play, has a capacity of just second largest seating capacity in the facility that can fit anywhere close to because it gave Francophone ath- over 3,000 people. In 2014, both the

The Wayne Fleming Arena, home to both Bison hockey teams, has a capacity of roughly 1,400 people.

Unfortunately, neither team had an average of over 300 people attend their home games this year.

Again, I scratch my head at this.

Our hockey programs have had consistent success, yet most games simply feature parents and siblings. Imagine how big of a factor students could play if they showed up by the hundreds.

Various head coaches—including Mike Sirant, the men’s hockey head coach, and Jon Rempel, the women’s head coach—have echoed that fan support makes a big difference. It pumps up the players, and can potentially give them the extra kick they need, especially in big games.

Make your presence felt

Next year, students will have the full opportunity to take advantage of free attendance at home games. We have some exceptional teams on this campus, and you’re missing out if you don’t capitalize on the chance to see them play live.

There are facets of student life beyond going to school and going home. Bison sports is one of those facets, and I challenge each and every student to embed themselves in the U of M’s winning culture, and turn out to support our fellow students!

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Comment Comment Editor: Tom Ingram Contact: comment@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Parsing the Canadian history wars Every party, not just the Conservatives, pushes their own view of history Ethan Cabel, staff

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mong the list of grievances critics of Prime Minister Stephen Harper inevitably trot out as further evidence of his profound, Machiavellian evil is the way in which Canadian history has been rebranded, or remade, under his leadership.

The common refrain is that the prime minister insists on emphasizing the country’s ties to the Commonwealth and the monarchy, coupled with perceived military valour (particularly during the War of 1812 and the First World War) at the expense of other historical narratives that are more valuable in understanding Canada’s political and socioeconomic development. He does this, his critics say, for purely partisan political purposes.

Taking these critics at their word and conceding that the prime minister is remaking Canadian history to correspond with the Conservative brand, a reasonable question to ask is whether such rebranding is a perilous injustice committed only by the Harper Conservatives.

But ultimately, every party views history through a uniquely (and oftentimes distorted) partisan lens.

The New Democrats, for example, inevitably see the arch of history as one in which social and labour movements have used collective action, both through political parties as well as through strikes and mass protests, to pressure governments into significant social welfare reforms, from old age pensions to universal health care.

For the NDP, history is all about the collective fight for social equality.

The Liberals, in contrast, define the arch of Canadian history as a struggle for independence from Great Britain and a perpetual fight for national unity. Liberals believe the completion of Canada’s historic arch rests on the foundation of constitutionally protected individual human of Canadian history, each of which rights for all citizens. Repatriation conveniently fit into a broader parand the Charter, established by Pierre tisan narrative, is it any wonder that Elliot Trudeau, is what keeps the the Conservatives, upon winning country together. For the Liberals, office, would expound the virtues of unsurprisingly, history is all about Queen and country to a nation all too individual liberty. familiar with Liberal human rights Then there is the Conservative narratives? approach. The Tories ultimately value In short, no one should be surtraditional institutions, such as the prised that the Harper Conservatives monarchy and the Commonwealth, have chosen to give their peculiar and believe that our stubborn mainte- brand of history more prominence nance of these institutions is integral on the national stage. Rather, the to understanding Canada’s long- much more consequential issue raised standing prosperity and security.

by Harper’s staunchest critics is the As such, Conservatives empha- extent to which these partisan skirsize our impassioned resistance mishes do any particular harm. to American conquest in 1812 and The most virulent critics argue our valiant effort in support of the that the prime minister’s approach mother country, Great Britain, dur- is not only conveniently blind to hising the First World War. For the torical nuance, but that it deliberately Conservatives we are above all British excludes certain under-represented subjects and Crown loyalists who cat- voices from the national dialogue, egorically rejected (and still reject) the such as those of Aboriginal people.

Republican experiment to the South This was seen recently in the outcry – and we’re better off for it. For the over the celebration of Sir John A. Conservatives, unsurprisingly, his- Macdonald’s 200th birthday, which tory is all about institutional stability was met with heated criticism from and nationalistic resolve. those who believe Macdonald was Given these competing visions little more than a genocidal racist.

graphic by Bradly Wohlgemuth

It was the latest controversy Naturally, it couldn’t be both inher- institutions and traditions, particuamong many. ently political and also a sincere ges- larly when those traditions suit their Seemingly thousands in the aca- ture of good will and remembrance partisan purposes and perspectives. demic world cried foul when the of past atrocities. While there is This applies to all parties. One Conservatives announced that the legitimate debate over the location wonders, for example, about the kind Canadian Museum of Civilization of the monument (it should not dwarf of spectacle the 25th anniversary of in Gatineau, Quebec over the bridge the Supreme Court of Canada), it the Charter would have engendered from Ottawa would be renamed the is entirely appropriate to have such had the Liberals been in power in Museum of Canadian History with a a monument in the nation’s capital.

2007. One may wish that the Harper distinct focus on the country’s politiIn short, the Tory historical per- Conservatives had not played polical development; they portrayed the spective does exclude large swathes of tics with the 25th anniversary of the changed mandate as undue politi- criticism, but it also adds something country’s Constitution by downplaycal interference in the affairs of an that has been missing from Canada’s ing and undermining it, but they did. important national institution. national discourse for decades – an Just as their opponents will with other Even the remarkable discovery acknowledgement of our remarkable issues. of the HMS Erebus was confronted peace and stability as a society and When presented in isolation, the with petulance, with many describ- a celebration of our British institu- historical perspective of Canada’s ing the resources spent on the exhi- tions, from the monarchy to the three main political parties seems in bition, and the celebration of the Westminster model. conflict. But taken together they repdiscovery, as a subtle propaganda Public money goes to fund resent much of what defines Canada’s campaign rather than an endearing innumerable research projects and history. As thoughtful citizens, we (and fascinating) part of our national other initiatives meant to scrutinize, should be able to delineate between mythology. question, and change government Canada’s multifaceted historical realFinally, the planned victims of policy. Canada’s museums and mon- ity and these individual narratives, communism monument has been uments include a great deal that is while being grateful that we live in a described as everything from a crass expressly critical of past Canadian nation that is still enthusiastic about political manoeuvre to attract immi- governments. But politicians are recalling, and celebrating, its unique grant voters to yet another extension not historians. As politicians, they and compelling history. of Conservative foreign policy bluster are fundamentally interested in celin the form of national propaganda. ebrating—not deriding—Canadian

10 Comment

Comment Editor: Tom Ingram Contact: comment@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Scrutinizing anti-anti-vaccination Vaccines are great, but we need to be careful how we talk about them Tom Ingram, staff

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accines have been in the air The fact that the public even heard recently. With the resurgence of of the Wakefield study is evidence anti-vaccination sentiment and the that the peer-review system is not consequent outbreaks of diseases working as advertised, at least in conthat had been largely forgotten in the nection with medicine. western world, the stuff we jab into The study forces us to ask: just our arms has been very much a topic how much of our science is totally for discussion. Even the Manitoban made up, anyway? It’s probably not has joined in the fun. a large percentage, but it’s not zero, I agree that, in most cases, people either. And how much of the research should get vaccinated. I agree that supporting vaccines is fabricated or the science underpinning the anti- otherwise tainted? Again, probably vaccination movement is highly ques- not a lot, but there is almost certainly tionable (to the extent it exists at all). some. We must lessen our confidence But a lot of the rhetoric coming from in what we think we know. the other side is pretty questionable More importantly, the fact that as well, and it is much less likely to the Wakefield fraud was not caught be scrutinized. forces us to trust doctors less – nothSince I’m convinced that readers ing personal, it’s just statistics. The of the Manitoban largely accept the medical and academic communities official line regarding vaccines and have yet to take adequate responsido not need to be persuaded that bility for their role in propagating they are safe and effective, I think it Wakefield’s lies and thereby fanis useful to play devil’s advocate and ning the flames of the anti-vaccine point out some of the problems with movement. the anti-anti-vaccination movement.

The medical and academic communities have yet to take adequate responsibility for their role in fanning the flames of the anti-vaccine movement

Should vaccines be mandatory?

In light of this, I am alarmed when Alex Passey, in a recent article in the Manitoban entitled “The left wing’s science blind spot,” offhandedly mentions mandatory vaccination for all children as if it is a no-brainer for anyone with a rational and scientific worldview.

Vaccines are medicine, not sorcery.

There is no a priori reason that any given vaccine should be safe to use in all circumstances, and the revelation of Wakefield’s misconduct does nothing to change this. Again, I stress that for most people, in most circumstances, following the default medical recommendation is a good idea.

Whence anti-vaccination?

But there has to be an explicit and Much of the modern anti-vac- informed decision based on considcination movement springs from eration of the costs and the benefits, Andrew Wakefield’s 1998 study that not a blanket proclamation. supposedly revealed a link between Doctors have very little time to the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine read journals, and current knowland autism. The study itself was edge—which, again, is not necessarpoorly designed, with a small sample ily trustworthy—takes a long time to size and numerous other flaws. Its filter down to them. This means that results were never replicated, so its it is possible that any given patient value as science was highly dubious could know more about his medito begin with. cal situation than his doctor does. In But a fact that has not attracted this environment, it is unethical and nearly as much media attention as offensive to modern notions of patient it should have is that in 2011, more autonomy for doctors to unilaterally than 10 years after it was published make these quite serious health deciin the Lancet (one of the world’s sions on behalf of their patients. leading medical and scientific journals), the study was revealed to be a How should we fraud. Wakefield fudged the numbers, talk about it? altered medical records, and selecPeople in the anti-vaccination tively recruited subjects. camp are generally portrayed as horThe person who uncovered the rendously stupid conspiracy theorists fraud was Brian Deer – not a doctor or hippies. For example, LA Times or other academic, but a journalist. columnist Michael Hiltzik wrote Let’s get one thing straight: I’m all that the anti-vaccination movement in favour of a vigorous and inquisi- is “backsliding into medieval ignotive press, but it is not the role of the rance,” and words like “crazy” and media to suss out problems like this “idiot” have been used in connection in medical studies. It is the role of the with anti-vaccine advocates. Some medical and academic communities pediatricians have even refused to to ensure that such problems do not see patients whose parents refuse to occur, or, if they do, that they are get them vaccinated. not published and given the stamp It seems as if there is a concerted of legitimate science. attempt to brand the practice of vac-

cination as a medical procedure for the educated, progressive (but not too progressive) elite. This sort of thing is not helpful.

Branding vaccination as the position of a left-wing intellectual elite will not convince people to start doing it Branding doesn’t convince people to change what they do, it reinforces existing divides. It creates an artificial

separation between people by which they can identify themselves. Part of the value of a brand is in the people who don’t like it.

Branding vaccination as the position of a left-wing intellectual elite will not convince people to start doing it. It may even have the opposite effect. Insulting people doesn’t make them to change their minds, it makes them to dig in.

Most importantly, we should not forget that, whatever other ugly things it may be mixed with, antivaccination sentiment stems from the most noble of human impulses: the desire to preserve the safety of children.

Members of the anti-vaccination

movement may have their facts wrong, and they may be putting the rest of us at a great deal of risk. But hating them will not help. In the end, blind trust of the medical establishment played a role in creating this mess, and it is unlikely to get us out of it. What we need is an atmosphere of calm sobriety around serious health-care issues, and this is an atmosphere we are currently unlikely to find, either from the anti-vaccine activists or those identifying as their opponents.

VOL. 101 NO. 53 March 4, 2015

Comment 11

Dear prime minister A very special love letter Evan Tremblay, staff

Dear Mr. Harper, Dominate archivists and librarians, It’s time I came clean. I love you. muzzle scientists, show those veterI’ve wanted to say it for a long time, ans who their daddy is. I felt kind of but after reading bill C-51, I just can’t left out, was starting to think maybe I keep it bottled up inside any longer. wasn’t your type. But then I found out It’s got me all hot and bothered. that environmental groups are being I can’t stop thinking about you, audited and having their charitable Mr. Harper. Every time I visit a status revoked, and I bit my tongue Government of Canada website— in anticipation.

I love your big, bulging omnibus I’m sorry, a Harper government website—I’m reminded of you. There’s a bills. No time for judicial oversight or lot more blue than there used to be on parliamentary debate. Just ram it in. government websites, which is good You do it a lot; you’ve got experience.

– they match the Economic Action I’m sure your omnibuses are clean.

Plan signs, and I like well-coiffed It’s enough to make a man faint – but visual propaganda. that’s why you prorogue, and like a I love the way you govern, with pro. Hot and cold, legislative edging. a certain debonair je-ne-sais-quois I love Bill C-51. that makes That’s what put me wonder if I me over the edge.

I love your big, should rather say That’s what made “rule.” I love the me realize: you bulging omnibus way you ignore know what I want, the premiers of and you’re going bills. No time for the provinces to give it to me; I judicial oversight which comprise didn’t even need our Federation. I to ask. I don’t or parliamentary love the way you want a soft, babydebate. Just ignore questions hands Canada.

I want a strong in the House, ram it in. You do disdain the Canada, a manly it a lot; you’ve media, and make Canada. I want important budget your Canada, Mr. got experience. announcements Harper. at Conservative I wa nt a I’m sure your events. Nothing’s Canada where omnibuses sexier than a man CSIS has the who plays hard to power to arrest are clean. It’s get. me, and then do enough to make I love the anything it wants way you prito me short of a man faint – oritize spend“causing death or ing. Buy fighter bodily harm” or but that’s why jets, and reduce “violating my sexyou prorogue, Environment and ual integrity” – I Parks Canada always wanted to and like a pro. budgets. You try waterboarding.

Hot and cold, know how to I want a Canada spend money. I where voicing an legislative edging was really sorry I opinion which missed your War may lead someof 1812 party; I hear you spared no one to commit an act of terrorism, expense. But with less money for the uttered in private or in public, can CBC, you could afford to splurge. get me arrested.

I love your confidence. You didn’t I want a Canada where “interferShh! I know what you’re going let statisticians tell you the best way ence with critical infrastructure,” like to say. Valid protests are exempt. to gather statistics. You didn’t miss a railways, highways, and pipelines, is Artistic expression, too. But you don’t beat when you tried to appoint some- considered an “activity that under- have to lie to me, Mr. Harper. I’ve one to the Supreme Court who wasn’t mines the security of Canada.” I want been watching you, Mr. Harper, and actually eligible to sit. Kyoto had to a Canada where a peaceful protest— I know your willingness to twist or go, and you made sure it went. I still even voicing support for what the ignore laws you don’t like, to silence shiver when I remember how you soft-hearted among us may consider dissent, to mislead and lie. stripped the Navigable Waters Act. valid forms of political dissent—can I want a Canada where the prime I love the way you take control. get me wiretapped, watched, arrested. minister fans public fear of harm,

graphic by Evan Tremblay

to introduce legislation that erodes “unduly influencing the government the liberties essential to keeping a of Canada” – which is, of course, the democracy healthy, liberties which Harper government. So any rail or are needed to heal the sick democracy pipeline blocking in protest of any that ours has become. Where you, of your policies, or any advocating Mr. Harper, use fear generated by for such becomes terrorism. Never terrorists to your own ends. change, Mr. Harper. I love you just But you’re one step ahead, Mr. the way you are.

Harper. You always are. That’s what I love about you. Terrorism can include

Science & technology 12 Science & Technology Editor: Chantelle Dubois Contact: science@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Three’s a crowd House of Lords in U.K. passes law to allow 3-parent babies as mitochondrial disease therapy Chantelle Dubois, staff

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ecently, parliament’s upper house in the United Kingdom passed a law which allows for the mitochondrial DNA of a donor to be used as therapy for mitochondrial diseases. As early as 2016 some babies may be born with genetic material from three people.

The research for the treatment was developed at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, led by neurology professor Doug Turnbull.

In an interview with BBC, Turnbull said, “In the most severe cases I’ve looked after, the children died in the first 48 hours of life [ . . . ] That is unusual; often these conditions are associated with increasing levels of disability.”

Mitochondrial diseases affect the mitochondria of the cell – the cellular components responsible for generating adenosine triphosphate, which is used in the body as chemical energy.

Mitochondria also have a role in the cell cycle, aiding in the coordination of cell activity, cell death, and cell differentiation.

Faulty mitochondria affect the heart, brain, skeletal muscles, kidney, liver, respiratory system, and the endocrine system.

Mitochondrial diseases are inher-

ited through the mother’s genes. The three-parent gene therapy—called mitochondrial transfer—would replace the mitochondrial DNA with healthy DNA, which would also eliminate the potential for passing the disorders to future generations by removing the faulty DNA from the gene line. Mothers who are carriers for mitochondrial disease would then be able to have children without the fear of passing it on to their children.

Up to 0.1 per cent of the baby’s DNA will be from the donor. This is equivalent of up to 37 genes. These genes will only affect the baby’s mitochondria. Other genetic features, such as appearance, will be inherited from the two primary parents.

Studies have shown that mitochondrial transfer treatment is successful in primates who have received mitochondrial transfer, but no followup has been done on future offspring.

Those opposed to the treatment have said that not enough is known about the potential effects to future generations.

Additionally, the treatment potentially conflicts with European Union law, which prohibits the alteration of genes that may be passed on through

the gene line.

More than 50 members in the European Parliament have written to the U.K.’s prime minister, David Cameron, to express their concern on the passed legislation. In the letter, the members stated, “Your proposals violate the fundamental standards of human dignity and integrity of the person. Modification of the genome is unethical and cannot be permitted.”

Other concerns regarding mitochondrial transfer include the potential of leading to a slippery slope where more genetic alterations begin to be legalized. The potential of a future where “designer babies” can be born is a highly controversial topic among ethicists and geneticists.

Designer babies are children whose physical traits have been selected through germline gene alterations.

Mitochondrial transfer is carried out as part of the in vitro fertilization (IVF) process. The United Kingdom pioneered IVF as the first country to have a baby born as a result of the technique in 1978, which was considered controversial at the time. Now, more than 12,000 babies in the U.K. are born every year as a result of IVF. graphic by Keegan Steele

Engineered antibody-like weapons A new development in HIV treatment Jeremiah Yarmie, staff

CCR5, allowing it to bind to the sections of HIV needed for cell attachment.

This binding effectively neutralizes the virus.

Molecule eCD4-Ig was Molecule Models by aldo rios developed in a esearchers have developed an collaboration between 33 researchers antibody-like molecule which from more than a dozen institutes, may help in the fight against the spearheaded by Michael Farzan of human immunodeficiency virus the Scripps Research Institute in (HIV).

Jupiter, Florida.

The molecule, named eCD4-Ig, The molecule provides an alterwas designed to target parts of HIV native imagining of HIV vaccinathat do not change very often. These tion. Most vaccination efforts have parts are involved in how the virus been focused on delivering effecattaches onto our cells and establishes tive, broadly neutralizing antibodies an infection. (bNAbs) to cells.

When an HIV molecule infects a As part of the study, the researchhuman cell, it uses its gp120 protein ers tested the molecule’s ability to to attach to the target’s CD4 surface hold off infection from increasing molecule. Once docked, the virus doses of intravenous virus in four rhethen attaches to a second surface sus macaque monkeys. They did this molecule CCR5. This interaction by using an adeno-associated virus allows the virus to then enter the cell. (AAV) gene therapy vector.

The molecule eCD4-Ig is comThe normally harmless AAV is prised of a portion of antibody further modified to disturb its normal attached to pieces of both CD4 and viral lifecycle. This allows researchers

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to use the viruses to inject desirable genes into target cells without much worry of side effects.

More than 80 per cent of individuals are infected by AAV during childhood. You have probably never noticed because AAV does not cause illness.

ECD4-Ig has components of both CD4 and CCR5 attached to a portion of antibody, allowing it to bind the sections of HIV needed for cell attachment. This binding effectively neutralizes the virus Adeno-associated virus-based gene therapy has been the basis of a number of clinical trials since its first usage in 1994. Out of the hundreds of humans who have received AAV

treatment, only a few have had serious adverse reactions.

The rhesus macaque monkey experiment did not use HIV itself, but a modified form of the simian immunodeficiency virus, a close relative to HIV that infects monkeys. The modified virus, dubbed SHIV, contained elements of both viruses.

The eCD4-Ig-carrying AAV vectors were injected into the quadriceps of the four monkeys.

The monkeys expressed eCD4-Ig for the entire duration of the 40-week experiment. In theory, eCD4-Ig introduced through AAV gene therapy may be expressed for the lifetime of an individual.

Molecule eCD4-Ig protected all four monkeys from SHIV infection.

Four control monkeys that did not receive eCD4-Ig became infected by the same viral doses.

One major concern that arises whenever you place a foreign molecule into an individual is the potential rejection by the host’s immune system. The monkeys did not show a considerable immune reaction to eCD4-Ig, especially when compared to the immune reactions seen against bNAbs. Another advantage eCD4-Ig has over bNAbs is that it is specific to a

wider range of HIV strains. Because eCD4 contains elements of both CD4 and CCR5, it will hopefully be harder for HIV to mutate its way around the molecule, especially when compared to bNAbs, which typically only target one element of the virus.

Molecule eCD4-Ig only prevents HIV from infecting new cells.

Unfortunately, it does nothing for cells that have already been infected.

When HIV infects a cell it makes a copy of its genetic material and inserts it into the human DNA. It is the perfect hiding spot for a virus that is difficult to get rid of.

Other treatments would still be needed to target the integrated viruses.

As well, the researchers have not yet tested eCD4-Ig’s ability to protect the monkeys from mucosal infections, the most common route of HIV entrance, which typically occur during sex.

Even though the results show that eCD4-Ig has lots of potential, bNAbs still show a lot of promise in the fight against HIV. Our best course of action against the virus is a comprehensive one. Molecule eCD4-Ig may be another reliable option for us.

VOL. 101 NO. 53 March 4, 2015

Science & Technology 13

Recent marijuana studies Research shows that pot is just as safe as we think it is Jeremiah Yarmie, staff

“Pot is safer than alcohol,” echoes a stoner attempting to catch the ears of politicians who aren’t listening.

Many people, especially those who use marijuana recreationally, believe that weed is safer than other drugs, like alcohol.

Recent research published in Scientific Reports delves into the relative dangers involved in recreational drug use.

The researchers determined the risk of death associated with a handful of drugs by calculating the margin of exposure (MOE), which is a ratio between the lethal dose and the typical dose used recreationally.

With respect to individual use, alcohol was the least safe recreational drug. Marijuana was found to be about 114 times less harmful than alcohol.

The report strengthens the findings of a similar study that was composed more than a decade ago by Robert Gable using a similar ratio.

In Gable’s study, drugs like marijuana, LSD, and psilocybin had very high ratios, while drugs like alcohol, cocaine, and heroin had very low ones.

This recent research states much of the same. Drugs like alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, and heroin fall within the high risk categories, with MOEs less than 10. Marijuana, on the other hand, had the highest MOE of all the drugs investigated.

Both studies used the median

lethal dose, LD50, from animal stud- the cannabinoid THC. This is the ies in the determination of their ratios. molecule in marijuana that makes LD50 is defined as the amount of drug you high. that kills 50 per cent of treated aniTetrahydrocannabinol binds to molecules in the body called canmals over a certain time period.

The study did not look into envi- nabinoid receptors which regulate ronmental risks involved with drug things like appetite, mood, and use. For example, intravenous heroin memory. These receptors aren’t there use has added risks involving con- for the purpose of receiving THC – taminated syringe needles. they bind molecules produced by the As well, the study did not look at body called endocannabinoids. drug interactions, which increase the Tetrahydrocannabinol levels have risks involved in drug use. increased from around three per cent Relative to things like alcohol and in 1993 to more than 12 per cent in heroin, cannabis has a lower MOE, more recent tests. but this does not mean that it is comUnfortunately, by selecting for pletely safe. Marijuana comes with its THC, growers have neglected to own risks, mainly affecting mental acknowledge another important canhealth problems – schizophrenia, for nabinoid, cannabidiol (CBD). example.

Cannabidiol is not psychoactive The authors of the study claim like THC. It does not induce a high that current drug policies lack sci- because it does not bind any cannaentific support. They also suggest that binoid receptors. risk management priority should be Cannabidiol has shown medical given to alcohol and tobacco instead promise, including the reduction of of illicit drugs. seizures in individuals with epilepsy.

Recent research from Stony Brook Back in the day University in New York has shed light Marijuana is more potent today on how CBD and THC travel within than it has ever been. Studies have our cells. The two cannabinoids do shown that the tetrahydrocannabinol not get along with water very well, (THC) content in marijuana in the so they require protein assistance United States had increased from an when travelling inside of our blood average of three per cent in the 1980s and cells. to 12 per cent in 2012.

Once inside a cell, THC and Through selective breeding over CBD bind to fatty acid binding many years, marijuana strains have proteins which typically bind endobeen selected for higher levels of cannabinoids like anandamide. By

graphic by Bram Keast

binding these proteins, the presence of THC and CBD results in more anandamide floating around in circulation. This may explain CBD’s link to epilepsy, as anandamide has been shown to protect against seizures.

While these studies show that

marijuana is relatively safe, readers should still take care in considering the legal status of the drug, and their safety while under the influence of any substance.

Space news briefs Exciting news about space exploration Chantelle Dubois, staff

Sentinel-2A ready for launch

from the Royal Military College of Sentinel-2A, an Earth observa- Canada and is currently the CEO of tion satellite, is currently undergo- the Canadian Intellectual Property ing a last round of tests before being Office. His previous experiences shipped to French Guiana for launch. include executive director of the The launch has been planned for June Integrated Technologies Office for 12, and is part of the Copernicus Industry Canada, chief informatics program. officer for Industry Canada, direcSentintel-2A and Sentinel-2B, tor of logistics for Canada Post, and planned for launch in 2016, will take director of retail merchandising and high-resolution images of the Earth integration for Canada Post, among to provide data on changes in land, others. forest monitoring, and natural disaster management.

Curiosity confirms The goal of the Copernicus pro- methane on Mars gram is a multi-level system which NASA’s Curiosity rover has conwill involve the implementation of firmed the presence of methane in observations satellites, in-situ mea- the Martian atmosphere after anasurements, and provide service for lyzing data collected over 605 soles, or users to access data.

605 Martian days, which is approximately 37 minutes longer than an New president for the Earth day. The data shows periodic Canadian Space Agency spikes in methane content. In the Prime Minister Stephen Harper past, methane has been detected by recently announced Sylvain Laporte satellites and telescopes, but many as the new president of the Canadian of the findings were contradictory.

Space Agency. Laporte will assume The models scientists currently use to the position on March 9. Laporte predict the content in the atmosphere has an MSc in computer engineering suggests that any methane on Mars

would remain for up to 300 years and be distributed evenly around the planet. The data collected suggests the methane peaks in the Northern Hemisphere during the Martian summer, and dissipates within a few months.

Largest black hole to date discovered

A black hole with a mass 12 billion times the Sun has been discovered by astronomers. This black hole is approximated to be 12.8 billion years old. As a reference, the black hole thought to be at the centre of the Milky Way is four to five times bigger than the Sun, and the second largest known black hole is 10 billion times bigger than the Sun. The age of the universe is thought to be 13.8 billion years old. This discovery may change the theories on how black holes form.

Russia to detach International Space Station modules after 2024

Russia has recently committed to operating the International Space

graphic by Justin Ladia

Station until 2024, but has plans to detach the Russian modules of the station once that period is over. The separated modules will be used in the development of a new space station operated independently. Besides the U.S., which is also committed to operating the International Space Station until 2024, all other nations involved currently only have an agree-

ment until 2020. Partners in Canada, Europe, and Japan are currently waiting for funding to be approved to extend their agreements for another four years. Russia previously operated the space station Mir, which was launched in 1986 and deorbited in 2001 after funding was exhausted. Mir was the first space station in orbit.

Manitoban Art Competition Manitoban Art Competition Submit your graphics and photos to me@themanitoban.com by March 16 to be featured in the Manitoban Art Competition, scheduled for the March 25 issue.

The Manitoban design team will judge the competition and award prizes based on three criteria: concept, originality, and technical skill.

Submit files as 300 dpi jpegs.

Images must be a minimum of 3000 x 3000 pixels.

Prizes to be announced. Sponsored by Cre8ive Supplies & Services

15

Features Managing Editor: Craig Adolphe Contact: me@themanitoban.com / 474.6520

Introduction A look at the candidates in the running to represent you Craig Adolphe, staff

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he University of Manitoba Students’ Union (UMSU) is in the midst of its annual General Election. Campaigning opened on Feb. 23 at 9 a.m. and runs until March 6. The voting period will open March 4 and also runs until March 6, with voting stations available throughout the university.

During this period all UMSU members will be eligible to vote for candidates to fill each of the five executive positions: president, vicepresident internal, vice-president external, vice-president advocacy, and vice-president student services.

Additionally, members of certain communities will be eligible to

cast ballots for specific community representative positions. Aboriginal students’ representative, international students’ representative, LGBTTQ* representative, students living with disabilities representative, and women’s representative are all to be elected by their respective constituents.

Candidates for each of these positions are out in full force campaigning for your vote. You may have already spoken to some of them, or their volunteers, in the hallways. They’ll shake your hand and ask for your vote, and often without much of a substantive argument as to why they deserve it. It can be a fairly disillusioning experience for students, particularly those

who don’t know much about the union and what it does for them.

The student union exists to represent the interests of students on campus. It exists to give voice to student issues. It embodies the idea that students should not only show up and receive a service; they are active participants in their education and should have a say in charting the university’s path.

The University of Manitoba Students’ Union is governed by its council. A body that features over 40 student councillors, including elected representatives from faculties at the Fort Garry, Bannatyne, and innercity campus, five community repre-

sentatives, and the five members of the UMSU executive elected by the student body at large.

Although the council is the top governing body for UMSU, in practice the UMSU executive generally charts the path for the union. The election is an opportunity for students to select which five students will hold that power for the coming year.

A comprehensive election feature would look at the history of UMSU General Elections, an in-depth profile of UMSU governance, profiles of notable former UMSU presidents such as Steve Ashton, David Sanders, and Steven Fletcher, a review of UMSU finances, and the issues rel-

evant to students.

Unfortunately, we remain limited in both space and time and are unable to provide that level of depth for our feature.

This feature provides a look at the changes to election rules being used for this year’s election, profiles of executive and community representative candidates, and interviews with candidates from each of the executive slates.

Hopefully the profiles and interviews included provide some information you find useful in casting your ballot for the UMSU General Election.

New rules for UMSU elections

2015 General Election first to pilot new penalty system Craig Adolphe, staff

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he 2015 General Election of the and government relations committee Everyone gets penalties.” a painting that belonged to the University of Manitoba Students’ where it was discussed, and was voted Two draft reference tables, pro- University of Manitoba Recycling Union will be the first to feature new on at the council’s next meeting. vided with the resolution, offer a list and Environmental Group for use rules related to election penalties after University of Manitoba Students’ of campaign rule violations with cor- as a canvas for one of his campaign UMSU Council voted to approve Union president Al Turnbull, who responding penalties, and the number banners. When CRO Mike Safiniuk changes to their policy manual at motivated the motion, said the rules of demerits and corresponding reduc- filed a complaint stating that Griffiths’ their Feb. 23 meeting. were outdated and that they discour- tion of reimbursement to candidates. repurposing of the painting did $300The new rules change how can- aged candidates from spending their Penalties, according to the draft 500 in damage, Griffiths’ campaign didates are penalized for breaking full budgets out of fear of accidental dis- document, include 10 demerits team said they found the painting in election rules. Candidates are now qualification – effectively reducing their for posting unapproved campaign the University of Manitoba Recycling penalized by a reduction in the reim- ability to conduct outreach to students. materials, 20 demerits for having and Environmental Group offices bursements they receive after the end “There’s never been an election non-UMSU members volunteering, and believed it was available for use. of the election period, meaning some since we’ve had this system where and 10 demerits for campaigning in In his appeal Griffiths wrote, expenses incurred during the election someone has used the full [budget]. prohibited spaces.

“Even if the Aaron Griffiths campaign may become out-of-pocket expenses. And if they have they’re not claiming Reduction of reimbursement first was wrong to recycle the painting, Before the changes, penalties resulted it – because everyone gets penalties. kicks in at $20 for candidates with this expense is no different from a in a reduction in candidates’ cam- I had 20, 30 per cent [of our budget 11-15 demerits and progresses up to parking ticket, which nobody would paign budget, reducing the candi- cut] two years ago. Now I can have $125 for 46-49 demerits. Upon reach- force a candidate to include in camdate’s overall spending cap.

30 demerits [instead],” said Turnbull. ing 50 demerits candidates are to be paign expenses.”

However, overspending in the Turnbull said that even in a well- disqualified from the campaign. campaign is a disqualifiable offence. intentioned campaign penalties could The election rules have had a The motion In previous years candidates facing a be expected and that those minor vio- major impact in the past. In the 2012 The resolution presented to reduction in their campaign budget lations shouldn’t lead to a candidate’s General Election, presidential candi- UMSU Council read as such: could face disqualification if they didn’t disqualification. date Aaron Griffiths was disqualified “Be it resolved that the UMSU leave a portion of their budget unspent.

“My volunteer goes too close to the from the race after he was assigned a Policy Manual be amended as follows.

The motion was first presented to polling station, that’s a mistake. You fine for damaging UMSU property.

The Chief Returning Officer council on Feb. 9 by the campaigns can’t control 120 volunteers [ . . . ] Griffiths’ campaign team used (CRO) shall assign demerits to can-

didates for violations of the Election Rules. If a candidate obtains 50 demerit points they shall be disqualified immediately and if the voting period has not occurred their name shall be struck from the ballot. A candidate has the right to appeal this penalty to the ERDIE Board, as per 1050 (17). If a valid appeal is filed within 48 hours the candidate’s name shall remain on the ballot, pending a verdict from ERDIE. The CRO shall provide all candidates with a table outlining potential offences and their respective demerit penalty at the All Candidates meeting. This table shall not be expected to be all-inclusive, and in the case of uncategorized offences or extenuating circumstances the CRO can assign other penalties.

Offences and infractions considered to be committed by an entire slate, or by a campaign manager, shall be evenly divided between the entire slate.”

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Features

Managing Editor: Craig Adolphe Contact: me@themanitoban.com / 474.6520

Profile of Your UMSU Slate candidates Craig Adolphe, staff

Here are the self-submitted profiles of the UMSU General Election executive candidates for Your UMSU

Name: Jeremiah Kopp

Name: Rebecca Kunzman

Name: Astitwa Thapa

Name: Christopher Bélanger

Name: Jessica Morrison

Position: President

Position: Vicepresident advocacy

Position: Vicepresident external

Position: Vicepresident internal

Position: Vice-president student services

Studies: Third year, global political economy

Studies: Fourth year, environmental science

Studies: Fourth year, political studies

Studies: Fifth year, political studies

Why I’m running

Why I’m running

Studies: Fifth year, political studies Why I’m running

We have accomplished a lot over Why I’m running Why I’m running The moment I decided to run for As an international student in the past two years to change the culture at the University of Manitoba, re-election, I had just come out of a Canada, I feel extremely privileged but there is still much more to do. hearing with a student, and realized to be at the University of Manitoba.

University of Manitoba students can how impactful it was to be able to rep- I want to run for the position of vicenow proudly compare their cam- resent students in such a direct and president external because I believe pus life to that of other top schools significant way. It has been an abso- that every student’s voice should be around the country. I am running lute honour and a privilege to serve heard. Whether it is working with for UMSU president because I want as UMSU’s vice-president advocacy the government, local businesses, or to keep this momentum going and for the past year. I have worked to the university administration, I want make sure that every student at the implement the UMSU Volunteer to ensure that students feel empowUniversity of Manitoba has the most Program and the UMSU Student ered and UMSU moves forward on exciting and memorable experience Access and Initiative Fund. I also the best course of action. A lot has possible. worked to revitalize the campaign been accomplished by UMSU this structure of the union by working year, and I want to continue this with students and student groups momentum and make students feel Relevant experience My experience includes work in to create a true grassroots approach. proud of their time at the University two Winnipeg deputy mayors’ offices, This year has been a productive one, of Manitoba. the Senate of Canada, and the House and I’m excited to (hopefully) get Relevant experience of Commons. I have served as a board back to work next year!

My experience working as the member of my local community club, international students’ representahockey association, and high school. Relevant experience Last year, I was elected vice-president The most obvious experience that tive at UMSU and the senator for the internal for UMSU. I ran the union’s I have for the role of vice-president faculty of environment, earth, and Health and Dental Plan, and oversaw advocacy is the past year I have spent resources has given me an underthe budget throughout UMSU and serving as UMSU’s vice-president standing of how the system works its six businesses. I also oversaw the advocacy. However, prior to becom- and the changes that could be made completion of the new UMSUshi res- ing vice-president advocacy I was to enhance student experience. I taurant, worked with my colleagues heavily involved in the university have gained valuable leadership and to run the largest and most profitable campus. I was president of the U1 intercultural competence skills by Frosh Festival in Canada, introduced Student Council in my first year as completing the Student Leadership the Frost Fest to showcase local tal- well as social programmer for the Development Program, Intercultural ent, and created the UMSU Speakers Arts Student Body Council. I have [Development and Leadership] also been involved in the World Program, and the World W.I.S.E. Series.

W.I.S.E. Ambassadors Program Ambassadors Program. Actively and was co-chair of the Amnesty volunteering with a diverse range International student group on cam- of student groups has given me an pus. I have also worked as a leader- opportunity to connect with the ship development officer with the grassroots and the wider university office of Student Life and helped to community. implement the Student Leadership Development Program and the Emerging Leader Award.

The reason I am running for UMSU vice-president internal is because at the end of the day this is the students’ money that we are working with and I want to ensure that it is used in the best interest for the students. The University of Manitoba Students’ Union has a unique ability to drastically change a students’ experience on this campus and this is not a role that I take lightly. We are all students, we all have a common goal, and this position allows me to enact positive change to continue the momentum that we have seen on campus over the past two years.

Relevant experience

Student groups help create the foundation of the university experience for many students. They are a great place to build new and lasting relationships, contribute to the social and cultural life on campus, and foster a sense of community. I had the amazing opportunity this past year to be part of a couple of student groups on campus, while connecting with many others, and I hope to take that experience to UMSU. Vice-president student services works hand in hand with student groups and I am passionate in working to ensure that student groups continue to be the backbone of the university experience.

The opportunity to run for this Relevant experience position with UMSU is the perfect In addition to my involvement culmination of my school experience with student groups, I have been and professional work experience. I heavily involved with the Arts have almost completed a degree in Student Body Council serving as political studies and, furthermore, charity and social services reprejust finished a year-long placement sentative, director of finance, and two at the City of Winnipeg in which terms as director of social programI oversaw and ran the office of the ming. For the past two years I have deputy mayor as well as the office represented the faculty of arts as a of the chair of finance for the City student ambassador at core events of Winnipeg. Besides numerous vol- such as student orientation, Career unteer experiences and community Fairs, Info Days, and also played an work, I have been actively involved integral role in organizing last year’s in creating a student experience that “Women in Public Leadership” speakis inclusive and welcoming to all for ers’ event. Lastly, I worked as the site manager for the 2013 Frosh Music the last four years.

Festival and as the orientation programs assistant with the Student Life office this past summer.

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Profile of Clear Slate candidates Craig Adolphe, staff

Here are the self-submitted profiles of the UMSU General Election executive candidates for Clear Slate

Name: Spencer Yasui

Name: Reanna Blair

Name: Bénédicte LeMaître

Name: Jesse Greenberg

Name: Zach Leclerc

Position: President

Position: Vicepresident external

Position: Vice-president student services

Position: Vicepresident advocacy

Position: Vicepresident internal

Studies: Third year, English honours

Studies: Third year, world religions

Studies: Fourth year, commerce

Why I’m running

Why I’m running

Why I’m running

Studies: Fourth year, recreation management and community development

Studies: Fourth year, psychology Why I’m running

I’m running because I care deeply about this university, and the students who populate it. They have been telling me they’re tired of the negativity and rumours surrounding UMSU. I want to Clear the Slate with a new team of leaders to make this campus exciting again. I’m looking forward to the great things we can do together, and delivering you an unforgettable student experience, that fills you with Bison pride. Clear will deliver you fall Reading Week, the University Cup, an unforgettable Frosh Fest experience, reinvigorated services and opportunities, and more.

Relevant experience

I am co-founder and president of the University of Manitoba Criminology Association of Students, boosting membership 2,000 per cent, and hosting both local and international guest speakers. I received certification from the U of M’s Student Leadership Development Program, and was also honoured to receive the university’s Emerging Leader Award.

I returned to the Student Leadership Development Program in the roles of cohort mentor and workshop facilitator. Recently, I was the youngest-ever appointed to the board of directors for the Manitoba Criminal Justice Association, and in the private sector I recently held the role of executive team leader, working with multi-million-dollar operating budgets similar to UMSU’s.

I want to be your vice-president I want to be your vice-president external because I know you need a student services. My strong organizastrong voice to advocate for you on tional skills will guarantee a well-run important issues, such as transporta- year in the area of student services. tion and budget cuts. I know that I My experience as a co-ordinator for have the dedication and passion to youth outreach initiatives in my combe effective in bringing your voice to munity has prepared me for the leadthe government, private sector, and ership role of vice-president student other external agencies. We need bot- services. My experiences on the St. tom up, not top down, responsible Paul’s College Students’ Association decision-making and activism and I as well as the Arts Student Body know that I can provide that. Part of Council have prepared me for the my mandate concerns communica- political side of student government. tion and I want to restructure com- With my expansive experience in munication between you and UMSU organizing events and fundraisers, I so that our dealings are always trans- have strong co-ordinating capabilities. parent and open.

Relevant experience

I have an extensive and diverse amount of volunteer experience both on campus and externally. On campus, I was the 2014-2015 women’s representative, a position that afforded me opportunities to work with various external agencies to increase the resources and campaigns available to students. In this position I sat as a voting member on UMSU Council and advocated for my constituency while developing [an] important understanding as to how UMSU operates. I have also volunteered as an orientation leader with Student Life for two years, served as the fair trade lead with Engineers Without Borders, and volunteered with St. Boniface Hospital for five years.

I am a student just like you and I have so many exciting ideas that I cannot wait to implement. Not only do I want to work with you to make them happen, but I know how to do this effectively because of my expertise and work ethic.

Relevant experience

Why I’m running

I’ve been on this campus for some time now, and I have seen UMSU executives come and go. I have seen what works and what doesn’t. I am ready to run, to deliver for you. I have strong morals and I hold them incredibly close. I believe in honesty, integrity, transparency, and accountability. That’s what comes to mind when I think of an organization like UMSU. That is what I bring to the table.

During my time as your vicepresident internal, I will expand on the student experience opportunities at our university. I will keep and expand on the amazing services and awards UMSU has to offer. I will bring pride, spirit, and rivalry back to our university. I will work with the great managers of our UMSU businesses to optimize the results for you. And I will do this while maintaining financial accountability and transparency.

I founded the Ultimate [Frisbee] Club on campus and have been the president for two years. I’ve been representing the University of Manitoba at a national level for the past four years with two golds and one silver. I have worked with the Manitoba Organization of Disc Relevant experience Sports as a programs associate and I bring much experience and for the City of Winnipeg’s initiadepth of knowledge in relation to tives to promote healthy and active student groups. Coming from a very lifestyles for underprivileged youth. multicultural family, and having been I am a coach for my old high school. raised in the midst of many differ- This year I will be playing for Team ent ethnic communities, I bring to Canada at the World U23 Ultimate UMSU a deep love for culture. With Championships. my interest in all sorts of activities, I have worked on campus as a I am delighted at the opportunity Mini U camp leader. Throughout my to work with all the activity-based youth I was a part of student groups Relevant experience student groups. From the knowledge such as Youth in Philanthropy [and] I was the sports representative and of religions that I have so far amassed Aid for World Crisis Issues, [deliv- co-president of the Resident Students’ in my degree, and continue to dis- ered] Christmas hampers, and took Association Council for three years. cover, I will be capable of catering to part in a human rights course. I’ve Currently, I serve as senior stick of the needs of different religious stu- taken part in many events on cam- the Students’ Association for Health, dent groups because of my interest pus, like Shinerama and the Student Physical Education and Recreation in learning about all the religions of Leadership Development Program, Studies (SAHPER) Council. I have and have also held several of my own sat on both the U of M student the world. events such as a charity dodgeball experience committee and UMSU’s tournament, and a very successful policy and bylaws committee. I was social at the Hub. bar manager for UMSU’s Frosh Fest and Frosh Music Festival, and I have major event, programming, and concert planning experience.

Based on my experiences listed above, I have developed great interpersonal skills, organizational skills, [and] business management skills.

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Features

Managing Editor: Craig Adolphe Contact: me@themanitoban.com / 474.6520

Your UMSU Mike Still, staff

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wo candidates from each executive slate in the UMSU General Election sat down with the Manitoban after the first week of campaigning to answer questions about their stance on various issues important to students. Jeremiah Kopp, candidate for president, and Rebecca Kunzman, candidate for vice-president advocacy, spoke on behalf of the Your UMSU slate.

The Manitoban: In your view, what are the responsibilities of a student union?

Jeremiah Kopp, president: The student union’s responsibility is to create and facilitate the best, and most memorable, most exciting student experience possible, and represent the interest of students to administration, to government, and [in] all facets of student life.

M: What would you do to improve business for UMSU-operated businesses?

Kopp: We’re really excited about our promises to open up a Shawarma Khan, and a Green Carrot [Juice] smoothie bar in University Centre, on UMSU Street, just like we did with UMSUshi. We want to take that same business model [used for UMSUshi]. [Shawarma Khan and

Green Carrot Juice] will be fantastic food options on campus, as they’re affordable, sustainable, healthy, and great tasting.

M: What would you do to improve the campus experience?

Rebecca Kunzman, VP advocacy: What we did this year was revitalize the campaign structure. I think what it does is engages more students than we have in the past, and it also enables students to have their voice heard. The intent behind the new structure for the campaigns is to empower students to create positive change within themselves, the campus, and the community. Rather than having the union dictate what interests the students have, it lets the students have the interests, and make their interests heard, and let UMSU support them, and give them the resources to be able to do that.

M: What is UMSU’s future with the Canadian Federation of Students?

If elected, would you look at leaving the CFS? Kopp: The University of Manitoba Students’ Union is at the forefront of student associations around the country, in terms of driving policy, driving advocacy, driving the student experience on all levels, whether it be

social programming, or campaigns.

We’re going to continue to do that.

We would work with any organization that wants to get on board with our campaigns, with our advocacy, and with any events that we have.

“I think we’ve really done a lot this year to restructure and recreate the backbone of what will enable a positive student experience.

I think next year, if elected, it would just be a matter of continuing to embed that in the student experience” – Rebecca Kunzman, Your UMSU

Kunzman: I think it’s a combination of things. Obviously Jeremiah and I both bring a lot of experience to the table, having been in our positions previously, and having seen the inner workings of UMSU. Beyond that, I think that the experience that each of the members has really lends to creating that student experience, because we’ve all been involved from the get-go, and this isn’t something we picked up last week. Our first year here, we were involved in campus life in a very big way, and we really know what it takes to make that experience better for everyone else, and we look forward to doing that.

M: What is UMSU’s role in dealing with university-wide cutbacks?

Kopp: Your UMSU is firmly against any cuts to the university, and we also understand how the provincial government has put this university in a very tough place, because they haven’t lived up to their obligations, and haven’t matched their promise of funding the university budget to the tune of five per cent, and instead has been set at 2.5 per cent. Now the university is in a very tough position.

We’re going to continue working with the university administration M: What makes your slate the best in a respectful dialogue, where we’re group of candidates for the execu- at the table, in the room, and advocattive seats? ing for the best interests of students.

M: Where is the limit drawn in terms of the union’s role in political activism?

Kopp: I think the main role of a student union has to be facilitating the voice of the students. We are there to support any student who has a cause, or issue that they want to be passionate about, and we have significant resources that we can put behind that to help spread the word. At the end of the day, our team’s approach is very grassroots, it’s very bottom-up, and we want the students to be the voice behind any political campaigns or advocacy. We won’t be trying to shove any one view down the throats of students.

M: What does UMSU do well right now, and what can it improve upon?

Kunzman: I think we’ve really done a lot this year to restructure and recreate the backbone of what will enable a positive student experience.

I think next year, if elected, it would just be a matter of continuing to embed that in the student experience.

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Clear Slate Mike Still, staff

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wo candidates from each slate for the executive in the UMSU General Election sat down with the Manitoban after the first week of campaigning to answer questions about their stance on various issues important to students. Spencer Yasui, candidate for president, and Zach Leclerc, candidate for vice-president internal, spoke on behalf of the Clear Slate.

I’m a student, I don’t actually have restaurant or management experience, so we’re hiring staff for their resources, and I would utilize those resources to improve our businesses.

I know there are redundancies there with the management staff, so I would find those redundancies, reduce them, increase services, hopefully increase revenue, and bring more services to the students.

The Manitoban: In your view, what are the responsibilities of a student union?

M: What would you do to improve the general campus experience?

Spencer Yasui, president: I believe the most important responsibility of a student union is to represent its students. Whether that be university administration, or outside bodies, such as the government, or the private sector, it’s making sure that you are the voice for what the students want.

It’s also being responsible with the money that they pay you. That comes from an understanding that it’s not your money, it is the students’ money, and it is to be used on the things that they want it to be used on. Understanding that it is an office that serves the public and not your own interests is at the heart of what a students’ union is for.

M: What would you do to improve business for UMSU-operated businesses?

Zach Leclerc, VP internal: I do work at the Hub, and I’ve seen a lot from behind the scenes. The first thing I want to do is work closely with the management staff. After all,

Leclerc: I spent many years in residence, and they have what’s called the “spirit cup.” Personally, I believe that residence, and the Big Horns, of late, are the essence of campus spirit right now. In the past couple years, slates have talked about a university cup, and nothing’s come of it. I just want to bring that to fruition, and I think I’m the person to do it, with my experience in residence.

For us, it starts with Bison sports, but it’s not all about Bison sports. We’re already paying for Bison passes in our tuition; why not utilize that, and attend the games?

M: What is UMSU’s future with the Canadian Federation of Student’s?

If elected, would you look at leaving the CFS? Yasui: We’ve been thinking about this very carefully, because we know it’s a contentious issue among students. We recognize that the University of Manitoba is looked to by many other schools as an example, and we believe that we need to take a clear stance on this. In order to do

that, we need to gather more infor- students are tired of hearing the mation. We would start by looking negativity, and the rumours that surat the results of the inquiry that was round current members of the adminlaunched by the UMSU administra- istration who will be re-running, and tion two years ago, to see whether or that they’re ready for something new. not there is, in fact, value in a rela- There’s been a phenomenal culture tionship between the CFS and the shift recently towards a more positive University of Manitoba. and exciting campus.

Ultimately, once we have gathered I can say that all of our slate members more information and are able to are locked into the perfect positions. make a more informed decision, by We all have the relevant experience looking at all prior communications, for the positions that we’re going to then we will take a clear stance on it, be running for, and we have a proven and move forward with whichever track record of getting things done, way the students would ultimately and delivering. value more.

M: What is UMSU’s role in dealing with university-wide cutbacks?

“It’s not about being R“efresh, it’s not about being Your UMSU, or the Clear Slate. Once you’re elected, you are UMSU, and so it shouldn’t be about our faces or anything” – Spencer Yasui, Clear Slate

M: What makes your slate the best group of candidates for the executive positions?

Yasui: We are the clear alternative to what’s been going on. The students have been speaking to us, and we just hear again and again and again that

Yasui: UMSU should find out where the students stand, and they should stand with them on that early, and consistently. I’ve been at the Student Action Network meetings, and from everything we hear from inside the meetings, [the executive is] not advocating on students’ behalf. It’s not enough to provide minimal resources, when your job is to be the students’ voice, because they can’t sit in on those meetings. If this is truly something that students want, to stand against the cuts, then there shouldn’t be a divide between them and UMSU. The University of Manitoba Students’ Union should be taking an active role in these things, if it’s what students want. That’s taking a strong stance early and siding with the students, and then every meeting, making sure that the students’ voice is heard loudly.

The Clear Slate does stand against the cuts, and we have been like that since the beginning.

M: Where is the limit drawn in terms of the union’s role in political activism?

Yasui: This ties back into my earlier statement, in making sure that UMSU is giving the students a chance to be heard, specifically in places that they might not otherwise have access to. What I mean by that, is in the private sector, and in all levels of government, these are the bodies that can make change, and as long as UMSU is telling those people what the students’ opinion is, and what the students want, and pushing those sectors for that, that’s the best way to go about it.

M: What does UMSU do well right now, and what can it improve upon?

Yasui: It’s not about being Refresh, it’s not about being Your UMSU, or the Clear Slate. Once you’re elected, you are UMSU, and so it shouldn’t be about our faces or anything. It’s good that people know what we’re up to, and that’s something that we’re committed to providing and making accessible to all students, but we feel there are better ways of utilizing that for the student good.

That’s something that we’re pushing for, and obviously it ties right into the Clear name, and that’s transparency.

I would rather show where we are in the process, as opposed to making students wait to see what we’ve done with their money. Those would be the main things.

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Features

Managing Editor: Craig Adolphe Contact: me@themanitoban.com / 474.6520

Profile of UMSU’s 2015 community representative candidates 8 candidates vie to fill 5 rep seats Craig Adolphe, staff

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he University of Manitoba ent compared to European thought. where I base my decisions and opin- have co-ordinated with Brian Rivers Students’ Union Council We, as indigenous people, engage in a ions. My experience of successfully to fix five elevators, the University includes five seats reserved for com- system that still has underlying tones educating non-indigenous peoples College washroom, and two ramps munity representatives. They are the of colonization and does not take into about my culture in a respectful way on campus including the Isbister eleAboriginal students’ representative, account the social issues we face in both in the university and beyond vator and Fletcher Argue elevator. To international students’ representative, reserves, urban, and rural settings. has given me the confidence that my tackle something as unseen as invisLGBTTQ* representative, students This results in indigenous students methods and initiatives work. My ible barriers I am already working on living with disabilities representative, being disadvantaged; impeding suc- experience as this year’s UMSU an accessible documents presentation and women’s representative. cess and access to resources. There Aboriginal students’ representa- with Student Accessibility Services In this year’s UMSU General is also a lack of understanding and tive has taught me the protocols that will teach professors about and Election a total of eight candidates knowledge on these issues in the and workings of UMSU, where my how to make accessible documents. are running for UMSU’s five com- general student body, resulting in strengths have been, where I need to To tackle something as tricky as jobs munity representative positions. ignorance and misunderstanding. improve as a leader, and what meth- I would like to make a list of jobs Three candidates are running for ods have worked in bringing aware- on campus which specifically points students living with disabilities repre- If elected, what do you ness to UMSU about indigenous out whether the job is accessible to sentative. Two candidates are running hope to do to address student issues. different students or not. Of course those issues? for women’s representative. students can go to a job and try it Miigwech.

Aboriginal students’ representathemselves but I think this would I hope to educate non-indigenous tive, international students’ represen- people on indigenous issues, and protake a lot of the leg work out of the job hunt equation. I would also like tative, and LBGTTQ* representative mote positive relationships between are currently uncontested – each only indigenous and non-indigenous [peoto advertise different jobs on campus has one candidate running to fill the ple] within the university. Education that would apply to all students but position. would benefit disabled students if can come from workshops, speakthose positions were filled such as a The Manitoban put a request out ers, etc. I want to be able to give all note-taker job. to all eight candidates for profiles students a voice so I can determine as part of the Manitoban’s coverage which medium would be effective of the 2015 General Election. Alan in reaching the most students to What are your own priorities for the student Bridgeman, candidate for students enable deep understandings of the union overall? living with disabilities representative, issues Aboriginal people face. Being and Charles Kimball, candidate for able to promote positive relationships My personal priorities for the LGBTTQ* representative, did not and interactions can also encourage student union are to promote a very respond. The six candidates who did students to learn from one another, inclusive campus experience. I am respond are profiled below. a member of the student group the promoting campus inclusiveness, Big Horns, which is a student group pride, and understanding of each based around that idea of inclusivity, other. Cross-cultural understanding so I am a huge advocate for a very is very important to ensuring qualinclusive campus experience. Another ity learning and developing healthy issue which is very important to me relationships. In order to ensure is inclusive socials hosted by UMSU, equal opportunity and success, the Photo by Carolyne Kroeker because an inclusive learning experiissues indigenous people face need to ence is great, but an inclusive social reach educators and administration of experience is just as great. This idea the university; this can be achieved by Name: Andrew Fenwick is one in which Rocco Scarcella, the ensuring there is proper representapresident of Beyond Abilities, and tion on student councils, the senate, Position: Students living with disabilities I have been discussing for the past and Aboriginal student liaisons. representative few weeks.

What are your own priorities for the student union overall?

Photo by Carolyne Kroeker

Name: Will Landon (Wabshkigaabo or “standing white bear”) Position: Aboriginal students’ representative Studies: Second year, political studies What are some of the challenges facing your constituency?

In the university itself we face the issue of systemic racism. We are held up to the standards of a Eurocentric education paradigm. Indigenous identity and learning are vastly differ-

I want to bring awareness to aboriginal students as to who the student union is and what we do.

Indigenous people have felt very disenfranchised from UMSU. Disenfranchisement has resulted in indigenous students having a lack of interest in campus life. My priority is to ensure that indigenous students feel welcome and are a part of the campus experience. I want students to feel empowered to vote, raise issues, and have confidence that their voices will be heard and respected.

What experience do you have that would make you a good candidate for this position?

I have been raised in Ojibwe culture. I have a deep reverence of our traditional systems as I regularly attend ceremonies; this helps me identify the issues we as indigenous [people] face. My lived experiences and the guidance of my elders is

Studies: Second year, political studies What are some of the challenges facing your constituency?

What experience do you have that would make you a good candidate for this position?

Some of my experience that would help me in this position Some of the issues facing my com- includes my work with the Children’s munity are stuff like ramp inclines Rehabilitation Foundation, where I or broken elevators; those are the was the youth ambassador in 2013, physical barriers. Physical barriers which was a great experience. I got are the most commonly known. But the opportunity to give speeches on we also face different barriers such behalf of youth with disabilities. I as not being able to access different was also the students living with disdocuments on D2L because the docu- abilities representative for UMSU ments aren’t accessible documents or and accessibility representative for not being able to write notes. These the Arts Student Body Council in are invisible barriers which are just 2014-15 where I got five different eleas important. Another huge barrier vators, two ramps, and the University is employment for students with College washroom fixed. I also mendisabilities. tioned that I am a very active member of the Big Horns which is a group If elected, what do you devoted to inclusivity.

hope to do to address those issues?

If I’m elected I will keep up my great relationship with the director of Physical Plant, Brian Rivers, to tackle physical barriers. So far this year I

Photo by Mike Still

Name: Daniel Tingskou Position: Students living with disabilities representative Studies: Fourth year, economics What are some of the challenges facing your constituency?

The challenges facing my constituency depend upon the condition of the individual student, which ranges from physical disabilities, auditory and visual limitations, to learning impairments or mental health issues.

In each of the formerly mentioned scenarios the student would face a different challenge; for example, a student with a physical disability may be unable to takes notes, students who are hearing impaired may find it difficult to partake in class discussion, those suffering from visual impairment must use alternative methods to process any visuals used in lecture, and students with mental health issues could face severe exam anxiety.

Socializing with peers, too, is more difficult for some of my constituents (including myself).

If elected, what do you hope to do to address those issues?

A lot of those issues are being addressed by Student Accessibility Services (SAS); however, one of the things I hope to do is help students in the accessibility program better utilize the services provided by SAS via a mentorship program. The purpose of the proposed mentorship program is to match first- or second-year students living with disabilities with another student who has a similar disability but is more accustomed to university life, such as a third- or fourth-year student. The mentor would be able to advise the mentee on how to fluently transition in the university setting, with the help

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of SAS and the mentor’s personal knowledge. I also want to promote the use of SAS. I do not know for sure but it is fair to suggest that some students are qualified to receive the services provided by SAS but choose not to. Student Accessibility Services is here to help; students should take full advantage of this.

As for the social aspect of being a student, I fear that a portion of my constituency may not feel as if they can comfortably mingle with their peers. I hope to provide more accessible social events that people of all abilities can enjoy.

What are your own priorities for the student union overall?

My priorities are the priorities of all University of Manitoba students, not just those living with disabilities.

I want to redirect the attention of UMSU away from large-scale social events and towards more key issues.

Not to say UMSU shouldn’t provide and promote school spirit – rather, I feel that too much of their resources are spent doing such. For instance, the university’s introduction of budget cuts, after new facilities have been built, and the industrialization of post-secondary education should be on the agenda of UMSU. It is in the best interest of all students for UMSU to have a strong influence on their academic environment

What experience do you have that would make you a good candidate for this position?

My experience as a volunteer with U of M Student Life and the Academic Learning Centre—where I assisted with Orientation Week and work as a writing tutor—has taught me how diverse our campus really is and the importance of ensuring an inclusive environment. I am also a member of Beyond Abilities, which is a student group that is in place to promote an inclusive and barrier-free setting. Being a part of this student group I have been introduced to the members of [the] community who face a wide array of challenges. Thus, I am a good candidate to represent my constituency because of my experiences dealing with different students and my empathetic personality.

a better community on campus.

If elected, what do you hope to do to address those issues?

The first thing I would like to do is continue the International Students’ Caucus. I feel it is an excellent platform that provides the opportunity to international students to sit together and discuss the challenges on campus. I think it can be used as a focal point to scrutinize and address all the challenges. I would like to work alongside the elected UMSU team to actually improve the attendance of the caucus. I feel that initiatives such as speaker series and mental health and wellness week are great but they do not capture the attention of international students, so again, the caucus can help provide awareness to international students about how such initiatives can be of advantage to them. As a university student we all receive emails regarding workshops and other programs but I feel that international students need some kind of a moderator to work hard to make sure that students understand those workshops are not just to advertise the services on campus but they are there to be used.

What are your own priorities for the student union overall?

I would like to keep a bigger picture in mind about how all the students can benefit from the decisions [being] made and vote for what feels right.

What experience do you have that would make you a good candidate for this position?

I have worked as the vice-president of Pakistani Students’ Association (formerly known as the Pakistan Students’ Council) from 2012 till 2014. I have worked alongside the previous international students’ representative on different forums. I have volunteered with the Muslim Students’ Association in past years, but the most important thing, in my view, is that I am currently employed at the International College of Manitoba, which is a transition program for international students who would like to pursue studies at the University of Manitoba.​

Rape culture, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and violence against women are all issues affecting students every day. The majority of female students in particular have experienced at least one incident of sexual harassment or sexual violence throughout their lifetime, many of them on campus or from fellow students. Although the majority of these incidents do not get reported, this does not mean that they are not happening. Further, some poster advertisements have not promoted the integrity of women, and these are issues that I want to address. This is why I am committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all at the U of M.

to:

1. Implement the United Nations [Women’s] Safe Cities initiative, which strives to make public spaces safer through preventing sexual assault, sexual harassment, and violence against women.

2. Include No Means No workshops as part of Student Orientation.

I believe that student responsibility extends beyond academic integrity.

Including No Means No workshops allows students to be reminded of what constitutes consent, as well as resources available to them (such as the Sexual Harassment Resource page, Safewalk, Peers, etc).

3. I want to ensure the integrity and respect for women is promoted by all in our community, demanding higher standards for poster advertisements, as well as ensure a clause in the U of M’s Code of Conduct specifies the standards of integrity and respect that all representatives and organizations are to adhere to.

4. Make this a university that you can be proud of! I want to lead more advocacy campaigns on issues pertaining to women’s rights, and listen to your stories, so that I can effectively implement our visions of what would help make the U of M a campus that you are excited to belong to!

Photo by Dana Hatherly

Name: Alana Robert Position: Women’s representative Studies: Third year, political studies and economics

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program, I want to create bi-weekly group discussions where people are given the platform to share ideas and initiatives they would like to see.

Fifthly, I want to work endlessly on promoting and rediscovering the true meaning of feminism.

I want to substantially increase the voice of women on campus. By collectively encouraging women from every socioeconomic, political, and cultural background, we can create a campus that is inclusive and welcoming to all.

Furthermore, I want to foster discussion and debate on campus and empower women to lobby for their rights on a campus level and a community level. I understand that there is a diverse community of women and dialogue is the best way to ensure that each one’s interest is met irrespective.

What are your own priorities for the student union overall?

My four goals as women’s rep are

I will vote for what I believe to be in the best interests of students, based on what has been expressed to me, and what I have observed. I hope that my voice on council would contribute to achieving events, opportunities, and initiatives that the U of M student population can be proud of, and be excited to be a part of! My priority at council is to advocate for students’ priorities.

What are some of the challenges facing your constituency?

partnered with university administration to create a Sexual Harassment Resource page to make information more accessible as well as encourage reporting, and advocate for all issues from violence against women prevention to missing and murdered indigenous women awareness. I am also president of the World Vision Student Group and am a youth ambassador for the organization.

If elected, what do you hope to do to address those issues?

What are your own priorities for the student union overall?

Name: Mujtaba Abdul Jalil Position: International students’ representative Studies: Third year, electrical engineering

I have seen international students encounter many different problems.

The biggest challenge international students face is the cultural and social adjustment. The University of Manitoba currently has representation from 104 countries but these statistics are not reflected at any social or cultural event held at our university.

Students are provided with a lot of different services at the university but the major population of international students is either unaware or too hesitant to utilize any of these services to their advantage. The international community is not as involved as they can be in UMSU events and I feel improving on these points can build

What are some of the challenges facing your constituency?

Features

Photo provided by Fariba Shakibani

Name: Fariba Shakibani Position: Women’s representative Studies: Third year, human nutritional sciences What are some of the challenges facing your constituency?

As a woman and a third-year student on this campus, I have firsthand experience with issues I have faced on campus. Resources available to me and other women aren’t properly advertised and unless sought after, are hard to find. Services like those offered by the Womyn’s Centre, Safewalk, Peers, Bison Run etc. are ones that if known, will help create a more safe campus.

I have also noticed that there isn’t a strong platform to discuss the unique issues of women of colour, Aboriginal women, international women, nontraditionally aged women, women with disabilities, and women who identify as lesbian, bisexual, and transgender, all of which are essential to ensuring an inclusive campus.

If elected, what do you hope to do to address those issues?

If elected, to further the collective voices of women on campus, I have a five-pronged approach. Firstly, I want to act as a liaison and work closely with UMSU to improve campus-wide advocacy efforts with regards to sexual health, mental health and safety for women on What experience do you have that would make campus. Secondly, I hope to begin a you a good candidate speaker series of influential women for this position? to empower and engage students on I founded and am currently campus. Thirdly, I would like the president of the Justice For Women Womyn’s Centre to be more open Student Group, which fundraises and and inclusive to all women on camadvocates for human rights issues spe- pus. Promoting the services provided cifically affecting women, as well as through social media, UMSU newsprovides a voice on behalf of women letters, and the campus newspaper are on campus to ensure the integrity and some ways I hope to accomplish this. respect for women is promoted by all Fourthly, as a believer that constant in the U of M community. We have exchange of ideas creates the best

My priorities lie within creating a welcoming, safe, and inclusive campus. Be it music festivals or revamping the UMSU website, I want to make sure that women are included in all aspects. Music festivals need to have safe spaces and on revamping the UMSU website, the Womyn’s Centre and other services need to be properly advertised. Following talk about budget cuts at the university level and UMSU cutting programs, I want to make sure that services that help women on campus are not cut.

What experience do you have that would make you a good candidate for this position?

I have worked endlessly to create my experience on and off campus something memorable and meaningful. Having volunteered with UMSU, student associations, and the U1 Student Council, I believe that I have the skills and determination to make this campus a truly welcoming and safe environment. Being the women’s representative would allow me to work towards that. The women on campus deserve a representative who truly believes that we can make our campus one of the best in terms of advocacy, safety, hospitality, and overall awareness. The councils and student groups that I have been a part of have allowed me to grow as a person and to grow as a student. I hope to give the same for the women at the university.

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Features pages from the past

Managing Editor: Craig Adolphe Contact: me@themanitoban.com / 474.6520

VOL. 101 NO. 53 March 4, 2015

Features pages from the past

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Diversions Graphics Editor: Bram Keast Contact: graphics@themanitoban.com / 474.6775

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VOL. 101 NO. 52 February 25, 2015

Diversions

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Arts & Culture Arts & Culture Editor: Lauren Siddall Contact: arts@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

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Musical detox Rapper Beatox collaborates with U of M jazz students on upcoming EP Ian T.D. Thomson, staff

jump to working with live musicians was a new and exciting experience for the local artist.

photo by Ron Hooper

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n March 27, Winnipeg rapper influences—has been a part of the Beatox will release his latest Winnipeg music scene for a few years EP, Late Nights, at the Good Will now. As a member of the now-defunct Social Club, In describing why he hip-hop group Butter Pretzels, he goes under the name Beatox, Adam saw success with two releases in 2012, Joint Stupidity and Baked Not Fried.

Fainman admits three reasons.

“First, I love beatboxing. I do it The group’s music was described as all the time, everywhere. Secondly— “stoner hip-hop,” a sub-genre popularbeing a rapper/MC—I love writing, ized by the band Das Racist. Some of storytelling, and making the ‘beat the songs by Butter Pretzels include talk,’” Fainman told the Manitoban. the hits “Let’s Meet Jack Black” and “Lastly, music has always been a “Outback Steakhouse.” form of a ‘detox’ in my life, helping With the group disbanding, me stay grounded.”

Fainman launched his solo project Fainman—citing D’Angelo and “Beatox” in September of 2013 and A Tribe Called Quest as his musical released the Modest Mouth Mixtape

shortly after.

Beatox plans on releasing an EP entitled Late Nights on March 27. For the EP, Fainman recorded with several musicians from the University of Manitoba jazz studies program, including members of Winnipeg funk band Down to Funk, featuring Sean Burke on bass, Jesse Popeski on guitar, Carter Graham on keys, and Noah Chochinov on drums. The project also features jazz and soul vocalist Joanna Majoko contributing hooks to tracks such as “OZ.” Being attuned to standard fourbar loops and hip-hop samples, the

“What the process has been, is that I bring songs I’ve written to them usually with a melody/vibe in mind, and the band will start messing around until something jumps out” – Adam Fainman (Beatox)

The product of the recordings is Late Nights. The new project’s trajectory bears no resemblance to Fainman’s earlier work with Butter Pretzels. While Butter Pretzels’ intention was mostly seen to be just goofing around, the focus of the new work aims to take listeners “on a journey through darkness and light.”

One of the EP’s songs, entitled “OZ,” starts off how one would expect a partnership between jazz and rap to sound. As the song builds, however, we are presented with a more interesting and experimental take on the formula. From a timid guitar riff intro, the song leads into Joanna Mojoko’s unique vocalization tied with Beatox citing references from the 1939 film, The Wizard of Oz. With plans to release Late Nights on March 27 at the Good Will Social Club, Fainman expects an eclectic musical-mixed event with R&B jazz band Sapphire Empire and rapper 3-PEAT sharing the bill.

“People should expect a lot of energy, some beatboxing, and a nice mix of hip-hop, jazz, funk, and some dancing.”

“The actual process of making songs with musicians is a new experience for me, and a lot of fun. What the process has been, is that I bring songs I’ve written to them usually with a melody/vibe in mind, and the band will start messing around until something jumps out,” explained Beatox will be releasing Late Nights Fainman. on March 27 at the Good Will “Then we piece it together, record Social Club (625 Portage Avenue). the whole jam, listen back, and then Tickets are $10 and will be availrepeat.” able at beatox.ca and at the door.

Great swimmers, better songwriters Great Lake Swimmers’ new EP is more rhythmic and orchestral Alana Trachenko, staff

G

reat Lake Swimmers’ new single, “Zero in the City,” evidences that the band is continuing to grow as artists. Lead vocalist Tony Dekker’s voice and the emphasis on wilderness in A Forest of Arms transitions the group’s previously dreamy and retrospective tracks to a more

Dekker said. “We have a stronger emphasis on the rhythm section, so there’s a real percussive element to some of the songs, but there’s also an orchestral chamber-folk thing that’s happening with some of the string arrangements and the acoustic instruments.”

Dekker said the group tries to diversify their work, explaining why the song takes a minute to recognize, even by fans of their work. The new LP will be introduced to audiences on their Canadian tour, beginning on April 15 , before the official release later that month.

“I’m really happy with how the new songs are sounding. I can’t wait to share them with people,” Dekker said.

“I think it’s some of our strongest and most interesting music yet. I’m photo by Marina Manushenko filled with anxious energy right now waiting for the album to be released.” aggressive mood.

Although the music may feel more The song represents a heavier and solid, the messages have remained more grounded feel. Dekker’s voice is constant, especially in the lyricism. less translucent, taking a more promi- The group’s name, as well as the title nent stance among the accompanying of the LP, evokes imagery of the wilinstrumental backdrop. derness, acknowledging its impor“‘Zero in the City’ is a good cross- tance to the members. section of what’s on the new album,” “I really love getting out into

nature as much as possible, whether it be camping, hiking, or whatever.

Even just getting out to a green space in the city can be really rejuvenating and inspiring,” Dekker explained.

“I think it’s some of our strongest and most interesting music yet. I’m filled with anxious energy right now waiting for the album to be released” – Tony Dekker, lead vocalist A Forest of Arms also represents the people that contributed to making the LP. “It’s very much imagery from [British Columbia], but it’s also taken on other meanings, and one of them is recognizing the importance of the community that this music springs

from,” Dekker said.

“Another meaning is the way that personally, in the band, our own families are growing and supporting us in this too. The title just felt really appropriate.”

The group pushed themselves further than ever before to finish the LP. The process involved a lot of experimenting with sounds and instrumentation, giving everyone a chance to “stretch out.”

For Dekker, the album represented some personal growth as well.

“I was even more open to the collaborative spirit with this album, and I think that shines through,” Dekker said.

“I learned that songwriting isn’t always something that needs to be done alone and in private. And that the process is possible while trying to live a balanced and happy life.”

Great Lake Swimmers will be performing on May 25 at 8 p.m. at the West End Cultural Centre.

Tickets are $29.75 and are available through Ticketmaster.

VOL. 101 NO. 53 March 4, 2015

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The decade in prints Urban Ink’s last 10 years of work on display at Parlour Coffee Alana Trachenko, staff

photos by Alana Trachenko

I

f you want a summary of events that took place in Winnipeg in the last decade, you need to only go as far as Parlour Coffee on Main Street.

Besides excellent coffee and quaint decor, visiting the shop now has the added perk of a view of Urban Ink’s latest exhibit, Dix ans d’affiches (10 Years of Posters).

On until April 2, the exhibit has the same effect as reading a cereal box while you eat breakfast. It gives your morning (or afternoon) coffee a touch of inspiration. Taking up the entire back wall, it’s impossible to ignore, and the burst of colour feels like the only bright thing in the middle of winter.

The posters tell the story of what has taken place in Winnipeg over the last 10 years. Film festivals, craft

sales, and lectures compete with one personal, yet relatable, account of the Winnipeg posters are thrown into the which we live. Although months pass another for attention. On their own, experience. mix. The not-for-profit organization that may look and feel grey, the artists, each poster would stand has seen many success- writers, and human rights activists of out with expertly chosen ful years in its endeavours Winnipeg are sitting in coffee shops, colours and eye-catching to showcase queer artists basements, studios, and wandering Taking up the entire back wall, it’s graphics. Together, the and stories. In 2014 the the streets creating art that replaces impossible to ignore, and the burst prints form a collage festival screened at the the steely cold with warm and lively of vivid aesthetics that University of Manitoba ideas and concepts. of colour feels like the only bright flows cohesively across as well as the recently It has been said before, but it is thing in the middle of winter the substantial space that op ened Ca nad ia n worth repeating: the cold which Museum for Human we spend so much time hating may it inhabits.

Winnipeg filmmaker Rights, and drew submis- actually be the thing that makes this Guy Maddin’s My Winnipeg poster What it means to be a sions from Toronto and Vancouver. city home to so many, and pushes is notable among the collection. Winnipegger is defined anew in One Gay City, an in-depth look at us to rely on more than sunlight to Maddin’s film, released in 2007, was every song, text, and image that is Winnipeg’s LGBTTQ* community, feel accomplished and successful. It met with both critical and audi- produced here. Maddin’s discussion made its world premiere at the festival pushes us to connect with each other ence praise. Writers and artists of of sleepwalking calls to mind the idea in 2014. and the city around us.

Urban Ink’s exhibit does more Winnipeg seem to enjoy portraying that while being surrounded, having their version of what it is to live in an isolated experience in Winnipeg than showcase the company’s eye for Dix ans d’affiches is on disthis city, an aim that may have gained is common for many of us. design. It reminds us of the vibrant, play at Parlour Coffee (468 popularity following Maddin’s highly Several years of Reel Pride hardworking, and talented city in Main Street) until April 2.

Storyteller-in-residence: Dovie Thomason Indigenous storyteller offers assistance at U of M Centre for Creative Writing and Oral Culture Ian T.D. Thomson, staff

T

he imagination can run wild in position. away by the amount of experiences cultural values coupled with human the hands of a great story and its Thomason’s works have been that could happen,” Thomason told affection and humour. storyteller. Dovie Thomason—the highly coveted even outside the the Manitoban.

These stories assisted Thomason current storyteller-in-residence at realm of storytelling. In in her development as one of the University of Manitoba Centre 2009, Thomason performed the most admired storytellers “Winnipeg is lively. [There is] for Creative Writing and Oral a talk on space exploration of her generation.

Culture (CCWOC)—focuses on and the need for “native sciAs part of the residency, a lot going on in the arts [ . . . sharing traditional indigenous tales. ence” at a Tedx Leadership Thomason has office hours to ] a lot going on in indigenous Beginning her tenure in January of Conference. The storyteller share her wisdom and assist 2015, Thomason will be available at has also performed various with aspiring artists with issues” – Dovie Thomason, U the university until the beginning keynotes, workshops, and their various works. of M storyteller-in-residence of April. consultations for organiza“Someone could come in The U of M faculty of arts has been tions such as the American because they are working on revered for bringing in unique writers Folklore Society and NASA. a song, or a poem, an autoand storytellers for the CCWOC. Thomason is grateful for the resiAs a Lakota/Kiowa Apache biography, or a novel [ . . . ] It could The inaugural residency was dency at the CCWOC and spoke indigenous woman, Thomason’s be a retired woman, it could be an Aboriginal poet Gregory Scofield in highly about the knowledge and inf luence began as a child with undergrad. It could be someone from the 2007 fall semester. In fall 2014, wisdom gained from her time at the her grandmother. The stories were the community,” said Thomason. the CCWOC had playwright Liz U of M. communicated in a traditional way “It’s not just students; it’s stuDuffy Adams come in for the fac“The variety of a day is brilliant. with an intention to teach as well as dents, faculty and [the] Winnipeg ulty’s residency. Dovie Thomason is The hardest thing for me is to not just entertain. They encompassed ideas of community.” the first American to be granted the let myself get distracted and blown both practical advice and indigenous Along with assisting the citi-

zens of Winnipeg at the CCWOC, Thomason has used her time at the U of M to explore the “great city” of Winnipeg.

“Winnipeg is lively. [There is] a lot going on in the arts [ . . . ] a lot going on in indigenous issues,” said Thomason.

Dovie Thomason is available for help with creative writing until the first week of April. Her office is located at 391 University College, with office hours on Mondays from 1:30-3:30 p.m. and Thursdays from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Thomason is also available by appointment.

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Arts & Culture

Arts & Culture Editor: Lauren Siddall Contact: arts@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

VOL. 101 NO. 53 March 4, 2015

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From basement beer to brewery Why craft beer is the shit Lauren Siddall, staff

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electing a beer from the LC can There are hundreds of different be a daunting task. The shelves are varieties of hops, which can be comlittered with everything from India bined into a variety of flavours. For Pale Ales (IPAs), to lagers, stouts, example, when you combine Chinook, porters, and flavoured beers of hun- Centennial, and Cascadian varieties, dreds of different brands – ranging you get a bitter, citrus-infused flafrom cheap domestic all the way to vour that is essential in the majority expensive imports. The easy choice of craft IPAs. When combined with is grabbing a six-pack of something infusing flavours such as berry (a generic, heading for the cashier, and trend to watch for) or otherwise, the calling it quits. combinations are limitless.

There is, however, an alternative: This innovation behind releasing craft beer. new flavours of beer and the freedom Falling in between experimental to do so is a defining feature of craft basement breweries and multina- beer. Whereas macro factories create tional, conglomerate breweries is the brews to appeal to the masses, craft sweet spot for beer lovers everywhere. breweries fill the otherwise untapped Craft beer is hard to define. The potential. majority of people who have reached “I think craft beer fills a niche the legal age of consumption have much like an independent filmmaker heard the term, but few know what fills a void in the soul of Hollywood. it means. Even within the industry, People seek out substance when they there is a grey area. constantly find none, and the beer “Craft beer and ‘other beer’ are industry has been lacking soul for all beer. The difference is in the many, many years,” said Rudge. approach,” said Half Pints brew“Craft brewers are trying to feed master and president David Rudge. a potential demand that they think “Whereas craft brewers tend to is there. And they dream it up, and focus on building flavour into their try to produce it. If it gains traction, beer and less on marketing, ‘other they’ll keep on making it,” Warwaruk beer’ brewers tend to focus on the said.

Being the indie filmmaker of the lowest common denominator of fizzy, yellow, and cold while marketing the beer world makes way for a freedom bejesus out of their product to get it that is paramount to the craft beer to sell.” industry and what fuels the interestCraft beers, on the other hand, ing styles and flavours.

“I think that what craft beer really are typically not advertised on mass media. While watching the Super does is open the window of opportuBowl, you will not see an ad for craft nity and variety. Once people start to beer, but you will likely see 10 for experiment, and really get exposed to different styles of beers, that’s macro breweries.

Craft breweries also meet several, when the palate changes a bit,” said albeit vague, criteria: “Craft brewers Warwaruk. are small brewers, craft brews use “The first time you taste black coftraditional ingredients in an innova- fee, it’s like, ‘Oh god I can’t handle tive way, and craft brewers maintain black coffee, I’m putting sugar into their integrity by what they brew and that!’ Or maybe you will love black coffee. And even in black coffee, their general independence.”

The key characteristic for craft there’s different styles of roasted beer, however, falls in the ingredi- beans that you use.” ents according to Farmery co-owner But that is the beauty behind craft Lawrence Warwaruk. While macro beer; it is not made for the masses, but breweries use artificially synthesized rather for people looking for somechemicals to mimic what most people thing beyond the average.

“True craft beers are honest, flathink beer should taste like, craft brewers go right to the source. vourful, and fill a specific niche for “Macro breweries will substitute people searching out better beer. Not adjuncts, which is anything else you every craft beer is going to be appealput into beer that will create alco- ing to every drinker, and that’s a good hol. The sugars they produce would thing,” Rudge said.

In case you are looking for some be very similar to the sugars barley would produce, but they use a cheaper craft beer inspiration the next time ingredient like corn syrup, or corn,” you make a beer run, here are some explained Warwaruk. brews that are sure to please.

“Craft beer uses traditional ingreHalf Pints Bulldog Amber Ale: dients, so our beer is mainly barley. Brewed with British crystal malts, We use a little bit of wheat malt in this beer is outfitted with a nutty our recipe, but then what gives beer aroma with an underlying bitterness flavour is not only the style of malt resonating from the hops.

Big Rock Grasshopper Wheat they use, but also the hops they use.”

I associate “hops” with a joke in Ale: My go-to beer; a really light the infamous Superbad scene in which touch of hops makes this beer very McLovin awkwardly tells the unim- versatile, and it is topped with a crisp, pressed cashier that he heard that the citrusy finish. If you want to bring out brewery recently added more hops the citrus, throw a wedge of lemon in. to his favourite beer, attempting to Farmery Premium Lager: This is appear knowledgeable in his quest to as close to homegrown as you can misrepresent his age. In reality, the get. Flavoured with three varieties hops included in the brew recipe are of hops, this lager is refreshing and easy to drink. paramount.

photos by Lauren Siddall

Sports Sports Editor: Mike Still Contact: sports@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

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Women’s World Cup preview Everything you need to know about this year’s tournament in Canada Ryan Stelter

making their World Cup debut in a group full of rookies. They can only rely on the possible inexperience of the other sides if they have any hope of the knockout stages. I don’t see the 46th-ranked side making it as one of the top-third-place teams.

Current title holders Japan don’t look like they will be slowing down.

After defeating the Americans four years ago on penalties, the Japanese could very well repeat last year’s outcome Ranked 52nd in the world, Cameroon will likely not make it out of the group stages. Along with the Swiss and Ecuador, the Cameroonians are making their World Cup debut. Being a very inexperienced side, they will hope to force a draw against Ecuador.

Group D

W

e’re less than 100 days away from the kickoff of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015 and the excitement is building. The men put on a spectacular show in Brazil a year ago, and now it’s time for the ladies to take centre stage and dazzle us with some high quality footy.

There should be no shortage of thrilling contests this year, and I’m going to give you the rundown of the groups, as well as how I think things will turn out.

Group A

Predictions (from first to last in the group): Canada, China, the Netherlands, New Zealand.

The host nation’s hopes lie with captain Christine Sinclair. Her leadership will be put to the test leading a Canadian side that did not fare so well in Germany four years ago, finishing last in their group. Ranked a respectable ninth, they should be able to ride the home field advantage into the knockout stages. An impressive performance at the 2012 Olympics in London, earning a bronze medal, will be something they can draw on.

Thirteenth in the FIFA rankings, China qualified by finishing in the top four of the Asian Football Confederation Women’s Asian Cup. China didn’t qualify for the 2011 World Cup in Germany and will hope to bounce back in Canada. I could easily see them finishing second in this group.

Debutants to this year’s World

Cup, the “leeuwinnen” (lionesses) are ready for action and could potentially make it as one of the four third-place teams advancing to the knockout stages. Many of the members of the Dutch national team play their trade in the Netherlands for the wellknown club, AFC Ajax. The Dutch are a soccer-crazed nation, so don’t be surprised if they make a run.

The “Football Ferns,” New Zealand, have a fighting chance in this group. Ranked 18th in the world, they’re led by Amber Hearn, who’s netted the most goals for New Zealand in their international history.

If she can nick a few goals for the ferns, watch out. If not, they will be out of luck.

Group B

Predictions: Germany, Norway, Ivory Coast, Thailand.

Led by FIFA Women’s Ballon d’Or winner Nadine Kessler, the Germans cruised through qualification and are ranked first in the world.

Fresh off of a 2013 UEFA Women’s Euro Championship, the Germans are a heavy favourite in this tournament and hope to follow their male counterparts and win the World Cup this year.

World Cup winners in 1995, Norway is looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2011 tournament. Runners-up to Germany in the 2013 UEFA Women’s Euro Championship, they will be looking for revenge. Watch out for when the

Predictions: USA, Australia, Sweden, Nigeria. graphic by Bradly Wohlgemuth The Americans are strongly favoured in this year’s tournament. two clash in Ottawa on June 11.

They’ve been placed in a tough group Making their debut in this year’s but I don’t think they will have much tournament, Ivory Coast has a of a problem topping it. The stars and tough slog ahead of them. They are stripes, who finished second in 2011, a fairly inexperienced side. Despite are going to bounce back. They’re finishing third at the 2014 African playing in North America, and with Women’s Championship, they will Hope Solo in between the sticks, the have troubles against the European U.S. will be tough to break down. powerhouses in Group B. The 10th-ranked Aussies will be Squeaking into this year’s World wanting to better their performances Cup by winning the playoff against in the last two World Cups, being Vietnam in the Asian qualifiers, knocked out in the quarter-finals in Thailand won’t put up much of a each. With an aging attack, look for fight in this group. Dominating the 23-year-old Kyah Simon to make an Southeast Asian Games against impact for the Socceroos up front. international minnows, Thailand’s Australia will have trouble against first World Cup will be a tough go. the U.S., but should finish second quite comfortably.

Group C The “blueyellow” Swedes, who Predictions: Japan, Switzerland, are ranked fifth in the World, could Ecuador, Cameroon. easily finish second in this group, but Current title holders Japan don’t will qualify for the knockout stages as look like they will be slowing down. one of the top-third-place teams. The After defeating the Americans four Swedes suffered one of their biggest years ago on penalties, the Japanese losses to the U.S. in 2012, 4-0. This could very well repeat last year’s is going to be an interesting group. outcome. Since the 2011 World Cup, On paper the weakest side in the Japan has captured silver at the 2012 group, 32nd-ranked Nigeria will have Olympics and won the AFC Asian to rely on a miracle to overcome the Cup in 2014. powerhouses of the U.S., Sweden, “La Nati,” as they’re called in and Australia. However, crazier Switzerland, are making their World things have happened. Nigeria has Cup debut in 2015. After winning dominated the African Women’s their group in European qualifica- Championship, winning nine of the tion relatively easily, the Swiss are 11 tournaments, and could surprise entering the world stage in good fet- with strong defensive showings. tle. The Swiss have a potent offence, finishing with a 52-goal difference Group E in qualifying.

Predictions: Brazil, South Korea, South American side Ecuador is Spain, Costa Rica.

The Brazilians are a favourite in any tournament they enter, simply because they have so many people who play soccer. They have won the last two Copa Américas, their most recent championship coming in 2014, and shouldn’t struggle too much to top this group.

Having not qualified for the last two World Cups, it might be a stretch to say that the South Koreans will make it to the knockout stages. They are ranked 17th in the world and will rely heavily on Ji So-Yun, who has nicked 28 goals.

Debutants Spain have little to no track record internationally, having finished seventh in the 2013 European championships, their best performance being a third-place finish in 1997. Ranked 15th in the world, the Spaniards will have a tough time in this group due to their inexperience, and won’t qualify for the knockout stages.

Also making their World Cup debut in Canada, the Costa Ricans have shown us before that they can play. The men made a miracle run a year ago in Brazil. The women will hope to emulate that performance. Finishing second in the CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup, the Costa Ricans could potentially surprise us this year.

Group F

Predictions: France, England, Mexico, Colombia.

Finishing fourth in Germany four years ago, France, ranked third in the world, should take this group fairly easily. Marie-Laure Delie is the main cog in France’s attack, having netted 57 goals in 80 international appearances.

The country that brought the beautiful game to the World Cup, England is not a strong favourite to win this year’s tournament. However, they should qualify for the knockout stages. Fara Williams will lead the charge. She’s been an effective midfielder for the Three Lionesses, scoring 37 goals for the English.

Having not won an international tournament in recent years, the Mexicans will struggle to gain their footing in this group. If this 21stranked Mexican side can draw upon their success at the CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup, they might have a shot at being one of the third-place teams to qualify.

The “coffee growers” made their debut four years ago in Germany, and will look to build on their experience. They didn’t win a game but drew 0-0 against North Korea. Many members of Colombia play in North America, which will help, but this South American side won’t make it to the knockout stages.

VOL. 101 NO. 53 March 4, 2015

Sports

31

Tearing up the track

Canada West Championships a success for Bisons Mike Still, staff

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ith the home crowd cheering just 14 behind first-place Calgary. them on, a young University The women finished seventh with 36 of Manitoba Bison squad impressed points, but were just 13 back of fifth at the 2015 Canada West Track and place.

Field Championships, held this past First-year standoutEric Guy led Friday and Saturday on campus in the the way, with a gold medal in the newly named James Daly Fieldhouse. pentathlon (3,663 points) and a silManitoba finished the weekend ver in the 60-metre hurdles (8.23 secwith 26 top-six placements, including onds). Rebekah Sass, Wyatt Eyford, three gold medals, five silver med- Melissa Richards, Gee-eff Nkwonta, als, and two bronze medals. Triple Oyinkansola Akinola, Tegan Turner, jump and the 300-metre event were and Alhaji Mansaray also medalled Manitoba’s two strongest events. The for the Bisons.

Mansaray ended the two-day herd claimed two medals in triple Including Mansaray’s perforjump, and one in the 300-metre, event off with a bang, securing a gold along with a combined three other in high jump. His 2.17-metre height mance, there were a total of six new top-six finishes in those two events. was a new Canada West conference conference records set at the fieldThe men’s team had a very strong record, and left the fans in attendance house, such as Sarah Inglis of Trinity showing, finishing second in the with smiles on their faces at the end Western’s time of 4:16:84 in the 1500metre event, which broke a 34-year overall team standings with 70 points, of competition.

photo by Carolyne Kroeker

record.

In the evening following competition, individual awards were handed out at the 2015 conference awards banquet. Guy left with plenty of hardware, as he was named the

male rookie of the year, and also received the male community service award, after raising over $2,500 for CancerCare Manitoba.

Bisons to charge Pandas after eliminating UBC Women’s hockey comes back from 1-0 series deficit to book a place in Canada West finals Andy Che, staff

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n the 2014-15 Canada West regu- mented that the injury was a big loss Manitoba was no stranger to lar season, only the University of for the team, and called upon rookie overtime in the playoffs. Their final British Columbia was able to score Megan Tully to fill the void. two games of the quarter-final series three goals against the Manitoba British Columbia used their home against Regina were concluded after Bisons on more than one occasion. ice advantage to establish early lever- regulation time, where Courtlyn For that fact, the Bisons would have age on the Bisons in game one, where Oswald clinched the opening series been nervous in facing the UBC the Thunderbirds led 2-0 after the for Manitoba in game three.

Thunderbirds in a three-game series. two periods. Dyck was able to hold However, as goalie Rachel Dyck back the Thunderbirds’ onslaught and Though facing a and company would prove, nervous- stopped 21 of 23 shots, giving a chance ness was the last emotion they were for league scoring leader and rookie higher-ranked team experiencing. of the year Alanna Sharman to cut Both teams beat each other at the lead to 2-1. for the second home this season, splitting the seaCaptain Maggie Litchfield-Medd time in two playoff son series 2-2 and indicating that assisted on the lone Manitoba goal, the playoff meeting would be a tight recording her fourth point in four rounds, this young affair. The University of British playoff games. Despite their best crop of talent is Columbia hosted the playoff series, efforts, the Bisons dropped the openhaving accumulated the better regu- ing match 2-1. sure to deliver yet lar season record. Although, it was Game two was an all-or-nothing Manitoba who clinched the semifi- for Rempel and his young Bisons. The another high energy nals 2-1, in which all matchups last Thunderbirds outshot Manitoba 11-5 and entertaining weekend finished with a 2-1 score. in the first period of the game, but Heading into the series, the Dyck stood tall in the scoreless period. performance Bisons lost Lindsay Blight to a lower Both teams exchanged goals in the body injury in game one hosting second period, both scoring on the Regina. The veteran defender was power play.

This time around, it was Alexandra taken out behind her own net and As regulation time came to a close, Anderson who played the role of remained down, until medical staff the Bisons knew each play would be overtime hero in game two against removed her from the ice as she more important than their last. The the Thunderbirds, scoring in double avoided placing any weight on her next goal wouldd be the most crucial overtime. The Bisons’ season was right foot. Coach Jon Rempel com- in their season to date. extended for at least one more game.

Winning at UBC for the first time this season gave the Bisons momentum heading into game three, and Rempel’s side never let up. Having lost game two with Samantha Langford, UBC turned back to goalie Danielle Dube for the matchup, as she was the starter in the Thunderbirds’ game one win.

The Bisons’ top line of Alana Serhan, Alanna Sharman, and Maggie Litchfield-Medd came through despite UBC’s goaltender’s plans, scoring in the first and third periods.

Dyck had arguably her best performance of the Canada West playoffs, stopping 23 of 24 shots and only conceding a goal midway through the third period. The final horn came as relief to the Bisons, who began to succumb to late one-on-one battles in the Thunderbirds’ bid for a 2-2 score.

The game three victory by a 2-1 score marks the second time in this playoff campaign that the Bisons have closed out a series by one goal.

This could be a determining factor as Manitoba now faces top-seeded Alberta in the Canada West finals.

The Pandas have the conference’s top offence and defence, scoring three goals per games and conceding 1.25.

Manitoba split the regular season series 2-2 with the Pandas, winning one game in Alberta and one at home. The series also featured stellar goaltending, in which Dyck recorded a shutout when Alberta visited Manitoba late in November 2014.

Her opposition Lindsey Post also notched a shutout when the Bisons travelled to Alberta earlier that month. Post’s shutout marked the only time this season that any team has kept the Bisons’ high-powered offence from scoring in a game.

Despite facing a higher ranked team for the second time in three playoff rounds, this young crop of talent is sure to deliver yet another high energy and entertaining performance, as has been on display for most of this season.

The conference finals are scheduled for this upcoming weekend when the Manitoba Bisons visit Alberta on Friday, March 6; Saturday, March 7; and Sunday, March 8, if necessary.

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Sports

VOL. 101 NO. 53 March 4, 2015

Curling for Canada

Team Calvert bound for Estonia

Daniel Grant’s Granada experience

Leanne Rutter

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hree of the University of Manitoba’s own represent Canada this week in Tallinn, Estonia for the 2015 World Junior Curling Championships. Braden Calvert (skip), Kyle Kurz (third), Lucas Van Den Bosch (second), Brendan Wilson (lead), and Colton Lott (alternate) made their way overseas on Feb. 24 to begin their World Junior experience.

Calvert, Kurz, and Van Den Bosch are students at the University of Manitoba studying agriculture, kinesiology, and business, respectively.

This is the second year in a row Team Calvert is curling for Canada in this competition. It’s uncommon for teams to achieve repeat gold medal wins in the Canadian championships, though this team pulled it off.

Manitoba is one of the main “powerhouse” regions for curling, with loads of excellent competition for both men and women.

Calvert had a terrific start to this year’s competitive play as he beat Team Dunstone, former bronze medal champions in the 2013 World Junior Curling Championships, in the final of the Manitoba Junior Provincial Championship. From

Mike Still, staff

then on he won against another strong team, Team Hersikorn representing Saskatchewan, in the national junior championships, for the right to bear Canadian colours.

Calvert had a terrific start to this year’s competitive play as he beat Team Dunstone, former bronze medal champions in the 2013 World Junior Curling Championships Last year Team Calvert made it to Switzerland for this same world competition and lost 7-5 in the bronze medal game against Norway. These men faced Norway in their first game this year starting on the 28th.

The teams had a slow start for points as they blanked in the first end. In the fourth end, the

Manitoban men produced a huge score of four, giving them a 5-1 lead. A miss on a pressured draw from Norway gave Canada a steal of three by the end of the sixth, a huge breaking point in the game.

Calvert successfully made a double take-out, turning it into a blank end in the eighth with an 8-3 lead. At this time Norway decided to shake hands early, making an excellent start for Team Calvert in the competition.

There is some great excitement happening on these sheets between all teams and it is worth the time to watch. So, remember the eighthour time difference between Winnipeg and Tallinn and tune in to cheer and lend support to whichever team you favour.

The competition runs until March 8, with playoffs beginning on March 6. You can follow Team Calvert at the World Junior Curling Championships 2015 website at wjcc2015.curlingevents.com or on their Twitter page, @CalvertTeam.

All games are also broadcasted live on YouTube at WorldCurlingTV.

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o say that Daniel Grant is well travelled would be an understatement. The second on the University of Manitoba Bison curling team has been through a whirlwind last two years, which includes a Canadian Junior Curling Championship (2013), a bronze at the World Junior Championship in Russia (2013), a CIS/CCA Curling Championship (2014), and, most recently, a trip to Spain to represent Canada at the 2015 Winter Universiade, which took place from Feb. 4-14.

Grant has been involved with the sport from a young age, and while he stated that it’s time-consuming, the results of his toil are apparent.

“It’s definitely a lot [harder] than people think, but it’s worth it,” Grant said. “We play for fun, we play for money, we play for pride.”

That pride was evidenced when the Bisons captured Manitoba’s first-ever CIS/CCA men’s curling title last year. The win also gave them an automatic berth in Granada to represent their country.

Grant noted that one of the biggest challenges for the squad in preparing to go to Granada was training as a team. Each individual member had separate squads that they played on outside of the CIS curling season.

“Once we won [the CIS cham-

pionship] we knew we had to all commit to this,” Grant said. We had to not really up our training, but focus it towards us. We did have 10 months to get there, which is a long time to wait, because normally you don’t have that.”

The team knew what they were up against once they finally arrived in Granada, and while the result (5-4 final record) wasn’t what they wanted, the experience was still a memorable one, especially getting the chance to interact with other countries on a more intimate basis once the competition was over.

“We watched some hockey, and we got to know people, and we mingled,” Grant said. “People were more than happy to just forget about their sports and talk about stuff. It was very nice to be involved in a multi-sport event, which is something we really took advantage of.”

Putting on the red and white was something that brought a sense of pride for Grant, and despite not capturing a medal, the experience was one he’s sure to remember for the rest of his life.

“Just being there and representing Canada was awesome,” Grant said. “You don’t get the opportunity to do that often, and you want to take advantage of it. I definitely think we did.”

graphic by Bram Keast