29 January 2014

news

comment

science & technology

Mondra-gone

Blood money Compensation for what's in you to give

Plastic pollutants Not to Bee

Thames river refuse ridden

Sherbrook St. pub closure stings

Banny Bowl!

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page 9

page 18

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Local co-op closes doors, A-Zone in search of new occupants

arts & culture

sports

Bannatyne students host hockey tourney for WISH Clinic

THE ETHICAL CONSUMPTION FEATURE pgs 10-17 Vo l 1 0 0 路 N o 2 0 路 j a n ua ry 2 9 , 2 0 1 4 路 w w w.t h e m a n i to b a n .co m

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Index

VOL. 100 NO. 20 January 29, 2014

Editor-in-Chief Bryce Hoye

editor@themanitoban.com / 474.8293

Business manager Foster Lyle

accounts@themanitoban.com / 474.6535

Advertising Coordinator Daniel Schipper

ads@themanitoban.com / 474.6535

Editorial

Senior News Editor Quinn Richert

news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

News Editor Katy MacKinnon

katy@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

Comment Editor Katerina Tefft

comment@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Managing Editor Fraser Nelund

me@themanitoban.com / 474.6520

science & technology Editor Tom Ingram

science@themanitoban.com/ 474.6529

arts & Culture Editor Kara Passey

arts@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Sports Editor Marc Lagace

sports@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Copy Editor Carlyn Schellenberg

copy@themanitoban.com/ 474.6520

Design

Design Editor Silvana Moran

design@themanitoban.com / 474.6775

Graphics Editor Bradly Wohlgemuth

graphics@themanitoban.com / 474.6775

Photo Editor Beibei Lu

photo@themanitoban.com / 474.6775

design associate Aichelle Sayuno graphics associate Bram Keast

Reporters

News Caleigh MacDonald News Kevin Linklater Science Elizabeth Drewnik arts & culture Anastasia Chipelski arts & culture Lukas Thiessen Sports Mike Still Assistant copy editor Angela England

Volunteer Contributors

Will Gibson, Justin Ladia, Gloria Joe, Keegan Steele, Chris Kreamer, Bob Tinker, Samantha Secter, Michael Carlisle, Grace Kennedy

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Enjoy a traditional Chinese New Year in 2014

by Beibei Lu, Photo Editor, the Manitoban

It will be the traditional Chinese New Year’s eve on January 30th.

You are welcome to enjoy a traditional Chinese New Year at the UMCSSA Chinese Spring Festival Gala at the University of Manitoba (Room 210 University Center, 6 p.m., Feb. 1st, 2014).

Listen to HELLO,WINNIPEG, a Mandarin radio show at UMFM 101.5 at 1 p.m. every Tuesday.

A “volunteer staff” member is defined as a person who has had three volunteer articles, photographs, or pieces of art of reasonable length and/or substance published in three different issues of the current publishing year of the Manitoban. Any individual who qualifies must be voted in by a majority vote at a Manitoban staff meeting. Elected representatives and non-students may be excluded from holding votes as volunteer staff members in accordance with the Manitoban Constitution.

The Manitoban is the official student newspaper of the University of Manitoba. It is published monthly during the summer and each week of regular classes during the academic year by the Manitoban Newspaper Publications Corporation.

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

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

Students and other interested parties are invited to contribute to any section of the newspaper. Please contact the appropriate editor for submission guidelines. The Manitoban reserves the right to edit all submissions and will not publish any material deemed by its editorial board to be discriminatory, racist, sexist, homophobic or libellous. Opinions expressed in letters and articles are solely those of the authors. Editorials in the Manitoban are signed and represent the opinions of the writer(s), not necessarily those of the Manitoban staff, Editorial Board, or the publisher.

All contents are ©2014 and may not be reprinted without the express written permission of the Editor-in-Chief.

Yearly subscriptions to the Manitoban are available for $40.

Senior News Editor: Quinn Richert News Editor: Katy MacKinnon Contact: news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

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News

Active Living Centre update Building aesthetics to encourage community involvement in active living Grace Kennedy, volunteer staff

He said that enhancing the student experience by offering these facilities is a big priority in light of research that shows a strong connection between recreational physical activity and mental health.

The brand-new components of the facilities will include three multipurpose rooms; an enhanced climbing wall, which will be more dynamic and higher than the current one; and the “agora,” an open meeting space with flexible seating and new food service options, which Thompson said will be “much different from Timmy’s.”

Another addition is the Applied Research Centre, a 10,000-squarefoot space (the Active Living Centre photo by beibei lu is 100,000 square feet overall).

Gordon Giesbrecht, a professor tudents and the community have living at the U of M, told the Manitoban from the faculty of kinesiology and taken notice of the ongoing con- that the primary driving factor of the recreation management at the U of struction alongside Frank Kennedy project was to get out of the Gritty M, said the research centre will help Centre at the University of Manitoba. Grotto, which he said looks, smells, “design and evaluate programs that will The space will be home to the Active and feels like a basement. actually get people active.”

Living Centre, a $45 million campus “We believe the University of Thompson described a “getting addition set to open in early 2015.

Manitoba students deserve better,” said started suite” after identifying that Gary Thompson, director of active Thompson. there are a lot of people who chronically

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fail at getting started on and sustaining see inside it and see people being active,” an active lifestyle. said Thompson.

“Some of that is through social The project team hired polar-oppoanxiety and body image issues, so we site user groups to deal with issues— wanted a smaller place, not in the gen- such as the use of the track, and the use eral public, where we can work with of the fitness area and privacy area— those groups to learn the language and the groups found harmonious soluof fitness, and to learn how to use the tions together. basics of equipment to the point where “We paid a lot of attention to the they felt well-equipped to go into the different types of users based on focus public.” groups. There are places for people who Andrea Hilderman of architectural want to look outside or watch the TV services at the U of M’s physical plant, or Internet, or people who want to be said other fitness facilities in the com- seen, and people that want privacy,” munity will not be able to offer what said Thompson. the university can with the research John Danakas, director of marketand knowledge base the centre will ing communications for the U of M, provide. said the current cost of $126 for a fourThe aesthetics of the building are month membership and $162 for an central to the faculty’s mission to eight-month membership for fullengage people in active living. time students will decrease to $75 and “We anticipate there will be a drop- $150, respectively, with the opening of off point outside the western doors of the new centre. the centre to induce people to come into A two-term membership (Fall and the building, and [be able to] access the Winter) for part-time students will tunnels to all of campus [ . . . ] Because cost $112.50 and a Summer Session the building is made of glass, even if membership will be $56.25. you’re not walking in it you’ll be able to

Former Canadian ambassador to China taken to task on report by U of M Asian studies professor Report slammed as biased and partisan Kevin Linklater, staff

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his past Thursday, the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APFC), a Canadian think tank, hosted a panel discussion at the University of Manitoba on the mounting importance of Asia entitled “The rise of Asia: Are we ready?”

Former Canadian ambassador to China David Mulroney (2009 to 2012), who now serves as co-chair of the APFC’s Task Force on Asia Competence, presented at the event.

Mulroney outlined the findings of a recent APFC report in his opening remarks to the panel, and argued that Canada needs to better prepare itself for the rising position of Asia in global affairs, particularly in the case of China.

“It seems pretty clear that we’re not, as Canadians, responding to this shift in a manner that is as smart, active, or connected as some other jurisdictions.

But it’s worse than that. We’re not even having the conversation that precedes policy development and action,” said Mulroney.

Members of the panel then weighed in on the report, providing their thoughts and feedback. This involved mostly agreement with Mulroney, until the panel heard from William Lee, associate professor and director of the Asian studies centre at the U of M. Lee took a critical view, focusing

his comments on what he saw as “the report’s major flaw, which is its very narrow and partisan agenda.”

Lee outlined three points of criticism; namely, the report’s “unabashed business orientation,” overwhelming focus on China, and stance on Canada’s energy sector, the Alberta oil sands in particular.

“The unspoken assumption here is of further, even ramped up extraction from Alberta’s tar sands [ . . . ] This scenario, however, is not inevitable, and there are many Canadians, I among them, who are not convinced that Canada’s future well-being depends on finding ways to fast-track the exploitation of our natural resources, despite the certain environmental degradation for short-term economic gain.”

Lee also took issue with the relationship Canada has with China, and the uncritical stance the federal government has taken in regards to the latter’s human rights record.

“Nowhere is it mentioned in the report that China is governed by an authoritarian regime which limits free speech to its citizens and has a very poor human rights record. The report’s silence on these issues would seem to indicate that it is considered a non-issue. But is it? Whether we should simply abandon our own principles or values for the sake of business profits

is a debate I believe [is] worth having,” said Lee. Mulroney and Lee also clashed on the role that Confucius Institutes play in Canada, with Lee characterizing them as the Chinese government’s international “propaganda instruments.”

In his response, Mulroney acknowledged that “there is undeniable controversy around the work of at least some Confucius Institutes, where there was a perception, and in some cases fairly strong evidence, of an effort to influence Canadian standards, Canadian norms and values in ways that are inappropriate.”

He nonetheless took a much less critical view of the institutes, stating, “Let me be clear that everybody we talked to who has a Confucius Institute in their institution expressed nothing but positive feelings about the relationship.”

Following the panel discussion, Lee spoke briefly to the Manitoban about his views on the APFC. “The organization never used to be such a pro-business lobby. When it was created in the 1980s, it was mainly focused on increasing understanding and things like that, but now it has certainly transformed into a mouthpiece for the business class in this country.”

When Stephen Harper initially came to power in 2006, he took a criti-

photo by beibei lu

cal stance on the Chinese government, focusing on its poor human rights record – a policy for which Harper was applauded by some human rights groups, but bemoaned by those in favour of stronger trade ties with the country of 1.3 billion. Harper has since embraced trade with China.

Lee closed his remarks by emphasizing the need for Canada to balance trade and human rights considerations in its dealings with China, alluding

to the externalities that come along with the gradual shifting of geopolitical dynamics.

“At the very least when we consider our relationship with China we must ask ourselves how the pursuit of our own economic interests impacts the citizens of that country and in what ways it serves directly or indirectly to support the non-democratic regime there.”

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VOL. 100 NO. 20 January 29, 2014

How to feed the world Visionary Conversations panelists suggest waste management, focus on access Quinn Richert, staff

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he first Visionary Conversations tive terms, the global population, Wittenberg’s financial connections to talk of 2014 was held at the since 1967, and in absolute terms Manitoba Pork. Medoro volunteers University of Manitoba’s Fort Garry since 1987.” with the Winnipeg Humane Society Smil went on to argue that most (WHS) investigating the confinecampus last week. This time, an interdisciplinary panel of current and for- countries produce more food per ment of farm animals. mer faculty discussed the impending capita (in kilocalories) than required “In Manitoba, the public has proproblem of feeding a packed planet: to feed their populations, and that the duced tens of thousands of signatures at nine billion mouths to feed, who solution to the problem of feeding the opposing the confinement of farm world would come from cutting waste animals. We brought those signawill get fed first?

Featured speakers included Digvir and re-evaluating distribution. tures to the U of M, which is a public “We need to make sure that people institution, and asked a researcher Jayas, vice-president (research and international) and distinguished have access to food in places like India, here, ‘how can we change this?’ How professor in biosystems engineer- parts of rural China, and large parts does this industry change? [ . . . ] ing; Karin Wittenberg, associate dean of the Middle East [ . . . ] mind you, We’re talking about vast numbers of (research) and professor of animal sci- even in the U.S., 49 million people farm animals in cages in warehouses ence; and Vaclav Smil, distinguished are on food stamps and they produce as we speak. How do we begin to professor emeritus in the Clayton 3,700 kcal [of food] per capita. You change that, because I understand Dr. H. Riddell faculty of environment, will not increase access to food by Barnard said you won an award from earth, and resources. Each of the increasing the production of food,” Manitoba Pork. So how can I reach three shared their ideas on how to he told the audience. you without their influence?” asked Questions from the audience Medoro, inciting applause from the feed the world as the population presumably booms and resources begin focused on the 100-Mile Diet audience. (mocked by Smil and supported by to deplete.

In the past, Medoro has published Jayas focused on the minimiza- Wittenberg), anthropocentrism and articles in the Manitoban critical of tion of agricultural waste. Wittenberg the loss of biodiversity during food the Manitoba pork industry, one of talked about the need for farmers to production, and the cruelty of sow which prompted a response from aniadapt new technologies to their local stalls. mal science department head Laurie The final audience questioner Connor. contexts. Smil denied that a populaof the night, U of M English pro- Series still well-received tion boom was underway at all.

“The title ‘Global Population Boom’ fessor Dana Medoro, took aim Consistently well-attended at Wittenberg and the depart- from the beginning, the Visionary is wrong,” said Smil.

“We’ve been decelerating in rela- ment of animal science, criticizing Conversations series has since

expanded into the digital world, tak- Conversations as the “best commuing questions from Twitter, and part- nity outreach initiative” from any nering with CBC Radio. According university in Canada. to John Danakas, director of mar“We’re very proud of Visionary keting communications at the U of Conversations and what it has been M, working with CBC will help the able to achieve, and we hope we can series achieve its goals as a commu- keep it interesting and appealing to nity outreach initiative. audiences for as long as possible,” “The goal of the Visionary said Danakas, when asked about the Conversations has always been to future of the lecture series. He added share U of M expertise with respect that there are no plans to change the to current issues with the wider pub- format of the events. lic,” said Danakas.

“The question period is longer than “Having a media partner like CBC you’re going to find in most types helps us reach a larger audience and of events like this, and that is intenan engaged audience.” tional [ . . . ] for the most part, the U of M president David Barnard, aspect of Visionary Conversations in a statement to the Manitoban, also being a conversation and including emphasized the importance of shar- as many people as possible, and difing the school’s attributes with the ferent perspectives, is one that has general public. been retained and we think we will “Visionary Conversations was retain into the future.” intended to raise in the general public an awareness of the university as a The next Visionary Conversations place where informed opinion on cur- event will be held Wednesday, Mar. rent and complex subjects exists, and 12 at the Robert B. Schultz lecture where informed debate about these theatre. The topic will be “What matters can occur,” said Barnard. have we learned from Mandela?

In 2012, the U of M was presented Race and ethnic relations around with an award from the Canadian the world and here at home.”

Council for the Advancement of Education, recognizing Visionary

Attention back on assisted suicide debate Supreme Court of Canada will hear appeal for physician-assisted death Caleigh MacDonald, staff

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nother chapter in the Canadian ment to write new legislation. She debate over physician-assisted sui- allowed Taylor an exemption to allow cide has begun in Ottawa, where the her to end her life as she saw fit.

Supreme Court of Canada will hear Smith’s ruling was overturned at an appeal in the case of two British the provincial court of appeal, but the Columbian women, Kay Carter and exemption was permitted to stand.

Gloria Taylor.

Taylor passed away following an infecTaylor, a grandmother diagnosed tion in October 2012, her exemption with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis— never used. more commonly referred to as ALS This time around, the focus of the or Lou Gehrig’s disease—became Supreme Court hearings will be on the face of the British Columbia Civil whether terminally ill and mentally Liberties Association’s (BCCLA) bat- competent persons should be permittle for right-to-die legislation when she ted to end their own life with the assisjoined their 2012 suit, which argued tance of a licensed physician, under the law against physician-assisted certain regulations. suicide was unconstitutional.

Elayne Shapray, a 67-year-old mulTaylor was joined in that case tiple sclerosis patient, has joined this by two members of Carter’s family, new appeal. who had escorted Carter to Zurich, In an interview with the CBC, Switzerland in January 2010 so she Shapray stated, “I can no longer turn could legally receive the help of a over or even move in bed – or find medical professional in ending her comfort in any position for any period life after being diagnosed with spinal of time [ . . . ] My choices for bringing stenosis. about my death unassisted are selfJustice Lynn Smith of the British starvation, over-medication or some Columbia Supreme Court, who ulti- violent self-inflicted injury.” mately ruled the existing law against In an earlier interview, Shapray physician-assisted suicide to be uncon- also said that the law as it stands could stitutional, initially deferred her ruling actually drive her to end her life sooner for a year to allow the federal govern- than she would have otherwise.

“I might have to prematurely make that decision, because you have to do it yourself, and I only have the use of my right hand now [ . . . ] If you don’t do it soon enough, then you lose your

suit rests on the landmark 1993 Sue the right to determine how much sufRodriguez case, which determined fering to endure and whether to seek physician-assisted suicide to be a doctor’s assistance to hasten death unconstitutional. if living becomes unbearable. We are Supporters of assisted suicide argue relieved that the Supreme Court of that the ruling on the Rodriguez case Canada has decided to hear our case,” is outdated. Since the overturning of said BCCLA litigation director Grace The focus of the the case, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Pastine in a recent statement. the Netherlands, as well as four U.S. Shapray concurred, saying she is Supreme Court states, have legalized physician-as- “overjoyed” by the decision. hearings will be on sisted suicide and implemented regula“My hope is that the Court will tions to control it. allow people in my situation who whether terminally “Choice is a key element of our endure intolerable suffering from ill and mentally medical system. Patients have a right a variety of conditions to choose a to accept or refuse medical treatment [ peaceful, dignified death surrounded competent persons . . . ] even if that choice leads to death,” by loved ones and many friends,” said said BCCLA lawyer Sheila Tucker in Shapray. should be permitted a recent press release.

A 2013 Environics Research Group to end their own life “It is not the role of government to study showed that 71 per cent of sursay that some medical choices result veyed Canadians approved of physiwith the assistance in a ‘natural’ death, while others do cian-assisted suicide, compared to 19 of a licensed not.” per cent who disapproved. A further According to the federal gov10 per cent said that it depends, or that physician, under ernment, however, as of right now they do not have an opinion. These certain regulations Rodriguez is the rule on the matter. numbers have remained fairly steady The decision to allow the appeal since 1992, when approval sat at 64 has been met with excitement by per cent. opportunity, unless you ask someone many within the right-to-die advoNo date has yet been set for when in your family to do something illegal, cacy community. the Supreme Court of Canada will which I wouldn’t do.”

“There are few rights more funda- hear the BCCLA’s appeal.

Primary legal opposition to the mental, or more deeply personal, than

Senior News Editor: Quinn Richert News Editor: Katy MacKinnon Contact: news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

News

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Natural gas explosion near Otterburne Thousands without services after pipeline explodes Caleigh MacDonald, staff

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Mondra-gone

graphic by aichelle sayuno

Local co-op closes its doors, A-Zone building considers future Katy MacKinnon, staff

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ocal co-operative Mondragon Beginning in 2013, Mondragon cesses and the number of other comade an undeniable impression experienced a significant labour ops it has helped to facilitate.” on Winnipeggers as the restaurant pool drop. This necessitated volunCampbell is a current member bustled with activity during its last teers, something that had been rare of ParIT, a co-op in the A-Zone days. Enjoyed by vegans, anarchists, in previous years. building. He credited the existence and savoured by those looking for “2013 is the first year that I have of ParIT to Mondragon. a fresh meal and a fascinating read, seen that has had such incredibly low According to Thau-Eleff, Mondragon—situated in the Albert sales [ . . . ] Mondragon did its best Mondragon was the face of the Street Autonomous Zone (A-Zone) to adapt and survive in those sorts of building, which currently includes 10 building—closed its doors last circumstances,” said Campbell. other member groups. These groups Sunday.

To Daniel Thau-Eleff, a vol- follow the A-Zone’s principles of Mondragon functioned as a co-op, unteer for the A-Zone building, participatory economics, including run under a “participatory economics” “Mondragon has been struggling for a autonomy, solidarity, and fair and model. For the restaurant-bookstore- couple of years.” Running out of cer- equitable work. grocer, this meant an equitable divi- tain food items was commonplace.

“Mondragon is, I think, the main sion of tasks.

Around May of 2013, workers way the general public related to the Mopping the floor would not be underwent delays in wage pay- A-Zone,” said Thau-Eleff. ordered on a new employee; rather, ment, and by August of 2013 pay The restaurant was known for each member of the co-op worked had “ground to a complete halt,” said providing leftover soup to homeless in the absence of hierarchy with Campbell. people in the area. This fulfilled two “the same balance of empowering The members of the co-op were tasks: community involvement and and un-empowering tasks,” said “doing as best as they could to be able waste reduction.

Jamie Campbell, past member of to both afford new food to be able to “Mondragon [didn’t] ever like the co-op. continue selling, and as much wages throwing food out,” said Campbell.

“In practice, the formal non-hier- as was possible,” said Campbell. “In “That was a way of helping in the comarchal structure does allow for the the end, everyone who was still work- munity on the one hand and reducing realization of actual, tangible work- ing were acting as members or own- environmental issues and waste on place democracy,” said Charley Justice, ers so nobody was in the dark about the other hand – so it’s win-win.” previous member of Mondragon. anything, including money.”

The A-Zone posted a call for pro“But here’s the catch – it can only An event was held earlier this posals online, and is “hoping to find succeed if the people, the participants, month titled “wages for workers,” somebody that fits as much as posactively choose to make it work.” with the idea that workers would sible with [their] vision of that buildWages were organized with- take home all proceeds of food ing as a social space and community out differential remuneration and sold. Mondragon wrote, “All fall space – a progressive space politically,” instead doled out based on hours we’ve overworked and underpaid said Thau-Eleff. The proposals are worked. Members of the co-op took ourselves.” due Jan. 31. positions as directors, “taking on “I think that Mondragon had Members of Mondragon have payroll deductions to pay into the the misfortune of attempting to do conversed about future plans, and co-op share – each individual mem- three of the most difficult businesses, are interested in continuing working ber had their own share value,” said whether they be co-ops or capitalist in a co-op business.

Campbell. businesses,” said Campbell, referWhether that be a food-based Allocating a living wage payment ring to the decline in popularity of business or something else entirely, as opposed to minimum wage was bookstores, restaurants, and small Campell said, “This building still has always a goal for Mondragon, but grocers. great potential to thrive as a progresnever a reality due to the financial Campbell noted that the 18-year sive space.” circumstance of the business. run of Mondragon was likely longer “Whatever ends up in that space “It’s always been frustrating to not than many capitalist businesses. now, it may not be as radical as be able to do more than [minimum “I don’t really view this as a failure; Mondragon is, but I think that it wage], but just to stay open as long I think that all business completes will still be potentially progressive as they have, they didn’t really have at some point,” he said. “I think we and worth nurturing.” a choice,” said Campbell. should celebrate Mondragon’s suc-

TransCanada PipeLines Ltd. may be concerned about that natural gas supply line expe- but we are on the job here,” said rienced a fire and explosion near Emergency Measures spokesperson Otterburne, Man., a small commu- Nicki Albus to the CBC. “We have nity off of Highway 59, at approxi- a great group of people at the site mately 1:00 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. and in the communities who have 25. set up their emergency operation The explosion sent a fireball into centres to handle this dilemma.”​ the air, which could be seen from A pre-recorded message installed several kilometres away. Witnesses on Manitoba Hydro’s information described 200- to 300-metre-high line recommends affected individuflames lighting up the sky for nearly als to “use only approved space heathalf an hour, the sound similar to ers and, where possible, conserve a jet plane. use of electricity.”

The flames burned on for nearly Communal warming centres 12 hours before they were finally have also been set up to help those extinguished. in need of heat.

The cause of the explosion is The gas released from the explounder investigation, and no one sion consists primarily of methane was reported injured, though five and, according to reports given homes were evacuated. by the RCMP, is not considered As a result of the explosion, mul- dangerous. tiple natural gas stations experiDespite this, officials say that enced significantly reduced levels of if you smell natural gas, or have a pressure, which will affect service natural gas emergency, you should in numerous communities, includ- call the Manitoba Hydro line and ing the registered municipalities of choose “natural gas emergency” Hanover, Niverville, Otterburne, from the options provided in the Kleefeld, St-Pierre-Jolys, Grunthal, menu.

St. Malo, Dufrost, Ste. Agathe, The explosion happened at a De Salaberry, Ritchot, and New time when the safety records of Bothwell.

Canadian natural gas transportThough only one of the two ers are facing close examination. pipelines that supply the area was TransCanada PipeLines Ltd. is damaged, both have been shut off. among the companies vying for No information is currently government approval to construct known about how long these areas new pipelines for oil and natuwill experience outages, and offi- ral gas, a plan hotly contested by cials are telling the 4,000 affected environmentalists and numerous customers to be prepared for an Aboriginal groups. extended wait to get their heat Manitoba Hydro is currently back. trying to determine which areas This raises the concerns of of the province will be the most many, as cold weather is projected affected. Initially, critical services to return to the province in the such as hospitals, nursing homes, coming weeks, the temperature in and warming centres will be proOtterburne expected to plunge near vided with gas until regular services -30 C in the coming days. resume.

“We know it’s cold and people

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Senior News Editor: Quinn Richert News Editor: Katy MacKinnon Contact: news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

photo by kevin linklater

Proposed changes to Canada Post met with backlash from labour union CUPW hosts Winnipeg actions Kevin Linklater, staff

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ast month, the management of Canada Post announced sweeping changes that would drastically alter the public crown corporation’s delivery of services.

A five-point plan was put forward that would see, in the next few years, increases in the price of postage, the cutting of 6,000 to 8,000 jobs through attrition, and the termination of door-to-door delivery in urban areas.

A study by the Conference Board of Canada commissioned by Canada Post predicted that the postal service would lose $1 billion annually by 2020.

However, Canada Post has consistently posted profits over the last 18 years, losing money only in 2011. In 2012, the federal crown corporation posted a profit of $127 million.

A number of actions were held last week as the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) sought to resist the upcoming changes.

A discussion was held last Thursday evening, where Ben Zorn, president of the Winnipeg local of CUPW, addressed the proposed changes in front of members of the Winnipeg New Socialist Group.

“Postal workers have decided, as we have historically, that we’re not going to simply roll over and accept the decrees of the state, or the decrees of our employer, and we are going to engage in a concerted fight-back against these changes,” said Zorn.

Zorn explained that the postal workers’ union has been organizing, but will not be engaging in strikes.

“After a lot of agonizing we came to the determination that it would send the wrong message to the public. Instead we’ve decided that we need to engage the public in this campaign. It’s the public post office and the public needs to be a part of the decisionmaking process in terms of how their post office will look and how it will serve them in the future.”

On Saturday the CUPW held a rally in front of the provincial legislature, calling on workers to stand up to the impending changes.

Arlyn Doran, a letter carrier and education officer for the Winnipeg local of CUPW, spoke with the Manitoban about Canada Post’s decision.

“No business in the 21st century jacks prices and pulls back on services and can think that they’re going to be successful.

It’s clearly a line to make the post office fail so they have justification to say that it isn’t working and that it should be privatized,” he said.

The question of ultimately privatizing Canada Post came up frequently, with many at the rally suspecting that these changes are meant to set up the crown corporation for eventual privatization.

“There are parts of Canada Post that are quite profitable, and it wouldn’t surprise me to see these carved off and sold off to corporations, while taxpayers are left to cover the cost of the remaining parts of the postal system, those routes that aren’t profitable,” said Doran.

Sharon Blady, NDP member of the legislative assembly for Kirkfield Park, was also present at the rally and spoke to the Manitoban.

“I think it goes to a larger political agenda that we’ve seen. It’s part of a conservative mindset—and I say that both with capital and small “c”—about moving towards privatization and the undermining of a public service so that you can put in on the chopping block later and sell it. We’ve seen this, for example, in Manitoba with the privatization of MTS.” Blady is the provincial minister of healthy living and seniors, and also voiced concerns about what ending door-to-door delivery would mean for people with mobility issues.

“Think of what this winter’s been like and what the sidewalks have been like. How many more folks are we going to have falling down, breaking a hip, breaking a leg, just trying to get to their mail? And that’s really unfair and unreasonable, especially at a time when they’re also increasing the fee for the service. Other jurisdictions have found ways of modernizing their service without undermining their service,” said Blady.

Allen Mankewich, a protester present at the rally who uses a wheelchair, was concerned with how the proposed changes would affect him.

“It’s going to be terrible to be honest. I have no idea how I’m going to get my mail without relying on a friend or a family member to get my mail for me. They’re not even exploring any other options such as delivering the mail twice a week. They say they’ve consulted, but I haven’t seen any meaningful consultation.”

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Editor-In-Chief:Bryce Hoye Contact: Editor@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

Editorial

The price of convenience Smartphones and technological complacency Tom Ingram, staff

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eemingly everyone has a smartphone these days. According to surveys from 2013, almost half of all Canadians and more than half of all Americans use the highpowered mobile devices. Until recently, I was one of those last few holdouts, sitting hunched over my slide-out Nokia Surge typing impeccably spelled text messages on its full QWERTY keyboard. But now even I have fallen. Luddites take note: the rats are jumping ship. You can give in or you can build a log cabin in the Alaskan wilderness.

After several sweeping changes in circumstances and inclinations, I came to realize that my little Nokia wasn’t cutting it anymore.

Also, I had dropped it several times and you could see daylight between the two halves; slide-out phones were not, it turns out, a good idea.

I signed up for a new contract with an iPhone. I loathe Apple products in general and touchscreens especially, but I am surrounded by performing arts people for whom the iPhone is the device of choice. There is some value in conformity in a piece of technology whose function is mainly social. I am now, alas, one of those people.

My experiences thus far have been mildly positive. I finally understand what all that Snapchat business is about. I no longer have to take an hour-long bus ride home to check my email during the day. I carry the King James Bible and the essays of Montaigne (all the reading I’ll ever need) with me wherever I go.

Sophisticated calendar and to-do list software helps me be more productive by laying out my entire day ahead of time. The president

T he inter face, streamlined for reasons both of space and consumer appeal, communicates mainly through icons and context-dependent buttons, rather than the hierarchy of words that made the Windows environment so justly successful or the esoteric incantations of the command line.

As for apps – well, I suppose I must resign myself to using that horrible word now.

It is an abbreviation for “applications,” and that’s basically what they are: miniature simulacra of the programs you can run on a computer. They are, for the most part, designed to perform one narrowly circumscribed function in one hermetically sealed environment.

In other words, sma r t phones a re designed and built by and for the superficial. of the United States has said he only wears They may not cause you to be bad at functionsuits in two different colours to avoid wast- ing in digital environments – they assume you ing energy on making small choices. With are and encourage you to continue to be. ubiquitous smartphones, we all get to be the The Apple philosophy in general, and the president. smartphone world over which it has had such In other words, it’s not for nothing that a powerful influence, encourages technothese devices have become so popular. They logical complacency. Smartphones reward offer serious functionality with very few this complacency with a seamless end user drawbacks. Smartphones are only going to experience that is only possible because of the continue becoming more common until the tightly controlled environment. Meanwhile, ocular iMplant is ready for consumer use, with each new innovation they become more and it’s by no means clear that this is a bad inextricably embedded in our lives. thing.

Already, after just over a week of use, my It has been suggested that these devices iPhone contains my text messages, my voice cause us to be overconnected and lose sight call functions and voicemail, my calendar and of the real world. This is not a complaint I’ve to-do list, a number of photos, and six online had; most of the time I’m wasting is time I would have wasted anyway in much less productive pursuits like drumming my fingers or contemplating my mortality. My concerns about smartphone technology are a little more complicated.

When I was in grade seven, my teacher proudly told us we were all “digital natives” – insipid education-speak referring to people who have never experienced a world without computers and the Internet. This brought forth the predictable chorus of snickers—we were, after all, 12 years old—but the takeaway message was clear: you people know your way around computers. The technological world is your oyster.

If the advent of smartphones didn’t kill my teacher’s prophecy, it certainly falsified it.

Essentially a smartphone is a toy computer. It is a sad parody of the kinds of things that can be done on a real computer with a keyboard and mouse.

accounts. It is only with the most heroic effort of will that I have prevented it from linking those six accounts together.

These include accounts used for personal business, social interaction, school, and work.

In the olden days keeping these separate was easy because we didn’t have the infrastructure to tie them together. The question of whether such a thing was desirable never came up.

In today’s brave new world, they can all be accessed from one device which sits in my pocket, knows exactly where I am in the world at any given time, and gently encourages me to share that information as widely as possible. Is this what I want?

On some level it must be. Otherwise, why did I get the phone instead of a large bottle of scotch? Obviously in purely economic terms of productivity versus drunkenness, the tradeoff is worthwhile to me.

But I can’t help feeling skeeved out by how dependent we are becoming on these devices – not because I object to dependence on technology per se, but because this particular technology is so thoroughly defined and controlled by large companies who have no particular concern for my well-being.

Each predicted innovation makes me less, not more, optimistic about the future. There is a great deal of noise being made about paying for things with your phone, with futurists talking about the elimination of all money as we know it and the move to a smartphonebased economy.

For some, the logical consequence of certain apps that already exist is a phone that will tailor your recreational and social experiences to your habits and preferences (which it will know, of course) in much the same way that Google tailors your search results to your browsing habits.

To me, at least, these predictions sound awful, and yet not so awful that they won’t come true. The progression of technology for the foreseeable future seems pretty clear: we’re going to continue on a path of tighter integration and less control. The immediate conveniences we are offered in exchange are simply too great to turn down. But the modern-day techno-consumer may be forgiven for feeling as though he’s been placed in a bind by bewildering forces far beyond his ken. photo by katy mackinnon

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Comment Editor: Katerina Tefft Contact: comment@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Comment

Is altruism enough?

illustration by SAMANTHA SECTER

The possibility of introducing economic incentives to blood donation Daniel Schipper, staff

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n Jan. 13, Canadian Blood example, CBS announced a “con- ing blood donation through economic effect on the blood supply. One study current orthodoxy, and pilot-project Services (CBS) announced that cerning” shortage (50,000 donors incentives is that it is, simply stated, in the U.S. shows, for example, that these ideas to see if they hold water Canada was in the midst of a nation- needed in less than four weeks) a bad idea. For the past 40 years, the introducing T-shirts and coupon in the Canadian context. wide blood shortage, partially due to on Aug. 7, 2013; a 3,000 donation World Health Organization’s posi- giveaways resulted in a 16 per cent Ultimately, blood shortages a frigid December that left much of shortage on Dec. 22, 2012; and a tion has been that compensation for increase in Red Cross donations. In impose very real costs on our econCentral and Eastern Canada in an 4,300 donation shortage on July 16, donation would prove detrimental another study, administered in Italy, omy. Through delaying vital surArctic chill. Between late December 2012. To quote Mark Twain, “his- to both the amount of blood col- citizens were awarded a one-day paid geries, they create higher levels of and mid-January, CBS was forced tory doesn’t repeat itself, but it does lected and the safety of the blood leave in exchange for donating, with patient duress while also decreasing to close 24 donor clinics, and there- rhyme.” supply. In terms of the amount of the result that overall donation levels economic output due to health-refore missed out on 1,200 potential Given our understanding of the blood collected, this view suggests increased by a significant margin of lated working days lost. Furthermore, donations. In order to tackle the annual trends that blood shortages that economic incentives would 40 per cent. region-specific shortages draw funds blood shortage, CBS projected that follow, one might ask: Why not decrease intrinsic motivations to What is additionally impressive from our national system by requirapproximately 31,000 appointments try to pre-empt these shortages by donate, which could result in a net about these results is that, even as the ing inter-provincial transportation would need to be filled between Jan. inducing a spike in donations just decrease in donations. overall number of donors increased, of needed blood stores, which only 13 and Feb. 3. before they occur? In addition, if we As for blood safety, it is argued and contrary to the “worse donor” serves to further increase CBS’s While it is true that this past agree that combatting the shortage that the introduction of an eco- problem presented by older stud- operating costs.

December caused everything east problem would be a worthwhile goal, nomic incentive would encourage ies, the quality of the blood supply As it stands, new research is offerof the prairies to descend into an another question is: How exactly can some people to lie about their medi- remained unchanged. This is due to ing up some clear policy suggestions uncharacteristically brutal deep we do it? cal histories during the screening the fact that rewards were given to on how we can tackle our seasonal freeze—precipitating the forced cloAs an entirely voluntary system, process in order to be compensated. people for showing up to the clinic blood shortages while cutting costs. sure of several clinics and, no doubt, CBS provides citizens with the infor- The result of more people willing to rather than for donating – a tiny Given the fact that blood shortages increasing rates of donor absentee- mation and infrastructure needed for cheat on their screening tests would distinction which, quite crucially, in Canada continue to follow a fairly ism as donors sought refuge from blood donation, invests heavily in be that, on average, “worse donors” removed the motivation for people to predictable timeline, and that they the cold—this recent shortage is in recruiting young adults, advertises would comprise a larger portion of give incorrect information in order usually occur over a short period of reality not much of an outlier. clinic dates, sponsors blood drives, the total donor pool. Consequently, to receive a reward. time, CBS should attempt to run a Barring highly irregular circum- and generally raises awareness for the quality of the overall blood supThe overall effect reported by the few test clinics that offer economic stances, blood shortages generally the cause of blood donation. Yet, ply would see a net decrease. studies, then, was that when eco- incentives on strategic dates, such as occur during the same two time as a voluntary system, CBS relies While these concerns seem theo- nomic incentives were introduced mid-December and mid-July. periods every year. First, the harshest almost entirely on the altruism of retically sound, they may not hold to blood donation, the overall supply By carrying out a little experiwinter months (December-January) Canadians. under further inspection. Today, a of donors increased, and the overall mentation, maybe we can improve often result in shortages due to the Given some of the implicit costs new body of scholarship is emerging quality of the blood supply remained upon the current donation system one-two punch of gnashing frost and of donation (such as foregone wages, which suggests that economic incen- unchanged. Essentially, compensa- and save some lives while we’re at holiday festivities, as witnessed dur- foregone leisure time, and energy tives, when applied correctly, can tion for donation proved a winner on it. ing this year’s shortage. The second drain following blood extraction), have a positive effect on the blood both counts. period susceptible to shortages is the altruism may not always win the supply without compromising its So, the question remains: would Canadian Blood Services is dog days of summer (July-August), day for busy citizens. If we seriously quality. offering economic incentives to still looking to fill its shortage when regular donors tend to be away want to tackle the shortage problem, In the May 24 edition of Science Canadians increase donation levels quota, and is holding clinics at the on vacation. maybe it’s time to offer donors a little Magazine, authors Nicola Lacetera, and help combat the cycle of blood University of Manitoba on Feb. 6 A quick online search for quid pro quo. Simply put, maybe Mario Macis, and Robert Slonim shortages? It is hard to know with and 11. Call 1-888-2-DONATE Canadian blood shortages in recent it’s time (gasp!) to offer people an present new research suggesting that certainty, but at the very least, the to book an appointment. years yields a number of news stories economic incentive to donate. economic incentives, if administered literature seems to demand that we that support these conclusions. For The current orthodoxy on induc- correctly, should have a positive re-examine this issue, challenge the

On average, every 60 seconds, someone in Canada requires blood or a blood product.

•Approximately 900,000 units of blood are collected each year in Canada.

•Demand for blood is growing steadily by 2 per cent each year, which means CBS will require an additional 17,000 donations in 2014.

•Blood donations can be stockpiled for a maximum of 42 days, which means that meeting existing demand requires a constant stream of donors.

-Canadian Blood Services

Managing Editor: Fraser Nelund Contact: me@themanitoban.com / 474.6520

Features

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ETHICAL CONSUMERISM Fraser Nelund, Staff

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he term “ethical consumer” movies, racing cars, globe-trotting, grew into Western culture in drinking and smoking like a mad the late 1980s – it was the title of a man, then buys nuts (nuts gathered British magazine. The idea of sup- by starving baby squirrels) on credit port being rendered and distaste when winter comes. being expressed through purchasThe ethics of consumption are of ing habits is far older. Currently the primary interest to all of us. Dollar concept of ethical consumption is voting is the idea that the consumgrowing in scope, as large corpo- ers that drive economies can guide rations scramble to express their them in the “correct” direction. In social responsibility and consumers engaging in consumer activism are gain easier access to information we successfully practising dollar related to the source and effects of voting? Can we? the production of the products they How do we weigh environmenpurchase. tal and social concerns? To what Consumption rules our lives. We degree should we value the social live it from the moment we wake and environmental impact versus up to food and caffeine (products) the personal impact of our dollar? through the moment we turn off What additional responsibility do whatever light (product) we’ve been we have, as privileged citizens of reading (a product) by. the world? How important is it to In part, this is the nature of being know the source of the products we a live creature. Imagine a squirrel purchase? What products come out that does not gather nuts. of an ethically problematic producIn part, this is the nature of tion process? What should we do the culture we find ourselves in. about it?

Imagine a squirrel that spends its What roles do group purchasdays playing video games, watching ing, greenwashing, maker culture,

consumer movements, and the media play in the quest for a moral economy? Do morals have any place in the market? Can morals have any place in a culture where “YOLO” and “FOMO” serve as premises?

How effective is ethical consumption? How effective can it be?

For myself, as I came to this feature, I found it much easier to ask questions than to find answers.

Greenwashing is effective, or corporations would not engage in it. From what I can gather it has in turn led to a backlash of overstatement and oversimplification on the part of those seeking absolution from the developed world’s collective guilt.

Economic disparity, power disparity (what are resources if not power?) and obfuscation dominate relations in our supply chains.

As I write this introduction, it occurs to me that I do not know where any of the items in my living room came from. I am so far removed, alienated, from the labours behind my environment that turn-

ing an “Allen key” is the closest to the production of the objects herein that I have come. After researching for several days, I can say, with some degree of certainty, that the computer I am typing upon has components originating in horrid places, ravaged landscapes, from the hands of people labouring in conditions indistinguishable from slavery to all but a pedant. So too the food I look forward to. So too the clothes I wear.

I live a life of luxury, built on the backs of my fellow humans and financed with an advance on the inheritance of future generations.

This feature turns a multifaceted lens on the issue of ethical consumption. We begin with a look at some locals who are taking action. Kevin Linklater highlights a recent sustainability event on the University of Manitoba’s Fort Garry campus. Katy MacKinnon examines a local business, offering a tempting taste of the potential of the fair trade movement.

Our centrefold is a sampling of loca-

tions around Winnipeg where fair trade products are offered, compiled

by MacKinnon, with a map provided

by Bram Keast. Katerina Tefft outlines the tenets of veganarchism, a political philosophy founded on the premise that oppressions do not occur in isolation. Quinn Richert troubles the idea of acting without sufficient knowledge or power.

The feature ends with examinations of the progress of free software, textile production, and the animal entertainment industry, by Tom Ingram, Anastasia Chipelski, and Carlyn Schellenberg, respectively.

Bradly Wohlgemuth’s illustrations on these pages emphasize oft hidden implications of consuming even the most mundane products.

I hope this feature raises questions for our readers, as it did for me. I hope that we are challenged as the scope of our actions is revealed, that the smokescreen loses a bit of its opacity, and that we address the most important question: Where to start?

VOL. 100 NO. 20 January 29, 2014

Features

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Sustainability and business – not such strange bedfellows after all Office of sustainability at the U of M hosts seminar at Asper school of business Kevin Linklater, Staff

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ustainability has entered the modern lexicon in a significant way.

Business people and those who teach business are increasingly employing the term, once used almost exclusively by artists and activists, as an important part of smart decision-making.

To highlight the importance of incorporating sustainability in teaching modern business practices, the office of sustainability at the University of Manitoba recently held a seminar in the Asper school of business, with talks given by the faculty’s Bruno Dyck, and Ken Berg, a representative from Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC).

Dyck, who teaches courses in management and organizational theory, has co-authored a textbook entitled Management: Current Practices and Future Directions.

It was refreshing to hear a business professor talk about the importance of businesses being mindful of economic equality and environmental protection.

“Why aren’t all our cases putting sustainability front and centre if we

believe that economic inequality, and climate change, and externalities are important issues? Why isn’t it part of all our teaching and all our models?

We need to overcome shortcomings of the short-term planning and budgeting cycles that still dominate business practices today.”

Dyck went on to make the case that not only can sustainability help people and the environment, but it can also improve the bottom line, and help companies succeed.

This success has no better example than that of MEC. The Vancouverbased co-operative was founded in 1971, and has since expanded across the country, to stores in 16 cities.

Berg spoke about some of the things MEC does to be more sustainable.

“We make sure our supply chains use fair labour practices, that conditions are safe, that people are being paid a decent wage, and we partner with other brands to help give us leverage in our sourcing.”

Berg explained that the company is constantly looking to improve, and reduce its environmental footprint.

“We had compostable toilets put in, so that our water usage is now way down. We have to shovel out the end result [ . . . ] but we have a strong culture, and people are always wanting to pitch in and do more. I think it makes us a very dynamic place to work, and the people who work with us see that and want to do more themselves for the environment.”

Dyck pointed out that firms with sustainable business practices are often more innovative and may have higher satisfaction and productivity from their employees.

According to Dyck, Asper has incorporated more sustainability content at the undergrad and graduate levels.

“We now have courses on corporate social and environmental responsibility, and on alternative management frameworks, which takes things out of the traditional profit maximizing framework [ . . . ] we need to educate business students, and we need to equip firms to understand the macro-sustainability issues which are going to be critical to the future of the planet.”

Not only can sustainability help people and the environment, but it can also improve the bottom line, and help companies succeed

Chocolatier Constance Popp producing local, ethical, artisanal chocolates Award-winning chocolates are full of creativity and spice Katy MacKinnon, staff

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o Constance Popp, purchasing local and ethical just makes sense.

“We’ve become quite known for making and using local ingredients. We’ve been doing it for years.”

Walking into the Chocolatier Constance Popp shop, you’re greeted with a smile and offered samples of the latest chocolate creations. The minimalist décor, clean white walls, and shelves perfectly lined with truffles, bark, and bars make it clear that you’re entering an exquisite, upscale chocolate universe.

“We spend a lot of money on our chocolate, so why would we mask it with sugar, or artificial flavours? Here we only use premium-grade chocolate and only whole foods,” says Popp.

A master’s degree from the U of M’s natural resources institute and a job working for the City of Winnipeg’s waste minimization project helped shape Popp’s passion for ethical consumption.

Her award-winning Manitobar is the epitome of locally sourced ingredients, containing sunflower seeds, honey, flaxseed, and Manitoba Harvest hemp hearts.

Even though many of Popp’s chocolates are chock-full of nutrients, she doesn’t like to advertise so, “Because then people will think it’s a health bar and think it won’t taste good.”

Popp need not worry, because the palm-sized Manitoba-shaped bar tastes sinfully decadent – far from what might be conventionally considered “healthy.” The bottom layer is crunchy, sweet, and salty all at once.

The treat is topped with a soft layer of gianduja chocolate and praline paste, and dipped in a honey and rich dark chocolate ganache.

Wendell Estate honey, which has appeared on the CBC television show Dragon’s Den, shows up in many of the chocolates, as well as birch syrup tapped from an area just north of The Pas, Man. “For 16 litres of birch syrup it costs me a thousand dollars, and that was the wholesale price. So I knew that I had to make something special with that; I couldn’t just put it in a truffle, because it would be buried. I want it to be featured.”

And featured it is. Take a close look at the Birch Bark Bar and you’ll notice

the gnarled impressions of an actual piece of birch bark, used to create the mould.

The Spicy Edamame Bar is deceiving at first glance. The squares look like they’re broken off of your average chocolate bar, but the bottom is studded with tiny pieces of roasted local edamame beans.

On first bite, the chocolate begins to melt in your mouth as the beans provide a nice little crunch, and all of a sudden, it hits you – the hot spicy pepper tantalizes your taste buds and lingers afterward, leaving you wanting more.

“It’s spicy, it’s rich, it’s nutty. It’s just a good, honest chocolate, I think.”

Don’t be fooled by the pretty, seethrough, cellophane-type packaging that encases all the chocolates – it’s compostable. Ethical packaging has come a long way since scratchy cardboard boxes.

Popp is full of ideas as she chats about the many directions her business may go in the future. She’s working on a new chocolate bar, too, but it’s top secret and she’s “not going to talk about it yet.” You’ll have to wait and see.

photos by katy mackinnon

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Features

Managing Editor: Fraser Nelund Contact: me@themanitoban.com / 474.6520

map created by bram keast

VOL. 100 NO. 20 January 29, 2014

Features

WHERE TO SHOP FAIR TRADE IN WINNIPEG Katy MacKinnon, staff

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nterested in purchasing fair trade but not sure where to begin? Here’s a handy list of Winnipeg’s finest fair trade retailers to carry around in your pocket the next time you go shopping.

Manitoba Council for International Cooperation, 302-280 Smith Street (coffee, tea, hot chocolate, chocolate, sugar, dried fruit, other foods, handicrafts)

Campus retailers Degrees Restaurant, third floor university centre (coffee and tea)

Vita Health, 234 Donald Street (coffee, chocolate)

IQ’s Billiards and Café, third floor university centre (coffee) Robins, fletcher argue (coffee) A. North End Black Pearl Coffee, 460 Dufferin Avenue (coffee, tea chocolate) Neechi Foods Co-op ltd., 325 Dufferin Avenue (coffee, tea, chocolate) B. West End Eatit.ca, 603 Wall Street (coffee, tea, chocolate, other foods)

Manitoba Liquor Mart, 469 River Avenue (wine) Second Cup, 100 Osborne Street (coffee) F. Corydon Village Artasia, 843 Corydon Avenue (handicrafts) Radiance Gifts, 7-875 Corydon Avenue (handicrafts) G. Fort Garry Daily Bread Café (coffee)

La Parfumerie, 145 Evanson Street (handicrafts, other)

Ten Thousand Villages, 134 Plaza Drive (coffee, tea, chocolate, clothing, furniture, handicrafts)

C. Exchange District Mondragon Bookstore and Coffeehouse,( CLOSED) 91 Albert Street (coffee, tea, chocolate, hot cocoa, foods, clothing and accessories)

Open Mesh Screenprinting and Design, 264 B Mcdermot Ave (clothing and accessories)

D. Central/Downtown Brave New World, 141 Sherbrook Street (handicrafts) Food Fare, 905 Portage Avenue (coffee, tea) Global Connections, 230-25 Forks Market Road (coffee, tea, chocolates, other foods, handicrafts, furniture)

photos by beibei lu and fraser nelund

E. Osborne Village Organza, 230 Osborne Street (coffee, tea, chocolate, other foods)

H. St. Vital Custom IE, 7-1549 St. Mary’s Road (coffee, chocolate, other foods, clothing and accessories) Pastry Castle, 150-50 Lakewood Boulevard (coffee, tea) Crampton’s Market, 1765 Waverly Street (coffee, chocolate, other foods – summer only)

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Features

Managing Editor: Fraser Nelund Contact: me@themanitoban.com / 474.6520

VEGANARCHISM Katerina Tefft, staff

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he debate between the merits of so-called lifestyle activism versus those of revolutionary action is a hot-button issue on the left. There are those content to begin and end their activism with ethical consumerism and lifestyle changes, albeit radical ones.

Others argue that nothing less than a great structural upheaval in the form of revolution will bring about real change, and lifestyle changes will follow.

For the veganarchist, these two approaches to leftist activism are not mutually exclusive; on the contrary, together they create a praxis for change that is powerful and, importantly, consistent.

Veganarchism, also known as total liberation or radical veganism, is a political philosophy which combines veganism and anarchism. Brian A. Dominick popularized the term in his 1995 essay, “Animal Liberation and Social Revolution.” He distinguishes veganism (the lifestyle) from pure vegetarianism (the diet), writing, “The vegan bases her choices on a radical understanding of what animal oppression really is, and her lifestyle choice is highly informed and politicized.”

The veganarchist recognizes the “commonality and interdependence” of feminist, anti-racist, anti-speciesist,

anti-capitalist, and other anti-oppression struggles. The key is that none of these forms of oppression occur in isolation, and that veganism practised in isolation from struggles against human oppression, or anarchism practiced in isolation from struggles against animal oppression, are incomplete and inconsistent ideologies.

The veganarchist rejects the sociallyconstructed hierarchy between humans and animals in the same way she rejects the social constructs of race, gender, and class hierarchies, and recognizes the equal importance of human and animal liberation struggles.

Therefore, she believes it is hypocritical to advocate for the elimination of hierarchies and oppression for all humans while simultaneously supporting and benefiting from the enslavement of animals for food, entertainment, testing, clothing, etc.

Veganarchism also holds that it is hypocritical to advocate for an end to animal enslavement while supporting the capitalist, corporate structures that keep human workers enslaved – for example, the sweatshops of the cheap textile industry.

This is how the idea of ethical consumerism is central to veganarchism – but it is ultimately less about con-

sumerism, for rampant consumerism still supports the capitalist system, and more about personal integrity and consistency of ethics. It is also about influencing social change and societal attitudes. Through word of mouth and by example, abstaining from consuming animal products and cheap imported clothing alike sends a strong message that has the potential to make people question their daily lifestyle choices and, down the line, their worldviews.

However, the crux of veganarchism is that ethical consumerism alone will never bring about a change significant enough to liberate human and animal kind. Direct political action is necessary to dismantle the institutions and structures upheld by intersecting oppressions and hierarchies. Its importance cannot be overstated.

Nonetheless, veganarchism holds that a functional, truly libratory anarchist society for the future can only be made possible by people learning and practicing anti-oppression in the here and now, in every small way they can.

As Dominick writes, “Why would we strive toward a system which would result in our inability to eat meat if we cannot bear to give it up now?”

ETHICAL CONSUMPTION IS FUTILE Quinn Richert, staff

Two common articulations of ethical consumption in our milieu are meat-free living and reliance on fair-trade, organic products. The person who decides to take up one or both of these practices deserves recognition for making a genuine attempt to consume ethically. Having said that, it is doubtful that meat-free lifestyles can reduce the amount of suffering in the world by any significant amount, and buying organic probably can’t do much for the planet. Even if they did live up to those standards, they would be futile for another reason that I’ll get into later.

Veganism, as outlined by Peter Singer in his book Animal Liberation, is utilitarian in its outlook. This means that the moral person should act to minimize suffering; and since (most) (edible) animals are sentient and capable of experiencing pain, we ought to extend our moral consideration to them.

Now, while taking on a vegan diet does mean that a person no longer directly relies on cruelty to animals to feed and clothe herself, it is still in all likelihood true that the vegan is complicit in the exploitation and misery of humans. Consider the case of migrant farmers working for slave wages picking tomatoes in Florida.

Furthermore, how can we be sure that no animal was harmed in the making of bread? Animals could have been subjected to devilish treatment during the tending of the field, and the plot of

land would have to have been cleared. It is not evident that eating only plants and fungi puts vegans ahead of omnivores in the moral calculus.

Organic fair trade consumption is problematic for another reason. It only retains its conservationist credibility when a few people (with money) buy into it.

Let’s say all North Americans decide to start eating exclusively fair-trade organic tomorrow. To feed all those mouths, more land, more water, more machines, more trucks, ships, planes, and oil must be called into use. And this is ignoring the process of transitioning conventional farmland to certifiedorganic.

Furthermore, many eat organic and fair-trade so they can feel they are removing themselves from relationships with transnational corporations. The ethical benefits of these consumption habits would disappear if they were implemented on a grand scale.

I think the lifestyle that comes closest to the definitions of ethical consumption would involve growing one’s own vegetables, foraging, making one’s own clothes and modest shelter, and maybe hunting. But this article is not about whether ethical consumption is possible.

It is about the futility of ethical consumption. People living this lifestyle would be the most frustrated of all. So much work. Then one oil spill. One clear-cut.

One factory farm is erected, and there is more suffering, more environmental devastation than a single person could ever hope to counter.

Effective ethical consumption would only be useful if the world were to undergo widespread radical change.

Otherwise, practices like clear-cutting and factory farming will continue to negate all of the benefits of ethical consumption, or at best render the payoff infinitesimally small.

To make the world a quantifiably better place, people would have to ask more of themselves. To save animals, exploited food producers, and the environment, conditions would have to be in place such that factory farming, clear-cutting, and the rest were no longer around to tip the scales.

Doing away with our current industry best-practices is a tall order, and not something a critical mass of people are likely to support. Part of the reason for this reluctance is that such support involves giving up comfort. Capitalism makes stuff cheap and readily available.

So it comes down to this: short of supporting, to misplace a term from Howard Zinn, “a kind of revolution,” ethical consumption practices will have very little effect. The question we are left with, then, is this: futility or radicalism – which would you choose?

VOL. 100 NO. 20 January 29, 2014

FREE SOFTWARE AND ETHICAL CONSUMPTION The sordid history of the GNU Project Tom Ingram, staff

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n September 1983, the GNU Project into the free software movement. “Free,” tions of computers than other OS softwas born. GNU was to be a new kind in this case, does not refer to price: the ware. Though there is something to be of operating system: the first one with motto is “‘free’ as in ‘free speech,’ not said for the old-school mindset that a an explicit ethical goal. as in ‘free beer.’” The Free Software computer is a tool you learn how to use, Perhaps a little background is needed. Foundation (FSF) has grown to be rather than a servant that automatically GNU stands for “GNU’s Not Unix.” influential and has seen some major adapts itself to your needs, we can’t Unix was an operating system (OS) that successes in advocating for the ideals expect everyone to become intimately was in common use at the time, and the enshrined in the GPL. Some free soft- acquainted with the operations of their recursive acronym is a bit of program- ware programs, such as Mozilla Firefox computers. At some point actual work mers’ humour. The project emerged and OpenOffice.org, have become needs to get done. from the hacker culture at MIT, which household names.

As Stallman himself points out, had collapsed at the end of the 1970s The work of the FSF and people asso- computer hobbyists are analogous to when a technology company hired all ciated with the movement represents a car tinkerers. Your custom-built hot but a few of the programmers. kind of ethical triumph. The problem is rod may well be a superior car, but it One of these few, a programmer nobody uses the software. The various does not answer the needs of the delivnamed Richard Stallman, was dismayed Linux distros make up a minuscule por- ery company with a fleet of a thousand at the encroachment of commercial tion of the market, with Windows over- trucks or the little old lady who only interests on the programming world. whelmingly dominant and Mac OS X drives to church every Sunday.

Source code, which was once shared as a very distant second. Firefox, which There are certain practical advanlike recipes among friends, was increas- was at one time the shining example of tages to free software, of course. It tends ingly kept under lock and key like the free software gaining popular success, is to encourage the growth of communiKFC herbs and spices. Commercial not the Internet Explorer slayer we once ties of users. Having access to the source software now imposed restrictions on hoped – it appears as though that role is code makes it easier to diagnose and how it could be used and distributed – in being filled by Google Chrome. fix problems. The ability to distribute some cases, simply to run the software On the office software front, the modified versions allows programmers you were required to sign a non-disclo- vast majority of corporate and individ- to recycle code that has already been sure agreement. ual users use Microsoft’s office suite. written for new purposes.

Stallman set out to combat this OpenOffice.org, the best competitor To get these advantages, however, by creating software that it is not necessary to subexplicitly granted the user scribe wholesale to FSF Free software has apparently certain rights he believed philosophy. This is where they should have: the the Open Source Initiative failed to capture the hearts and right to run the software (OSI) comes in. The OSI for any purpose, to access was founded to promote minds of the people, even in and modify the source open-source software, those areas in which it is superior code, and to redistribute which is essentially the copies or modified versions same thing as free softto the proprietary alternative of the software. Since one ware only with an emphaof the most basic pieces of sis on practical benefits software required for computing is the available, has a powerful word processor rather than ethics. The FSF remains OS, he began his project by developing and a respectable spreadsheet program, opposed to the idea of open-source a Unix-compatible OS. but its alternative to PowerPoint is a software, which they see as missing the In the process of creating his OS, joke. The OpenOffice.org project has point: software should be free because Stallman developed several pieces of undergone some background troubles in it should be free, not because it’s useful software that have endured for decades the last few years: it was acquired by the for it to be free. and are still used today, such as GNU software company Oracle and then disAn open-source philosophy allows Emacs and the GCC compiler. He also continued, and has been revived as two free software to exist more comfortably developed the GNU General Public separate projects known as LibreOffice in a commercial environment, which License (GPL), the terms under which and Apache OpenOffice. in turn can give it the promotion and this software was to be distributed, So despite free software’s ethical support that it needs in order to succeed which guaranteed users’ rights and pre- superiority, it does not provide a real on a wider scale – witness the success of vented anyone from making proprietary challenge to proprietary software except Ubuntu for a quintessential example. versions of the software. in a few narrow fields (the world’s 44 But these projects are only sucBut the GNU OS was never fin- fastest supercomputers all run Linux, cessful because and to the extent that ished as such. By 1990 many of the for example). Free software has appar- they capitulate to commercial interests. components were being used by Unix ently failed to capture the hearts and Ubuntu includes some non-free code users. One major component remained minds of the people, even in those that allows it to work with certain types undone, however: the kernel. Stallman areas (such as, arguably, OS design) in of hardware. One of the essential proand company began work on their ker- which it is superior to the proprietary grams on any Linux box is Wine, which nel, known as GNU Hurd, but it ran alternative. allows you to run software designed for into problems and still is not complete.

This is because ethics and quality are Windows if there is no suitable Linux Instead, they incorporated Linux, a not the only factors we consider when version available.

Unix-like kernel licensed under the choosing software. There are very real Wine is a cop-out, but it’s a necessary GNU GPL, into their code to form costs associated with trying something cop-out for people who want to get anywhat they call GNU/Linux. new—your files might be unreadable, thing done. This is the crux of the issue: GNU/Linux distributions (“distros” you may not be able to use certain kinds in many cases, the goals of expediency for short) such as Slackware, Ubuntu, of hardware, you have to learn to use the and ethics cannot be reconciled, and you and Red Hat Fedora are still being new system—so an inferior software have to pick one or the other. Especially created and maintained today. They package that is familiar might still be in cases where the issues are nebulous are in common use among program- a more practical option than a func- and hard to understand, ethical integrity mers, computer scientists, and others tionally superior but new and unproven can seem like a luxury, something that’s who need their computers to perform technology. There is some value in doing nice to have but by no means necessary specialized tasks. The University of what everyone else is doing. for a practical person.

Manitoba has a number of computers Over and above the issue of unfarunning Linux in its computer labs. miliarity, Linux distros tend to assume The GNU Project eventually grew a much greater knowledge of the opera-

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Managing Editor: Fraser Nelund Contact: me@themanitoban.com / 474.6520

SHOPPING FOR CHANGE Can ethical consumption overhaul a dangerous and deadly global garment industry?

Anastasia Chipelski, staff

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atching coverage of the Rana contractors for—and maintains they ing power wisely you can help in the Plaza factory collapse outside were unaware about—their brands’ struggle towards a better world.”

Dhaka, Bangladesh, in April 2013 was presence).

The democratic comparison falls a startling wake-up call for many. As Whether they own their role or not, apart when we examine who holds the death toll crept up to over 1,100, retailers’ very presence in manufactur- these consumer votes. People strugfinger-pointing and calls for change ran ing centres such as Dhaka makes them gling to survive on minimum wage rampant, but the process for preventing part of the problem. will have a harder time paying for ethisimilar tragedies is still unclear.

“It is clear that the decisions of cally produced items, and the discountResponsibility for worker safety is brands and retailers to seek low cost, dependent working poor have much passed around like a hot potato, from unregulated environments in which to fewer retail options than the middle big brands to government to busi- carry out production has contributed or upper classes. ness owners and on down the line. to a situation where workers’ lives are Some see ethical consumption being Individual consumers may question being placed at risk,” states the CCC. branded as a lifestyle choice. “Ethical their role in this tangled mess. We Yet in the court of public opinion, shopping is in danger of becoming wonder: Is there some small thing those who have taken small steps another signifier of social status,” I can do to make a George Monbiot difference? comments in the While the Rana Guardian. “No politiThe allure of a small change that makes Plaza collapse now cal challenge can be a big difference is undeniable, and while ranks among the met by shopping.” worst industrial disasThe allure of a consumer decisions are important, ters the world has seen, small change that simply changing one’s shopping it was not an isolated makes a big differincident. ence is undeniable, habits is not going to lead to any kind The Clean Clothes and while consumer of significant change in the world Campaign (CCC) decisions are imporhas been striving to tant, simply changing improve “working one’s shopping habits conditions and supporting the empow- towards offering compensation to is not going to lead to any kind of sigerment of workers in the global gar- those injured in similarly tragic events, nificant change in the world. ment and sportswear industries” since or who have signed on to agreements to Neeru Paharia, an associate pro1989. improve safety, such as Joe Fresh, are fessor of business at Georgetown In a briefing on safety in the gar- held up as better examples of corporate University, recognizes that making ment industry—which was released citizenry. a decision in a system that is highly five months prior to the Rana Plaza So, what is the individual consumer “abstracted” can be difficult and makes collapse—the CCC highlights some to make of all of this, besides offering it “easier for consumers to justify poor of the safety procedures that have been up a golf clap and their patronage to labour practices.” put in place, and the failings of the “good” retailers, and turning their back The first step suggested by educaaudit systems designed to maintain on the “bad?” tional charity Development in Action them in a garment industry with one of In a piece posted on Al Jazeera’s is to clarify this abstracted system – the worst safety records in the world. website, writer Karen Coates acknowl- inform yourself.

“According to the Bangladesh Fire edges “there is no simple fix.”

While you may stumble upon Department, 414 garment work“It’s an age-old dilemma that goes some sordid and sobering facts, these ers were killed in at least 213 factory round and round: Factories don’t pay will help you to decide what kind of fires between the years 2006 and more because international buyers pay strategy is most effective and acces2009. A further 79 workers lost their the same, no matter how much the sible to you – this could be a boycott, lives in 2010 in 21 separate recorded labourers earn. If international buy- sharing information, donating, volunincidents.” ers raised their rates, they’d pass the teering, lobbying, or creating alternaDespite their attempts to better the increase onto Western consumers,” tive markets for reused or handmade situation, it was obvious that progress says Coates. garments. in 2012 was slow. The CCC noted that Enter the question of ethical conOn the most basic level, it’s a gut“there has been a lot of talk and very sumption. Are consumers willing to wrenchingly palpable issue. The fabric little action. More meetings where pay more for clothing with a cleaner, you feel against your skin right now everyone blames each other [ . . . ] will safer trail behind it? didn’t come from nowhere; someone, not achieve anything.”

Studies on consumer behaviour with their human hands, worked those And what good are talks without yield conflicting and varied results. threads into a shape that sheathes your all of the players at the table? Retail Some report that people are more body. brands have a scattered record of focused on low prices than ethical proWithout a direct connection attending these meetings or signing duction, while others note that there is between maker and wearer, a thick agreements. a greater demand for information and cloud forms over the trail our clothSome rabble-rousers in the media accountability by consumers. ing takes. Any steps towards ethical have adopted the tactic of naming and The language of a democratic system consumption start with uncovering shaming retailers, such as Wal-Mart, is often transposed onto consumerism: this trail and reconnecting as more who have refused to pay lip service to your dollar, your vote. Ethical buying than producers and consumers, but as bettering the situation, though their guides advise the public: “Money is people who all deserve respect, dignity, labels were found in the rubble of Rana a vote which you can use every time and safety. Only then can we choose Plaza (Wal-Mart blames rogue sub- you go shopping. By using your spend- how to act.

VOL. 100 NO. 20 January 29, 2014

AGAINST THEIR WILL The captive animal entertainment industry Carlyn Schellenberg, staff

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he captive animal industry is almost exclusively oriented towards human entertainment, even while words like “education,” “research,” and “conservation” are commonly used. The fusion of zoos—and other enclosures—and amusement parks renders the appearance of zoos’ educational aspects suspect.

Here is why attending and buying the ticket for “fun” activities is ethically wrong.

tion and/or research purposes, although obviously a lot of education can be done in an entertaining way.”

For the Sochi Olympics, two killer whales caught in the wild will be flown to and held in the Russian city’s dolphinarium.

In August, the Miami Seaquarium was denied an application to import 18 beluga whales from Russia by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Hal Whitehead, a cetacean science professor at Dalhousie University, told the Manitoban it is “certainly not” ethical to keep orcas and beluga whales in captivity for the purpose of entertainment. When asked what disservice he thinks the captive marine mammal industry has done to the public and animals, he pointed to “misinformation about the animals, their habitat, and their nature.”

Marineland Canada is a marine park in Niagara Falls, Ontario that houses a variety of animals: a lone orca, Kiska; beluga whales; a range of ungulates like deer, elk, and bison; walruses; sea lions; bears; and fish. Marineland also has plans to have stingrays and sharks, and build an “interactive dolphin habitat.”

In 2012, Brad Dewar of the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals stated that an investigation of marine and land animals at Marineland found “some areas of concern where certain deficiencies exist.”

A concern with keeping orcas in comparatively small pools is that orcas in the wild tend to swim about 160 kilometres a day. Furthermore, according to the Orca Project, wild orcas have an average life expectancy of 30-50 years, whereas the median age of captive orcas is nine.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources states that “captive wildlife tend to lose their natural survival characteristics.”

Swimming with dolphins If you’re swimming with dolphins— the second most intelligent animals, right after humans—they’re captive.

The World Society for the Protection of Animals notes that if a dolphin waves at people, it’s because captive dolphins are fed when they perform.

SeaWorld received criticism last year due to PETA’s release of a video of a dolphin bleeding and injured on the ground outside of its tank at SeaWorld San Antonio. This is only one example of the harmful conditions captive dolphins are subjected to. SeaWorld, which has an interactive dolphin program, accounts for about three dolphin deaths a year.

Ric O’Barry trained dolphins for the 60s television show Flipper. Cathy, one of those dolphins, died in captivity at the Miami Seaquarium. O’Barry believes she chose to stop breathing and commit suicide due to the stress of being in captivity.

The Taiji, Japan cetacean hunts and mass slaughters, as documented in 2009’s The Cove, are supported by the captive dolphin industry. According to the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, the majority of the cetaceans in the Taiji hunt are killed for human consumption. The hunters do this by herding the cetaceans into the cove, while the few young and “cute” ones get to live – in captivity.

In close proximity to the bloody waters, Taiji plans to open a marine park where customers can swim with Zoos and circuses dolphins.

Zoocheck Inc.—an animal protection charity in Canada—executive Marine parks director Rob Laidlaw got involved The orca whale has been a human with the organization because he killer in captivity. Tilikum, one whale became aware of “horrendous suffercurrently captive at SeaWorld, has been ing of animals in captivity due to little involved in the deaths of three people, or no regulation [ . . . ] and little, if two of whom were trainers. any, information about the conditions Like the 2013 documentary Blackfish, endured by wild animals in captivity.”

Death at SeaWorld, David Kirby’s 2012 Circuses are easily the most horrific book, has shone a critical light on form of captive entertainment because SeaWorld, and is now “in development” of their lack of any redeeming qualities, as a Hollywood film. existing solely for human entertainBlackfish depicts and describes: a ment: unnaturally bejewelled animals newborn orca of captivity taken away on tour, often in cages during transport, from their mother and the futile and forced—usually through the painful heartbreaking sounds the mother practice of bull hooks—to perform makes to try to find her baby; and the demoralizing acts such as standing injurious experiences trainers have on small stools. endured from captive orcas, through Zoos are ethically akin to circuses. near-drowning, hazardous bites and According to PETA, “the physical and grips, and sheer force. mental frustrations of captivity often Robin Baird, a research biologist at lead to abnormal, neurotic, and even Cascadia Research Collective in the self-destructive behavior, such as incesstate of Washington, told the Manitoban, sant pacing, swaying, head-bobbing, “I think it is only ethical to keep marine bar-biting, and self-mutilation.” mammals in captivity if it is for educaIn Defense of Animals released their

picks for last year’s “10 Worst Zoos for Elephants.” Edmonton Valley Zoo placed third for, among other things, its reported unwillingness to move an arthritic Asian elephant to a warmer climate. Bowmanville Zoo in Ontario made its way onto the Hall of Shame for reportedly parading around an ailing elephant that died two weeks later.

Elephants are a common staple of zoos and circuses, and an article in National Geographic this year criticized the ethics of keeping elephants in captivity, citing elephants’ large extended families, sophisticated social nature, and necessary “wide-ranging movement in vast home ranges.”

The article debunked the common claim of the positive effects of captive animal industries: “We have learned so much about the complex physical, social, and psychological needs of these animals, not necessarily from zoos, but from bona fide researchers in the field.”

“The role that zoos have played in actually saving species and repopulating wild habitats or supplementing existing populations of threatened wild species is negligible [ . . . ] Most zoobased breeding programs simply breed animals for zoo display,” Laidlaw told the Manitoban.

While some zoos do have reputable conservation and research programs, such as the Winnipeg Zoo, Laidlaw points to ethical conservation alternatives: “It’s far cheaper to protect wild animals in wild habitats than it is to keep them in zoos.”

Elephant rides A trip to Thailand appears to necessitate getting a photo taken riding an endangered elephant. While human weight can cause spine problems, most horrific is what occurs before the rides.

Wild elephants need to be tamed before they will allow humans to ride them, and to tame them, babies are isolated from their mothers in confined spaces and beaten, pierced, starved, and sleepdeprived in order to break their spirit.

Ethical alternatives to the captive animal entertainment industry The obvious ethical alternative to viewing animals in captivity is to view them in the wild or in animal sanctuaries. And, if photos with elephants are so integral to a Thailand experience, a picture next to one at an elephant sanctuary is the right option.

Reform is possible: Costa Rica will be closing two zoos this year and releasing the animals; India has eradicated the use of dolphins in marine circuses.

We are consumers every day, and we have the choice to support cruelty or to stand against it. To “consume” captive animals ethically is an oxymoron. Existing—or in some cases, not existing—for human entertainment describes the life of a captive animal; we need to push our wants aside and send them back home.

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Science & Technology Editor: Tom Ingram Contact: science@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Science & technology

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illustration by justin ladia

Plastics polluting the waters Waste accumulation in the Thames gets attention Elizabeth Drewnik, staff

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e live in an age of being environmentally conscious about our planet, so it is no surprise when topics like pollution cause a stir within our communities. A team of environmental scientists led

by David Morritt, a researcher from Royal Holloway, a college of the University of London, examined pollution of the River Thames in England. In particular, this examination was of the upper region of the river, held across seven locations.

The endeavour started out as an accident.

During a collaborative project between researchers from Royal Holloway and the Natural History Museum that was designed to study the commercial exploitation of a species of crab in the Thames, the nets meant to collect the crabs caught a large amount of garbage as well. While the nets were being cleaned off, the scientists noticed that the majority of the litter consisted of sanitary products (particularly the backing strips of sanitary pads) and plastics.

This got the researchers thinking about examining the sources of the Thames’ pollution. Once again they deployed the nets, but this time with an additional goal in mind: catching and cataloguing garbage.

The nets remained in the water for three days, collecting litter that was then examined and documented. They captured 8,490 pieces of trash.

There were 54 different types of waste, which they grouped into seven causal categories.

Of these sources across the seven locations, the largest contributors were food wrappers and containers, which represented 25.3 per cent of the pollution. The study did not, however, find any particular trend in the types of litter con-

tributing to the pollution.

But what they did find to be consistent was the amount of litter associated with certain locations. The garbage had the largest accumulation in Crossness and Littlebrook, two locations along the river near sewage treatment outfalls.

Condoms and menstrual pads were one of the most concerning sources of litter, representing over 22 per cent of the litter at the most contaminated sites along the Thames.

The problem with sanitary products—particularly the plastic backing strips of sanitary pads—is that they are not biodegradable – they do not break down once trashed.

Since they last a very long time in the environment, they accumulate.

These products were most likely entering the river system through being flushed down toilets, which is not how they are designed to be disposed of. Proposed solutions include changing people’s behaviour so they discard these products properly, as well as improving the biodegradability of the products.

In a recent Japanese study exploring the effects of marine pollution, a team of researchers led by Kosuke Tanaka looked at the impact of chemical pollutants from plastics in seabirds of the North Pacific Ocean. Some of the birds were discovered to have high levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) – a group of chemicals used as flame retardants that can be found in products including computers, carpets, and curtains. They are considered global pollutants known to be toxic to the environment.

When the stomach contents of the birds were examined, it was discovered that those with the highest levels of PBDEs

had ingested plastic products.

This suggested that the toxic chemicals from the plastics had been absorbed into their tissues.

Many marine organisms will actually mistake plastic products for food and eat them.

These plastics can inhibit digestion and cause injury.

However, direct consumption of plastics is not the only way in which the birds can be exposed. If the natural prey of the birds also ingests the plastic, the chemicals can spread through the food web. So long as there is plastic polluting the waters, it looks to be a lose-lose situation for marine life.

Once released into the environment and exposed to the tissues of animals, chemicals derived from these plastics have great potential to cause harm on a cellular level. Due to the small molecular sizes of the chemicals, they are able to enter into cells. Once that happens, they are free to chemically react with important molecules necessary for healthy survival.

Examples of detrimental effects include disruption of the endocrine system – a very important system of glands involved in the regulation of hormone levels.

According to reports from Environment Canada, toxic chemicals like PBDEs can contribute to behavioural disturbances, have effects on the liver, as well as interfere with the normal production of certain thyroid hormones if there is exposure during critical periods of growth and development.

These studies and others underline the potential dangers of river pollution, which are not isolated to one location. “Not only are the species that live in and around rivers affected, but also those in seas that rivers feed into,” said Morritt.

"Dirty Father Thames", a 19th century cartoon character from Punch magazine

Since sanitary products last a very long time in the environment, they accumulate

The silent highwayman : Death rows on the Thames, claiming the lives of victims who have not paid to have the river cleaned up, during the great Stink.

Arts & Culture Editor: Kara Passey Contact: arts@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

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Arts & Culture

To Bee, or not to Bee Sherbrook Street venue undergoes another change Lukas Thiessen, staff

Review: Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror Michael Carlisle, volunteer staff

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photo by Anastasia Chipelski

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he rousing notes of Andrew Cheering for the Bad Guy—whose Neville and the Poor Choices, group often played the venue—emCheering for the Bad Guy, the phasize the importance of Neville’s drifting voices of countless karaoke band. superstars, and the laughter gener“I’ll really miss being able to count ated by comedians hang in the air like on the spot for a great Wednesday a smokers’ haze at 61 Sherbrook. night of getting wild with Andrew The garage door that opened for Neville and the Poor Choices, that’s many summers onto Sherbrook Street for sure,” says Birnie. will next be lifted under a new name.

Hisco celebrates the long tradition The sign over the entrance has vari- of that group. “It was, and through ously read Eddy’s Garage Bistro Bar, every incarnation remained to be, Hooligans Neighbourhood Pub, the the go-to joint on Wednesdays for Standard Tavern, and most recently, Neville,” she says. the Rose n’ Bee. “I knew just about everybody that Matt Rosenby, who ran the Rose was in there by name. Those people n’ Bee along with his brother Mike, became friends,” says Rosenby, who had great things to say about many gives special thanks to Jones for being people connected to the location. an integral part of the place.

He highlights positive relationships Bruce Berven, of Mariachi with surrounding business owners Ghost—whose former bands the like the West Broadway Biz, and the Xanad00ds and the Shouting people at Times Change(d) High and Ground played the venue—expresses Lonesome Club. warm sentiments about the manageHis enthusiasm for the perform- ment. “When Matt and his brother ers is heartfelt. “I really want to thank took it over, from my perspective it Andrew Neville and the Poor Choices was on its way up.” who played every Wednesday, Mike “A live music venue is needed in Green, who hosted comedy every the area, but who has the money to Thursday, Mischa Decter and Micah do major renos in that space?” asks Erenberg who did [the booking of Berven. acts for and promoted] the Sundays.

The kitchen splits the venue into We had such great shows,” says two parts, separating the dining area Rosenby. from the bar, and no one ever uses the Rose n’ Bee bartender Ben Jones; dining space, he explains. former co-owner of the Standard, “As most people know, the most Jill Hisco; and Sheldon Birnie of defining characteristic of the bar over

its four incarnations was the truly insane and idiotic placement of the kitchen,” Jones concurs. “Otherwise [ . . . ] it was born as a divey little bar, and it generally stayed that way, and that’s sort of why so many people loved it, I think.”

Rosenby reflects that he and his brother were aware of those concerns, and sees the issues as more structural.

He explains there was debate over responsibility for renovations, and how the lease agreement and rental dues reflected this matter. Building owner Eric Eyford had not been reached for comment at press time.

Birnie reminisces, “When Stompin’ Tom died last year, I just put on my boots and headed down there knowing we could hear plenty of Stompin’ Tom tunes before the night was done.” Who will play the wake for the Rose n’ Bee? “If I would have known this would have come to end, we would have thrown a huge blowout, a big celebration,” says Rosenby.

“I wish the new owner, whoever that may be [ . . . ] all the best,” says Hisco.

Jones concludes, “If there was a cool, new, well-planned and laid out venue with a 100+ capacity in that area it would do really well. But that particular spot might just have a curse on it at this point.”

.W. Murnau’s 1922 classic Nosferatu–starring Max Schreck as Count Orlok—portrays a merciless vampire interested in a new castle to lure his victims to and, more importantly, lusts after the blood of his real estate agent’s wife.

A haunting experience, Murnau takes you to a place where madness lurks around every corner and your worst nightmares become reality. The film is about all the things mankind has worried about: death, insanity, disease, and war. It is shocking yet brilliant.

Unlike Bela Lugosi, who plays a f lamboyant vampire in Tod Browning’s 1931 version of Bram Stroker’s novel, Schreck plays the vampire like a rabid creature filled with hunger and hate. He is a remorseless predator that should exist only in the bowels of hell.

Nosferatu is filled with sexual undertones – however, the sexual-

ity presented in Nosferatu is rather terrifying. It holds us in our fear of AIDS and rape, both of which remain present in our modern society. The vampire is an unholy being who has desires that stretch far beyond finding a mate. It stalks after the innocent and those who find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Though it’s full of despair, Nosferatu is a classic that certainly stands the test of time. See it immediately.

5/5 Check out more of Michael’s reviews at goodbadcritic.blogspot.ca, and catch a screening of Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror at Cinematheque (100 Arthur Street) on Friday, Jan. 31 at 9 p.m., as well as Feb. 1 at 9 p.m., Feb. 5 at 7 p.m., and Feb. 6 at 9 p.m.

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Arts & Culture Editor: Kara Passey Contact: arts@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Big Fun in review Indicator Indicator, Yes We Mystic, The Bros. Landreth, ATLAAS, and Les Jupes do the Windsor Lukas Thiessen, staff photo provided by by Ana Boats

photo of the bros. landreth by Bob Tinker

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s one night of the event Big Fun, itself paired with the New Music Festival, Jan. 24 at the barely ventilated Windsor Hotel was a crashing success.

Where else could you hear classic pop, folk rock, psychedelic Southern blues, a computer and keytar duo, and goth rock in the span of four hours and know these were all hometown heroes without an ounce of pretension?

The opening act was Indicator Indicator, headed by local pop superstar Sandy Taronno, drum-

mer Kevin Kornelson, whose prog rock style à la Neil Peart would be welcome in any group, and Matthew Harder.

Says Taronno, “To me the frontlines of pop music is like— and this sounds stupid—but like, the Ke$has and producer-based stuff that’s actually on the radio.

Like the really hard side-chained synth stuff. They’re doing insane, marvellous stuff in pop music. And we try to pull a few of those things, but honestly, in my heart of hearts, we do pretty classic pop.”

But in this reviewer’s heart, if what Indicator Indicator do is called “classic,” then groups like the Beatles are still in the stone age.

Yes We Mystic (YWM) took second spot on the bill, after doing the Hangover Breakfast show for Big Fun last year. Like Taronno, YWM frontman Adam Fuhr also doesn’t believe they’re anymore on the frontlines than anyone else.

“We could be writing these songs 20 years ago, or 20 years from now, and we hope they’d be the same,

the structure or the feel.”

The third act, the Bros.

Landreth, could have stepped out of a time portal off the stage at the Windsor and onto the platform at Woodstock and not one person would have batted an eye. The four-person act has enough hair to put the Sheepdogs to shame.

Frontman Joey Landreth and his brother Dave grew up on that music. “We come by it honestly,” says the former. “We can’t help but really love great, old rocking stuff.”

‘I am B.A. Johnston, and I’m sorry’ Big Fun showcases pop and debauchery with B.A. Johnston, Boats, and J.R Hill and the Magic Bears Anastasia Chipelski, staff

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B.A. Johnston performance has very little to do with music; it’s a booze-soaked whirlwind of sad-sack ditties interrupted by moderate acts of destruction.

The songs penned by Johnston chronicle the mundane rituals of this self-proclaimed “slacker hero,” and are paired with a level of irreverent self-deprecation that is only matched by his scathing indictments of the audience drinking it up.

J.R. Hill and the Magic Bears opened the evening on a more upbeat, poppy note. Their offering of well-crafted songs with surprising melodic twists inspired a fair amount of bouncing and bobbing in the audience. If you’re into the

cassette-resurrection movement, humble banter, and understated talent, make a point of seeking them out around town – you won’t be disappointed.

Boats were fast out of the gate with an energetic burst of noise before coasting into a poppy swell mid-set, and were gladly prompted to finish on a more frenetic note.

After a brief soundcheck to the tune of “mock chicken, check, one, two, mock chicken,” Johnston took to the stage and fell right into lambasting the audience: “Don’t judge me, fuckers, I know where you live.”

His irreverent barbs were mostly met with open-mouthed laughter and willing audience

participation, much to his own amusement (or disgust?).

Johnston spent more time in the crowd than on stage, where he would occasionally return to reset the atmosphere of spit, beer, and disdain before launching into another round of hijinks loosely based in song.

“That was a test to see what kind of shitty songs you [would] put up with,” he declared at one such interval, returning to the stage to check on his guitar or old discman that he referred to as “my iPhone 5.”

Trailing an impossibly long mic cable and barrelling through the audience, he was met with surprisingly little resistance – even as

he grabbed a bottle of liquor from behind the bar and poured it down his throat.

One audience member did confront him and unplug his mic during the final song (featuring casual references to date rape), a refreshingly gutsy move.

Just below the trashy veneer of the anti-hero performance, there are elements of Johnston’s lyrics that could hint at the kind of comedy that illuminates the darker, more desperate parts of life: reliance on GST cheques and McDonald’s coupons, and cats that eat better than he does.

But as the revellers cheer under a shower of B.A.’s beer spray, I wonder, are they in on the joke?

photo of J.R Hill by Chris Kreamer

A night of Winnipeg for Winnipeg Romi Mayes presents a 20-artist and songwriter extravaganza Anastasia Chipelski, staff

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photo provided by romi mayes

or the third year in a row, Romi Mayes has collected 20 of her favourite local songwriters, bringing them together for one night of exceptional performances.

The Romi Mayes 3rd Annual Songwriters Extravaganza is an early show—starting at 7 p.m.—in order to fit all the talent into one night.

In this city it’s not hard to put together a stellar lineup, says Mayes.

“I’m constantly blown away by the calibre of musicianship and creativity we have

right here around us. What is amazing is that it seems every couple of months I meet a new songwriter or band that I didn’t even know existed in Winnipeg, to add to the list of amazing artists in this town. It’s endless here.”

The list of performers span a wide range of genres. From folk, to indie rock, to garage, to every other genre imaginable, the festival represents the full charm of the Winnipeg scene as being “diverse and unpretentious,” says Mayes.

“The banjo player in [one]

bluegrass band also plays metal drums in [another] band. And the singer from [one] pop band sings harmonies in this other electro-funk band. The scene sets its own bar high, and so we all rise to the challenge to be better all the time because we are all inspiring each other and pushing [each other].”

While she’s been taking a break from touring for almost a year now, Mayes is “laying low” and working on her own songwriting. That hasn’t kept her off the scene though – she’s been promoting other Canadian

bands through her new booking agency, Sure Shot Bookings.

And, of course, she’s taking time to celebrate the scene that’s supported her as well, planning a “night of Winnipeg for Winnipeg, where we can all be proud of how immensely rich our music scene is.”

The Romi Mayes 3rd Annual Songwriters Extravaganza will be held on Feb. 2 at the Park Theatre. For full details, visit www.parktheatrevideo.com

VOL. 100 NO. 20 January 29, 2014

Arts & Culture

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A passion for pints Craft beer enthusiasts find new home in Barley Brothers Anastasia Chipelski, staff

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ost restaurants plan a concept throughout the menu, but they’re also for local standards. Maniar has pledged and a menu, and then pair their offered up on their own as a sampler, to save some taps for Half Pints and liquors accordingly – but at Barley alongside sauerkraut and German Fort Garry: “Local stuff is always going Brothers in Winnipeg, it’s all about potato salad. Other treats include to be here [ . . . ] Besides that, everythe beer.

Atlantic oysters, which Stafford paired thing’s up for grabs.”

Raj Maniar, who holds the title of with a mignonette and stabilized beer Nicole Barry, co-owner of Half Beer Manager, puts together an ever- foam.

Pints, reflects on how the craft beer rotating menu of 72 craft beers, which “Beer and oysters is such a classic scene in Winnipeg has changed. are the central focus of the restaurant. combination,” says Stafford, and he “We started in 2004, but had been Their beer menu “is bigger than most hints at the possibility of offering buck- working on it since early 2003. At the people’s food menus,” says Maniar. a-shuck in the near future. time there was just Fort Garry, who had “Here the food complements the alcoWhile their culinary influences are just been bought by Russell Brewing hol – well, the beer.” somewhat varied, the roots of the res- Company. It was a craft beer wasteland, While their menu boasts some taurant are undoubtedly local. Maniar which we were happy to help change – familiar pub fare, if you look a little explains that the sepia-toned images and I think we succeeded!” closer you’ll also find beer incorporated decorating the walls of the dining room Even five years ago, most craft beer into many of the dishes as well. Their are a mix of old Manitoba breweries enthusiasts had just a few tiny shelves house-made Senf—a German Beer and of the restaurant owners on their at the MLCC to peruse, so the availMustard—“goes with everything,” says childhood farms. ability of special local seasonal offerings Maniar.

These “local boys” own a few on tap is more than welcome at Barley House-made, fresh, hot pret- other Winnipeg restaurants, includ- Brothers. zels dipped in the Senf or Obatzda ing Corrientes, Hermanos, Carnaval, “The thing about craft breweries is (Bavarian Beer Cheese Dip) are excep- and Prairie 360. They’re considering they’re the ones that are going to be tional treats to share while working your opening a second Barley Bothers in pushing the envelope. [They’re] doing way through a pint, or a flight, or two. the summer or fall, based on the recent old, cool, traditional European stuff, The menu may be designed to com- success of the first. or doing old prohibition stuff, but it’s plement the beer, but that doesn’t mean “The concept’s going to be duplicated, going to be different,” says Maniar. it was given any less care. “I really try but the menu’s going to be a little bit Take, for example, Anderson Valley’s to [ . . . ] make as much stuff in-house different, the beer’s going to be a little Wild Turkey Barrel Aged Stout—a disand be doing stuff where people can bit different, the feel might be a little tinctively chocolatey, bourbon-tinged learn. I really like that in a restaurant,” bit different,” says Maniar. stout—which was earmarked as a staff says chef Paul Stafford.

This expansion would also make favourite early on.

Meat for the burgers is ground room for more taps—in their current The proof is in the pint, and while in-house, and Stafford is particularly setup, 72 is the limit—and an even it could take a while to work through pleased with the smoker in the Barley larger beer menu. While some pubs all 72, Maniar is confident that his barBrothers kitchen. “I love the fact that I will contract their taps out to larger tenders can offer at least a few recomhave a restaurant where I can just make breweries, Maniar maintains control mendations: “We’re trying to develop a my own sausages.” and doesn’t sell taps, which “gives me culture, more than just our business.”

Some classic sausages—like the full range for what I bring in.” bratwurst—can be found peppered Of course, there will always be room

Make your own craft beer dinner (and dessert) French Onion Soup

Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and discard the bay leaf.

The Ingredients:

Preheat your broiler. Cut the baguette ~1 cm thick, 2 slices per bowl being served. Broil them lightly on both sides and set aside.

by Sarah Michaelson (blogs at foodadventureclub.blogspot.ca)

1 Tbsp butter 1 super giant Vidalia onion and 1 normal onion (or 1 1/2 lbs. of yellow onions), sliced 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour 1 cup of Half Pints Beer – St. James or Bulldog Amber Ale 4 cups vegetable stock 2 tsp fresh minced thyme, or 1 tsp dried 1 bay leaf Salt and pepper 1 baguette A melty cheese like Gruyère, grated, or vegan cheese option In a large soup pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, stir well, cover, and cook for 5 minutes. Uncover, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook until onions are tender and deep golden brown (about 30 minutes). Don’t forget to stir them occasionally.

Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir until combined. Gradually stir in the beer, then the stock, the thyme, and bay leaf.

Position the oven rack 12 inches from the broiler and leave it on.

Ladle the hot soup into bowls.

Sprinkle cheese onto baguette slices, place slices on soup, and broil until the cheese is golden and bubbling.

Serves 4 (or so).

Dessert

By Nicole Barry of Half Pints 1 bottle Half Pints Stir Stick Stout Vanilla ice cream Dark chocolate (solid) Quick and impressive: pour Stir Stick Stout over vanilla ice cream and shave dark chocolate on top. Beer float!

photos by Anastasia Chipelski

Graphics Editor: Bradly Wohlgemuth Contact: graphics@themanitoban.com / 474.6775

Diversions

22

Sports Editor: Marc Lagace Contact: sports@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

23

Sports

Bison athlete profile Andre Arruda, forward, men’s basketball Mike Still, staff

photos by beibei lu

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o say that Andre Arruda is a playmaker would be a massive understatement. The 6’4 Canada West rookie sensation out of Garden City has done just about everything for the Bisons this season. He leads the team in average minutes per game (31.2), scoring average (14.2), and has been the top point-getter in five of Manitoba’s 15 games so far. Following another 14-point performance and a big win over the Regina Cougars on Friday, Arudda took a few minutes postgame to talk to the Manitoban.

The Manitoban:

When did you start playing basketball?

Andre Arruda:

M:

What types of dance do you do?

AA:

A lot of types of dance. I was in it in school, and just for fun.

M:

Would you say there’s anyone you try to model your game around?

AA:

Well my favourite player was Kobe.

I saw the way he shot the fadeaway and I liked it, I like that shot. I guess the passion and stuff comes from my high school coach. He was always really fired up and made us work hard.

I started playing about 11 years ago. M: I was in a lot of sports and trying Was there anything about your them out and seeing what was hap- experience in high school that pening. At that point I wasn’t really moulded you into the player you all basketball. I played volleyball are now? too, all the way through high school.

M:

What do you enjoy most about the game?

AA:

Just the competitiveness. Going out and trying to win every day. It’s just fun to get away.

M:

How many hours do you spend training during the week?

AA:

We have a practice every day, for two hours. Usually we get in to shoot and stuff before and a little bit after, so about two and a half hours total.

M:

What other things do you like to do in your free time?

AA:

I just like all sports. I like watching sports, and I like to dance.

AA:

Just the whole aspect of hard work – always working hard. There’s no point in coming to the gym and just playing around. You just always got to want to work and want to win. You get good results out of working hard.

M:

Do you have any role models?

AA:

A lot of my role models are just my coaches and people I’ve played with throughout high school.

M:

What are your goals for the rest of the season and going into next?

AA:

For the rest of the season we want to finish with a respectable record. I know we’re a good team. We’ve had some really tough games that were pretty close but there’s nothing we can do about it now, just finish off

strong. For next season just keep working hard, keep doing what we’re doing. We’ll get our guys back from injury and stuff.

M:

What kind of effect has [Bison basketball head coach Kirby] Schepp had on you?

AA:

He’s taught me how to always work hard, always communicate with your teammates, and be a part of the team. Off the court, focus on school as much as you can. Do everything we got to do to make sure we’re successful both in school and as a man, and on the basketball court.

M:

What kind of chemistry do you have with your teammates? Do you do anything together outside of basketball?

AA:

We always do an event once or twice a year as a team, whether it’s paintball or anything like that. A lot of us hang out outside of classes too, even if it’s just on campus.

M:

What would you like to do with basketball after university?

AA:

I would like to see if I could play pro, or in Portugal and see what happens.

M:

What motivates you?

AA:

What motivates me is to just go out there every day with my teammates and try to get a win, not only for me, but also for them. To work as a team, just do whatever you gotta do to get the win.

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Sports

VOL. 100 NO. 20 January 29, 2014

Meeting the test at East-West Evan Gill becomes third Bison to play in prestigious shrine game Mike Still, staff

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oming out of high school, it was quite apparent that Evan Gill was something special. At 6’3, 245-lbs, he was an impressive physical specimen. A three-time provincial team member, as well as part of the 2008 ANAVETS Bowl championship team with Churchill High School, Gill was highly sought after by many university programs.

The University of Manitoba was fortunate to recruit him to play for the Bisons. Gill emerged as one of the team leaders on defence, and received opportunities to play in showcase games, such as the 2012 International Bowl. Just this past weekend, the now 292-lbs Gill had the honour of playing in the EastWest Shrine Game, becoming just the third Bison (Israel Idonije and Jason Rauhaus were the others) to do so. At 89 years and counting, it is the oldest college all-star game in the United States.

“It’s come a long way,” remarked Gill from his hotel in Bradenton, Florida. “I remember the first day I stepped on the field with the Bisons, it was real tough. You got thrown around. It was a big adjustment.”

After redshirting as a rookie in 2010, Gill adjusted just fine to the

CIS game. Over the course of three seasons with the Bisons, Gill has accumulated 84.5 tackles, 7.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles, all without missing a single conference regular season game or playoff contest.

Just like the adjustment from high school to university play, there was also a learning curve heading down to Florida for the big all-star match-up. Gill had to adapt to the differences between the Canadian and American games.

“The shrine game was difficult at first,” explained Gill. “There are a lot “He really just kinda kept my head of little differences in technique and up. It was kinda interesting to hear drills that we do every single day.” that he was having the exact same Once you get down to the basics, struggles that I was having when however, football is still football. I came down there,” Gill told the Gill was able to do what he does Manitoban. “It was nice to have somebest, which is make plays and create one to actually relate to.” an impact.

Gill mentioned that he intends to “It was big for my confidence, to train with the NFL star within the finally get to the game and just focus next few months up in Chicago, as he attempts to hone his skills ahead on what I had to do.”

Gill spoke of a conversation he of the CFL evaluation camp in late had with Israel Idonije, Detroit Lions March.

“It’s gonna be big for me. [Idonije] defensive lineman and Bison alumnus. Having been through the same is really enthusiastic and he’s been process, Idonije offered advice and really helpful throughout the whole words of encouragement when Gill process.” mentioned that things weren’t going Since the day Gill signed with the Bisons, head coach Brian Dobie too well at the start of the week.

photos by beibei lu

has been proud to have him on the getting himself ready with combinefootball team. With Gill looking to specific drills. He is on the field in make it into the professional ranks, the morning and in the gym in the coach Dobie had nothing but positive afternoon. things to say.

Gill will return home in March “Evan gets it,” said Dobie. “He’s for three weeks, before heading to a student of the game, and he’s an Toronto for the incredibly important intelligent, classy young man who’s CFL evaluation camp, taking place filled with integrity.”

Mar. 21-23.

While the next few months will In his typically humble fashion, bring tons of excitement for Gill as Gill is taking everything in stride, he tries to dictate his own future but continuing to work hard just as in football, he remains focused on he always does. the here and now. Almost imme“It’s all mind-blowing, it hasn’t diately after the Shrine Game had really sunk in yet,” said Gill. “I’m ended, Gill took a second to enjoy just trying to stay positive and keep the moment, and then was back at working, and we’ll see where this all it. He is currently training twice a takes me.” day with Athletic Edge in Bradenton,

Bring on the Banny Bowl Bannatyne students put on hockey tournament in support of WISH Clinic Marc Lagace, staff

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niversity of Manitoba students campus for the tournament to feature from the Bannatyne campus will four teams – one representing each be lacing up their skates and hitting area of focus on Bannatyne, and two the ice in the first ever Banny Bowl “All-Star” teams that will face off in hockey tournament on Feb. 8 at the the marquee match-up.

MTS Iceplex.

Three other Bannatyne stuAccording to event organizer and dents helped to bring fourth-year dentistry student Todd Honcharik’s Honcharik, the main goal of the vision to life: tournament is to bring students from the faculties of medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy, and the school of medical rehabilitation together for a day of sports and socializing. The hockey starts at 1:50 p.m. and wraps up at 6:30.

The day will be capped off with a party from 10 p.m. until 2 a.m. at Paige Isabey the Exchange Event Centre on and Robyn Bannatyne Avenue.

McClelland from the “I wanted to get an event that faculty of medicine, and Alanna involved the whole campus, instead Doell from the faculty of pharmacy. of ‘this is a dentistry social’ or ‘this It was their input that led to the is a med event,’” said Honcharik. event being partnered up with the “A hockey tournament seemed like Winnipeg Interprofessional Studentsomething that might work.”

Run Health (WISH) Clinic.

The event has garnered enough The WISH Clinic is open on interest from students around the Sundays at Mount Carmel Clinic

just off of Main Street. Since opening its doors in March 2008, the clinic has allowed students to provide a valuable service to the community of Point Douglas, going beyond medical checkups and

offering youth programming and outreach events for the surrounding neighbourhoods.

“It’s a clinic that everyone on the campus kind of participates in to help low-income people, so it just seemed like the perfect thing to do,” said Honcharik.

Katlyn Taylor is a pharmacy student and a co-chair at the WISH Clinic.

“We’re really excited to have this new event going on to support the WISH Clinic, and provide a fun opportunity for all students,” said Taylor.

Taylor hopes that events like the

ecology.”

“It’s really unfortunate, because there’s opportunities for every student, from every academic background and year of study. So this is something that we’re really trying to promote and get the word out there so more students can be involved in this initiative.”

This is Honcharik’s final year at the U of M. If the Banny Bowl proves to be successful in its first year, he says there is hope for it to become an annual event.

“There are some people in med who are really into it, and willing to take it on next year,” said Honcharik.

Banny Bowl will provide some exposure for the WISH Clinic, which only operates with the support of the U of M student body.

“WISH Clinic, in my own per- Social tickets will get you into both sonal experience as a student at Fort the hockey games and the Exchange Garry campus, is really something District party, and are available that’s been kept on the down-low,” for $10 at the Answers kiosk on the said Taylor. “Not many people know Bannatyne and Fort Garry campuses. about it, unless you’re in a few key faculties such as nursing or human