5 March 2014

news

comment

Growing local

Juno better

Women's Week Women professors weigh in on the scientific life

Workshop connects local makers and foodies

Bison women’s volleyball wins national title

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page 14

page 12

page 18

page 23

Food Matters conference sees participation from food security community

science & technology

Awards should not celebrate misogyny in music

arts & culture

sports

Slow Food WPG Golden effort

UMSU VOTES: March 5-7 Vo l 1 0 0 · N o 2 4 · M a r c h 5 , 2 0 1 4 · w w w.t h e m a n i to b a n .co m

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Index

VOL. 100 NO. 24 March 5, 2014

Editor-in-Chief Bryce Hoye

editor@themanitoban.com / 474.8293

Business manager Foster Lyle

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accounts@themanitoban.com / 474.6535

Advertising Coordinator Daniel Schipper

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Editorial

Senior News Editor Quinn Richert

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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

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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

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sports@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Copy Editor Carlyn Schellenberg

copy@themanitoban.com/ 474.6520

Design

Design Editor Silvana Moran

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design@themanitoban.com / 474.6775

Graphics Editor Bradly Wohlgemuth

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Photo Editor Beibei Lu

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design associate Aichelle Sayuno

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graphics associate Bram Keast

Reporters

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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, Keegan Steele, Gloria Joe, Samantha Secter, David Moll, Sarah Bennett

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Features

What’s one vote worth?

A look at what your UMSU vote can do Fraser Nelund, staff

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hat is your vote worth in the UMSU election? Is it worth voting at all?

The answer to the former is crucial to addressing the latter. After all, as every student knows, time is precious while many of the issues dealt with by the elected representatives of U of M students bear an, at best, specious relationship to the daily activities of individual members of the union.

Voter turnout amongst young people is historically depressed, and a depressing concept to contemplate. After the 2011 federal elections, Marc Mayrand, chief electoral officer of Canada, noted that though the low turnouts of recent elections are disturbing (58.8 per cent of registered voters in 2008, 61.1 per cent in 2011) the “decline is disproportionately concentrated among the youngest electors.”

Explanations for this tendency abound.

According to a survey conducted by Elections Canada, many do not vote because of a dearth of knowledge about the candidates vying for position. When one knows nothing about any of the possible choices, all of the choices are equal. This is not a situation where returns on the investment of time are likely to motivate.

It seems probable that the students at a university would buck this trend. The purpose of an education is so often touted as learning how to learn. Are UMSU members not among the most likely group of young people to have both a thirst for knowledge and the know-how to dissect pertinent information?

Apparently not. The most prominent fact illustrated by the graph charting the UMSU voting trends over the last 17 years is that there has not been a single election or referendum where a

quarter of eligible voters cast a ballot.

Some may see the lack of participation in democracy on this local level, where the effects of elections are most prominent in the lives of the deciders, as a travesty. That is a valid and defensible perspective. Another is that the facts presented here suggest an opportunity for members of the union.

UMSU financial records for September indicate that the total revenues in the yearly budget were expected to be $1,173,850.35. If we look at the voting records, we see that 6,178 votes were cast last year.

It is reasonable to assert that many factors, besides the will of voters, go into the expenditures of UMSU. It is just as reasonable to assert that UMSU’s influence extends beyond their power over the budget. It is plausible to call these factors

a wash.

A similar conclusion can be reached about the assertion that funding is locked in by tradition and long-term contract; each year’s executive’s influence will extend into the future. Once again we can take the result as a wash.

Each vote last year was approximately equivalent to allocating $190 worth of spending.

Take 20 minutes out of your busy schedules to read this week’s issue of the Manitoban, email a question to a candidate, or find some other method of informing yourself. Allow yourself a generous 10 minutes to cast a vote. You will be exerting influence at a rate of $380 per hour.

I won’t pretend to know the median wage of University of Manitoba students. I am nonetheless comfortable asserting that voting is a worthwhile proposition for all but a few.

UMSU community representative candidates Katy MacKinnon, staff

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he community representatives campaigning for the 2014 UMSU election are: Steven Anderson, LGBTTQ*; Rocco Scarcella, students living with disabilities; Matthew Riesmeyer, students living with disabilities; Munashe Gudu, international students; Ninia Ogbuji, women’s representative; and Reanna Blair, women’s representative.

Anderson, Scarcella, Ogbuji, and Blair shared their platforms and hopes for the coming year.

The Manitoban did not receive a response from Riesmeyer nor from Gudu by press time.

The Manitoban: Please discuss your platform.

Steven Anderson: The platform I’m running on is based on improving services on campus for LGBTTQ* students, enhancing communication between the LGBTTQ* students and their representative on council, and raising awareness about matters affecting LGBTTQ* students.

One goal I have for next year is increasing the number of gender-inclusive washrooms.

Rocco Scarcella: [I want] to get organized by starting a student group that will bring together members of the disability community [ . . . ] It will serve as a student group in which casual discussions can take place in a safe and fun environment [ . . . ] [I want] to have more accessible on-campus jobs, [ . . . ] [and I want] to have the five UMSU community representatives also representing

students on the Student Senate Caucus.

Reanna Blair: As women’s representative, I will accomplish increased transparency and accountability, promote and provide venues for discussion and debate regarding women’s issues, ensure availability and awareness regarding women’s resources on campus, [and provide] consideration of how decisions will affect long-term and shortterm needs of women on campus.

Ninia Ogbuji: As the women’s representative, I hope to increase the cultural diversity of the Womyn’s Centre. As [a] visible minority on campus, I hope to increase cultural sensitivity within the community of women and in campaigns targeted towards issues concerning women, especially the “No Means No” Campaign. My aim is to make sure that no decision is made on the council without asking the views of the women and how that decision will impact our community.

M: What experience do you have that qualifies you for this position?

Anderson: I have been a member of UMSU Council as a science rep for the past year, serving on the Policy and Bylaws Committee as well as the Health and Dental committee. Furthermore, I’ve been an active member of the Rainbow Pride Mosaic for the past four years, volunteering for almost all events and activities. I have considerable knowledge about the workings of UMSU, as well as much experience with a diverse number of

LGBTTQ* students. I’ve completed eight hours of the Rainbow Resource Centre’s ally training.

Scarcella: Much of my experience that qualifies me for this position has been from the ability to facilitate partnerships between those facing barriers and those with the ability to remedy them. For example, for over a year now, I have been working closely with the University of Manitoba Mobile App Development Team in order to make the app more accessible for students with various degrees of vision loss.

Blair: I have volunteered as an orientation leader on campus, and in the process, have developed skills involving interacting with and ensuring that students new to the university feel comfortable on campus [ . . . ] I was elected to the position of fair trade venture lead in Engineers Without Borders; this has allowed me to network, organize, manage, and interact with others to ensure fair trade awareness amongst students here at the U of M. I am currently part of the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority, and this has allowed me to see and experience the importance of community building amongst women.

Ogbuji: I am the current women’s representative of the Arts Student Body Council. I have also worked with UMSU since 2012. The skills and experiences I gained from these have adequately prepared me for this position.

M: In what ways will you ensure UMSU is being held accountable and transparent for students?

Anderson: I am not afraid to ask hard questions at UMSU meetings if I see items that do not seem accurate. I have experience reading budget lines as well as thorough knowledge of the policies and bylaws of the union. I will always bring up any discrepancies regarding these items to make sure they are dealt with honestly and comprehensively.

Scarcella: In order to ensure UMSU is being held accountable and transparent for students, I would ensure that any information being presented is accurate, presented to council in a timely manner, and that any significant financial commitments and policy decisions have a mandatory and thorough debate.

Blair: I would work with UMSU to distribute emails and social media updates regarding what UMSU wants to do, is doing, and has done in regards to women’s issues. In these updates I would work towards ensuring clarity in regards to the roles that the representatives and the executives have in decision-making. Also, I would ensure that I am available to receive any feedback that UMSU members have in regards to women’s issues.

Ogbuji: [I want to make] decisions made on the council readily available to the students. I hope to disclose the outcome of every meeting to the women’s community through the Womyn’s Centre. I hope to keep those I represent regularly updated with the progress of the council.

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Features

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

Team Fusion Quinn Richert, staff

If elected, would you change anything about the Health and Dental Plan next year?

Charly Wreggitt, president: There were so many complaints when it first came out, so we wouldn’t want to just switch it again. We want to make sure that if it does switch over it is done properly – that there is a referendum, that it’s brought to council before it’s signed, and that students are aware there would be a change.

What do you see as UMSU’s primary role or responsibility within the university?

been a lot of work on their part to make sure that this goes forward. I would be willing and committed to advocating for students who don’t have the privilege to drive to school [ . . . ] I understand that there are students who don’t intend to use the bus pass, so I would like to at least find out if it’s within our capacity to ensure a fair opt-out option.

If you were to find yourself having to work with members from other slates in the upcoming year, how would you handle that?

Rhongzhao Li, VP student services: We really want to do something that students want [ . .

CW: Our main role is to make sure . ] If I work with other groups and we’re advocating for all the students. people, if I get the position of VPSS, Making sure that all the student I will still follow our platform. groups are getting what they need [ . . . ] if any student is having an How would you ensure that you issue, we’re there to help them, and were aware of students’ concerns, there to fight for them. We want and responsive to them? students to know we’re a welcoming space. We want students to know CW: As one of our platform points, that there is an advocacy body to we want an open door policy. We help them if they have issues [ . . . want to set office hours, not just on ] we do want to have the fun, the the Fort Garry campus, but also on parties, but we also want things the Bannatyne campus. that help students get experience DH: The open door policy is in other things. important, but sometimes students hesitate to come forward, so there What do you see as the biggest also needs to be an essence of challenge facing U of M students outreach as well, where we seek today? out those students.

Monica Igweagu, VP advocacy: From talking to a lot of students, I’ve realized that they are not aware of the opportunities and possibilities that are available to them [ . . . ] That’s the main focus that right now we’re trying to deal with.

Are you happy with the $260 U-Pass the City of Winnipeg has approved? How would you approach U-Pass dealings next year?

Dana Hatherly, VP external: I’m really happy that there is a lot of support for the U-Pass coming from city council [ . . . ] there has photos by beibei lu

What would you do for Orientation Week next fall?

Victoria Watkins, VP internal: We want to maintain what UMSU has been doing, but we would want the concert to focus on having more local and Canadian artists, and even incorporating student groups [ . . . ] I think just really trying to stay within our budget is very important.

What kind of leadership should a president bring to UMSU? CW: I think a president has to make sure that they’re really doing what their job is supposed to be –

getting out there, attending senate, meetings with the administration, and making sure that students have the representation. We have all of these positions that the president can sit on, and it’s really important that the president is there.

UMSU businesses have done very well in the last month. What would you like to see done with those revenues?

VW: In order to be able to answer properly, I would need to have access to financial records and to know where money is needed to make sure it’s all financially stable, within our budget, and that we don’t do anything too crazy.

How would you ensure that the U of M is a safe, accessible, and welcoming place for all students?

MI: That’s where issues such as being approachable and accessible to students come in. Students have to be able to realize that you are actually there for them, and you’re advocating for their priorities.

DH: As VPE, I’ll engage with students by hosting week ly meetings with an open door, so that we can prioritize based on what students want to do. In terms of running campaigns on campus, I want students to be aware that they can take a lead in these campaigns and that we’d be there for them.

How would you communicate UMSU campaigns to students?

RL: As my position name suggests, students are my bosses. Whatever students want, for example, more microwaves, maybe we can get one. Maybe they want a job after graduation. Maybe we can get someone to help students find out how to get an interview, or how to write a resume, something like that.

VOL. 100 NO. 24 March 5, 2014

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Refresh Kevin Linklater, staff

If elected, would you change anything about the Health and Dental Plan next year?

Al Turnbull, president: The big thing we’d like to change, and improve upon, is we want to increase the speed, and expedite the process for students that want to get out of the plan. We’re definitely not changing the plan, it’s a better plan for sure, we just want to improve upon it with easier opt-outs.

What do you see as UMSU’s primary role and responsibility within the university?

Rebecca Kunzman, VP advocacy: Obviously given that UMSU regulates a good majority of the student activities on campus, improving the student experience I think is one of the largest roles of UMSU, as well as advocating on students’ behalf both within the university and with all three levels of government.

What do you see as the biggest challenge facing U of M students today?

Christian Pierce, VP external: I think the top reason most people go to university is to get employment, to get a career. So I think that would be the biggest thing. That’s part of my policy platform; I do intend to hold workshops, I want people to know how to write a resume, I want people to know how to be prepared for an interview. Maybe you need to prepare in your first year, for that

job at the end of the fourth year. We think students need to get involved earlier and start thinking about the job market and how that will affect the decisions they make when they go to school.

Are you happy with the $260 U-Pass the City of Winnipeg has approved?

How would you approach U-Pass dealings next year?

CP: I would like to see it happen, but only if the students want it and only when the students are informed about each side. I’m going to say it’s a lot cheaper than buying a monthly bus pass, but there won’t be any opt-outs and I want the students to decide.

I would like to have some online voting for it, too. If only 20 per cent of people are voting on it, it could all just be the transit riders, so I want to make sure everyone has a chance to read the information and vote.

If you were to find yourself having to work with members from other slates in the upcoming year, how would you handle that?

Jeremiah Kopp, VP internal: We’ve had great interactions with the other teams in this election. I’ve got a lot of respect for the other slates and they bring great ideas to the table.

It’s always easier to work with people who you already have a working relationship with. I’m running with this team because I believe in the excellence and the effectiveness of each of the Refresh candidates, but I think if there was a split, which I

don’t think there would be, but if there was, I would look forward to working with whoever the students elect.

How would ensure that you are aware of students’ concerns, and responsive to them?

JK: Being engaged with the student population is crucial for any executive, as a whole and individually. It’s all of our jobs to make sure that we’re interacting with students as much as possible. All of us are very involved with every aspect of the university: we go to every event possible, every student group meeting possible, we interact with the various faculties, so I would say there are very few people who have a better sense of what the students want and have their finger on the pulse quite the way that we do.

What would you do for Orientation Week next fall?

Daria Lukie, VP student services: I couldn’t imagine coming to school and not having a significant Orientation Week, or a Frosh [Festival] [ . . . ] Making it more of a week-long orientation with events and a nice big concert at the end. So Orientation Week would be more active, with more events going on throughout the week.

What kind of leadership should a president bring to UMSU? AT: I think that they need to be non-

partisan in the sense that they’re servicing all the members. I think they do need to have some experience: I was the arts senior stick before this; I was also the athletic [inaudible] senior stick before this. They have to be approachable to all students, and they have to be able to put in the time.

I think it’s a huge time commitment, and you have to want to do it, too. You legitimately want to have to work for students. I think those are qualities that an UMSU president needs to have: a lot of time, a lot of passion, and accessibility to all students.

UMSU businesses have done very well in the last month. What would you like to see done with those revenues?

JK: The student union exists to service the students, in whatever way that may be. So money that results from the profits we’re seeing at the Hub and Degrees, and other student businesses, it needs to be reinvested for the students in the businesses and in student services.

How would you ensure that the U of M is a safe, accessible, and welcoming place for all students?

RK: I think with anything that is to be accomplished at the university, for it to have a large scale and noticeable effect, there need to be partnerships made and partnerships with other offices on campus that are already doing a great job of working towards that. Making sure we work with those bodies to not only help

expand and sponsor their resources, and promote our resources to them so everyone knows what’s going on, everyone is on the same page when it comes to improving the accessibility of the university, making sure it’s an inclusive space. As well as making sure students are aware of them and know that they exist and they can use them.

What kinds of events and activities would you like to see more of on campus next year? Less of?

CP: We want to introduce Frost Week. We’ll do Celebration Week, but we’ll call it Frost Week. We’ll keep the speakers, but it’ll be a little more Festival du Voyageur-like, and embrace the Winterpeg [moniker].

We don’t really have a winter orientation. By the time you have Celebration Week you’re already three weeks in, and you already have exams. I want students to feel welcome back to campus, and students who are just arriving to feel welcome to campus.

How would you communicate UMSU campaigns to students?

DL: Promotions and networking, that’s my specialty. So the biggest thing is more collaboration with student groups. That’s my mantra for next year. The biggest one would be getting the U of M app more traffic and having general events posted on it so people would know what’s going down on campus. So having one place to go for every event and you can find out what events are going on.

UMatter Bryce Hoye, staff

If elected, would you change anything about the Health and Dental Plan next year?

interests. For me, I want to start making that a focus. I’ve found that in the last couple of years, the student groups have been really neglected.

KW: That pricing has increased from the original pricing that was discussed [ . . . ] I would imagine that that is not the end-pricing for the U-Pass, that there will be more discussions taking place, and that there could be the possibility of an increasing price with the [U-Pass]. So, you have to look at all of the factors when deciding whether or not the U-Pass is in fact something that students still want.

Kyra Wilson, president: As it stands, it sounds like everything has stabi- What do you see as the biggest lized in regards to students being challenge facing U of M students able to access their benefits with the today?

Health and Dental Plan, although it would have to be up for reevalua- CS: Tuition fees [ . . . ] We’re looking tion. If it is something the students at increased tuition fees right across are happy with, then there would be the board, because of the cutbacks no reason to change it [ . . . ] but any that are coming to the university [ If you were to find yourself having sort of decisions that are coming out . . . ] Because of these cutbacks, the to work with members from other of the UMSU office, if elected, I will students have to shoulder the finan- slates in the upcoming year, how make sure that that consultation is cial burden of that, and that means would you handle that? a priority. increased fees [ . . . ] We are already burdened by debt. I would like to KW: I don’t believe that it is producWhat do you see as UMSU’s primary work toward lowering those fees at a tive to have a lot of the infighting that role or responsibility within the reasonable amount [ . . . ] If we make you see within political organizations. university? an agreement with the university to That is something I would make lower it by 15 per cent over a period of, sure to prevent. I am always open to Clyford Sinclair, VP internal: We’re say, five years, or something greater ideas and differences of opinion, so here to protect the interests of the than that, that’s something we can I don’t think there is any issue with students and advocate on their behalf. negotiate at the table. working with anybody else from a Part of advocating and working with different slate [ . . . ] when it comes the students, for me, is the student Are you happy with the $260 U-Pass down to making group decisions [ . groups. I find that the student groups the City of Winnipeg has approved? . . ] basically we would allow for that represent large constituents with dif- How would you approach U-Pass democratic voting process to follow ferent students who have different dealings next year? throughout.

How would you ensure that you were aware of students’ concerns, and responsive to them?

KW: One of the things that I would like to do is to make sure [we’re] still on the ground, [we’re] still talking to students one on one, [we’re] still meeting with student groups.

I think that is the major focus of our campaign. With UMatter, we want to maintain those relationships throughout the year.

What would you do for Orientation Week next fall?

CS: I want to aim more for a spirit week. I want to get the student groups out there. We want to get more local talent involved. If we’re looking to bring in biggernamed talent, I would like it to be a Canadian star that comes in. We do not need to pay several thousand dollars to bring in a hip-hop artist from the United States. We have fantastic Canadian artists that would perform for students for a reasonable amount.

UMSU businesses have done very well in the last month. What would you like to see done with those revenues?

CS: I would like to see that revenue applied to generating more income for our student union. The benefit to that is that if we keep on investing the money we make with our student union and our businesses, it ultimately leads to us being able to lower the fees that students are required to pay into this university. We will be more independent of having to rely on those fees so much.

What kind of leadership should a president bring to UMSU? KW: The individual needs to be constantly questioning themselves and their ability in that leadership role as president [ . . . ] I think that as a true leader [ . . . ] you need to always be evaluating your skills and abilities sitting in that position.

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Features

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

graphic by bradly wohlgemuth

Approximate proportions of total revenues allocated to various expenditures based on projections from the University of Manitoba Students' Union Statement of Financial Position 9/30/2013

Toban Talkback

Q:

Are you planning on voting in the UMSU 2014 general elections? If so, who do you plan to vote for?

Quinn Richert, staff

Daniel Nechi

Romik Babakhanians

Katherine Riddell

Halim Shah

I am going to vote, definitely. I am interested in voting for Fusion. I am more convinced they have a better plan for students.

Yes, probably for Refresh [ . . . ] they seem to present themselves better than the other ones.

Yes, I am voting for Refresh.

I plan to vote, but I have no idea right now who to vote for. I haven’t looked around yet to see the candidates’ ideas.

VOL. 100 NO. 24 March 5, 2014

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map courtesy of jacqueline keena

Polling stations in new places

online, acknowledging the correspon- also responded to this concern in a dence she had received over the Migizii statement to the Manitoban, explainissue and declaring that polling stations ing that the arrangement was based could not be rearranged following the on the strict class schedule the faculty closing of the nomination period. of law follows.

“Polling stations are not changed “The number of hours to vote at after the close of the nomination period.

Migizii Agamik is greater than the Quinn Richert, staff To do so would be to run the risk of number of hours available to students giving a declared candidate an unfair at Robson Hall. The intention of havhis year will mark the first UMSU treasurer Clyford Sinclair circulated this election season, with the slate advantage,” said Keena, later adding, ing a polling station at Robson Hall general election for which polling an email imploring students to con- UMatter.

“Any polling station is available to any for two days, albeit for less hours, is to stations are available at certain locations tact chief returning officer (CRO) “It was brought to my attention by student during the vote.” allow students to vote during their set across the University of Manitoba’s Jacqueline Keena to express concern a student,” Sinclair recently told the In an interview with the Manitoban, lunch break,” she said.

Fort Garry campus, places such as over the one-day rule.

Manitoban.

Keena said she received a total of nine Keena went on to point out the Migizii Agamik (Bald Eagle Lodge) “I am asking all council and students “I did some digging [ . . . ] the emails expressing dismay over the importance of arranging polling staand the faculty of law’s Robson Hall. you know to email [Keena] that this is CRO told me that it was an experi- polling station arrangement, while tions to maximize accessibility within Nonetheless, some students are upset unfairly targeting Aboriginal students mental process to see if there would others contacted her to confirm that the confines of a set budget. that Migizii will only house a polling who all mainly go to Migizii Agamik. be a turnout for it, but to me it didn’t they were not upset about having station for one day of the three-day vot- It does not allow us students to have make sense, because if you’re going to only one day to cast a ballot inside Voting runs this week, Mar. 5-7. ing period. fair access to voting while every other look for a fair turnout you have to do at Migizii.

See the map above or the website Earlier this month, UMSU voting station in other faculties and least minimum two days since classes Sinclair pointed out in his email of the CRO for polling locations.

Council’s Aboriginal students’ repre- buildings have them available for the run Monday-Wednesday-Friday and that while Bald Eagle Lodge received sentative and the U of M Aboriginal 2-3 days,” wrote Sinclair, who is also Tuesday-Thursday,” he continued. a station for one day, Robson Hall Students Association (UMASA) running for vice-president internal Keena later released a statement would have a station for two. Keena

Some students unhappy with the arrangements

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General elections 2014 complaints summary A compilation of grievances filed, and their rulings Quinn Richert, staff

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ccording to UMSU bylaw 1050, during general elections, “any Member of the Union, other than the CRO [chief returning officer], may file a complaint regarding an alleged breach of the election rules,” and “the CRO is empowered to investigate and rule upon any breach of the election rules, whether submitted to the CRO in a complaint or initiated by the CRO.” As of press time, Monday, Mar. 3 at midnight, only two complaints had

been filed, and neither has resulted in re-tweeting a tweet that suggested any penalty. As campaigning heats ‘slates’ were responsible for vandalup, however, the total is expected to ism of his campaign material.” CRO rise.

Jacqueline Keena ruled that “no slanHere is a summary of the regis- derous or libelous statements were tered complaints: promoted.” The complaint was ruled invalid because it was filed more than Complaint #2014-01 48 hours after the incident and no Victoria Watkins (vice-president penalty was assigned to Turnbull. internal, Fusion) filed a complaint against presidential candidate Al Complaint #2014-02 Turnbull (Refresh) last Friday, Zachary Johnson filed a complaint alleging he “promoted slander by against the Refresh slate last Saturday

night, alleging that the slate distrib- confirmed that “under the direction uted “factually incorrect” campaign of the current UMSU executive, the materials.

Hub is making strides to reach a From the CRO’s summary: break-even point by the end of the “The statement in question was fiscal year.” made by Refresh in the all-members She ruled that “the statement in email sent by the CRO. In the email, question is not incorrect,” and noted Refresh states, ‘We, for the first time that “complete financial records ever took the Hub out of a $450,000 are not available.” No penalty was hole…’” assigned to Refresh.

According to Keena’s write-up, she consulted with UMSU general The Manitoban will be updatmanager Clark Cunningham and ing this story online.

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

Features

8

The curious case of the vanishing posters Rash of late-night vandalism targeted campaign materials Quinn Richert, staff

E

ven the passably perceptive pupil would have noticed a peculiar pattern on campus walls last week.

Multiple posters depicting presidential incumbent Al Turnbull (Refresh) were removed as of Wednesday morning, only to be replaced later that day.

The following morning, again, many of Turnbull’s posters were gone.

Some of the posters appeared to have been removed carefully, leaving conspicuous holes in Refresh poster layouts and surrounding materials unruffled.

Others seemed to have been touched by a malicious hand – nearby Refresh posters incurred collateral damage, or shreds of Turnbull’s papers were left hanging on strips of tape.

The acts of campaign vandalism prompted public responses from Refresh, as well as Team Fusion. Both denounced the teardowns with an identical statement.

“We do not condone or support these actions [ . . . ] to our followers, friends, volunteers and supporters, we implore you to not be a part of these despicable actions,” announced the statement on both slates’ Facebook pages.

“As a slate, if someone is caught destroying or defacing the campaign

material of either of our opponents this can be viewed as an act of support for us,” it continued.

Some discussion of the defacements broke out via social media during the week, leading Fusion vice-president internal candidate Victoria Watkins to file a related complaint with chief returning officer (CRO) Jacqueline Keena.

The complaint, filed last Friday against Turnbull, alleged that he had reposted a statement made by someone else on Twitter suggesting, “‘slates’ were responsible for the vandalism of his campaign material.” Keena dismissed the complaint, ruling that it was invalid because “no slanderous or libelous statements were promoted.”

Speaking with the Manitoban late last week, Turnbull acknowledged that campus security services had been made privy to the poster vandalism, and had identified one individual of interest via the school’s hallway camera system.

That person was scheduled to meet with Keena last Friday.

Turnbull said he was not pushing for any kind of punishment. He also said he does not intend to file a complaint with the CRO. In a potentially related turn of events,

Turnbull told the Manitoban that while he was walking through the tunnels connecting the science complex to the Tier and University College buildings at 11 p.m. last Wednesday he encountered a group of five people in balaclavas.

Security Services was alerted.

“By 1 a.m., posters near University Centre (UC) were torn down,” said Turnbull.

The extent of the poster damage remains unclear.

Early in the week, Keena reported that approximately 30 posters had been torn down. The Manitoban confirmed 16 in the Tier-science complex buildings and tunnels as well as in the tunnels heading from the science complex towards UC, while Keena said that approximately 90 posters had been reprinted as of press time.

Refresh has not been forced to pay for the replacement posters out of their campaign budget.

John Danakas, director of marketing communications at the U of M, confirmed that Security Services is investigating the incidents and is reviewing CCTV evidence.

As of press time, no further acts of vandalism against Turnbull’s campaign materials had been reported.

photo by quinn richert

10

News

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

news briefs Caleigh MacDonald, staff Peter Nygård pursues immortality through stem cell research

Winnipeg-raised fashion magnate, Peter Nygård, has claimed that he is growing younger through the use of stem cell injections – an area of research he claims is “a game changer [ . . . ] perhaps immortality.”

The ten-minute video titled “Bahamas Stem Cell Laws: The Peter Nygård Breakthrough” depicts Nygård as he details the progress he has already allegedly made with his stem cell treatments. Nygård is shown in a number of “before and after” shots that highlight the supposed miraculous effects he has been experiencing, and that emphasize his energy.

“Stem cells are being used for antiageing and the University of Miami is doing a study about that to prove that it is true. They are looking at me, and my markers have shown exactly that I have been actually reversing my ageing and getting younger,” Nygård told the Bahamas Tribune in February.

“I am taking perhaps more stem cell treatment than anybody else in the world. I have been doing it for four years now, so I am sort of a testimonial that this stem cell [treatment] really works.”

In the video he speculates that he might be the “only person in the world” with his “own embryonic cells growing in a petri dish.”

The video further describes his plans to build a multi-million dollar facility in the Bahamas wherein a team of specially chosen doctors and scientists can further continue their study of stem cell treatments.

Nygård was reportedly a lobbyist for passing pro-stem cell treatment legislation in the country, and claimed he helped draft the legislation – though Bahamian Prime Minister Perry Christie has disputed that claim.

“I’m going to live forever or die trying,” Nygård told the Bahamas Tribune.

Vince Li given unsupervised free time in Selkirk

cate for better federal laws, such as amendments to this section of the Criminal Code. That’s why Manitoba Justice Minister Andrew Swan wrote to the federal government and urged them on multiple occasions to change laws so that public safety would be the primary consideration when making decisions on these cases.”

Vince Li rose to infamy in 2008 for the beheading of 22-year-old Tim McLean. Nearly six years following, Li will be allowed unescorted, periodic passes into the city of Selkirk for 30 minutes as well as minimally supervised visits to Winnipeg.

Li, who was found to be not Gender-wage gap shown criminally responsible for the to persist in study of murder due to his mental instability, university graduates will also be moved from his current high-security locked facility into A study by Statistics Canada a more relaxed, unlocked one, as has revealed that while getting a endorsed by the Crown attorney university degree does give a higher last week. statistical probability of scoring a Li—described as a “model larger salary than a person with patient” since his arrest—was only high school education, it also reported as having no confronta- tends to earn males significantly tional incidents with other patients more than females. or mental health staff since his According to the study, over confinement, or while on escorted a period of 20 years, on averwalks. age, males with a bachelor of arts Despite a lack of objection from degree will earn $732,000 more the Crown, the granting of such than males who only graduate high privileges to Li has produced sig- school, whereas this gap is $448,000 nificant controversy amongst those for females. When looking at the who feel that such freedoms are too top five per cent of earners of each much for someone who has com- gender, university-graduated males mitted such a crime. MP Shelly made approximately $2.5 million Glover released a statement on above and beyond what a male with Feb. 28 condemning the Crown just a high school diploma made, attorney’s office for their lack of compared to graduated females’ objection. $600,000 lead on their high school “The decision by the Manitoba graduate classmates. government not to object to any The gender wage gap, accordof the recommendations made to ing to Statistics Canada, was not a grant Vince Li additional free- result of women dropping out of the doms, including unescorted trips workforce for significant amounts into Selkirk, is an insult not only of time, but rather due to the types to the family of Tim McLean but of jobs that each gender tends to to all law-abiding Manitobans,” favour. wrote Glover. She further called Women tend to work more in on Attorney General Andrew the public sector, in areas such Swan to appeal the decision. Rachel as education, health, and public Morgan, speaking on behalf of administration, whereas men have Swan, responded, saying that a tendency to work in private sector Glover was simply “trying to score jobs that lead to outsize returns on political points.” their paycheques.

“As Ms. Glover knows, the attorney general does not direct Crown attorneys on criminal cases. The attorney general’s job is to advo-

photo by nicole wruth

Globalised Holocaust Alejandro Baer discusses appropriation of language Caleigh MacDonald, staff

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n Feb. 28, Alejandro Baer of examining the evolution of gave a presentation titled “memorial culture,” and how the “Globalised Holocaust” at the term “holocaust” itself has in University of Manitoba. many ways come to mean different things to people in various cultures.

“What I’m interested “What I’m interested in is precisely how a certain term that in is precisely how might have a clear meaning is rea certain term signified, is interpreted a different way, or is appropriated,” he said. that might have While historically the term “holocaust” referred to a Jewish a clear meaning sacrif icial offering, forfeited is re-signified, through its burning, the word gained a far darker context in is interpreted a the times of Nazi Germany, being different way, or used to describe the mass murder of the Jews in concentration is appropriated” – camps.

Alejandro Baer The term has long been used as a reference to the Jewish slaughter during World War II, but has The presentation examined since been appropriated again, how a cultural memory can be with references to a potential appropriated into a global phe- “Nuclear Holocaust.” According nomenon, and how our use and to Baer, many also use the word understanding of language can to refer to a “Spanish Holocaust” transform an isolated historical that took place under the comevent into a modern politicized mand of former dictator, General movement.

Francisco Franco.

Baer, sociology professor “Language has consequences and director of the centre for [ . . . ] When victim groups Holocaust and genocide studies at claim that the crimes committed the University of Minnesota, took against them are a ‘genocide’ or a a comparative look at Holocaust ‘holocaust,’ of course it has consememorial ceremonies in differ- quences,” said Baer. “It certainly ent countries, for the purposes gets attention.”

VOL. 100 NO. 24 March 5, 2014

7th annual Growing Local Conference Food Matters Manitoba conference sees participation from food security community and Pulitzer-Prize-winning journalist Kevin Linklater, staff

F

ood Matters Manitoba (FMM) hosted its seventh annual Growing Local Conference in downtown Winnipeg last weekend.

The three-day event saw participation from dozens of organizations involved with food issues – including local food shares and sustainable gardening groups, branches of government, and NGOs. Workshops and talks were held Friday and Saturday covering topics from the sustainable management of insects in horticultural crops, to reducing junk food consumption through policy initiatives.

Kreesta Doucette, who is the executive director of FMM, spoke with the Manitoban about the conference.

“The strength that we have in Manitoba is really around the food security community. Manitoba as a province, actually, has one of the strongest movements, and that’s because of the diversity of the partners that come together. The conference is spearheaded by [FMM], but it’s been so successful because we have such strong participation from all these vibrant groups.”

One of the main themes of this year’s conference was food sovereignty in the North, and addressing the inadequacy of healthy and affordable food in many northern communities.

Andi Sharma is a policy analyst with the Northern Healthy Foods Initiative who attended the conference.

“We are a granting organization, so we work with community partners that are on the ground operationalizing our policy objectives—like [FMM]—to do things like starting greenhouses, teaching gardening skills, and generally giving the people living up there in these remote communities [renewed] control over their diets,” she said.

U of M doctoral student Asfia Kamal studies environmental science and is involved with Northern food security issues. Kamal shared her research at the conference in past years, and attended this year.

Kamal has been working on projects in numerous communi-

ties that experience very high rates of food insecurity – where people were going hungry and only able to access processed unhealthy foods.

An outcome of these projects is that the community members of South Indian Lake have reclaimed some of their traditional food gathering methods that were lost when the community was forced to relocate due to flooding from a hydroelectric project in the 1970s.

“When we, as graduate students, talk about community-based participatory research, we need [to] go out there [and] live the realities that [these communities] experience every day. We should go there ourselves and work for change,” said Kamal. “My research has changed my life, that’s why I’m here, and that’s why I go north. I’m holding hands with my community members – they are like my family.”

Thursday night saw Michael Moss, Pulitzer-Prize-winning journalist and author, deliver a keynote address. FMM partnered with the Winnipeg Foundation to bring Moss to Winnipeg for the conference.

Moss discussed his recent book Salt Sugar Fat: How the Food Giants Hooked Us, which investigates America’s food industry and its complicity in creating the current obesity epidemic in the country.

Moss spoke to a sold-out audience at the Masonic Temple at Confusion Corner, taking questions and signing copies of the book after the talk.

Richard Frost, chief executive officer of the Winnipeg Foundation, spoke with the Manitoban about the importance of the Growing Local Conference, and why his organization lent its support.

“The whole idea is to create more of a conversation on these issues of food security, and proper nutrition – to raise the profile and bring it to people’s attention. So we were able to give support and help to bring in a high-profile person like Michael Moss to get people’s interest and raise some awareness around these issues. And every year FMM does this wonderful conference, so we are very pleased to be able to support this.”

News

11

Indians Wear Red Authors visit U of M for native studies colloquium series Jennifer Keith, volunteer staff

I

ndians Wear Red: Colonialism, Resistance and Aboriginal Street Gangs—a Fernwood Publishing book released last August— challenges the reader to look at the problem of Aboriginal street gangs in Winnipeg from a different perspective.

Two of the book’s four authors, Lawrence Deane and Larry Morrissette, presented at the department of native studies’ 2014 winter colloquium series last week.

Deane is an associate professor in the faculty of social work at the University of Manitoba, teaching in the Inner City Social Work Program. He has worked in community development for over 20 years in India, China, and Winnipeg.

Morrissette also teaches at the Inner City Social Work Program, as well as at the University of Winnipeg’s urban and inner city studies program, and is the executive director of Ogijiita Pimatiswin Kinamatwin (OPK).

The authors explained that the book was in response to gang members wanting their perspective on gangs and gang violence to be heard. The gang members, seeking new connections and a chance to broaden their opportunities, joined a housing project organized

by OPK. The housing project is “in response to the pressing need for decent housing and neighbourhood renewal” in Winnipeg’s North End, and seeks to contribute to building “an all-inclusive, healthy community.”

A unique program came from Morrissette explained that by the gang members’ involvement the age of 12, most gang members in the housing project – one that had left home and entered the focused on needs as identified “alternative economy” of the drug by the gang members. Despite world. He said this economy is “the attempts by funding agencies to most accessible means for young impose structures and measurable persons to provide for their basic outcomes, Morrissette explained needs: food, clothing, and shelter.” that the program remained flexIn order to survive, Deane ible, responding to the cultural, explained, they turn their aggresemployment, housing, and mental sion outwards and become “tougher health requirements identified by than everything they are facing, the participants. whether it be the police, hunger, The discussion was never about absence of opportunities, violence leaving the gang.

– whatever [ . . . ] the consistent Deane explained, “That was story was, ‘you could not let it beat never the focus of the gang mem- you.’” bers. The emphasis was on learning The authors described the book transferable skills, making connec- as stories of resistance to growing tions, and broadening their options up in these conditions.

– basically to not do crime, to try “Our question, then, was not ‘how other things.” do you deal with gangs,’ but ‘how After a violent incident between do you deal with those environrival gangs, to counter the typical ments that are so devastating that societal narrative, gang members people have to become this tough approached the authors wanting to overcome it,’” said Deane. their stories to be heard. From these Morrissette explained that they initial interviews in 2009 came the found “a poverty issue, a drug issue, paper, “If You Want to Change the a violence issue, [and] an issue of Violence in the Hood, You Need to colonization, as opposed to a gang Change the ‘Hood.’” issue.”

At the request of gang mem“Gangs are just a response to bers, a larger research project was these horrendous conditions.” undertaken.

The reaction of society, Deane The result of that project, Indians explained, “has been to hit them Wear Red, is based entirely on the as hard as you can. But these guys experience and insights of these are tough, they are not fazed by gang members. how society tries to frighten them The book identifies gang involve- or suppress them. They say ‘bring ment as a response to the devas- it on’ [ . . . ] What we need to do is tating conditions resulting from shift our focus from suppression, to colonialism. A common experience determining how to remove these for most individuals interviewed devastating circumstances so kids was poverty, drugs, and violence in do not have to grow up in them.” the home from a very young age.

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

Science & technology

Women in science at the U of M Women professors weigh in on the scientific life Elizabeth Drewnik, staff

This week is International Women’s Since 2011, the University of and associate professor of microWeek, and to observe the occasion, Manitoba’s Annemieke Farenhorst biology at the U of M, stated in an let’s take a look at women in the sci- has held the chair for the prairie interview with the Manitoban that ences at the University of Manitoba. region. A professor of soil science in she thinks “women bring a unique In the spirit of helping to encourage the faculty of agricultural and food perspective to the workplace; as such, women to participate and achieve suc- sciences at the U of M, Farenhost is they should be involved in all facets of cess in the sciences, in 1996 the Natural described as a role model for women in the workforce.”

Sciences and Engineering Research a field that is still male-dominated. In De Kievit said she has always had Council of Canada (NSERC) estab- 2000, Farenhorst was the first woman a fascination with science. From as lished the regional Chairs for Women president of the Manitoba Soil Science early as the eighth grade she had been in Science and Engineering (CWSE) Society (MSSS) since its establish- encouraged to explore the sciences. program. ment in 1957. Since her break of the Throughout her academic journey— “[The CWSE program] helps long trend of male presidents, five which included the University of remove barriers and encourage women other women have occupied presi- Waterloo, the University of Guelph to bring their unique perspectives and dential positions for the MSSS. (where she completed her PhD), talents to bear on today’s challenging Traditional fields of study such as and the University of Rochester problems,” said NSERC President agriculture and engineering, as well in New York—de Kievit had great Suzanne Fortier in a 2011 interview as newer ones like computer science, opportunities. with the U of M. have a tendency to attract more men At the University of Rochester, de At that time, 23.3 per cent of profes- than women. One of the goals of the Kievit worked with Barbara Iglewski, sionals and academics in the sciences CWSE program is to find out why world-renowned professor of microwere women. This was a slight increase such a lack in gender equality exists biology and immunology, and direcfrom the 19.5 per cent noted in 1987. within these fields of study. As a tor of international programs at the Although there are more women in regional chair of the CWSE program, University of Rochester Medical the sciences today, there is still a lack of Farenhorst is conducting research into Center. “I thought it would be a great gender equality. Programs like CWSE the factors that influence women’s par- experience to work in a lab with a are important in trying to achieve that ticipation in the sciences. female principal investigator,” said goal.

Teresa de Kievit, associate head de Kievit.

12 Throughout her career, de Kievit men throughout undergraduate and said she was “surprised to learn that graduate education, said Cardona. the attrition rate for women in high- “Much to my regret, women in scilevel scientific positions is high, largely ence are far from filling 50 per cent of because women are motivated by dif- leading positions and the reasons are ferent parameters compared to men.” not always clear.”

Silvia Cardona, associate professor “We need to reflect upon this or othof the department of microbiology in erwise we will lose clever minds and a the faculty of science and the depart- more diverse perspective at positions ment of medical microbiology in the that contribute to the scientific strafaculty of medicine at the U of M, is tegic planning,” she continued. “We also passionate about encouraging need to find ways to encourage women gender equality within the sciences. so they realize they can have the vision, In particular, Cardona told the values, and courage needed to become Manitoban that “although both women leaders in science.” But finding gender and men are equally skilled for the equality in science is a struggle. scientific field, women are a minority Cardona knows of women who at leadership positions.” She stressed were discriminated against in their that “women and men should occupy scientific fields simply due to their decision-making positions according gender. “The reason why this hapto their capabilities.” pens is the existence of stereotypes “If women are as capable as men, about women that operate in people’s why is there a gender gap at the top- minds,” she said. Cardona stressed the level positions in science?” importance of events like International Cardona was also interested in sci- Women’s Week that bring attention to ence at a young age. She began her these important social issues. Raising academic journey at the University of awareness, Cardona said, “is a great Buenos Aires in Argentina, and con- way of maximizing human resource tinued on to the University of Chile potential, and contributing to a fair where she completed her PhD. “I am society that can drive innovation and always blessed by my interaction with economic development.” many female scientists, and I am convinced that they were key in shaping my career.”

Women account for 50 per cent of students in biomedical-related scientific careers, and perform as well as

VOL. 100 NO. 24 March 5, 2014

Women in the sciences: Hall of fame Elizabeth Drewnik, staff

W

omen have been contribut- of her collaborator Otto Hahn, Sara Josephine Baker: Organized ing to the sciences for a great who received the Nobel Prize in the first child hygiene department number of years. Here is a brief list Chemistry. under government control in New Marie Curie: Received the York City. of only a small fraction of the wellknown female minds who have bet- Nobel Prizes in Physics (1903) and Rochelle Diamond: Research tered our world: Chemistry (1911) for her work on biologist at Caltech, as well as chair Elizabeth Blackwell: The first radiation with the discovery of the of the National Organization of Gay woman to receive an MD from an elements radium and polonium. and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Some women faced other social Professionals.

American medical school (New York’s Geneva Medical College, disparities in addition to their gender.

Margaret Mead: Anthropologist 1849).

The following honours those women and psychologist. Mead was the presRosalind Franklin: Played a major who have struggled and overcome ident of the American Association role in discovering the double helix these social boundaries, but are often for the Advancement of Science, in structure of DNA, but was snubbed overlooked: which she passed a policy against by the Nobel committee in favour of the discrimination of gay and lesbian James Watson, Francis Crick, and Women of colour in the scientists in 1977. sciences Maurice Wilkins.

F lor enc e Ni ght i n g a le: Jane Goodall: Pioneered modern Patricia Bath: The first female Revolutionized global nursing pracstudies of chimpanzee communities African-American doctor to receive tice and hygiene in the 19th century. and is an environmental and endan- a patent for a medical invention: the Propagated feminism by providgered species activist.

Laserphaco Probe, the surgical tool ing careers for women outside the Henrietta Leavitt: Developed used to vaporize cataracts. home. the period-luminosity relationship Euphemia Lofton Haynes: The in 1912, a method of measuring dis- first black woman to receive her PhD Women with disabilities in tances from Earth to distant stars, in mathematics (1943). the sciences revolutionizing the fields of astronMae C. Jemison: The first black Judith Badner: Researcher of female astronaut. omy and physics. statistical genetics in complex gene Hilde Mangold: Uncovered the Susan La Flesche Picotte: The traits, and medical doctor with clinipatterns of embryo differentiation first Native American woman to earn cal interests in mood disorders and in the 1920s. a medical degree in the United States. disability issues. Dr. Badner has Maria Goeppert Mayer: Picotte is also a tribal leader on the dwarfism.

Developed the nuclear shell model Omaha Reservation in Nebraska.

Temple Grandin: Professor of of the atomic nucleus, and received Chien-Shiung Wu: Chinese animal sciences at Colorado State the Nobel Prize in Physics for her immigrant to America who designed University and world-famous for achievement in 1963. an experiment to disprove a 30-year- her improvements in the livestock Barbara McClintock: Discovered old law in nuclear physics that industry. Grandin has autism. jumping genes (transposons) and focused on the symmetry of elecKarin Muraszko: Chair of the was presented with a Nobel Prize tron ejection. Wu was not credited department of neurosurgery at the in Physiology or Medicine for her for her work, however, and did not University of Michigan Health accomplishment in 1983. receive the Nobel Prize based on her System. Muraszko has spina bifida.

Lise Meitner: Proposed the first experiment.

Judith Pachciarz: First deaf theoretical explanation for the profemale physician. Dr. Pachciarz lost cess of nuclear fission. Her achieve- Queer women in her hearing at the age of two. ments were overlooked in favour the sciences

Science & Technology

13

U of M gains seat in NSERC University of Manitoba’s vice president (research and international) appointed position at NSERC Elizabeth Drewnik, staff

D

igvir Jayas, the University Strategy for the U of M. of Manitoba’s vice president Other previous appoint(research and international) has ments included associate vice recently been appointed to the president of research, associate Natural Science and Engineering dean of research in the faculty Research Council of Canada of agricultural and food sciences, department head of bio(NSERC).

“I was thrilled to receive a systems engineering, interim call about my appointment to director for the Richardson NSERC, and was thrilled a sec- Centre for Functional Foods and ond time when I received a let- Nutraceuticals, as well as holding ter confirming the appointment,” a Tier 1 Canada research chair in said Jayas in an interview with the stored-grain ecosystems.

Jayas is also a registered proManitoban.

His position began Dec. 17, fessional engineer, a registered 2013, and is set for three years. professional agrologist, a disThe NSERC establishes broad tinguished professor, and an policy guidelines in collaboration inducted fellow of the Royal with the federal government to Society of Canada. He was elected encourage research and innova- as a foreign fellow of the National tion in Canadian post-secondary Academy of Sciences in India for his accomplishments in global institutions.

Jayas stated his belief that grain preservation.

He swas presented with “strong university-based research is critical to Canada’s prosperity, the Dr. John M. Bowman and to improving the standard of Memorial Winnipeg Rh Institute living of Canadians.” He further Foundation Award at the 2008 U mentioned that “university-based of M fall convocation, and the research is a source of new ideas 2008 NSERC Brockhouse Canada and discoveries which lead to Prize. He has also received awards new products and processes that from the Canadian Society for enhance Canadian productivity Bioengineering, the Canadian and enhance jobs in Canadian Institute of Food Science and Technology, the American Society enterprises.”

“I will bring my thoughts on the of Agricultural and Biological need for discovery research to the Eng ineers, the Manitoba Council,” said Jayas. He is plan- Institute of Agrologists, as well ning on introducing ideas that as the Association of Professional “will create strong partnerships Engineers and Geoscientists of with Canadian industries and Manitoba, among many more organizations through research organizations in Canada and India. and development.”

Jayas has ser ved on the Prior to his appointment with NSERC, Jayas had a rich history board of multiple organizations, chaired the board of directors for of contribution at the U of M. He has been the vice presi- RESOLVE (a prairie research dent (research and international) network on family violence), and since 2009, and was recently chaired the advisory board of the reappointed to the position for Richardson Centre for Functional a term of five years, effective July Foods and Nutraceuticals.

The U of M vice president 1, 2014. With this position, Jayas helped bring close to $160 million (research and international) has in research funds to the university authored and co-authored over 800 technical articles in scientific annually.

Programs initiated by Jayas journals, conference papers, and include: Science Engineering and books.

His research at the U of M Technology Day, which gives high school students and teachers the focuses on the advanced methods opportunity to interact with the of grain storage, looking at ways U of M researchers; the Graduate to reduce loss and retain quality Enhancement of Tri-Council of grain. Other aspects of his Stipends, a program for funding research include mathematical masters and doctoral students in modelling of biological systems, collaboration with the faculty of and digital image processing for graduate studies; and development grading and processing operations of the Undergraduate Research in the Agri-Food industry. Some Awards, which over 150 students of his work also extends to storage of oilseeds, potatoes, and meats. have benefited from.

Recent projects include the initiation of an Internationalization

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

Comment

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‘Blurred Lines’ gets Juno stamp of approval Awards should not celebrate misogyny in music Stephanie Haderer, volunteer staff

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rigger warning: rape.

“I’ll give you something big enough to tear your ass in two.”

That is a line from one of the most controversial and popular songs of 2013. Who is the man who wrote the song? He is a performer, a father, and as of recently, a two-year Juno nominee.

Since its release in 2013, Robin Thicke’s hit song “Blurred Lines” has triggered a firestorm of criticism for its lyrics and video, which seem to insinuate rape. It is hard to tell which lyrics are the most controversial, but when the words “what you don’t like work” emerge, the lines become not so blurry in regards to the song’s implications.

In an interview with GQ Magazine, Thicke was asked if he thought his chart-topping song was degrading to women. Thicke jokingly boasted about the fun he had writing the disrespectful song, saying, “Of course it is. What a pleasure it is to degrade a woman. I’ve never gotten to do that before. I’ve always respected women.”

The interviewer passed the whole thing off as a joke – the song, Thicke’s comments, and everything in between. One of the easiest ways

to dodge accountability is through entirely on Thicke and the others humour. involved in writing the song. After The entire GQ interview was one all, it made it to number one on the nightmare comment after the other. charts somehow.

Thicke went on to talk about how The recent Juno nominations only wonderful he is to women. “We’re further support Thicke’s decision to the perfect guys to make fun of this,” put out a song like “Blurred Lines” he added. “All three of us are married and tacitly encourages others to prowith children.” duce similar content in the future.

Still, the joke is lost on me. Was I’m not suggesting that every lyric in the music industry waiting for the a Top 40 song be overanalyzed; I’m “perfect guys” to make fun of women, only suggesting that dangerous mateact misogynistic, or make light of rial should not be celebrated. rape? Mainstream music is littered It cannot go unmentioned that with objectification and sexism. The the disapproval of Thicke’s hit has only thing I’ve been waiting for is the been widespread and strong, which expiry of music that thrives on such is encouraging despite the song’s damaging content. I’m just waiting success. In June, CBC Music ran an for all of it to get old. article on their website with the title, With three Juno nominations and “Misogyny Makes a Comeback,” runan upcoming Juno performance on ning an image of Thicke as a banner. the horizon for Thicke, it seems this When I read the article, I was relieved “joke” is never getting old. I am not to see CBC’s music site emerging generalizing the Juno Awards as the with strong opposition to the song’s voice of Canada, but I cannot help viral success. but think that these nominations put With the recent Juno nominations, a little stamp of Canadian approval I’m feeling slightly less optimistic. Sex on Thicke’s controversial song. sells, this I know, but until I saw the The blame for promoting a cul- fast success of “Blurred Lines,” folture that thinks the way women lowed by Thicke’s rapid rise to A-list dress and act is an open invitation fame, I wasn’t fully prepared to admit for sex—“Can’t let it get past me [ to myself that rape sells, too. . . . ] The way you grab me / must wanna get nasty”—cannot be placed

illustration by SAMANTHA SECTER

Debunking colonialism with Jennifer Keith New First Nations Education Act a smokescreen Jennifer Keith, volunteer staff

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t Prime Minister Harper’s recent says, and there has been no consultaannouncement on the First tion. This appears to be a continuaNations Control of First Nations tion of the paternalistic attitude that Education Act, he stated, “This the federal government has when it is historic, and it is a great day for comes to First Nations education.

Canada, for First Nations commuBut the proposed legislation will nities, and for the next generation.” still transfer control of First Nations He was speaking of the long-overdue education to the First Nations peotransfer of control of First Nations ple, right? Well, Harper’s education from the Canadian gov- website does state that, “The ernment to First Nations. This was legislation will ensure First welcome news to First Nations who Nations control of First have long advocated for educational Nations education,” but this reform that stops the wheels of is the only indication of any assimilation. transfer of control. Beyond It is premature to start celebrating, that, the remainder of the however. Prime Minister Harper explained changes describe only outlined proposed changes to the “minimum education stanFirst Nations Education Act. There dards, consistent with prois no new legislation yet, simply an vincial standards off-reserve agreement to proceed with the final [ . . . ] curriculum that meets drafting of the legislation. or exceeds provincial standards, that First Nations have expressed sig- students meet minimum attendance nificant concern that the Crown has requirements, that teachers are propnot lived up to its duty to consult. erly certified, and that First Nation The government has unilaterally schools award widely recognized made decisions with regards to First diplomas or certificates.”

Nations education, but we do not Again, we see paternalistic treatknow what the legislation actually ment that disregards First Nations'

inherent right to self-governance, the “Funding Requirement for First new legislation really amounts to is a which arguably should include the Nations Schools in Canada” report shallow promise of inadequate fundright to control education and assim- prepared in 2009 by the Office of the ing, under the condition of federal ilative policies that impose provincial Parliamentary Budget Officer. The legislative control. There is no radical curriculums. The proposed changes, office found existing First Nations change. if passed, will legislatively entrench schools needed $287-308 million per It seems the wheels of assimilathe federal government in First year in capital funds, plus another tion are actually gaining traction Nations education. The only mea- $110 million for their maintenance as the government has found new and operations. However, ways to continue the practice of this figure did not include imposing their will on First Nations, monies that are needed for disregarding Aboriginal and treaty new construction projects rights, and controlling First Nations for reserves that have no children, communities, and culture. school(s) and are therefore These actions are the exact thing that forced to bus children to Harper denounced in 2008, when he nearby communities. made the Statement of Apology to Unfortunately, the addi- former students of Indian residential tional monies fall short of schools. even the existing needs, as No, the greatness of the day does they only amount to roughly not lie with Canada, First Nations, $417 million per year. These or the future generation; it seems sure of control First Nations appear transfers are furthermore contingent that the greatness Harper is celebratto gain is the “establishment of First upon the passing of the proposed ing is his ability to find new ways Nations Education Authorities” who legislation and the monies will not to continue the oppression of First will be tasked with ensuring the fed- start flowing until 2015-2016, with Nations peoples. erally defined regulations are being the bulk of the funds set to be released in 2016 after the next fedmet.

But at least there is a promise of eral election. monies, which must be in response to Upon closer inspection, what the

What the new legislation really amounts to is a shallow promise of inadequate funding, under the condition of federal legislative control

VOL. 100 NO. 24 March 5, 2014

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illustration by aichelle sayuno

Silence is not a solution Our flawed system won’t be fixed if we ignore it Caleigh MacDonald, staff

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he federal government’s proposed their opponents.

Fair Elections Act has been conThe democratic electoral process is troversial with voters in Canada who a bit like a game of Monopoly in this feel the system’s overhaul is both way – where voters are the equivalent unfair and undemocratic. This bill of property squares. Each player is a would revamp the current Elections politician who wants to have more of Act, increasing the amount that can the property—or voters—under their be contributed by individuals to control. To do this they have to please campaigns, limiting the ability of voters, essentially “buying” approval Elections Canada to encourage the through their platforms, campaign general population to vote, and modi- promises, and the way that they deal fying the scope of power possessed by in the political game. the chief electoral officer.

If you’re not voting, you aren’t The proposed changes—which worth anything to the players. You were allegedly designed to crack become a worthless square on the down on things like the robocall Monopoly board, the equivalent of scandal of 2011 and to improve the the “Go” space on the first move of integrity of our electoral system in the game. Sure, you aren’t directly general—have come under heavy fire helping them keep their jobs, but you from many who feel that the changes aren’t voting for the opposition either, to the current system would damage which would put their jobs in danger. the Canadian democratic process – Since you aren’t the person they need a system which some already see as to please, they aren’t going to bother flawed in structure and practice. trying. Why would they, after all?

A recent issue of the Manitoban This isn’t to say that Tefft was not featured an article by our own com- correct in her assertions that there are ment editor, Katerina Tefft, which deep and highly problematic flaws in was similar in nature in its criticism of the Canadian electoral system. But Canadian democracy. Tefft expressed the system is not independent of the dissatisfaction with the Canadian government itself. It was built and is electoral system as a whole, and in shaped by the hands of our governessence called the proposed changes ment, which in turn are made up of irrelevant, saying, “You can’t break the people that we put in office. If what’s already broken.” you want to change how the system Tefft further urged people to evolves, it is far more effective to alter express their dissatisfaction by refus- the entity that moulds it than to opting to vote at all. Instead of voting, out completely. she suggested individuals should The reality is that we live with a become politically active in other democratic system that relies on the ways by attending protests, par- votes of people to sustain it. The way ticipating in educational events, and it’s currently structured, it will use staging demonstrations. whatever votes it gets, even if those The problem with this is that votes only represent a small portion while all of those methods of politi- of the actual population. cal activity are perfectly acceptable Unless every single voter boycotts forms of being involved, by giving the election, the system will live on, up your vote, you are also giving up carrying out the wishes of the people the thing that makes you valuable to that provide the politicians with their politicians. Renouncing the action positions. Just as a person trying to that makes you worth listening to cut down a tree would be unwise to effectively weakens the little politi- throw away their axe, a person trying cal influence you have in a country to impact politics would be a fool to of over 35 million. discard the most influential tool they The fact is, while politicians do, have; it should be used.

I’m sure, pursue elected office at least Don’t like the candidates from the in some part as a means of enacting major parties? Vote for a small party. what they see as positive change for Vote Animal Alliance Environment, their country, they also want job United, Marijuana, Libertarian, or security. They want to be re-elected; Canada Action. They may not win, as such, a large portion of their jobs but you will have utilized your politiare geared towards pleasing voters. cal power, and whether you see it They may not know you personally, immediately or not, your dissenting but ideally they want to please you vote does make a difference. Election enough that you’ll prefer them to results are significant for parties. If,

after the passing of this policy, a major party looks at election results and suddenly sees that not only did their voting numbers go down, but suddenly a significant portion of the population is voting for the parties that nobody had heard of before, they will notice.

So while Tefft is right to say that political activity is not “voting once every four years and sitting on your

couch watching television the rest of the time,” it is incorrect to consider not voting to be a show of political activity. While you can shout in the streets, make protest signs, and block off as many roads as you wish, in the end it’s always the voters that the politicians listen to first.

It’s for this reason that, while I’ve had my fair share of being “politicked off” too, you’ll still see me cast-

ing my ballot when the time comes.

I truly believe that voting itself is not giving up your power. Voting is using the power you have to your best advantage. It is only if you choose to throw that away on uninformed choices or apathy that you become truly powerless.

You can call it naivety if you like, but I’m not ready to give up on our entire system just yet.

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

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Women’s Day – why?

Local IWD events raise questions of diversity, inclusion, and focus Anastasia Chipelski, staff

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nternational Women’s Day IWD go back to the early 1900s, and within the label of “women” has also (IWD) has strong roots in the much of the history written about fuelled many passionate debates. socialist and labour movements, but IWD focuses on the struggles for Gina McKay helped organize mulin 2014, the symbolic meaning of this workers’ rights and obtaining the tiple IWD and Take Back the Night day is not so clear cut. vote for women. In 1975, IWD was marches throughout the 2000s, and While some may lament the lack officially “sanctioned” by the United recalls meeting resistance when tryof a unified vision for IWD, the Nations (UN), who did not set an ing to open the events up beyond the open-ended nature of the day makes exact date but left it up to individual “women born women” category. room for productive conversations nations to choose how and when to “[The] first [IWD] march/event about social change, history, and mark the day. after that was under-attended as inclusion.

Some local feminists have everyone seemed to be avoiding the IWD does not necessarily have a noticed a lack of specificity in this women’s centre activities [ . . . ] howhome with a particular organization UN-focused IWD tradition. Tanya ever, it changed by the next march as or group, and so a variety of events McFadyen, who returned to femi- we began educating regarding the can be held in observance. nist organizing in Winnipeg after broadening of the feminist lens to This year, a march is being orga- seven years in Toronto, noted that include women of all kinds.” nized by a group identified as the “Sometimes it feels like a holdover McKay reflects that this change IWD planning committee, who from a United Nations/second-wave was necessitated by her close work state that “[individual] groups had feminist type way of organizing [ . . . with trans*-identified women who been doing their own thing to hon- ] just create and they will come.” were “desperately looking for a space our the day for years. There was the McFadyen noted that IWD events to connect.” annual event at the legislature, stu- held in Toronto focused on Canadian While she recognizes the chaldent groups would plan something women supporting women’s struggles lenges in finding a place of inclusion for students and people in the area, on an international level, while in and diversity in events like IWD, [community] groups would plan for Winnipeg, “the organizing conversa- McKay believes it’s possible if the their members/clients, and so would tions so far have been more focused organizers “recognize the need for labour activists.” on indigenous women.” different events that reflect each comThe labour movement roots of The question of who is included munity, and stitch it all together with

solidarity.” march this year is “to remind women While bringing people together of the benefits of working together, respectfully and inclusively can be to highlight the work yet to be done, a challenge on its own, the ques- and to celebrate our stories.” tion remains: What are they being In working together, perhaps this brought together for? year’s IWD will provide a space for “Is it a day to educate, mourn, cel- those in the women’s, feminist, and ebrate, or to re-evaluate the social social justice movements to come movements that are centred on gen- together and consider their goals for dered issues, in particular issues fac- IWD and beyond. ing women-identified folks?” asks If it is a day to mobilize for change, McFadyen. what changes are being sought? Is The IWD planning committee it a day to celebrate and reflect on points to the 2011 controversy of women’s stories, and if so, whose stoJudge Robert Dewar’s sentencing and ries are and aren’t being told? commentary around a rape case as a Rather than undermining the galvanizing moment in local feminist work that has been done, these movements. This event, and resulting questions echo the strengths of these demonstrations, were “instrumental movements, emphasize their selfin shaking many local feminists out reflective nature, and point to areas of their complacency and for pro- for productive discussion, learning, viding a reason for everyone to work and growth. together.”

This year, a full slate of events This article is the first of a two-part including marches, performances, series on IWD events in Winnipeg. speakers, and dinners are being held If you have an IWD-related story in the name of IWD. The vision or perspective to share, please email of the IWD planning committee’s anastasia@themanitoban.com

international women's day Events All events listed are free unless otherwise specified March 5

March 7

March 7

12 p.m.

Presented by Sarasvati Productions and U of M Womyn’s Centre Student Resource Centre (180 Helen Glass)

7:30-9 a.m.

International Women’s Day Breakfast with prof. Marilou McPhedran Presented by Winnipeg South Centre Federal Liberal Association Prairie Ink Restaurant & Bakery (1120 Grant Ave.) Tickets $25 at events.liberal.ca

2-5 p.m.

Screening of the film Girl Rising Presented by Women of Winnipeg Cineplex Odeon (2190 McGillivray Blvd) Tickets $25 (204-479-8479)

March 6 5:30-10 p.m.

12th Annual Dinner to Celebrate International Women’s Day Women and Sport: Issues and Opportunities with Dr. Sarah Teetzel Marshall McLuhan Hall, University of Manitoba Dinner 6:15 and $25 Speaker’s Presentation 7:30 and free

7:30-9:45 a.m.

Inspiring Change for Women in Manitoba – a Breakfast Panel Discussion Presented by the Hummingbird Education Fund Delta Hotel Ballroom (2nd floor, 350 St Mary Ave.) Tickets $40 (call 204-474-6799) 11:45-1 p.m.

Celebrating the Diversity of Manitoba Women Presented by the Manitoba Status of Women / Manitoba Women’s Advisory Council Room 200, Manitoba Legislative Building

6 p.m.

Young Lakota screening in celebration of International Women’s Day Followed by panel discussion with the Native Youth Sexual Health Network Ka Ni Kanichihk (455 McDermot Ave.)

March 8 12-3 p.m.

International Women’s Day 2014Winnipeg March Starting at Portage Place; Marching to Union Centre on Broadway

March 8 12-4 p.m.

Craftstravaganza Celebrating International Women’s Day with a Mega-Workshop in Indigenous and International Craft Practices Presented by MAWA in partnership with Manitoba Craft Council MAWA (611 Main St.)

March 8 9 p.m.-2 a.m.

Mama Cutsworth’s DJ Academy for All Women The Graduation Dance Party Loft Gastropub (774 Corydon Ave.) $5 at the door

12-2:30 p.m.

Screening of Miss Representation and Discussion Presented by YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg’s Volunteer Civic Engagement Group Cinematheque (100 Arthur St.)

March 7 and 8, 8 p.m.

Colin Jackson Studio (Prairie Theatre Exchange) TIckets $10

5 p.m.-8 p.m.

Steak’n Spuds Night – Proceeds to the Women’s Memorial Fund Sponsored by Canadian Labour Congress, Manitoba Federation of Labour, and Winnipeg Labour Council CanadInns (826 Regent Ave. W) Tickets $20 (call 204-942-0522)

International Women’s Week Cabaret of Monologues: Rise up!

VOL. 100 NO. 24 March 5, 2014

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One artist, many hands Rebecca Belmore’s installation at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights will involve thousands of people Lukas Thiessen, staff

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logo created by Steve Schwartz, property of Strength in Heels

Creating ‘solid ground for women to stand on’ Strength in Heels to raise awareness of gendered violence Carlyn Schellenberg, staff

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lex Torcolacci and Ellie learn about domestic abuse [ . . . ] Schwartz were studying for their [the perception is that] if there’s an final exams last semester when the issue, here’s the crisis line. But when topic of what they would do for their you hear ‘crisis line’ you think, well, joint birthdays this year came up. that gut feeling that I’m having, that, Instead of the typical birthday plans, you know, I’m a little uncomfortthey decided to support a cause that able when my boyfriend gets really is very near to their hearts. mad over nothing, that’s not a crisis, In just three months, they have and that idea needs to change,” says planned Strength in Heels, a move- Schwartz. ment working to raise awareness of Torcolacci, a recent University of violence against women. The move- Winnipeg political studies graduate, ment’s first event will take place on stresses that domestic abuse isn’t just Saturday, Mar. 8 at the Winnipeg physical: “It’s a lot more mental, and Winter Club, with proceeds going to that’s a side that most people don’t the Fort Garry Women’s Resource discuss.”

Centre.

The purpose of Strength in Heels The event falls on International is to get these problems out of the Women’s Day, and attendees are “bedrooms” and actually talk about asked to wear purple – the colour them. “It is something that isn’t for both International Women’s Day talked about and it is so common,” and the campaign against domestic says Torcolacci. “I think it’s also the abuse. The colour will dominate the fact that someone’s like re-victimizevening in the form of balloons, cen- ing the individual; from my personal trepieces, and flowers. experience, it’s very embarrassing, I Schwartz, a political studies stu- don’t know why it is, but it’s embardent at the University of Manitoba, rassing to talk about.” So awareness says she and Torcolacci want to needs to be raised in order to help address the issue of domestic abuse “prevent further cases.” because the teen demographic is Schwartz says that these types unintentionally being ignored. After of conversations are sometimes this first event, the co-founders plan approached in an intimidating or to go into high schools to talk to heavy way, and we need to proyoung women and men. “The dating mote the notion of “listen[ing] to age is getting lower and lower; these your gut” in a way that’s not “scarconversations need to follow that.” ing people away from having those “In high school when you learn conversations.” about domestic abuse, if you even Torcolacci adds, “[domestic vio-

lence] isn’t just a one-sided thing; it is more common for it to happen to females, but it does happen to men, too.”

At the event, there will be posters and pamphlets from the Fort Garry Women’s Resource Centre, a nonprofit, feminist organization that promotes the safety and empowerment of women.

Schwartz notes that most centres and shelters like this one receive little funding, and a goal of Strength in Heels is to promote “the avenues that are available in Winnipeg; there are many shelters and resource centres that people know nothing about and that have very little support.”

“The whole idea behind strength in heels is to create solid ground for women to stand on and so you know strength in heels, strength in numbers. Let’s create a community that can do that, that can support each other.”

Strength in Heels will take place at the Winnipeg Winter Club starting with a cocktail hour at 9 p.m.

The semi-formal, 18+ event will be emceed by Jordan Knight and Kristin Mirand of Energy 106.1.

Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door, and proceeds go to the Fort Garry Women’s Resource Centre. For more information visit the website strengthinheels.com and find Strength in Heels on Facebook and Twitter.

hen the site at the Forks The director of art and objects at was excavated for the the CMHR issued a call to six difCanadian Museum for Human ferent curators to submit proposals R ights (CMHR), 400,000 and select an artist they wanted to mostly Aboriginal artifacts were work with. Four of them responded, unearthed. and after the proposals were subNow, when visitors to Canada’s jected to a selection panel, Martin’s newest national museum enter the proposal was chosen. postmodern building, they enter “None of the other pieces in the the Indigenous Perspectives gallery, museum are [as] participatory as this positioned as the second stop after one,” says Fitzhenry. “That is one of the introductory room. The gallery the reasons why the selection panel will display a vast tapestry remi- particularly liked this concept. The niscent of a shawl or blanket, and actual vision of the artwork itself composed of thousands of heavy was very aligned with the museum’s earthen beads crafted by an incred- human rights principles, and the ible number of participants. situation with the museum on First The instalNations terrilation will be tory. Belmore’s Belmore was the about 30 feet pie c e was high and 20 highly inf lufirst Aboriginal feet wide on enced by the woman to a wall almost archeology 250 feet long, w ork t h at represent using roughly happened at 10,000 beads. the museum Canada at the “There will site before international art be indigenous construction work in each began.” exhibition, the of the 11 gal“She was Venice Biennale leries in the particularly CMHR, but impressed with the Indigenous the number Perspectives Gallery is important of fire pits, or hearths, that were because it prepares visitors to under- uncovered in a relatively small dig stand the museum’s goals through site. That spoke to the site being a a framework of ideas rooted in gathering place for thousands of many First Nations cultures,” says years and confirmed a lot of the Maureen Fitzhenry, media rela- oral histories around the site,” says tions manager for the CMHR. Fitzhenry.

The enormous beaded tapes“She started thinking about try to be installed is titled Trace, hearths, people meeting, fire, clay, created by Rebecca Belmore, an earth, and came up with the idea Anishinaabe-Canadian artist, and of doing something about clay. But curated by Lee-Ann Martin, former then she thought of the archeology curator of contemporary Canadian revealing the clay shards of pottery Aboriginal art at the Museum of unearthed from 800 years ago, of Civilization and adjunct curator of the impressions left by those people First Nations art at the MacKenzie from so long ago, and she wanted Art Gallery in Regina. to do something that keeps that Belmore was the first Aboriginal tradition going and has the trace woman to represent Canada at the of many diverse people who are international art exhibition the here today.”

Venice Biennale. Belmore’s work Want to participate in this art projhas been exhibited across Canada, ect? Go to Neechi Commons (865 as well as in New Mexico, Italy, Main St.) on Wednesday, Thursday, Australia, and Cuba. and Friday afternoons from 12 p.m “This is a major coup for until 5 p.m., and Saturdays and Winnipeg and the Canadian Sundays from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Museum for Human Rights to have Contact them at traceprojectwinan original artwork by this particu- nipeg@gmail.com, or like their lar artist here,” says Fitzhenry.

Facebook page Trace Project.

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Arts & Culture

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

Stop and smell the pickles Slow Food workshop connects local makers and foodies Anastasia Chipelski, staff

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Photos by Sarah Bennett

hile February isn’t typically the canning season, you wouldn’t know it from the full house gathered at Café Ce Soir on a chilly Monday night. We were all there for a sold-out workshop on pickling carrots hosted by Slow Food Winnipeg, and featuring the expertise of local entrepreneur and pickler extraordinaire Kim Bialkoski.

Bialkoski is the woman behind flora & farmer, under whose moniker she produces pickles, jams, and other canned goods. “[The business was born when] my hobby got out of control,” says Bialkoski. Over the last nine years, she taught herself the basic science of canning and preserving, and mixed in more than a dash of her own creative whimsy.

While playing in the kitchen, she found herself building a collection of over 200 jars of various goods—more than she could eat or give away—but after selling them all at an anarchist festival in 2012, she realized she might be onto something.

Her vision for flora & farmer was to create new taste combinations that are “not your grandmother’s pickles.”

Samples of her first original recipe—a strawberry, a beet, and vanilla jam—were offered up on a sideboard for workshop attendees.

As Bialkoski deftly worked the demo table and sterilized the jars, we nibbled on other delights: brandy and star anise pickled pears; raspberry grapefruit spread; and boozy

anise, ginger, and citrus rubies (her signature pickled beets).

Her passion for finely flavored cuisine is shared by Anna Echols, VP of Slow Food Winnipeg and the enthusiastic co-host of the event.

“I personally love the foodie events and learning new ways of doing things in the kitchen,” says Echols. “I believe that any locavore should join [the slow food movement], not only to support the worldwide movement, but to support those activities and the educational opportunities that Slow Food provides locally to promote the oldfashioned and traditional values of knowing where [your] food comes from.”

She encouraged workshop participants to attend other workshops, learn about locally sourced products, and get involved in farm-share programs. By being directly involved in a local food production chain, Echols believes that individuals take an active role “as co-producers, not just consumers.”

The spirit of the Slow Food movement is to slow down, and rediscover the pleasure of food and the communities it creates, to “meet people and hear their stories,” says Echols.

The long process of canning can be brightened up by inviting friends, and sharing the wealth of food, knowledge, and good company.

And although you can learn almost anything off the Internet, Bialkoski provided a warning about online misinformation and different global canning standards. In Europe,

for example, sealing the goods in a water bath isn’t standard, though it is a required process for North American safety standards.

Bialkoski shared her tips and tricks for canning safely and tastily, as well as how to make the most of ingredients and equipment. Jars can be reused once sterilized, while lids cannot – but they can be quite cheap at Dollarama.

As the evening wound to an end, we lined up around Bialkoski’s tables to each assemble our own pickle jar, filling it with spices, onion wedges, garlic cloves, and fresh dill. The sliced carrots—some bright yellow and orange, some deep purple with a sunburst centre—were carefully layered before being covered in brine.

While they’re pickling, these jars are a beautiful visual creation, and in a few weeks, workshop participants will have their first taste of the honey mustard dill carrot pickles.

And once all of the pickled goods are gone, the brine that bathed them can still find a second life, Bialkoski suggested. The brine from the brandy and star anise pears makes a great marinade for pork, and can double as a spinach salad dressing.

Learn about future Slow Food Winnipeg events and make your own honey mustard dill carrot pickles with flora & farmer’s recipe at slowfoodwinnipeg.org/blog. Flora & farmer is currently only available at farmers’ markets and smaller sales, so follow them on Facebook for news.

The sound of violence Local violinist with loop pedal releases debut album Lukas Thiessen, staff

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icholas Krueger confronts the assumption that violent screech is a term for the sound made by a novice violin student playing the instrument for the first time. Classically trained at Centenary Suzuki School in Shreveport, Louisiana, he later studied violin at the University of Manitoba with Oleg Pokhanovski, and is now known by his performance moniker Violent Screech.

“I’m a violin teacher too and I do experience lots of screeching. It usually takes a student at least five years to get a good tone,” Krueger tells the Manitoban. “The learning curve is very steep – you have to love the instrument to make it through those first couple years. Once I crossed this threshold, the instrument opens up so much, you can mimic almost any sound you want and play so many different genres.”

This project is his first foray beyond

traditional approaches to his instru- Riley Hill and the Magic Bears), under “Our Hands,” and “Our Breath,” move ment. He used to play classical violin Hill’s new production project called toward hope. for himself, friends, and family.

Mortfell Recording.

“The loop pedal lends itself so well Krueger spent last year honing his “The whole album is about my expe- to solo violin, as the violin can be bass, skills as Violent Screech at various rience with home. Half my life was in percussion, treble, and carry the melperformances in Winnipeg, including Louisiana and the other half here,” says ody,” says Krueger. “I think it’s just a a guerilla sound and noise show and Krueger. “I love both these places, but result of technology that is now being an event at premiere arts venue Zsa feel conflicted about them. Louisiana used in different genres.”

Zsa West. of course has a history of slavery and He is one of the newest artists in He is set to play at Cluster: New continues to be a hotbed of bigotry. this field, which includes Owen Pallett, Music and Integrated Arts Festival Winnipeg has a continuing history of Andrew Bird, and Hannah Epperson. a week before his self-titled debut genocide towards indigenous people.”

“Although those three artists use is released at the Purple Room in “When I wrote this album, I was the same medium, they are all quite March. The show opens with music thinking a lot about how I live on land different in sound, and all doing great

by Heartbeat City and will include a that is not mine and the genocide that things,” says Krueger. “Andrew Bird is performance of Arvo Pärt’s composi- occurred here,” says Krueger. “So it folk-pop, Owen Pallett is neo-classical, tion “Fratres.” Krueger himself will be became a very political album.” and Hannah Epperson is pop.” joined by vocalist Rayannah and bassist The album starts off with the song “I’d say my biggest influences are Quintin Bart.

“Tree,” which describes how some- Godspeed You! Black Emperor and Krueger is releasing the album inde- thing that takes a long time to grow Bach, and I would consider myself pendently: the songs were engineered can be easily destroyed. The next song ambient-classical. Of those three, my by local musician J. Riley Hill (The is “Forest Floor,” about what happens music is most influenced and similar to Fo!ps, RasTamils, Mulligrub, and J. after the destruction. The closing songs, Owen Pallett, especially his album He

Poos Clouds, which is his most classically influenced album.”

Krueger plays on an acoustic violin from Winnipeg luthier John Weier, and an RC300 pedal. For Krueger, the pedal is a tool for live performance, and he plays about half the time with only the violin, not using the pedal or amplification. He composes without the pedal, using it afterwards to play the parts he already wrote.

“I really like how personal the loop pedal makes my shows, that every sound has my interpretation of the music,” says Krueger. “However, for the sake of sound, if I could hire a string quartet for every show, I would.”

The album release is 8 p.m. on Mar. 14, at the Purple Room at Frame Arts Warehouse (318 Ross Ave.). Contact info@violentscreech.com for tickets ($10 in advance, $12 at the door).

VOL. 100 NO. 24 March 5, 2014

event Listings The arts events to attend this weekend

Thursday, March 6 – April 5 MY MONUMENT featuring Cam Bush, Steven Leyden Cochrane, Roewan Crowe, and Paul Robles Gallery 1C03 (University of Winnipeg)

Review: A Story of Children and Film Michael Carlisle, volunteer staff

hough there have been many books that analyze film and the significance of children in them, none can compare to Mark Cousins’ documentary A Story of Children and Film. Using examples from the filmography of famous international directors such as Luis Buñuel, Ingmar Bergman, and Yasujiro Ozu, Cousins thoroughly dissects the importance of child actors and how children can be used to portray distinctions in classes and world events.

A hit at the Toronto International Film Festival and the Cannes Film Festival, A Story of Children and Film can be seen as a grand visual textbook which is bold in vision. It is thoroughly committed to highlighting films that have been forgotten by the public, ensuring us that they still are important and influencing us to seek them out if we haven’t already. Cousins convinces

music

us that nothing is merely a “child’s is only 100 minutes. The picture film” because even animation can could have been longer, but it would be quite complex and diverse; ani- have risked overstaying its welcome. mation can reveal a tremendous A Story of Children and Film is short amount about life. enough to keep its audience’s attenCousins presents a mosaic tion and long enough to display a of clips, images, and significant wealth of information. Cousins’ moments from various films in film is thought-provoking; film order to bring forth his distinctive buffs and historians will certainly and sometimes strange essay, which be drawn to it, and even casual filmoften flows like a magnificent poem. goers may find a reason to seriously He speaks with the confidence of a get involved with this magnificent narrator in a nature documentary: piece of art. nothing he says seems out of place 4/5 and everything makes absolute logical sense. When Cousins explains Check out more of Michael’s David Lean’s Great Expectations reviews at goodbadcritic.blog(1946) in terms of social class that spot.ca, and catch a screening of is seen through the young main A Story of Children and Film character, you feel as though it’s at Cinematheque (100 Arthur exactly what the director and writer Street) on Mar. 5-6 at 7 p.m., as intended Great Expectations to be. well as Mar. 7-8 at 9 p.m.

Considering there is a lot of material Cousins could have used, it’s both good and bad that the film

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other

visual art

Saturday, March 8 Cold and Miserable Fest featuring The Unbelievable Bargains, Moledebater, Ghost Hole, and Mulligrub The Sad Haus

Friday, March 7 Memory Maps by Frank Livingston Zsa Zsa West

Friday, March 7 – April 4 There is Here by Robert Taite aceartinc.

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Arts & Culture

Friday, March 7 Beefdonut album release show with Kato Destroy and the Manic Shakes The Windsor

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

Diversions

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

Sports

Heartbreak in Calgary Bison men’s hockey team gives nationally-ranked Dinos all they can handle in semifinals Mike Still, staff

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eading into this past weekend’s action, the Manitoba Bison men’s hockey team had lost in the semifinals each of the past three years, and were on a mission to change their fate this year. Their opponent, the fourth-ranked Calgary Dinos, had not lost to Manitoba all season, but the Bisons gave the home team everything they had in a threegame slugfest. The Dinos ultimately eliminated Manitoba in a classic playoff matchup.

Calgary never trailed in the series, yet Manitoba still took two of three games to overtime, making for an exciting finish. Despite playing with relentless passion, the Bisons fell just short, losing the series 2-1.

Calgary potted goals in bunches during game one on Friday night, going a perfect two-for-two on the power play, and orchestrating a dominant 5-1 victory.

Calgary scored early and often in the first period, registering 17 shots and three goals in the first 10 minutes.

Giffen Nyren was first to put Calgary on the board on a controversial call at 6:16; it appeared he had pushed the puck in with his knee, but the goal was confirmed after a brief discussion amongst the officials.

The Dinos built on their momentum less than 20 seconds later, as Davis Vandane made it 2-0 with a huge slapper from the point. Walker Wintoneak chipped in on the power play at 9:46, deflecting a Nyren shot into the back of the net.

Manitoba attempted to seize the momentum in the second frame.

The Bisons outshot Calgary 10-6 in the period as the Dinos committed

three minor penalties, with a fourth slip past Lazaruk. extended from the opening 20 minThe momentum swung back utes. This forced the typically offen- to Calgary in the third, as Darren sive-minded team to play on their Bestland received a 10-minute mistoes and stay in the defensive zone conduct penalty for a hit to the head. throughout.

Veteran Cory Pritz made sure to The Bisons eventually took advan- capitalize, going end to end on the tage, scoring on their second oppor- power play and beating Caligiuri at tunity with the power play at 6:47. 2:43 to re-establish a one-goal lead Rookie defenceman Luke Paulsen for Calgary. notched his first career playoff goal, The Dinos continued to apply going five-hole on Jacob DeSerres. pressure after regaining momentum, Needing a comeback, Manitoba and had a few chances to put this one fell flat in the third after generating away. However, Caligiuri remained a number of chances in the second calm in net. period. Calgary tallied two more Manitoba stayed patient and was goals, despite registering only seven rewarded just under halfway through shots in the final frame. the final frame. After a Calgary shot Facing elimination in game two, ripped all the way around the boards, the Bisons showed off their resil- Dylan Kelly lit the lamp on a treiency as they pulled out a 3-2 over- mendous pass in tight from Luke time win.

Cain. His goal at 9:31 was the first Calgary took the lead just by a forward all series for the Bisons.

Photo by David Moll-University of Calgary under two minutes into the game, Both sides traded chances late, but as Vandane blasted a shot from an neither goalie could be beat, sending odd angle that got by a screened Joe this one into overtime. so hard that a pane of glass behind For the third time in six games Caligiuri. The goal was Vandane’s Another young star stepped up the Bison net broke all over the ice. during the playoffs, Manitoba headed second of the series, a bit of a sur- in overtime for the Bisons as Jordan Thankfully, both players emerged to overtime. Both sides played tentaprise considering he’d scored just DePape, who was third in rookie unscathed. The pause in action sent tively, careful not to make a mistake once through the regular season. scoring, ended things at 13:05. His Calgary into a funk for the remainder that cost their team.

Just like game one, the Dinos goal forced a deciding game three of the period, and Manitoba capitalThe extra session featured backdid a good job limiting Manitoba’s the following evening. ized. Brendan Rowinski cleaned up and-forth action, with a few heartchances in the first 20 minutes. Kris The deciding game on Sunday a loose puck in front at 15:15, evening stopping opportunities at both ends Lazaruk made his first start of the went to overtime yet again, this the score after one. of the ice. Calgary was able to exact series and remained fairly comfort- time with a disappointing result, as Penalties prevented either side a measure of revenge from Saturday’s able throughout the period, facing the Dinos booked their ticket to the from getting much going in the sec- overtime loss, ending the Bisons’ seajust five shots.

Canada West final with a 2-1 win. ond. A total of five were committed son at 5:41 on a quick shot from Alex The defensive battle continued in The momentum was in Calgary’s overall. The Dinos generated qual- Dzielski. the second period, with both sides hands up until the six-minute mark, ity chances, but were halted by the With the win, Calgary now moves dumping the puck and not generating when a controversial hit from Kelly glove of Caligiuri. Manitoba’s back on to play their provincial rivals, the many chances throughout the first 15 turned the tides in the visitors’ end also proved their worth: led by Alberta Golden Bears, in the Canada minutes. Manitoba scored the tying favour.

Bestland and Brock Sutherland, the West Championship. goal at 10:41 on an innocent-looking The scrappy forward smashed Bisons fearlessly blocked a number of shot from Paulsen that managed to Calgary’s Nyren into the boards Calgary shots.

Bison Briefs Awards season

Marc Lagace, staff

Men’s volleyball

“He plays with confidence and an Canada West first team All-Star. As to the Canada West All-Rookie After an outstanding Canada ability to shake off and process errors a forward in her fifth year of eligi- Team. The 18-year-old defenceman West season, Adam DeJonckheere such that he became a go-to guy even bility as a Bison, Palmer was first in was tied for eighth in conference was recognized for his outstanding as a first-year player on the floor.” team scoring and third overall in the rookie scoring with eight points (one rookie year with the Bisons at both conference with 14 goals and 15 assists goal, seven assists). the conference and national levels. Women’s hockey for 29 points. Palmer led the Bisons “Caitlin, Kyleigh, and Meagan He was named to the 2013-14 Canada Four Bison athletes from the with a plus/minus rating of +14, and were all big parts of a really good West men’s volleyball All-Rookie women’s hockey team were hon- was tied for fourth in the conference regular season for our team this Team and also to the 2013-14 CIS oured with Canada West All-Star with four game-winning goals. year,” said Bison women’s hockey men’s volleyball All-Rookie Team. designations.

Fourth-year forward Meagan head coach Jon Rempel to gobisons.

DeJonckheere was recruited from Caitlin MacDonald capped off her Vestby was named as a Canada West ca. “All four players played hard and St. Paul’s High School, and finished fifth and final year as a Bison with second team All-Star. The selection are deserving of Canada West Allsecond on the team with 288 kills and her for selection as a Canada West was her first as a Bison after her Star and All-Rookie recognition.”

320.5 points. first team All-Star. MacDonald was best scoring season with the team.

The Canada West conference was “Adam has shown tremendous an alternate captain for the Bisons in Vestby had 23 points (eight goals and completely shut out at the CIS level growth this year that allowed him 2013-14 and finished the season with 15 assists), which placed her second on for awards. to play at a level beyond his years,” 10 points as a defenceman. the team scoring list and sixth overall Bison head coach Cam Johnson told Joining MacDonald is Kyleigh in the conference.

Men’s basketball gobisons.ca.

Palmer, who was also selected as a Rookie Caitlin Fyten was selected

Andre Arruda started every game during his rookie season with the Bisons, leading to him being named to the 2013-14 Canada West men’s basketball All-Rookie team.

Arruda led the Bisons with a 13.8 points-per-game average and was fifth in three-point shooting percentages throughout the conference, with a .420 conversion rate.

“After coming off a knee injury last year, to starting every game for us this year, he has made huge strides in his development,” Bison men’s basketball head coach Kirby Schepp told gobisons.ca. “[Arruda] had an outstanding season but has an even brighter future ahead of him.”

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Sports

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

Paralympic medal contenders

Vancouver with three Paralympic gold medals. He will be a medal threat in Sochi, but has a new sighted guide after his brother Robin retired to become Canada’s Paralympic Nordic skiing head coach.

Robbi Weldon is another Canadian Adam Peleshaty, volunteer staff medal threat, and 52-year-old Colette Bourgonje will compete hile the Winter Olympics have they won 19 medals, 10 of them gold. but faces stiff competition from in her seventh Winter now left Sochi, athletes will However, the Russians won the most Americans Evan Strong, Michael Paralympics and 10th overall. once again descend on the Russian medals four years ago with 38 and are Shea, and Keith Gabel.

She was the first city for the 11th Winter Paralympic seeking another dominant perforCanadian Games, which run Mar. 7-16. mance on home soil.

Biathlon to win a This is the first Paralympics ever Charlottetown’s Mark Arendz medal in held in Russia and it has the poten- Alpine skiing is the reigning World Cup cham- Vancouver tial to leave a significant effect on Four years ago, Lauren pion in standing biathlon, and is four years the country. While Russia is behind Woolstencroft won five gold medals Canada’s only medal contender, but ago.

Canadian standards in accessibility to contribute to Canada’s 13 med- this sport is Russia’s bread and butand equality towards people with dis- als on the hill. Since Vancouver, ter. Their biathletes won 16 medals abilities, they have made progress, as Woolstencroft and others have in Vancouver and Russians currently evidenced by its ratification of the retired, leaving Josh Dueck as the have or share the lead in every World United Nations Convention on the only returning Canadian medallist Cup ranking. Irek Zaripov, Nikolay Rights of Persons with Disabilities heading to Sochi. His teammates Polukhin, and Maria Iovleva— in 2012.

Mac Marcoux, Chris Williamson, 2010 medallists—lead the Russian Five sports—alpine skiing, biath- Kimberly Joines, and Alexandra team while the Ukrainians, led by lon, cross-country skiing, sledge Starker are also Canadian medal gold medallists Vitaly Lukyanenko hockey, and wheelchair curling— threats. and Oleksandra Kononova, will will be contested with 72 events in Other skiers expected to contend challenge the Russians for biathlon total. Para-snowboarding, in the for medals at Sochi include Slovakia’s dominance.

However, form of snowboard cross and under Henrieta Farkasova, France’s Russia is the alpine skiing program, will make Marie Bochet, Germany’s Anna Cross-country skiing expected to its Paralympic debut.

Schaffelhuber, Japan’s Taiki Morii, Four years ago, Brian McKeever win most of Canada is sending 54 athletes to and Austria’s Matthias Lanzinger. shrugged off not participating in the the cross-country medals in Sochi and looks to match or exceed Winnipeg-born John Leslie is Olympic Games for Canada despite Sochi. their medal haul in Vancouver where Canada’s top para-snowboarder being named to the team, and left

Canadians looking for more success in Sochi

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Sledge hockey

Unlike their able-bodied counterparts, Canada’s sledge hockey team was left disappointed in Vancouver.

The team lost to Japan and Norway to finish fourth but this year, the team comes in as reigning world champions and gold medal favourites. Led by veteran players Billy Bridges, Brad Bowden, and captain Greg Westlake, Team Canada will try to fend off the U.S., Norway, and Russia for their second gold medal in the last three Paralympic tournaments.

Wheelchair curling

Si nc e ma k i n g ou r Paralympic debut in 2006 in Torino, Canada has won gold in both Paralympic wheelchair curling events. Skip Jim Armstrong will lead Canada just as he did four years ago in Vancouver.

Returning teammates from Vancouver are Ina Forrest and Sonja Gaudet, who also won gold in Torino. Dennis Thiessen of Sanford, MB and Mark Ideson will also play for Canada. Other medal favourites are Sweden, the U.S., and Great Britain. illustration by bram keast

VOL. 100 NO. 24 March 5, 2014

Sports

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Golden effort Bison women’s volleyball wins national title in straight sets Marc Lagace, staff

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he University of Manitoba Bison assists—more than the entire Gee- kills, while Mariel Garcia stepped up women’s volleyball team is the top Gees team combined—and Crystal and pitched in 10 kills and eight digs on team in the nation after upsetting the Mulder led all players with 12 digs on the night. On the other side of the court, top-ranked UBC Thunderbirds for the the match as the Bisons rolled to their Desiree Nouwen led all players with 17 national title in Regina on Mar. 2. first sweep 3-0 (25-17, 25-23, 25-16). kills, but was clearly outmatched by the The Bisons qualified for the 2014 CIS In the semifinals, the Bisons Bisons’ multi-faceted attack.

Women’s Volleyball Championship took on the Dalhousie Tigers, who Manitoba swept 3-0 (25-22, 25-13, after settling for silver against UBC entered the tournament as the sixth 25-21) to advance to the final, where at the Canada West women’s volley- seed. Manitoba had played Dalhousie the team was set for a dream rematch ball championships. It would take the in a pre-season tournament, picking against the UBC Thunderbirds, with Bisons just nine sets to steamroll all up a win over the defending Atlantic the national title on the line. competitors at the national tournament, University Sport (AUS) conference It’s important to note just how as Manitoba never gave up a set in three champions. The Tigers had won the dominant the Thunderbirds have been straight sweeps.

AUS Championship again this year to in CIS women’s volleyball. Heading Their first match was against the qualify for the CIS championships. into the tournament, they were the sixOttawa Gee-Gees of the Ontario Dalhousie challenged Manitoba in time defenders of the national title, and University Athletics conference on the first set, and led 16-15 at the techni- on pace to win their seventh straight Friday night. Manitoba showed some cal timeout, but the Bisons got hot after national championship. In Vancouver, rust early, as Ottawa scored the first the break and went on a four-point run when the Bisons last played them, three points of the match on ser- that forced the Tigers to call a timeout. Manitoba was swept clean, although vice aces. By the technical timeout, The strategy did end up causing the they showed plenty of fight.

Manitoba led 16-14 and played lights Bisons to side out, but could not stem Now playing at a relatively neutral out from that point on for a 25-17 win the momentum as Manitoba clinched site (the Big Horns were in Regina to in the first set. the first set 25-22. cheer and make noise like only they As has been the case throughout The second set was a total wash, as know how to), this was an opportunity most of the season, Rachel Cockrell the Bisons dominated 25-13. In the third for Manitoba to make up for a streak and Taylor Pischke led the Bison set, Pischke capped the match, earning of 10 straight playoff losses to UBC, offensive attack, landing 16 and 11 kills, Manitoba’s final three points on offen- dating back to their last win against the respectively. Brittany Habing had 30 sive kills. Pischke led all Bisons with 12 T-Birds in 2002—coincidentally, the

last time the Bisons won the national Bisons had seven service aces, while title.

Cockrell was named the Bison player “Obviously playing UBC at home is of the match and tournament MVP, harder. They serve the ball very well at contributing 18 kills in a solid 3-0 (25-22, home,” said head coach Ken Bentley.

25-22, 25-20) championship win. “[We were] playing at a neutral “It’s really nice to put our program court—a court that we know very well back in the national conversation again, because we play Regina a lot—and we and to be considered a top team,” said passed the ball better, so that right away Bentley, adding, “I think we’ve always made our game plan achievable.” been considered that, but to continue to The Bisons needed to play their best be considered that you need to win.” volleyball to beat CIS Player of the Year Lisa Barclay and the defending champs, photo courtesy of bison sports and that’s exactly what they did.

Manitoba owned the net, finishing with 24 blocks to UBC’s six. The

Push for the playoffs Evaluating the Winnipeg Jets’ chances of making the post-season Mike Still, staff

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he Winnipeg Jets have experienced revitalization since the hiring of new head coach Paul Maurice.

They have a record of 10-3-1 under the current bench boss, and appear to be headed in the right direction.

While their recent success is a positive, Winnipeg faces just six nonplayoff teams for the remainder of the season, and will have to play their best hockey if they want to make the playoffs for the first time since returning in 2011.

With four teams, including Winnipeg, within four points of the final wild card spot, the race will certainly heat up. The toughest task now for the young squad is continuing their momentum after a 19-day Olympic break. Last Thursday night’s victory against Phoenix began a busy stretch—22 games in 44 nights for the Jets. Thankfully, five of Winnipeg’s next seven games take place at home, which could prove to be crucial.

With only a handful of Jets players playing in Sochi, a number of players received the opportunity to heal up and rest injuries. Evander Kane’s return to the lineup is by far the most noticeable. He provides a huge spark for the team, as his speed is an immediate asset. Jim Slater and Matt Halischuk have also returned from injury. With over 600 games of combined experience, their veteran presence is a necessity in the locker room and on the ice.

Slater rejoined the lineup against

Phoenix for the first time since Oct. 18. The gritty fourth-line centre made a welcomed return to the faceoff circle, where he averaged a win percentage of 54.3.

“I was a little nervous coming in here; I’ve still got things to work on.

Obviously it’s tough jumping right in, but overall I think I felt pretty good,” commented Jim Slater postgame against the Coyotes.

While the Olympic break provided a long stretch without game action for some, for Olli Jokinen, it was of great importance. With just two goals in his last 14 NHL games, the veteran from Finland needed to pick his game up.

Playing for his home country in Sochi was a chance for Jokinen to hone his skills and generate some confidence for the final 22 games of the regular season. Appearing in all six of Finland’s games, he notched two goals and two assists. Jokinen was still trying to adjust to the NHL style of play against the Coyotes, but notched a goal against Nashville on Saturday.

“It’s a different game here. It’s a lot more physical and a lot more grinding over here, than over there (in Sochi) in the last two weeks,” Jokinen explained.

Something that could become a major factor entering the final stretch of the season is free agency. With the trade deadline on Mar. 5, Winnipeg will have some important decisions

to make regarding the contracts of Jokinen, as well as defenceman Mark Stuart. Both players become unrestricted free agents at the end of the season.

With the fourth highest salary on the team and a cap hit of over four million dollars, moving Jokinen might make sense for the Jets. He has experienced rejuvenation this year, with 13 goals and 32 points in 61 games, but has been inconsistent at times. At age 35, he may very well be at the peak of his production, and this could be the best chance Winnipeg has to get positive returns for the alternate captain.

The same case could be made for Stuart; however, his character and leadership is nearly irreplaceable. He is a trusted veteran who has mentored Jacob Trouba from the start of his rookie season. His style of play represents the ideal defensive grinder, and he’s been known to provide a spark for this team. Stuart would likely be more open to restructuring his contract, if it benefits the team going forward as well.

No matter what Winnipeg Jets management chooses to do, they can be confident knowing a number of critical pieces are in place for a playoff push. This team has bought into Paul Maurice’s system, and is in a position to sneak into the final wild card spot at season’s end. photo by beibei lu