MARCH 12, 2020
The Sheaf Publishing Society
VO L . 1 1 1 , I SS UE 24 The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis.
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YOUR UNI VE R S I T Y O F SAS K ATC H E WA N ST UDE NT NE WS PA P E R S I N C E 1 9 1 2
Pride Centre and United Church partner
to petition conversion therapy ban Advocates suspect many people oppose harmful practice, but unaware that it remains legal across Canada.
2 USSU extends contract with Studentcare
NEWS
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The North still has playoff hopes without Kawhi
SPORTS & HEALTH
8-9
U of S international students feel unheard
FEATURE
7/10
Canadian women of history
Grosvenor Park United Church displays inclusive pride steps in Saskatoon, SK, on March 8, 2020. | Victoria Becker/ Photo Editor
NOAH CALLAGHAN STAFF WRITER
Pride Centre coordinator Jory McKay says conversion therapy tells people that they need to change to meet society’s expectations. He is currently advocating that the practice be banned provincially because he believes people should be
taught to accept themselves instead. The petition started by the Grosvenor Park United Church is aimed at banning the practice of conversion therapy, which is still legal in Saskatchewan and most of Canada. Conversion or reparative therapy is an ineffective, harmful and discredited treatment aimed at changing an
individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity. While sharing this petition on campus, McKay discovered that many people were surprised that conversion therapy has not already been banned. “A lot of people don’t know that it’s actually still legal,” McKay said. “So when most people find out that it’s legal,
they want it changed.” There is no credible evidence that indicates a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity can be changed. Instead, research shows that conversion therapy has lifelong and damaging effects on people’s psychological and social well-being. Continued to pg. 10
CULTURE
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Challenge yourself to create a more equitable world
OPINIONS
David Ayres visits Saskatoon to promote organ donation with the Blades The world loves feel-good stories, and David Ayres’ is no exception. JENNA PATRICIAN
After a lifesaving organ donation 15 years ago, David Ayres has continued to raise awareness for the cause following his NHL debut. The 42-year-old, who is the operations manager for Toron-
to’s Mattamy Athletic Centre, became a spokesman for organ donation across Canada and the United States, following his outstanding performance on the ice for the Carolina Hurricanes. As the emergency backup goalie, Ayres is in attendance for all Toronto Maple Leafs’
home games, and the opposing team is able to utilize his services. During the Feb. 22 contest between the Carolina Hurricanes and Toronto Maple Leafs, Ayres watched the game start to unfold as it normally would. Continued to pg. 6
Carolina Hurricanes emergency goaltender David Ayres smiles while speaking to the press in a conference at Wendel Clark’s Classic Grill & Bar in Saskatoon, SK, on March 6, 2020. | Heywood Yu
NEWS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Nykole King editor@thesheaf.com NEWS EDITOR Ana Cristina Camacho news@thesheaf.com SPORTS & HEALTH EDITOR VACANT sportshealth@thesheaf.com
T H E S H E A F P U B L I S HI NG S OC I E T Y // MA R C H 1 2 , 2 02 0
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Students’ contract with health insurance provider extended to 2028 Studentcare brought to the table a diversity grant and improved LGBTQ2S+ mental health services.
CULTURE EDITOR Tomilola Ojo culture@thesheaf.com OPINIONS EDITOR Erin Matthews opinions@thesheaf.com STAFF WRITER Noah Callaghan staffwriter@thesheaf.com COPY EDITOR J.C. Balicanta Narag copy@thesheaf.com LAYOUT MANAGER Aqsa Hussain layout@thesheaf.com PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR Victoria Becker photo@thesheaf.com GRAPHICS EDITOR Shawna Langer graphics@thesheaf.com WEB EDITOR Minh Au Duong web@thesheaf.com OUTREACH DIRECTOR Sophia Lagimodiere outreach@thesheaf.com AD & BUSINESS MANAGER Shantelle Hrytsak ads@thesheaf.com BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mikaila Ortynsky Laura Chartier Matthew Taylor Sonia Kalburgi Emily Klatt Naomi Zurenvinski
board@thesheaf.com
ADVERTISING (306) 966 8688 EDITORIAL (306) 966 8689 Mission // The mission of the Sheaf is to inform and entertain students by addressing issues relevant to life on campus, in the city or in the province. The newspaper serves as a forum for discussion on a wide range of issues that concern students. Written for students, by students, it provides unique insight into university issues through a student perspective. The staff of editors, photographers and artists collaborate with volunteers as student journalists to create a product relevant to students on the University of Saskatchewan campus. Land Acknowledgement // The Sheaf acknowledges that our office is built on Treaty Six Territory and the traditional homeland of the Métis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and affirm both the importance of our relationship with Indigenous peoples and students at the U of S and our commitment to recognize and remain accountable for our collective history.
The Health and Dental Plan Office located in the Place Riel Student Centre photographed on March 8, 2020. | Kienan Ashton
DOMINIQUE PANKO
Diversity, sustainability and improving care for LGBTQ2S+ students are priorities in the extended contract the students’ union are signing with their health insurance company. Studentcare is the largest provider for student health and dental insurance plans in Canada and has worked with the University of Saskatchewan Students’ Union for 20 years. Their partnership will soon be extended, as the USSU is set to sign a contract in April that will run through to August 2028. The renewed contract comes with additional incentives from Studentcare, including a $10,000 grant for a diversity project and a social strategy co-ordinator to work with the LGBTQ2S+ community in mental health services. With the contract set to expire, the USSU consulted with Studentcare about an ex-
tension instead of looking at other options on the market. The USSU also conducted a survey in 2019 that showed that 93 per cent of students supported the decision to continue coverage. Autumn LaRose-Smith, vice-president student affairs, says the decision to extend is due to their good working relationship with the company. “We asked them questions on how they can better their services [and] we asked questions with regards to their commitment to sustainability,” LaRose-Smith said. “Ultimately, the decision to re-sign with them was through those interactions and what they’re willing to bring forward.” LaRose-Smith says it is important to have a positive working relationship and aligning values with the students’ health care provider. She says Studentcare has shown a commitment to LGBTQ2S+ inclusion. “It’s already set up that you can use gender-neutral
pronouns and your chosen names, which is something quite unique for an insurance company,” LaRoseSmith said. “They align with the morals and values of the USSU.” The USSU is excited about the add-on incentives to their contract with Studentcare, which are targeted to helping meet the needs of the diverse student body. LaRose-Smith works closely with Studentcare in her position. She says the USSU and Studentcare’s 20-year professional history helped influence the decision. “I honestly have full trust in their abilities as an organization and they have a great working relationship with the USSU,” said LaRose-Smith. “We were one of their first clients.” The USSU will continue to work closely with Studentcare in determining what services to provide and how to provide them. LaRose-Smith says that when the USSU brings a re-
quest or a suggestion to Studentcare, their response is “Let’s make it happen.” “I think if there were ever an issue with them, I think it could easily be resolved,” LaRose-Smith said. Studentcare has also made a commitment to simplifying the opt-in option for students who start their studies in the winter term, which is an issue that students have reported to the USSU. Studentcare will continue leasing their office on campus in Place Riel. The office is open to students if they need help with forms, late opt-ins or have other questions, and is expected to stay put for the full term of the extended contract. LaRose-Smith is looking forward to the union’s extended partnership with Studentcare. “[I’m] really excited to see what new things that they can bring forward with the future executives as well,” LaRoseSmith said.
Legal // The Sheaf, published weekly during the academic year and periodically from May through August, is an incorporated non-profit that is, in part, student-body funded by way of a direct levy paid by all part- and full-time undergraduate students at the U of S. The remainder of the revenue is generated through advertising. The financial affairs are governed by a Board of Directors, most of whom are students. Membership in the Sheaf Publishing Society is open to all undergraduate students at the U of S, who are encouraged to contribute to the newspaper. Absolutely no experience is required! The opinions expressed in the Sheaf do not necessarily reflect those of the Sheaf Publishing Society Inc. The Sheaf reserves the right to refuse to accept or print any material deemed unfit for publication, as determined by the Editor-in-Chief. The Editor-in-Chief has the right to veto any submission deemed unfit for the Society newspaper. In determining this, the Editor-in-Chief will decide if the article or artwork would be of interest to a significant portion of the Society and benefit the welfare of Sheaf readers. The Sheaf will not publish any racist, sexist, homophobic or libellous material.
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NEWS
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New sustainability audit difficult to obtain, USSU says Finding an auditor has presented a challenge for the students’ union. FIZA BALOCH
The last time the University of Saskatchewan Students’ Union underwent a sustainability audit was in 2006. Although a new one will not happen for the time being, the union is still committed to keeping a good standing in sustainability. In 2019, the USSU expressed interest in conducting another sustainability audit this year to inform their efforts going forward. Finding an auditor, however, presented a challenge. Autumn LaRose-Smith, vice-president student affairs, says that the sustainability audit the USSU had in 2006 was conducted by auditors that did not cater specifically to organizations like the students’ union, which caused some issues. Reportedly, at the time there were criticisms around some aspects of the audit that did not apply to the USSU. LaRoseSmith says they were hoping to
find different methods or organizations to conduct the audit this time around. “We’ve reached out on a national … basis to see if there are other student unions, or organizations like this student union, that have done something [like this] and no one has,” LaRose-Smith said. The 2006 audit resulted in two recommendations for the USSU: strengthening the current sustainability management system and coming up with a framework within the USSU to audit social and environmental sustainability. The plan for the new audit was that it would be an updated version that would consider new buildings along with the scope of the university’s environmental and social impact both locally and globally. Since a new audit is not likely to happen during LaRose-Smith’s tenure as the vice-president student affairs, she is focusing on following
through with the recommendations of the 2006 audit. “Sustainability is a huge priority for the USSU. We’ve advocated for this and … we believe in being environmentally and socially and economically responsible and sustainable,” LaRose-Smith said. “There’s still a lot that can be done and a lot of recommendations that can be done with the 2006 audit that maybe necessarily haven’t been followed through. It’s been over 10 years, so [we are] re-evaluating and creating, not necessarily a sustainability audit, but something that looks closer to a sustainability to-do list for the future.” This sustainability “to-do list” would be heavily influenced by students. The USSU Sustainability Committee has $15,000 in funding for student-led initiatives. This is partly funded by the U of S President’s Office and the Office of Sustainability. “You don’t have to be a ratified student group; you can
Shawna Langer/ Graphics Editor
apply for $50 of funding or $10,000 of funding for sustainability projects that you think are worthy,” LaRose-Smith said. She adds that the new U of S President’s Advisory Circle for Sustainability is another avenue through which students can voice their ideas and initiatives in the realm of sustainability. “We don’t necessarily have much say over what the university is going to let us do in other places but we have brought this forward to them and are very open to students bringing their ideas and plans to us,” LaRoseSmith said.
Student-led initiatives also play a role in the USSU’s commitment to environmental practices. The USSU is “open and excited to learn and do what we can in whatever capacity,” she said. “I think it’s really important that we challenge the university and that we challenge the government and all of the people that we interact with — that our values align [with theirs] in regards to sustainability,” LaRose-Smith said. “But to do that, I think you have to be a good role model of it, so that people can see that it is doable — we’re trying.”
Rink in the Bowl closed permanently, funds redirected to other programming The USSU’s concern with keeping the rink was that its cost outweighed its utility. THEA PEARCE
For two years, the Rink in the Bowl was available for no charge to students wanting to stay active during winter on campus. However, the rink has been closed permanently this year. Due to concerns around useful spending, the University of Saskatchewan Students’ Union has decided to allocate the money for the rink to fund other forms of winter programming. The union hopes this will better address the interests of the student body. “It was kind of a gamble with the money, and the hopes that students would use the ice rink and our hopes that it would be warm enough that they would feel compelled to use it,” said Autumn LaRose-Smith, vice-president student affairs of the USSU. The Rink in the Bowl was a campaign promise of Crystal Lau, former vice-president of student affairs. For Lau, the rink was an opportunity to promote
a sense of community on campus and to ensure that students living in residence could engage in winter activities. Despite Lau’s intentions, the USSU has decided to close the rink. They say that this change will allow the student union to better devote resources to activities that interest the student body. “I’m definitely not wanting to give up, but just being realistic [with] the timing and availability of the students,” LaRoseSmith said. In the 2017-18 academic year, the U of S President’s Office provided the USSU with upwards of $10,000 to manage the rink. This funding covered a majority of the set-up costs. The funds that the USSU was spending on the rink’s maintenance will now be allocated to other forms of winter programming. Nothing has been determined yet for this year and the programming for future years is yet to be decided. Among possible future plans, the students’ union is considering hosting a skating event at
Students skate in the U of S Rink in the Bowl in Jan. 8, 2018. /File | Heywood Yu
Merlis Belsher Place where hot chocolate and pizza will be provided to students. They are also interested in hosting a feast at the end of the year. Aside from that, the USSU’s future winter programming will be determined by direct student feedback. The executive is encouraging students and student groups to approach them with their ideas and interests on the topic.
LaRose-Smith is excited about what the USSU’s winter programming may become and hopes that it will bring the community together. “I’m really open to different ideas of what students want to do,” LaRose-Smith said. Ultimately, winter programming will become what students make of it. LaRose-Smith says the executive appreciates the importance of having outdoor
activities available for students during the winter months. They are hoping that students will get the same benefits that were intended with the Rink in the Bowl from the union’s upcoming winter programming. “I think it can be really positive for students who are struggling right now, from stress and other things, [to know] that there are things available to them,” LaRose-Smith said.
NEWS / 3
SPORTS&HEALTH
T H E S H E A F P U B L I S HI NG S OC I E T Y // MA R C H 1 2 , 2 02 0
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Will the Raptors rule the East again? The North still has playoff hopes without Kawhi. UDAY CHINNA
Pascal Siakam has been on one of the most accelerated trajectories in terms of player development. He spent his rookie season as a bench player, averaging just 4.2 points and 3.4 rebounds in 15.7 minutes of game play. In his sophomore season, he was still regarded as a raw player with potential, in spite of averaging 20.6 minutes of play with 7.3 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. Most of Siakam’s growth was in the 2018-19 season, as he averaged 16.9 points as well as 6.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game. He flourished in a more prominent role as the team’s third option behind Leonard and Kyle Lowry, including an outstanding NBA Finals Game 1 where his scoring set the tone for the series. Siakam earned most im-
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Two players have emerged as surprising contributors to the Raptors’ success this season: undrafted rookie Terence Davis and sophomore Chris Boucher. After not being picked in the 2019 NBA draft in either round, Davis opted to become an unrestricted free agent. A 22-point outing with the Denver Nuggets in summer league secured him a two-year contract with the Raptors, and he has not looked back since. Davis provides the team with a steady spark off the bench, scoring about eight points per game while being one of the best three-point shooters on the team. Boucher’s potential, especially on the defensive side, was clear when he was named Most Valuable Player and Defensive Player of the Year with the Raptors’ G-league affiliate, the 905 Raptors in the 2018-19 season. With a 6’9” frame, Boucher bothers players on defense and wreaks havoc in the paint. This was on full display in November, when he posted three blocks and two steals along with 15 points to stop a hot Lakers team. With Boucher, the Raptors employ another pesky defender who will be crucial during the playoffs.
Consistency on both ends
The Raptors are among the top five teams in the league for net rating, meaning that they have one of the highest point differentials. They score a high number of points while preventing the opposing team from scoring simultaneously. Guard Fred VanVleet is one of the main reasons for this offensive production because he provides the team with just under 18 points while also dishing out around 6.5 assists per game. As a steady three-
na aw
Siakam soars
Hidden gems
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Describing the 2018-19 Toronto Raptors’ season as anything but magical would be a disservice to the team’s exceptional campaign. After spending a number of seasons flourishing in the regular season, yet disappointing in the post-season, the Raptors finally broke through the barrier last season. They prevailed at the end of a taxing post-season, defeating the Golden State Warriors in six games to capture the franchise’s first title. Much of this success was attributed to superstar Kawhi Leonard, and rightfully so. He averaged 30.5 points, 9.1 rebounds and 3.9 assists in the playoffs. In addition to his strong offence, he played stifling defence on opposing stars Jimmy Butler and Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, it seems that the rest of the team’s importance may have been underrated by sports media and fans alike. Leonard’s departure to the Los Angeles Clippers in free agency this past summer had writers and fans predicting the team would slide in the standings as low as the ninth seed. Even Caesar’s Palace in Vegas projected their wins at 45, a figure typically expected of a sixth or seventh seeded team. Though the Raptors were expected to perform poorly, they have been undeterred by the outside noise and exceeded expectations greatly.
proved player honours, but no one foresaw him making even more progress in the current season. With Kawhi’s departure, the ball was placed in Siakam’s court, and he has more than delivered. Stepping seamlessly into the new role, he is now the top scorer for the team and has adopted Leonard’s business-like approach to the game for himself. Siakam’s rapid development and calm demeanor under pressure helps the Raptors remain a top team in the league.
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point threat and reliable playmaker, he ensures that the team never falls into a slump on offence. He is also a proven performer in the playoffs. The birth of his son famously broke him out of a shooting slump last playoffs. He scored an efficient 13 points in a pivotal Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals. This scorching stretch continued into the finals, where his shot making was decisive down the stretch of a tight Game 6 that ended with a title for the Raptors. The Raptors have had a staunch defense all season long, with much of the credit belonging to OG Anunoby. He is Toronto’s most versatile defender, able to guard both quick perimeter players and strong forwards. This switchability will be essential in the playoffs as opposing teams will have trouble neutralizing his defensive presence. Anunoby’s value only increases when considering his offensive production, considering he can shoot the three pointer well and provides the team with around 11 points per night. He is a true twoway presence who will terrorize opposing teams with his defense during the playoffs.
Innovative coaching
Nick Nurse’s coaching prowess is another factor in the Raptors’ recent success. After firing coach Dwane Casey due to a lack of post
season success, the team hired Nurse and the decision paid off wonderfully. Nurse won the championship in his first season as head coach, a feat accomplished by only eight other coaches in NBA history. However, the credit for the title was spread evenly to coaches and players. Leonard’s departure was seen as a way to truly test Nurse’s expertise as a coach, and Nurse has proven the skeptics wrong. Nurse’s philosophy on offence involves ball movement and participation from all five positions. With six players averaging over 10 points per game, it has proven to be quite effective. With a multitude of scoring options, the team never has to rely heavily on a single player, such as Siakam, to carry the scoring load. This also leads to unpredictability with opposing teams unable to game plan by keying in on one player and hoping to shut down the offence. Nurse’s unorthodox defensive schemes garner him praise across the league. The Raptors boast a top three defence in the league, largely due to meticulous planning for each game. They employ a variety of schemes, including full-court presses, zone defenses and double teams against superstars. In their first meeting with the Lakers this season, they held LeBron James to just 13
points on 33 per cent shooting from the field — both figures well below his season averages. Similarly, they held Portland Trail Blazers’ Damian Lillard to just two successful field goals and completely shut down Philadelphia 76ers’ Joel Embiid to zero points. Their unique defence disrupts the offensive stars, limiting their output. Due to their tremendous defense, the Raptors have a chance to win every game, whether their shots are falling or not.
Looking ahead
The Raptors are currently a top seed in the Eastern Conference, and clinched a playoff berth with a victory over the Golden State Warriors on March 5. Viewed as underdogs at the start of the season, the Raptors have something to prove in the playoffs. With most of the championship squad returning from last season, the team has an abundance of playoff experience, an intangible quality that can play a big role during the post-season. The Raptors defense will be key to their playoff hopes, as Nurse will have to continue inventing new and creative defensive schemes to slow down potential playoff opponents, including Jayson Tatum, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Joel Embiid. Continued to next page
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SPORTS&HEALTH
For President Stoicheff, prioritizing physical activity is directly linked to mental health Running on the treadmill at the PAC means that Peter Stoicheff is prepared to run the entire university. NYKOLE KING
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Being in a demanding position can be stressful, and when there are people depending on you, taking personal time to maintain your well-being might be the first thing cut from a full schedule. For the busiest person on campus, University of Saskatchewan President Peter Stoicheff, there is no compromise. Prioritizing regular physical activity each day allows him to be mentally present to oversee campus operations. “I actually notice it up here more than anything,” Stoicheff said, pointing to his head. “And really, to be the right person for 26,000 students and everybody else, you have to be in a good frame of mind.” He makes full use of the Physical Activity Complex and carves time out to go almost every day. As he sees it, having his office located about 100 yards away from the PAC leaves him no excuse not to go for a run. “I’ve always been really, really active. I would say two things: it allows me to drink a lot of beer,” Stoicheff said
with a laugh. “And the other thing is that it is really good for my mental health.” Whether it is going for a run, using the row machine or lifting weights, Stoicheff does a variety of activities, but enjoys the treadmill the most. Being regimented, he fits it into his day by always adding it into his calendar. Even though his regular schedule is interrupted when he travels to represent the university, he manages to find a way regardless by using hotel gyms. Another tip he has is making his workout plan easy enough that he cannot talk himself out of it. If the weather is nice, he will do a run on the campus paths. Just as people need to eat, they need physical activity, Stoicheff says. Re-thinking it in this way means that it becomes almost non-negotiable to sacrifice the crunches when crunched for time. Carving out time for yourself is important; whether your preferred way to maintain your mental health is physical activity or social activity, finding what helps you thrive is something that should come first for all students, faculty and staff.
Will the Raptors rule the East again? The North still has playoff hopes without Kawhi. Continued from previous page However, the biggest question for the Raptors lies in their ability to close games. When defenses tighten in the playoffs, it is often superstars scoring during isolation plays that leads to victory. Last season, Leonard was the closer and could be counted on to score in the clutch. This quality was perfectly encapsulated by his
epic buzzer beater to win the series against the 76ers. This season, the Raptors have no such player. Siakam has improved greatly, but whether he can provide a similar scoring punch remains to be seen. Defying expectations has been the Raptors’ forte this season, and fans across Canada hope they can do so one more time. No matter the outcome, Jurassic Park will be roaring come April.
Shawna Langer/ Graphics Editor
M A RC H 17, 2020 Join us to celebrate giving on our campus and in our community.
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Stop by Upper Place Riel to grab a coffee, learn about USask student volunteers, and make a donation.
Make a donation to Nasser Family Emergency Student Trust to support USask students in crisis.
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SPORTS&HEALTH
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David Ayres visits Saskatoon to promote organ donation with the Blades The world loves feel-good stories, and David Ayres’ is no exception. JENNA PATRICIAN
Continued from cover Following an injury sustained by the Hurricanes’ starting goalie James Reimer, Ayres got the call to go down to the dressing room and get half dressed. When the Hurricanes’ backup goalie Petr Mrazek was injured in a collision midway through the second period and left the game, Ayres was given the nod. “They tell you to come in and get the rest of your [gear] — your heart starts pumping right away. I was excited and ready to go,” Ayres said. Ayres completely stole the show as he stopped eight out of 10 shots that he faced, back stopping the Hurricanes to a 6-3 victory over the Maple Leafs. There is more to Ayres’ story than his hockey career. Frequent illness as a child took a toll on his kidneys. With both of his kidneys failing at the age of 25, Ayres needed a kidney transplant. His mother immediately stepped up to be a live donor, which meant that her son would receive a transplant at the age of 27. “To have her be the first person to say, ‘How do I get tested? How do I get this going?’ was great,” Ayres said. With the help of the organ donation, Ayres was able to become the oldest goalie to win in his NHL regular-season debut. It also makes him the first emergency backup goalie in the NHL to be credited for a win. For this accomplishment, his
game stick was placed in the Hockey Hall of Fame and he earned the respect of the entire hockey world. This would not have been possible for him without his mother’s contribution. Ayres now raises awareness about the importance of organ donation. Though some might be hesitant about a major surgery, he explained that his mother was out of the hospital after about five days. “A lot of people don’t realize that if you donate a kidney, you still have regular function,” Ayres said. When the Saskatoon Blades reached out asking Ayres to attend the annual WHL Suits Up to Promote Organ Donation, he did not hesitate. “I was all in right away,” Ayres said. “Knowing that it’s organ donation night and me having a kidney transplant 15 years ago, any chance I get to use a platform to get that out there, I’m all over it.” The Blades players wore special Hockey Night in Canada themed jerseys that were auctioned off, with the proceeds donated to Saskatoon’s local kidney foundation branch. Over the two years that the event has been hosted, the WHL has raised more than $460,000. In addition to fundraising, various organizations attend to spread information and encourage people to register as donors. According to the Kidney Foundation, 4,300 people were waiting for organ transplants in 2018, 78 per cent of them were on the list for a kidney. Hockey is known for producing positive role models
Saskatoon Blades goaltender Nolan Maier stands in front of the goal post during a stoppage of play at the first period of the WHL action at SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon, SK, on March 6, 2020. | Heywood Yu
on and off the ice. The philanthropic spirit is embedded into Canada’s game. After the tragic bus accident involving the Humboldt Broncos, people across the country came together to support the survivors and mourn the lost lives.
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away suddenly, had his organs donated. On his 21st birthday, Boulet signed his donor card — 5 weeks before his passing. When the world heard of this young man’s gift of life, organ donation sign ups surged and blood donations increased dra-
...any chance I get to use a platform to get that out there, I’m all over it.
”
-David Ayres
Among those who passed away in the crash was Logan Boulet, whose organs were donated to save six people's lives. Boulet was determined to become a donor after his close friend and trainer, who passed
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matically. This gave rise to a phenomenon that is now known as “The Logan Boulet Effect.” The phrase was printed on the inside collar of the Blades’ special jerseys for the night. Signing up to donate your organs is not a light decision to
make, but it is insurmountable as it will greatly impact a number of lives. Live organ donation of a kidney is the most frequent and successful transplant procedure, and donors are able to live long, healthy lives following their donation. There is a plethora of information and support available online for those wanting to make an informed decision. In Saskatchewan, residents need to obtain an organ and tissue donor sticker from Saskatchewan Health, as well as fill out an intention to donate form. After signing your organ donor card, one of the most important things that can be done is to let your family and friends know of your wishes to be an organ donor. “To be able to reach out to everybody and let them know, you can be a donor,” Ayres said. “Just sign your card and it ends up saving people’s lives.”
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CULTURE
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“It’s about falling in love with the process”: Khary makes strides with THIS IS WEIRD Rap savant Khary is always pushing boundaries in music and finding creative catharsis wherever he can. GAVIN ROBERTSON
In a society increasingly driven by logic and reason, it’s important to have a creative outlet. Be it card games, board games, soccer or rapping, we should all seek to make room for selfexpression in our busy lives. Our taste in art developed in tandem with refining the concepts of our society, and what it means to be a human. We have gained a broader artistic vocabulary with which we can speak our minds and share ourselves. All of this poetic and indirect bush-beating may be trivial and superfluous, but words are one conduit through which I enjoy creative self-expression. For others, it may be fashion, sports or perhaps even role-play games. For the 25-year-old from Rhode Island, Khary’s journey of creativity happened outside of rap as much as it did within it. “I used to play soccer for seven years, and the part I liked the most was just crossing people out and shooting the ball. It was a creative outlet for me more than anything,” Khary said. This narrative may ring true for you too — sports are great grounds for the spreading of creative roots. Though enjoyable to do in abstract or unconventional ways, self expression can flow just as smoothly through the more popular methods. Incorporating time for making art into your already busy schedule — however
you prefer to do that — has a cathartic aspect. By its very definition, catharsis is “the relieving of emotional tension, especially through certain kinds of art.” Now, emotional tensions can take a variety of forms as well. Perhaps it’s fresh anger, an overwhelming period of sadness or joy so explosive your chest hurts. Art can be a superb tool to process the heavier stuff, and for Khary, this is exactly what it did. “I started getting a little depressed — like the lowest I’d ever felt in my life up to that point — and I just started reflecting on that,” Khary explained about his headspace. Khary went on to speak about his upcoming album THIS IS WEIRD, which is set to be released this April. Being an independent artist, he had to run a Kickstarter to fund his project. “[THIS IS WEIRD] hits all different emotions, so it's not just one big sad song,” Khary said. “I approached some darker stuff but also got light hearted on other songs to keep things balanced and fun.” To create is a human instinct, but that hardly means we’re all impeccably skilled in every aspect of creating. For Khary, it’s far more about picking something you enjoy doing, whether you’re adept or inept, and putting aside perfectionism. “I feel like I’m at a place now where my skill in the craft has caught up to my passion for it,” Khary said. Creativity is perhaps as concrete and categorizable
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as the people who practice it. Through my own struggle with exploring this expansive scape, I found it as more of an umbrella term — each individual a unique grain of sand composing the perpetual beach that is creativity. Each method of expression
is no more identical than apples and oranges. Though both are fruits, their essence and existence are as beautiful as they are different. Not every instance of produced art will be spectacular — everyone is capable of mistakes and subpar art. Time
will bring the aptitude. “It’s about falling in love with the process,” Khary said. “You are making progress whether you see it or not, you’re making progress.” Keep creating, keep self expressing. Your creativity is worthwhile.
Canada’s ladies of the North: The feminine side of history In honour of Women’s History Month, here are four Canadian women to remember. TOMILOLA OJO CULTURE EDITOR
From authors to artists to activists, Canadian women have been making waves for equality and social change. This Women’s History Month, let’s take a moment to take a look at just a few women who have made our country what it is today. These women have fought through discrimination and hardships to advocate for their communities and create real, pal-
pable change in Canada, but they are just a few drops in the oceans of change that swept Canada through the years. Giving a voice to the voiceless and fighting for rights of the disenfranchised, here are four women to remember this Women’s History Month. Mary Two-Axe Earley (19111996) An advocate for women, child and human rights, Mary TwoAxe Earley was a Kanien’kehá:ka
Elder who was an early pioneer of the Canadian women’s rights movement. Two-Axe Earley focused her efforts on Indigenous women’s rights, fighting against the gender discrimination in the Indian Act that stripped Indigenous women of their status if they married anyone that was not of status. In 1967, she was involved with the Indian Rights for Indian Women, an advocacy group that fought against gendered colonialism.
Her work eventually led to the passing of Bill C-31 in 1985, which reinstated the rights that had been stripped by the Indian Act. Mary Ann Shadd Cary (18231893) Shadd Cary was a black American-Canadian abolitionist, journalist, publisher, teacher and lawyer. Born to free parents in the slave state of Delaware, Shadd Cary grew up around activist parents and her childhood home was a safe
house for runaway slaves. Shadd Cary settled in modern-day Windsor, Ontario and took on a teaching position at a racially integrated school that the American Missionary Association supported. However, the group later pulled funding due to a disagreement she had with one of its benefactors about her opposition to segregated schools. Continued to pg. 10
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“It's up to people like us to make the changes we really need”: U of S international students International students are set on making their voices heard — and it’s time to listen.
Who is benefiting and who is not Campos says that while typically international students have not contributed to the Canadian economy for most of their lives, newcomers are likely to be a good investment for the university, since they bring with them the hefty sums of money needed to pay the tuition differential. She adds that it is international students who get the short end of the stick in this deal, since their investment in attending university in Canada hangs on the chance that they will secure permanent residence status post-graduation. “International students are fighting for the same opportunities as domestic people, with the difference that they have to put a lot more money in and have
ANA CRISTINA CAMACHO NEWS EDITOR
Along with the University of Saskatchewan’s goals for strategic growth over the next five years comes plans to increase the international student population. By 2025, the U of S is planning on 10 per cent of undergraduate students to be international. “We know that the City of Saskatoon is projected to grow significantly over the next couple of decades, and we know that we need additional spaces to educate a growing population… The university also has a role in contributing to knowledge globally,” said Alison Pickrell, assistant vice-provost of strategic enrollment management, in an interview with the Sheaf in 2018. “We are looking out to the future — we are preparing for it instead of just letting it happen.” While Pickrell has said that the university’s forethought extends to preparing for an increasingly international student body, there is still worry among international student leaders about whether the university is supporting this vulnerable demographic enough.
International students are a vulnerable demographic Yulissa Campos is a Saskatoon Open Door Society settlement support worker and U of S alumna. In her work with newcomers, as well as her experience as one, she has witnessed how international students need more support from the university to help them achieve success in their studies and beyond. “You have the pressure to work because you have to pay your bills. You have the pressure to get good marks because if you fail, your visa won't be re-
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newed. You can’t take less than three classes and also the longer you stay in university, the more money you pay,” Campos said. “So is it worth it to pay so much for your education?” International students at the U of S currently pay 2.73 times what domestic students pay. When the cost for Canadians enrolled in one class is around $500, paying almost triple adds up significantly for a full course load.
Barriers to international students’ advocacy
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Yulissa Campos poses for a photo in the middle of the U of S Arts Building ramp on March 8, 2020. | Victoria Becker/ Photo Editor
Is the university doing enough? The university’s justification for the tuition differential is two-fold; some of the money is allocated for extra resources needed by international students and some of it is meant to make up for this group not having paid taxes in Canada while growing up. The International Student and Study Abroad Centre is the university’s hub for international student resources. The centre offers a mix of services, including assistance with arrival, legal help with immigration issues and cultural events meant to ease newcomers’ transition into Canadian culture. While Campos appreciates the value of the cultural programming that makes up the bulk of ISSAC’s presence on campus, she questions its lasting impact on students. “They create programs for international students to feel more involved in the community and have community support, which is very important in many cultures — since here it’s very individualistic and everyone is on their own,” Campos said. “I still think that the amount of money they charge for it, from international students, is not justified by these resources.”
I still think that the amount of money they charge for [tuition], from international students, is not justified by these resources, —Yulissa Campos
no guarantee of seeing a return,” Campos said. While in university, Campos herself did not realize she even had extra supports available to her as an international until her last year of studies. Campos says this is a common experience for newcomers. With having to keep up with classes while building a new support system and experiencing culture shock, life can quickly become a whirlwind for international students. “University is hard enough already for English-born people, imagine someone for whom English is maybe their third or fourth language, right? So you're trying to survive, you don't have time to be looking for extra help.”
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In 2018, fourth-year student Nancy Eze ran into this same issue. Eze was the president of the U of S International Students’ Association. At the time, INSA was disappearing due to a lack of participants. “It was very disheartening,” Eze said in an interview with the Sheaf. “A lot of international students don’t want to get involved in university politics because they come here paying so much [in tuition] that they just want to study. They feel like they don’t have time for it.” There are a variety of reasons why international students would not feel compelled to participate in campus life, but not being involved in the wider community is not ideal for their settlement and long-time success. This trend presents itself across the board; for example, the U of S receives significantly less financial aid and awards applications from international students, despite how much more they pay for tuition. The current INSA president, Akingbehin Akinwande, brings up that international students’ lack of participation in university life makes it difficult for them to advocate for themselves. His vision for the association when he took it on after Eze was for the group to amplify international students’ voices and advocate for their concerns. This mission is difficult to achieve when international students are disengaged outside of their studies. Although Akinwande ran into this issue in his first year as president, he is determined to get internationals involved in advocating for themselves. “The university administration has these [services] that are supposed to fill in some of these gaps for international students, but they’re not doing it. So it’s up to people like us to make the changes we really need,” Akinwande said.
A portion of the INSA poses outside of U of S Place Riel on Oct. 14, 2019. /File | Victoria Becker/ Photo Editor
International student leaders are looking to empower This year, INSA’s main activities have included advocating for international students to be able to run for executive positions within the U of S Students’ Union, which is an ongoing cause. They have also put on cultural programming with the goal of bringing international students out and together. Their first event in the 201920 academic year was a big cultural mingle with around 80 people in attendance. “We gave lots of speeches about “diversity” and “inclusion” — and we meant it. It’s not like when the university says these words,” Akinwande said. “We are the ones who know what this feels like.” However, the INSA’s main goal is to tackle the big issues that international students face in university. Their list of priorities includes improving information strategy and information availability, which refers to students’ knowledge of how their tu-
ition is allocated. They are also interested in addressing racism and lack of inclusion among other issues international students face while in university. Finances are a big concern for the group, especially the fact that some international students are not aware of what their money funds and do not question the reasoning behind the differential, as well as domestic students’ tuition increases, which affect international students doubly. Akinwande is discontent with the U of S’s constant tuition hikes, which in the past couple of years have also been accompanied by increases in the tuition differential. For 2020-21, the university is considering increasing the differential by rounding it to three times more than domestic tuition. “The fact that the university administration is justifying this is, for me, a crime,” Akinwande said. “If this is a publicly-funded institution,
why can’t the public afford it? They have misplaced priorities.” Akinwande sees unity among international students, and empowering this group towards activism and leadership as a way to address the issue. However, his efforts in trying to do this have not been met positively by the institutions he critiques. Akinwande says that the university counts on students being disengaged and without a voice for hiking up costs with no great pushback. “You begin to feel the heat, some friction from the system because you are supposed to just do your homework and get your degree. This is what they count on. The fact that students are busy, that many students don't even care about all this stuff,” Akinwande said. “They say ‘you are the leaders of tomorrow’ but then tomorrow never comes. Because who are you to question university authorities?”
A voice growing louder Akinwande’s push for international students to advocate for themselves comes at a good time. While the international tuition differential was static at 2.6 for most of the decade of the 2010s, in recent years it has been creeping up, first to 2.73 and now, tentatively, to three times domestic tuition. “I see it as a crime because they're taking this group of people who want to learn and are young, idealistic, passionate — especially international students because they have this idea of coming into a new world — and they exploit those ideals and desires for profit at the expense of the soul of the individual,” Akinwande said. According to Akinwande, now is the time for students to influence what goes on at the university. Despite his critiques of the USSU’s relationship with
international students this year, he says he still believes they have to find common ground and advocate for the entire student population together. “It’s important for us to see how we have a lot more in common than we do differences. And we can really make serious changes, if we work together as a student body,” Akinwande said. “This university is a great institution, but it is just scratching the surface of its potential, of what they could be, if they have an open mind and if they listen to the people.” And with international students set to make up 10 per cent of the undergraduate student body by 2025 — and the group already exceeding the 35 per cent target for graduate students — their voices will only grow in prominence at the U of S.
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Canada’s ladies of the North: The feminine side of history In honour of Women’s History Month, here are four Canadian women to remember. TOMILOLA OJO CULTURE EDITOR
She became the first black female newspaper editor in North America for The Provincial Freeman in 1853. The paper was known for its outspokenness and recorded a history of black North Americans that might have otherwise gone unknown. Senator Vivienne Poy (1941-present) Born in British Hong Kong, Poy is an Asian-Canadian author, historian, philanthropist and fashion designer. She also served in the Senate of Canada from 1998 to 2012.
Apart from her artistic inclinations — which saw great success after she founded her own clothing label in 1998 — Poy was the first Canadian of Asian origin to be appointed to the Senate of Canada. She was instrumental in the institution of Asian Heritage Month in Canada, which was implemented in May 2002. Poy continues to work closely with Asian Heritage Month Societies across Canada. Nellie McClung (1873–1951) An author, social activist, suffragette and politician, Nellie McClung was part of various social reform movements in Canada during the
early 1900s. She was a believer in the temperance, which was a social movement that advocated against the consumption of alcohol. She was a member of The Famous Five — along with Henrietta Edwards, Emily Murphy, Louise McKinney and Irene Parlby — who founded the Persons Case, which stated that women were eligible to sit in the Senate of Canada. Though the Supreme Court of Canada initially ruled the opposite, The Famous Five won the case with a last resort appeal to the Judicial Committee of the Imperial Privy Council.
Nellie McClung /Supplied | Flickr / Michael Kooiman
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Pride Centre and United Church partners to petition conversion therapy ban Advocates suspect many people oppose harmful practice, but unaware that it remains legal across Canada. NOAH CALLAGHAN
Tuesday, March 17, 7 pm
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McKay says that another important part of making the practice illegal in Saskatchewan is to help protect the rights of minors when their parents consent to it. “I’ve heard those questions which are like, ‘What if someone wants to go to conversion therapy when they’re an adult?’ But for people under the age of 18, they don’t really have a choice,” McKay said. McKay personally knows students who have suffered from conversion therapy and always thought it was a “terrible practice.” He says that these sorts of treatments perpetuate heterosexism and the Pride Centre has a role in teaching that self acceptance is okay. “Conversion therapy pushes that it’s better to be a cisgender straight person within society
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than to be something that’s a little different, when really what the queer community is really fighting for is to show that it’s okay to be different,” McKay said. “It’s actually better to be different than to just be the same as everyone around you and to be proud of who you are, rather than trying to change to be a better fit with society.” McKay feels frustrated because the federal government has yet to create legislation banning conversion therapy across Canada, saying it is a concern of provincial and municipal jurisdictions. However, as more cities in Canada and the United States ban the practice, McKay believes it’s the right time to address this issue as a province. “We need to, as a province, especially in the middle of Canada, take that first step because for a notoriously conservative place like Saskatchewan to make that change. I think the
Grosvenor Park United Church displays inclusive Pride steps in Saskatoon, SK., on March 8, 2020. | Victoria Becker/ Photo Editor
rest of Canada will see the importance of us doing this first,” McKay said. McKay believes that because Saskatoon is a LGBTQ2S+ positive area, once people are made aware that banning conversion therapy is possible, there will be an outpour of support for it. He says that the Pride Centre is supporting the Grosvenor Park United Church by getting as many people on campus to sign
the petition as possible. “For something like this, we need as many signatures as we can get to show that this is something that really matters,” McKay said. “Unfortunately politicians, even if they want to do it, can feel like it’s too much work or there is not enough support for this. So we need to get as many signatures as possible to get it through.”
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USSU centre coordinators changing with the weather this spring Two USSU Centre coordinators sit down with the Sheaf to reflect on their time in the positions. To commemorate tenure with the University of Saskatchewan Students’ Union, Pride Centre coordinator Jory McKay and Women’s Centre coordinator Sarah Cassidy talk about their time in the Memorial Union Building. CHELAINE KIRSCH
Besides your interests in 2SLGBTQIA+ and women’s rights, what initially drew you to your positions? McKay: “I really wanted to focus on bringing more people into the space and healing the space, bringing it some prosperity.” Cassidy: “Once I became a volunteer and more familiar with the centres and the USSU as an organization, I was drawn to the idea of having the centres be a more active space in all areas of campus. I wanted to use my experience in student leadership to expand our scope.” You’ve both spoken about bringing changes to the centre. What kind of changes did you make? McKay: “Volunteer policy … in general, but really, with gender identity, gender expression. They weren’t actively discussed in training our volunteers, so we’ve added things like doing pronoun circles when people first enter the space. We’ve really worked on introductions — how to make people more comfortable — especially because it’s such a social space.” “Adding Queer Women’s Night, Pride Night, Gender Coup d’état and Gaymer Night have been some really awesome things that I’ve done and worked on with volunteers with ideas that they brought forward.” Cassidy: “But I’m really proud of the accepting, diverse, incredible, welcoming space that we have… I’ve also been excited about some of the new training opportunities I’ve been able to bring.” “I’ve had a representative of Saskatoon Sexual Health come in and talk about what it means to be pro-choice and how to navigate those difficult conversations.” “And at the beginning of the year, I organized a workshop about how to support survivors of sexual violence.” Were there any surprises upon taking up these roles? Cassidy: “First and foremost, our responsibility is coordinating our volunteers and maintaining our centre space, offering meaningful programming. But then on top of that, I think there’s so many opportunities to make the job your own — in terms of the partnerships you form and groups that you collaborate with.” McKay: “When you take on this position, you learn about all the committee work that needs to get done and this large representative role that you play as an advocate.” “It can be a big task to take on. It’s really worth it, but this job follows you outside the hours that you put into your work week. It’s really a passion project for things.” “Like queer housing… When I started this job, I never thought that would be a possibility. Once you take on this position, you learn that there’s so much you can do.” What has best defined this time for you as coordinator, in terms of either personal growth or growth for the centres? McKay: “I think my maturity level has increased dramatically. I’ve become a much more responsible person — my time has been spent better, and I’ve, overall, been a lot more positive since I took on this position.” “It’s really allowed me to flourish and become a better person to people around me. I’ve had individuals I grew up with say it’s a lot better to be around me now because I’m doing something I’m passionate about.” Cassidy: “I’ve learned so much from the people I’ve worked with. I think I’ve developed a lot of incredible
Women’s Centre coordinator Sarah Cassidy left stands with Pride Centre coordinator Jory McKay in front of both centre’s entryways on March 8, 2020. | Kienan Ashton
friendships while working with volunteers and students. “And I’ve learned so much from other professionals at the university, whether that’s my co-workers at the USSU or professors. I’ve had the opportunity to grow and learn so much because this job has allowed me to be surrounded by incredibly intelligent people all the time.” Are there any changes that you wish you had made but have not yet implemented? Cassidy: “I don’t think so. I mean, are there things that I would love to do that I did not physically have the time for? Yes, of course. I could probably come up with new ideas forever for the Women’s Centre because it’s something that I care so much about. But I can’t say that I have any regrets.” McKay: “We have done so much. Whenever I look back like, ‘What did I do this week?’ I’m like, ‘Oh, I worked on six initiatives that have major changes for students.’” “I’ve had the freedom to do things that massively affects student life in such a positive way, and I can’t look back at things that I could have done because some of the things we do take up so much time, so much love and energy are put into them.” “I just wish I could work at the centre for the next 36 years of my life, until I retire at the ripe age of whatever- that-is. I just want to work at the centre until I die, honestly.”
for being able to listen to critiques and not take them as insults but rather ask, ‘How can we fix this?’” What are you going to miss most come May? Cassidy: “I feel lucky to have had this position that I care so much about, and I’ll miss the sense of community.” McKay: “Being able to go into work every morning and have people in there genuinely care about what I’m doing. I’m really going to miss walking into that office everyday, miss walking into a place, talking about 2SLGBTQIA+ issues and everyone being so excited to hear about it.” Cassidy: “Yeah, I’ll miss working around that enthusiasm.” McKay: “I don’t plan on leaving this community ever, but I’m going to miss feeling welcomed by a family who cares about me.” What are your plans for the future? Cassidy: “I will be finishing my education degree in December, so I’m looking forward to pursuing my career in education.” McKay: “I’m in my third year of university, so I still have a lot of time in school. I just want to be me and continue doing what I want to do.”
What do you want to be your legacy within the centres, of the changes you’ve made or things you’ve continued? Cassidy: “The most important thing I always say at the beginning of every volunteer orientation is that volunteers are welcoming people and letting them know that they’re there to answer questions and support those people.” “That’s perpetuated by all of us as a team within the centre, and that’s something that I want to see continue, but I know it will because it’s bigger than just one person.” McKay: “I would love to be remembered for things like queer housing, policy changes and advocacy for more accessible gender neutral bathrooms.” “I’m just really proud of that space and what we’ve been able to foster, able to change. And I’m proud of us
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Eight ways to champion gender equality This year, challenge yourself to create a more equitable world. VAIDEHEE LANKE
Only by actively and purposefully championing a future of gender equality can we cultivate a world deserving of our hopes and dreams. In light of this International Women’s Day, I challenge you to do eight things that can create this space in your everyday life.
Shawna Langer/ Graphics Editor
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6. Cheer on women. You can do this every day in many ways. Celebrate them on the sports field, behind the camera or as lead characters. Cheer on those who run for political office and strive to fill leadership roles. 7. Become a mentor. Our unique life experiences allow all of us to offer meaningful insight about life. We can empower females and young girls to take risks and believe in the potential of their dreams. On a personal note, I cannot tell you how much it means to me when I meet women pursuing their ambitions and intellectual curiosity, and have them encourage me to do the same. You could be that spark to someone’s journey, too. 8. Acknowledge women as leaders, geniuses and creatives. From Maud Menton, a Canadian biomedical researcher who co-developed the Michaelis–Menten equation to Greta Thunberg, who led the mobilization of thousands worldwide against climate change. From Sakshi Malik, Indian’s first female wrestler to win an Olympic medal, to Viola Desmond, a Canadian civil rights activist. Women are shapers and movers, leaving legacies of work that still touch our lives today. My fellow sisters, we have always been powerful — it’s time the rest of society catches up to this reality. We can create an equal world if we believe in it and are willing to work for it. I know I am, are you?
These two things make the finals season more stressful.
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4. Champion rights in the real world, not reel world. Too often, too many of us fall into the trap of popping a filter on Snapchat or joining in on a trending hashtag to celebrate International Women’s Day. While social media has led to the global connectivity of the women’s rights movement, it is equally important that you reflect inward. Think critically about what you can change in your real life and in the lives of those around you. That change will go a long way and is often more impactful
5. Educate yourself so you can educate others. Gender inequality means 132 million girls are not in school, which manifests in having only 21 female heads of state worldwide. Gender inequality means one in three women will experience physical or sexual abuse within their lifetime. Pick a topic, research it well and help educate your community on it. Progress is achieved issue by issue, and if the 25,000 plus students at the University of Saskatchewan do our part, we can help change these horrifying realities.
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2. Stop thinking that International Women’s Day is only for women. This day is to reflect on the progress championed by leaders across the gender diversity spectrum, and is a call to all global citizens to carry the torch of gender equality forward. Consider this, the Raptors did not win the NBA title with half the team standing around twiddling their thumbs. Just like each player did
3. Remember that intersectionality matters. I love the word intersectionality because without this powerful lens on gender, the women’s rights movement returns to exclusively serving only certain women — namely the most privileged. There are infinite permutations of intersections — like race, class and geography — and each shapes our lives significantly. Any gender equality conversation must reflect this diversity.
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Student stressors: What are you worried about this spring?
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1. Don’t ask if International Women’s Day is necessary. This question is usually followed with thoughts on how women’s rights have already been achieved. I feel that asking this is the single greatest barrier to progress on gender equality. How can we begin to do the hard work of dismantling a patriarchal society with deep systemic sexism and misogyny when we are wilfully blind to the problems at hand?
their part, we must collectively do ours. This starts by recognizing the gender equality movement includes a fight for the rights of non-binary, gender non-conforming and LGBTQ+ communities too. It also means practising call in culture, instead of call out.
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April is approaching and that means that finals season is near. It’s the dreaded month where students are preparing for their exams while simultaneously starting to stress about summer jobs. These two very important things bring stress to a university student’s life during spring. Preparing for finals is not easy — you need to lay out all of the information that your teacher covered over the last four months of the semester. Anxiety rises as students prepare to digest all that they’ve learned for their exams. So what can we do to be better prepared for the finals season? I try to write down the important stuff on paper, or organize it in Microsoft Word, which I then print off later. If you find that the lecture slides have a lot of information, try to print off the slides or highlight the info you need. This will help you understand the concepts better. It would be best if you give yourself some time to absorb all the information you are getting from the slides, so don’t do it the night before the exam. Remember to cut yourself some slack during your study sessions. Pat yourself on the back and take a little break. Don’t burn yourself out. Your physical and mental health is far more important and should be prioritized. Exams aren’t the only thing we have to worry about. Finding a summer job can also be stressful for some of us, especially stu-
dents who aren’t from Saskatoon. Some students don’t know where they should work or how they are going to get a job. If you are from out of town or have never had a summer job before, it makes finding work a lot harder. When should one start applying for jobs? Is March the right time or should you wait until it is almost April? Some jobs want employees to start as soon as possible, while others are willing to wait until you finish your studies. Then, you have to ask yourself, do you really need or want to work? Would you rather get ahead and take a summer class? Do you need to work because of financial reasons? Getting a summer job gives you an income from May until August, but might also let you save up before another semester begins. Maybe you don’t even know how to apply for a summer job, especially if you are leaving the province or have never worked in town before. Take a look at jobs online or go to the Student Employment and Career Center for some professional help to point you in the right direction. It sucks that we need to worry about finding a summer job at the same time we need to study to pass our finals, but with a little planning we can figure it all out. When it comes to the end of the term, know your capacity, plan ahead and weigh the pros and cons of having a summer job over taking a summer class. In the end, you need to do what’s best for you.
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Navigating social media’s information swamp It seems that a steady stream of information can end up drowning us. ERIN MATTHEWS OPINIONS EDITOR
Information is literally at our fingertips. We have the ability to quickly access a deluge of data and breaking news through social media platforms. While being plugged in can have its advantages, there are some serious issues with the way we are cultivating and culling the information we receive. Information overload is not a new phenomena, but it has become an increasing problem in the post-truth, fake news era. It’s been reported that 42 per cent of Canadians get their news from social media while a CBC poll found that a whopping 90 per cent of Canadians have admitted to getting duped by fake news. Many of us are turning to Twitter and Facebook to keep informed, but most will be unable to separate fact from fiction. This poses a huge problem. The biggest news story to dominate print and digital media in recent months is the spread of the novel coronavirus, SARS-COV-2. The news about COVID-19, the name of the new respiratory disease, has been splattered over Twitter, Facebook and even Instagram. Much of the information about COVID-19 is spread through memes and speculation — everyone is screaming into the void, making it difficult to trust all the noise. Major outlets like The New York Times and The Washington Post have been reporting on the epidemic and their stories are being shared and retweeted en masse. But up until recently, many of these articles were locked behind paywalls and were inaccessible to many. Meanwhile, JohnDoe20833 was able to
Twitter’s homepage sits displayed on a laptop, illuminating a dark room on March 8, 2020. | Wardah Anwar
tweet out inaccurate and unvetted speculation for everyone to read free of charge. At the Munich Security Conference on Feb. 15, the WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned about the spread of misinformation. “But we’re not just fighting an epidemic; we’re fighting an infodemic. Fake news spreads faster and more easily than this virus, and is just as dangerous. That’s why we’re also working with social media companies … to counter the spread of rumours and misinformation,” Dr. Tedros said. The attempt by the WHO is noticeable. Messages directing people to their local health agencies appear at the top up of COVID-19 searches on Twitter. But how effective has it been at quelling the spread of misinformation? The tsunami of updates ap-
pears to have crushed the levees that the WHO has put in place. From rumours of China culling the sick by cremating COVID-19 patients alive to the continued insistence that the virus is a biological weapon — misinformation, speculation and hoaxes continue to circulate on the web. Social media may be the key vehicle that spreads misinformation, but it is not alone in the creation of it. In this ever evolving situation, scientific papers are being published often without peer review, adding more unvetted information to the swamp. The biological weapon hoax was spread with misleading data from a rushed scientific paper that has since been retracted. It’s clear that once you let information out, it’s hard to reel it back in. I tell myself multiple times
a day that I need to get off COVID Twitter but I can’t unplug. With new information coming in almost hourly, I am addicted to having access to the latest updates. But being bombarded by misinformation is not the only concern — Twitter is also a tinderbox for anxiety. Fear and sensationalism follow social media misinformation, like the three limping horseman of the “fact” apocalypse.
It’s easy for us to fall victim to information that plays to our anxiety, and can be hard for us to evaluate it for it’s accuracy and authenticity. Question what you read and investigate the source. It might be easy to avoid being duped by a Russian bot in the comment threads but, with the cases of misleading scientific papers, sometimes misinformation is trickier to spot.
March 12, 2020
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Giving credit to conventional farming These tried and true farming practices are good for the environment.
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Combine harvesting wheat. | Flickr / Charles Knowles
Conventional farming is the most widely used method in field crop production. It is known for its economic benefits, yet its environmental and social qualities are often seen in a negative light. Conventional farming methods include the use of synthesized fertilizers, herbicides, genetically modified crop varieties, large precision machinery and advancing technologies. It is the integrated use of these continually evolving farming practices that allow us to produce the volume of food needed to keep up with a growing population — while also trying to reduce the impact crop production has on the environment. Zero-till practices can help mitigate farming’s impact on soil health and prevent erosion. It’s often paired with herbicides which are used for the management of unwanted vegetation, such as weeds. Tillage is the old, alternative vegetation management practice but it breaks up the soil as it rips out weeds growing in it. The soil then becomes very loose and can be easily moved by wind or water. This erosion can strip a field of its most fertile soil and its productivity. Zero-till practices leave stubble, litter and crop roots on and in the soil to stabilize it and protect it from potentially eroding. Unfortunately, this also creates an inviting environment for weeds to grow, which is why herbicides are needed. This combination works to create a productive environment while protecting soil health.
Using additional inputs, such as synthetic or natural fertilizers, is common practice in conventional farming. Synthetic fertilizers include manufactured supplements of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus while natural fertilizers consist of animal or plant waste. Synthetic fertilizers are popular because producers have the ability to apply specific rates of each nutrient needed based on the field and crop being grown. Done properly, this can limit the harmful runoff and allows optimal growing conditions for the crop. Genetically modified crops are used in conventional farming and can be grown to increase yields and tolerate drought conditions to allow for more productive crop farming. These crops require less water and less land, resulting in a smaller environmental footprint. While organic practices have a smaller environmental impact per land area, conventional farming is proven to have a smaller environmental impact per volume produced. This is because the total amount of land needed to produce equal volumes of grain is much less with conventional practices. Conventional farming continues to evolve its techniques to limit the impact on the environment. These practices are favourable for growing the large amounts of crops needed to feed our growing population. Since conventional farming strives to protect the soil, the land can continue to produce at a consistently high quality for decades to come.
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