Issuu

SPORTS

See you on the highlight reel

NEWS

Walking the talk

NEWS

Indigenous language revitalization requires effort PAGE 4

PAGE 13

Meeting update UMSU councillors rebranded as directors PAGE 5 EDITORIAL

Canada doesn’t care about climate change Some politicians just want to watch the world melt PAGE 6 VO L 1 0 4 · N O 2 9 · A P R I L 4 , 2 0 1 8 · W W W.T H E M A N I TO B A N .CO M

Index

VOL. 104 NO. 29 April 4, 2018

3 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Garett Williams

editor@themanitoban.com / 474.8293

BUSINESS MANAGER Sohni Tappia

accounts@themanitoban.com / 474.6535

ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Ryan Catte

ads@themanitoban.com / 474.6535

EDITORIAL

MANAGING EDITOR Malak Abas

me@themanitoban.com

News

News Editors: Imreet Kaur & Shaden Abuselah Contact: news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

Subject of informal complaint running for UMSU office leaves woman feeling "failed" Informal complaints do not denote guilt or innocence, instead focus on mediation

NEWS EDITOR Imreet Kaur

MALAK ABAS, STAFF

NEWS EDITOR Shaden Abusaleh

news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770 shaden@themanitoban.com/ 474.6770

COMMENT EDITOR Shawn Huberdeau

comment@themanitoban.com

ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR Olivia Michalczuk

arts@themanitoban.com

SPORTS EDITOR Ryan Stelter

sports@themanitoban.com

COPY EDITOR Evan Tremblay

copy@themanitoban.com

DESIGN

DESIGN EDITOR Bram Keast

ARTS

design@themanitoban.com

Coast to coast

GRAPHICS EDITOR Kelly Campbell

graphics@themanitoban.com

PHOTO EDITOR Asha Nelson

Local band Middle Coast to tour Japan

photo@themanitoban.com

PAGE 9

social@themanitoban.com

SOCIAL EDITOR Carolyne Kroeker DESIGN ASSOCIATE Kellie Huynh GRAPHICS ASSOCIATE Ernest Zarzuela PHOTO ASSOCIATE Chantal Zdan

COMMENT

Manitoban weed’s love triangle

Torn between social conservatism and free market economics PAGE 7 SPORTS

Experience of a lifetime Inside look at covering the women’s hockey nationals PAGE 14

PHOTO ASSOCIATE Quincy Houdayer

REPORTERS

GENERAL ASSIGNMENT Qudus Abusaleh GENERAL ASSIGNMENT Diana-Abasi Ubokudom COLUMNIST Levi Garber COLUMNIST Kenny Ingram ARTS & CULTURE Jen Doerksen SPORTS Jason Pchajek COPY ASSOCIATE Matthew Doering

VOLUNTEER CONTRIBUTORS

Will Gibson Erin Meagan Schwartz

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former University of Manitoba student said she feels “failed” by the University of Manitoba’s sexual assault policies after a student she filed an informal complaint against ran in the 2018 UMSU general elections. The complainant, who also worked on campus at the time, was allegedly assaulted in early 2017 by a fellow student while on a University of Manitoba club trip. An informal complaint was filed in September 2017. Informal complaints are lodged with the office of human rights and conflict management (HR/ CM). While formal complaints can warrant a full investigation, informal complaints are less investigative, and can focus on other remedies through mediation and restorative justice. The accused student participated in the informal complaint process and, according to the student who brought forth the complaint, agreed to undergo consent training. which the other party agreed to. The Participating in the informal com- student told the Manitoban she was plaint is not an admission of guilt, told that should the accused pursue and informal complaints generally future contact, she could request do not focus on proving fault. security or “depending on the situaThe accused student said he does tion, sanctions [would] be placed on not believe sexual assault took place. the student.” The student said she chose not to While one option available when pursue a formal complaint because a no contact agreement in an inforshe was concerned for her anonym- mal complaint is violated is assistance ity after learning other students on from security services on campus, the the trip would be interviewed in the student can also choose to pursue a investigation process. formal complaint at any time. She said that her main objective when reaching out, to both UMSU and later the Manitoban, was to The accused student attempt to ensure the accused was participated not allowed in a position of power. “I wanted the easiest way that I in the informal could have some sort of impact withcomplaint process out bothering other people,” she said. “It felt like a huge burden. But I and, according to wanted to make a difference, and I the student who didn’t want this to ever happen again, and I wanted him to be educated had brought forth about what he did and accept that it was wrong. And understand it, and the complaint, just be aware of it. agreed to undergo “I don’t think that it should ruin his life, but it’s definitely had a huge consent training negative impact on mine, and it is going to affect me the rest of my life.” While not all of the requests subShe also raised concerns about the mitted to the accused student through “grey area ” of a student with a no conthe informal process were accepted, tact agreement being filed against the complainant said she agreed to them being allowed to place posters the terms presented because she was with their likeness on campus. “tired of fighting. ” She said some of The student said she disclosed the alternative options offered made the incident to friends and family her feel uncomfortable, including several times before filing the coma face-to-face discussion between plaint. She also received an authoher and the accused with a mediator rized withdrawal from several courses, present. including one in the winter 2017 term, According to the student, the citing a sexual assault in early 2017 informal complaint also resulted in a as one of the compassionate reasons. committee examination to determine There were also prior complaints that whether or not the alleged perpetra- were considered on the withdrawal tor was “a risk,” and it was determined requests. The accused student said he that he was not. Allegedly, through HR/CM, the believes a formal process was avoided student requested that the accused because the evidence would not hold student not contact her further, up to scrutiny.

Kilgour added that, while the formal complaint process can be re-traumatizing, it is the only way available to find proof of fault in an individual. “I definitely think that I could see how, in some ways, if it doesn’t solve the problem for the survivor, and if they feel as though process didn’t work for them, that breaks my heart, because at the end of the day, this is such a serious issue,” Kilgour added.

PHOTO BY CAROLYNE KROEKER

“My belief is that the formal after learning that the accused was complaint process was not pursued still involved with a club that she had because there was no evidence to sup- been a member of at the time of the port the allegation, the complaint was alleged assault. frivolous and vexatious, and that the An UMSU executive spoke with complainant would face disciplinary the alleged perpetrator on the issue, action upon the conclusion of the but could not go further without the formal investigation process,” the student pursuing a formal complaint. student said in an email. UMSU has no policies in place The student also said he did not prohibiting people who have been explicitly agree to the consent train- the subject of an informal complaint ing and no contact agreement as a from running for executive positions, result of the informal complaint, regardless of the accusations. This, in but instead was already planning to part, is because the informal comattend consent training and simply plaint process focuses on discussion agreed to continue not contacting and resolution rather than findings the student, with whom he had not of guilt and innocence. spoken with in months. The student said she hopes that “I do not want to live in a world coming forward will inf luence where people, especially women, fear UMSU to put policies into place the submission of a complaint due that recognize accusations of sexual to inaction by the governing body or violence without the victim having reprisal from the respondent, hence to go through the re-traumatization the need for policy improvements,” of an investigative, formal complaint. he said. “I think it’s wrong for UMSU to “But I also do not want that same let him be able to run, because he world to change to one where unsub- had a complaint against him - a seristantiated claims are given credit ous complaint, from a student - and I without due process.” think it’s so wrong,” she said. HR/CM was unable to disclose In 2016, the University of details of the informal complaint. Manitoba announced revisions to its It was only after the student sexual assault policy. The policy will learned the alleged perpetrator was be reviewed again in September 2019. planning to run for UMSU executive Allison Kilgour, outgoing VP advocouncil that she decided to reach out cacy of UMSU, said the changes in to the Manitoban . policy are a natural response to how The Manitoban spoke with sev- students are now approaching the eral students who know both par- issue of sexual violence on campuses. ties and who confirmed the student “I think with this issue as well, disclosed the incident to them before it evolves so dramatically and in so filing the complaint - and well before many ways as time progresses,” she the accused entered the 2018 UMSU said. elections. “If you look at where we were five UMSU was also aware of the years ago as to now, we’ve seen this informal complaint filed against the issue come so much more to light in student as early as fall 2017, after the the prevalence, in the ways it’s being alleged victim contacted UMSU to reported, in ways which survivors are see if there was anything the union willing to come forward and share could do to enforce the conditions their experiences, that I think our she originally requested the student policies constantly need to be re-evalface through the informal complaint. uated and redeveloped. So I’m really She had chosen to contact UMSU happy that they’re opening these up.”

It was only after the student learned that the alleged perpetrator was planning to run for UMSU executive council for the 2018-2019 school year did she decide to reach out to the Manitoban “And the formal complaint process can be a very tough one, because you’re not guaranteed complete confidentiality, you’re not sure if you’re going to be privy to all of the information happening, and it can be something that a lot of survivors just don’t want to go through. However, with the informal process, I understand how they can’t, per se, assign guilt, as there hasn’t been an investigation.” The student said she decided to tell her story in hopes of bringing about positive change. “Even though it happened to me, it can happen to other people, and it has happened to other people and they haven’t reported it,” she said. “So it doesn’t necessarily need to be a me-versus-him, but rather, what can we take away and learn from it, and how can we use this story to make change.”

News

VOL. 104 NO. 29 April 4, 2018

News Editors: Imreet Kaur & Shaden Abuselah Contact: news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

ReconciliACTION campaign kicks off Panels discuss Indigenous language revitalization at campaign launch

News

UMGSA committee upholds candidate’s penalty VP external contestant pins loss on “unfair” demerits DIANA UBOKUDOM, STAFF

DIANA UBOKUDOM, STAFF

degree programs. The event started with an honour song followed by an opening prayer ceremony and consisted of a panel discussion led by students, followed by a second panel led by “Indigenous visionaries.” Both panels discussed the importance of Indigenous language revitalization in Canada.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY DANE MONKMAN

he R e c o n c i l i AC T ION Campaign launched at the U of M March 27 as one of a number of events lined up to mark Indigenous Awareness Month. The ReconciliACTION campaign was launched with the objective of ensuring the U of M fully implements the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) recommendation number 16, which

"The expectations that we set for ourselves when we try and acquire other languages, I wonder whether we set the same expectations for ourselves when we approach Anishinaabemowin or the other languages” - Wab Kinew, leader, Manitoba NDP.

urges “post-secondary institutions to ident of the University of Manitoba create university and college degree Aboriginal Students Association, and diploma programs in Aboriginal led the initiative along with UMSU languages.” councillors who were responsible for In November of last year, UMSU tabling the motion at council’s Nov. passed a motion encouraging the uni- 9 meeting. versity to carry out and foster the recWilson also challenged the U of Wab Kinew, leader of the ommendations related to educational M administration to not only have Manitoba NDP and one of the institutions as laid out in the TRC. conversations surrounding truth and “visionary” panelists, echoed Wilson’s Noah Wilson, UMSU Indigenous reconciliation, but to be proactive in words and encouraged those in attenstudents’ representative and co-pres- implementing Indigenous language dance to be proactive in actualizing

this call to action. “I know there is a lot of hopeful rhetoric around language revitalization,” Kinew said, “but I would ask that everyone’s actions and commitments to the outcome of language acquisition for young people in our communities match the rhetoric.” Kinew said consistent advocacy around achieving Indigenous language revitalization in Canada is important in making recommendation 16 a reality. He said the same dedication and rigour should be emulated in revitalizing Indigenous languages, which is practiced in learning and teaching other languages. “The expectations that we set for ourselves when we try and acquire other languages, I wonder whether we set the same expectations of ourselves when we approach Anishinaabemowin or the other languages,” he said. Kinew also offered several recommendations on how Indigenous languages could be revived in Canada, including the use of apps. Although the ReconciliACTION campaign is specific to the U of M, the Canadian Federation of Students will also advocate for Indigenous language programs to be created in postsecondary institutions across Canada later this year.

candidate who ran for the don’t allow that.” Ekezie added that the manner Universit y of Manitoba According to the Ekezie, Elwali in which Elwali obtained the email Graduate Students’ Association’s was instructed to take down the addresses also violated the U of M’s (UMGSA) VP external claims a posters and reimbursed for the cost rules. Elwali acquired the emails of penalty issued by the chief return- of printing. “over 50 [graduate] students” through ing officer (CRO) for campaign viothe U of M people search service. lations was unfair and cost him the The U of M website states that the “I had the power election. “use of this directory to prepare mass Voting for the UMGSA elections mailings is prohibited.” to disqualify him ended March 23, and results were Elwali argued the emails were sent announced the following Monday. individually to students - not all at from that moment, Ahmed Elwali, a doctoral student once - and did not warrant a penalty. but in all fairness, I studying biomedical engineering, Ekezie also said that after he was penalized for a number of viola- allowed him run for instructed Elwali to take down tions by the committee overseeing the physical posters that displayed the election” - Sixtus elections, which led to a deduction of the UMGSA logo they were sent 32 votes from a total of 320 cast in his to voters through the unsolicited Ekezie, UMGSA favour - leaving him with 288 votes. emails - which Elwali maintains was election CRO His opponent, Skye Kushner, was unintentional. elected with 297 votes out of 617 cast. Ekezie said intent is not relCRO Sixtus Ekezie said Elwali evant, and noted that Elwali could breached several rules specified in Elwali was also penalized for have been disqualified at that point, the electoral procedures. sending what were described as but was allowed to continue in the Ekezie said the first violation con- “unsolicited emails” to some graduate elections. cerned the use of the UMGSA logo students requesting they vote for him. “I had the power to disqualify him on campaign materials, which is not Elwali admitted he sent emails from that moment, but in all fairness, permitted under election procedures. to students as a way of informing I allowed him [to] run for the elec“That logo is a copyright issue,” potential voters about his policies tion,” Ekezie said. he said. “He didn’t take permission and platform. Ekezie said for the solicitation of from UMGSA to use the logo, and As per the rules listed in the elec- information from the U of M website UMGSA does not permit candidates toral procedures, materials sent out and mass emailing of unapproved to use the logo because it would be during the campaign which are not emails, he gave Elwali one demerit like the UMGSA is specifically back- requested by voters are considered - reducing the total votes cast in his ing a particular candidate, and they unsolicited. favour by five per cent.

PHOTO BY BEIBEI LU

Additionally, for using the logo again after having been told to desist, Elwali was given another demerit, reducing his vote count by a further five per cent - for a total reduction in recorded votes of 10 per cent. Elwali said that since the alleged offences were all related to the issue of sending unsolicited emails, it was unfair for the penalties to consist of multiple demerits. Elwali appealed the demerits, but the elections committee voted unanimously to maintain the penalty.

UMSU council rebranded as board of directors

International students stripped of universal healthcare

Union claims victory after tuition payment deadline extended

Province expects to save $3.1 million by scrapping coverage

IMREET KAUR, STAFF

he provincial government announced March 27 it plans to cut universal healthcare coverage for international students enrolled in post-secondary institutions across Manitoba beginning in the fall of 2018. The government expects to save approximately $3.1 million by cutting healthcare for foreign students and compelling international students to pay premiums for private coverage during the course of their studies. U of M executive director of public affairs John Danakas said the U of M “deeply value[s]” international students, and the university continues to advocate on their behalf to the provincial government. “When the government’s changes were announced this month, the university promptly informed students and, in fact, moved quickly to alleviate stress on international students by committing to addressing the new costs in the transition year of 2018-19,” he said. Danakas added that the U of M is working closely with other post-secondary institutions on this issue, and

institutions in the province. The PC government passed Bill 31 - the Advanced Education Administration Amendment Act - in November last year. The bill rolled back legislation put in place by the NDP in 2012 that held tuition increases to the rate of inflation.

PHOTO BY ASHA NELSON

that the university will keep students informed via regular e-mail updates. “We have also met with UMSU to ensure that any health insurance is compatible with UMSU health and dental coverage,” he said.

UMSU’s take

Tanjit Nagra, outgoing UMSU president, said international students enhance the campus experience for

“It is not our job as students to pay off the provincial deficit” - Tanjit Nagra, UMSU president

all students studying at the U of M. “Many of these students are The province also reduced the involved on campus through vari- operating grant for post-secondary ous student clubs or associations, and institutions by 0.9 per cent when it volunteer their time to give back to unveiled its most recent budget in our community, all while enhancing March. The U of M announced last the student experience of themselves week that it will increase tuition by and those around them,” she said. 6.6 per cent for the upcoming 2018-19 Nagra added the upcoming policy academic year. change will “negatively impact the The policy change, coupled with U of M” and other post-secondary the upcoming tuition increases, will

compel students to look at other provinces that offer universal healthcare coverage, Nagra said. “The provincial government needs to step up and invest in our education, it’s in their jurisdiction to do so,” she said. “It is not our job as students to pay off the provincial deficit,” Nagra said. International students pay approximately three times more in tuition than Canadian citizens and permanent residents. An international student taking a full course load in the faculty of arts pays $13,400 in tuition, as opposed to $4,100 for domestic students. Neha Jalali, a third-year international student studying criminology, said the decision took her by surprise. “The government in [this] way is limiting us," she said. "There are some inhibitions now, attached to being an international student in Manitoba.” Jalali said the changes will make Manitoba a less attractive option for foreign students looking to study in Canada.

Carl Neumann is set to lead the UMGSA executive, with VP external Skye Kushner, VP academic Silvia Araujo, VP internal Cody Ross, VP marketing and events Sakib Rahman, and Senators Felix Nwaiwu and Laura Forsythe.

QUDUS ABUSALEH, STAFF

MSU council approved a motion at its regular meeting March 29 to formally change its title to "UMSU board of directors." This follows a series of changes to the union’s bylaws, which were presented by the governance committee to council March 15. Council - now referred to as the board - is the highest decision-making body of the students’ union and includes representatives from student associations, communities, affiliated organizations, student members of the board of governors, and committee chairs. Any voting member, previously referred to as councillor, will now be called director. The changes, however, state that “UMSU Council” will still be the kind of higher than the council,” he legal term used for the body, given said. its usage in the UMSU Act - the “Because that is what happens provincial legislation governing the mostly across our student associations, functiuoning of the union. we kind of have an executive council St. Paul’s College Student who can vote on different things that Association representative Arthur council doesn’t necessarily have to Coelho Reis said the new terminol- approve on,” Coelho Reis continued. ogy will make it “easier for students to “And it's kind of like the executive on understand the reporting structures topk, and then you have the general that UMSU has,” adding that this council on the bottom.” move brings them closer to the model The name change “just makes it of student unions employed at other easier to understand that the board other U15 universities. of directors actually has the UMSU “Across campus a lot of students executive team reporting to them,” think that the UMSU executive is Coelho Reis added.

PHOTO BY JEN DOERKSEN

Tuition fee payment deadline

Outgoing UMSU president Tanjit Nagra informed council that the union’s advocacy to extend tuition fee payment deadlines for international students was successful. On Sept. 28, council approved a motion submitted by international student’s representative Chris Otisi to encourage extending the deadline for tuition fee payments for international students. Otisi said this would help international students, who are subject to higher tuition fees, “acquire funds on

time, pay tuition on time, and participate as a University of Manitoba student without restriction.” In October, after writing a letter to the University comptroller Tom Hay, UMSU expanded its request to include all students. With tuition hikes set to be introduced September 2018, Nagra said all students will now have an additional 10 business days after the revision period deadline before fees are due.

Manitoban opt-out motion

A petition calling for a referendum to opt out of the Manitoban levy has

been reviewed and set aside until the paper's contract with the union expires in 2021. The referendum was first put forward as a motion Feb. 15 by Science Students’ Association (SSA) representative Navkiran Chhina. On March 15, the SSA representatives presented a petition with more than 1,000 signatures in support of the motion. Section 9 of the UMSU Bylaws states that a referendum question can only be put forward by the executive committee, and must pass with a twothirds majority in UMSU council. Otherwise, a petition with at least 1,000 signatures must be presented to the executive, with the five-member body having the option to pursue a referendum. Following its review of the petition, the executive acknowledged an existing contract with the Manitoban, and will recommend the future executive consider the petition when the current contract expires in 2021.

Editorial Editor-In-Chief: Garett Williams Contact: Editor@themanitoban.com / 474.8293

Comment Comment Editor: Shawn Huberdeau Contact: comment@themanitoban.com

In marijuana legalization, Manitoba PCs torn between competing ideologies

Canadian strategy on climate change all style and no substance

Social conservatism dukes it out with free market economics

Canada’s climate change goals undercut by unwilling provincial leaders

KENNY INGRAM, STAFF MALAK ABAS, STAFF

GRAPHIC BY KELLY CAMPBELL

n March 29, United Nations fight against climate change. report on their progress towards these a case Saskatchewan, hopefully, will public transit will be punished for Secretary General António Trudeau does a lot of encourag- goals. lose. making the environmentally-friendly Guterres stood in front of reporters ing, but provides no set deadlines on Is this really a surprise? Canadian Alberta’s United Conservative choice due to a $1.2 million additional at the UN headquarters in New York exactly when Canada will meet its hypocrisy rears its ugly head often, Party, that province's official oppo- cost the carbon tax will add, due to and delivered a grave message. own goals. and its approach to climate change sition, leader Jason Kenney found fuel taxation, to the already-underGuterres - addressing the state - speeches and summits, with noth- success in the Calgary-Lougheed funded system. of the world in 2018 and the greatest ing set in place behind superfluous byelection by focusing his camA plan “Made in Manitoba,” threat to humanity today - said the promises - is more of the same. Why paign promises around scrapping but for which Manitobans? The Canadian hypocrisy world’s “most systemic threat” was do we react with disdain when watch- the carbon tax. He continues to ride American billionaires behind Koch rears its ugly head not one of bombs or bloodshed, but ing U.S. president Donald Trump the wave of his promise to become Fertilizer? climate change. withdrawing from the same agree- Alberta’s next premier. Human While China and India have often, and its The year 2017 was one Guterres ment that we can’t even maintain? airhorn Doug Ford has big dreams stepped up to become aggressive approach to climate called “climate chaos.” Drought, Why do we feel superior when we of repealing Ontario’s carbon tax, leaders in the fight against climate floods, wildfires, and hurricanes have all but abandoned our own 2020 should he be elected premier. change, Canada continues to drag change – speeches displaced hundreds of thousands of commitment to bring emissions 17 per Then, of course, there is our own its feet. Rather than scolding internaand summits, with people from their homes, causing over cent below 2005 levels? Brian Pallister, whose government tional leaders, our federal government $320 billion in damages. This is not just a tragedy at the fed- introduced a "Made in Manitoba” needs to turn its gaze inward. nothing set in Let’s rewind to November 2015. eral level. Canada’s provincial lead- carbon plan, which, rather than The fact that provincial leaders Canada is one of 196 countries that ers have proven time and time again agreeing to meet the federal govern- have been allowed to thumb their place behind their will eventually sign the Paris climate that climate change is not a concern ment’s goal of a $50 per tonne carbon noses at the legislative framework superfluous promises on their radar, and in fact have used tax in 2022, set a carbon price of $25 that could hold the country’s biggest agreement, in which the signing countries announced national targets polluters accountable is shocking. The – is more of the same removing the sanctions suggested for per tonne. to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in climate change’s biggest offenders as It remains to be seen where those fact that multiple politicians have hopes of preventing the planet from an election point. taxes will be directed within the been able to base their campaigns on warming an average of two degrees Back to the present. On March Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe province. killing the federal carbon tax speaks Celsius. Justin Trudeau presented 27, just two days before Guterres’ has announced that the province will Watching Pallister sing a Jeremiad to a national distrust in the federal Canada’s goals at the summit - a 30 message to the world, federal be taking the federal government to on the woes of cutting costs when approach to climate change. Judging per cent reduction in emissions from Environment Commissioner Julie court over the carbon tax plan on the doing so at the expense of health- by the unclear confusion brought to 2005 levels by 2030. Interestingly, its Gelfand released an audit of Canada’s grounds of establishing whether the care, while simultaneously refusing to light by our climate change audit, the same goal former Prime Minister climate change policies which federal government has the right to contribute in a progressive manner to that distrust is fair. Stephen Harper had set before him. painted a muddled picture of half- impose such a tax. Considering it cost the federal carbon tax plan is telling. Greater penalties should be Deftly ignoring Canada’s own slug- baked timelines, unkept promises, Manitoba $40,000 just to seek legal What’s even more telling is watching imposed on provinces that refuse gish-at-best response to global warm- and inconsistent goals. It also con- analysis on whether or not they them- the Progressive Conservatives kow- to do the work to combat climate ing, Trudeau looked to grill India’s firmed what you may not be surprised selves should consider taking the tax tow to the whims of the province’s change, and fast - before the taxaprime minister Narendra Modi to know - Canada is not only very to court, the actual act of bringing largest emitters of carbon, offering tion of the next generation becomes during the Paris talks and encour- behind on its 2030 goals, but there the case to the Supreme Court will these corporations exemptions to the something much more dire. age him to take greater action in the is no clear method for provinces to undoubtedly be expensive. And it is tax while Winnipeggers who ride

rian Pallister has handled everything to do with marijuana legalization in the least ideologically consistent way possible. The Manitoba Progressive Conservative Party loves free market enterprise - at least when it has political benefit. Prominently featured as the fifth point of the Statement of Guiding Principles of the party, it encourages “Economic growth and job creation through private enterprise, entrepreneurship and commercial competitiveness.” Yet Manitobans time and again fail to see policy which consistently displays this love for the free market and private enterprise. While easy to simply put words on a page, it remains challenging to address real issues in a consistent manner while maintaining reservations throughout the process. As marijuana legalization quickly nears finalization, it has been clear that the Pallister government has pursued animosity rather than truly putting the interest of Manitobans first. From where the drug can be legally consumed to the channels of distribution, the Progressive Conservatives have desperately tried to hold on to the antiquated policies of the past while revering the market in other domains. However, what was perhaps very much unexpected was the hypocrisy from these selfproclaimed “progressives” in their actions. Unfortunately for Manitobans, each of these internally ideologically volatile policies will have real-life consequences. On where marijuana is legal to use, the PCs have made it very simple in the most classist way possible: if you do not own a house, do not light up. This is because they have already outlined where it will be prohibited - streets, school grounds, parks, beaches, restaurant patios, bars, and sports and entertainment venues.

GRAPHIC BY ERNEST ZARZUELA

And although many of those places should be areas where marijuana should be banned, the government will be intentionally banning it in many of the places where people can currently smoke cigarettes and drink alcohol. This is all for the sole purpose of making sure that - in the words of Minister of Health, Seniors and Active Living Kelvin Goertzen - they do not “normalize” its use. Through this one comment, Goertzen undercuts the entire ideology of his government. The name Progressive Conservative should in practice entail progressive social poli-

cies, and conservative, free-market PCs had other plans. Forget groweconomics with smaller government ing in your own home - home growinterference. In taking a hardline ing will be completely illegal under approach to where marijuana can Manitoba legislation. Instead, you and cannot be used - and blocking will have to go into a retail location any private enterprise from allow- to buy marijuana. Not just any retail ing its consumption in the way that location: pre-selected businesses who alcohol is consumed today - the PCs were to face a mandatory applicahave exposed their true colours: tion process - an approach to which enthusiasts of big government when Minister of Growth, Enterprise, and it benefits their true social conserva- Trade Blaine Pedersen ironically tive ideology. deemed “hands-off.” In the legalization process, the Naturally, four large compafederal government allowed the nies - some of whom were already growing of four or less plants per big players in the medical marijuana household. However, the Manitoba business - were the sole beneficiar-

ies of legal licenses to operate retail locations for recreational marijuana. In allowing only four businesses to operate, the provincial government has preemptively created an oligopoly in the cannabis industry from which our province may never fully recover. Behold our connoisseurs of the free market - yet, when it comes to big business, Manitoba PCs once again ignore their self-professed principles and turn a blind eye to free market economics.

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

Arts & Culture Arts & Culture Editor: Olivia Michalczuk Contact: arts@themanitoban.com

The Middle Coast takes its sound to Japan Local band travelling to drum up new audiences JEN DOERKSEN, STAFF

rom JUNOfest to Japan, local pop-rock band The Middle Coast is keeping up its tradition of touring. The three-piece band, consisting of Dylan MacDonald, Liam Duncan, and Roman Clarke, is starting a 10-stop tour through Japan April 5. The tour announcement came alongside the news that The Middle Coast has signed with Japanese label Moorworks for the release of their next album. “Stuff like this, the Japan thing, we have no idea what it’s going to be,” Liam Duncan, keyboardist and bass, player said. “There might be no one there. Probably there’ll be some people there. Hopefully.” Duncan said the band has been paired with many local Japanese bands for the tour. “It’ll kind of be like old times in Canada, except we’re trying it out in

“We were living in Brandon and and have a really interesting experi- JUNO Awards were happening while Japan instead,” Duncan said. “And we’re lucky to have a lot we were super young, so we didn’t ence,” Duncan said. they were in Vancouver. Until now, The Middle Coast has “We were actually already out there of grant support from, especially, really know what else to do, so we Manitoba Film and Music, to be able just toured, like a lot,” he said. been an independently-managed recording, and then we just were like to go and do it.” “Lately we’ve been dialling it back, band. Partnering with Moorworks ‘Oh, the JUNOs are happening, I The Middle Coast has been play- because eventually [we’ve been] start- is their first experience working with wonder if we could play JUNOfest ing Canadian tour dates regularly ing to focus on tours that are going to a tour manager. and then someone figured that out “They book eve- for us,” Duncan said. over the past year. The band rything, they book Clarke joked that “We just showed “The worst that could possibly happen had a jam-packed all your accommo- up at the venue and was like, ‘Hey dations, a bunch of guys, can we play?’” 2017, logging over was we lose a little bit of money and have 70,000 kilometres promo, and then The Middle Coast will be doing a a really interesting experience” - Liam you just go and short tour of Alberta after returning and playing 150 tour dates. The hope for the best, from Japan in late April. Duncan, keys and bass, The Middle Coast band toured the basically,” Duncan said. west coast with Michael Bernard Fitzgerald more have more of an impact, rather than The band just returned to Winnipeg after performing at than once, released its debut album, just touring for the sake of it.” and performed at several summer Though The Middle Coast is being JUNOfest and spending time in festivals. selective about shows, the trio did not the studio in Vancouver. Clarke and Duncan said the way the band tours hesitate to accept the opportunity to Duncan said they chose to record has changed since they started out. At tour Japan. in Vancouver because they have a “The worst that could possibly hap- favourite studio there. It was only the beginning of the band’s career, they toured “for the sake of touring.” pen was we lose a little bit of money afterwards that they realized the

Arts & Culture

Arts & Culture Editor: Olivia Michalczuk Contact: arts@themanitoban.com

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

housepanther Club Soda Lows 3.5/5

Peter Harder As The Universe 4/5

n March 23, housepanther released its debut album Club Soda Lows on Bandcamp, a solid effort that effectively pulls off a stripped-down slacker vibe. Describing the music as “power pop for the anxious peeps of the world,” housepanther lives up to the band’s credo. Club Soda Lows has a nostalgic ‘90s feel to it, with poppy riffs and snappy drumming. Lead singer and guitarist Bailee Woods crafts relatable lyrics about millennial woes such as online dating, dreading the gym, and one-night stands. Her sweet and monotone vocal performance makes the album easy to sing along to. Her simple and repetitive lyricism with the melody carrying vocal oo’s and ahh’s leaves you humming long after each song is over. It is hard to tell if the sound quality of the album is meant to complement their casual garage band esthetic, but at times it falls short and occasionally takes away

CLUB SODA LOWS ALBUM ARTWORK

from the quality of the songs. There are noticeable mixing and mastering mistakes on the album, some songs fluctuating greatly from the set volume. There are also noticeable differences in instrumentation mixes from song to song, which leads to one instrument overpowering the rest of the band. This causes confusing mixes which distract from the listening experience of some songs.

The overall debut effort of Woods is strong, and the feel of the album makes it an ideal soundtrack for the everyday life of a 20-something heartbroken lackadaisical stoner. Aside from the discrepancies in mixes, Winnipeg will definitely have an appetite for housepanther’s simplicity and honesty on Club Soda Lows. 3.5/5

s The Universe, the debut effort by local artist Peter Harder, is nothing short of impressive for an artist with no online evidence of performances or any previously released music. The alternative pop album, which was released on Bandcamp March 16, was written and recorded by Harder and is infused with a strong vocal performance and accessible instrumentation. All of the songs are set to a danceable tempo with piano accompaniment, along with drums and orchestral instruments. The five-song album opens with “I Don’t Love You Anymore.” Harder’s vocal ability is at the forefront of the simply-arranged track with his pure and clear vocal tone. Once instrumentation is introduced, the song fills out to a catchy pop tune. Harder takes a momentary chill-inducing instrumental break in the middle of the song to harmonize with himself.

Harder switches up the feel towards the end of the album with “Now a Flame,” a song with an electronic reggae beat and distorted vocals. The dance-inducing song’s lyrical phrasing complements the reggae back beat for a song that sounds like it was produced to be a radio hit. As the Universe has all of the components of a successful pop album - strong instrumentation, soaring vocals, irresistible hooks, and accessible lyrics. It is surprising Harder has had no presence in the local music scene because he would fit in opening for local greats Selci, Faouzia, or Vikings. This album at any point in a career would be strong, but As the Universe is an outstanding debut that will leave people itching for more. 4/5

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

Bison sports top 10 Counting down the best moments from the 2017-18 season RYAN STELTER, STAFF

PHOTO BY BRANDON VANDECAVEYE

lenty of ink has been spilled in the the outside looking in. It came down sports section of the Manitoban to the final weekend of the regular detailing the seasons of Bison sports season to clinch a playoff berth. All teams, but it is time to funnel all the they needed was a set victory against best moments into a single list. the then top-ranked University of Unfortunately, the list has been British Columbia Okanagan Heat. restricted to highlights in Bison They surpassed that by winning 3-1 on uniforms, so the incredible accom- Feb. 17. It was a hard-fought victory, plishment of Bison women’s hockey the Bisons got some superb play from player Venla Hovi winning bronze setter Brittany Habing on her senior with Finland at the 2018 Olympics in night finishing with 43 assists, 13 digs, PyeongChang did not make the cut. five kills, and four blocks.

it up with a solid 3-1 win the next night. The Golden Bears may have won the national championship, but Manitoba had their number that weekend.

4. Lighting up Lethbridge

decisive game three. In the second longest game in Canada West history, Venla Hovi sent a pass backdoor to Jordyn Zacharias who made no mistakes. The Bisons had clinched a berth at U SPORTS Nationals.

On a cold and snowy night in January, Nicole Konieczny of the Bison women’s basketball team set the hardwood at Investors Group 6. The best things Athletic Centre on fire. In an 82-59 come in fours win over the Lethbridge Pronghorns, 1. Best of the Best Hailey Lavarias made Bison soc- Konieczny scored 41 points, and if The Bisons women’s hockey club cer history by scoring four goals en you’re not good at math, that’s half had a historic season, being ranked route to a 4-0 win over crosstown her team’s points. She was 6-for-6 first in the country, winning the rivals the University of Winnipeg beyond the arc and also had seven Canada West, and capping it all off Wesmen on Oct. 7. The speedy for- rebounds. Her 41 points that night with a national championship. After 10. Hardwood highlights 8. Spoiling Saskatchewan ward bagged the hat trick in the first were the sixth most in any Canada winning a heart-pounding semifiIt may have been the first season Whenever the Bisons and Huskies half and added the icing to the cake West women’s basketball game. nal against Concordia University for Bison men’s basketball player take to the gridiron, there’s a certain with her fourth after a brilliant indiin a shootout, the Bisons were pitRashawn Browne, but he certainly bit of pride on the line in this spirited vidual effort. “It feels great obviously,” 3. Wog keeps winning ted against the hosts, the Western made his presence felt. In early prairie affair. With the Bisons out of she said after her star performance. The Bison women’s hockey team University Mustangs, in the gold January against the University of the playoffs the week prior, they had a Lavarias went on to be named the wasn’t the only national champions medal game. Lauryn Keen’s filthy Lethbridge Pronghorns, Browne chance to play for something in their Manitoba Soccer Association Female this year, as second-year swimmer top shelf shot in the second period scooped up a rebound, went behind last game: keeping the Huskies out of Soccer Player of the Year in March. Kelsey Wog dominated the breast- gave Manitoba the lead, and Hovi his back to fake out the defender, the playoffs. They did it in spectacular stroke race at U SPORTS Nationals added insurance early in the third to then proceeded up court and pulled a fashion, scoring 21 unanswered points 5. Clipping the Gryhpons in Toronto. She claimed the gold in make it 2-0. The Mustangs' attempt Rajon Rondo-esque fake and went for in the fourth quarter to claim a 36-32 After bowing out 4-0 to the Trinity the 50m, 100m, and 200m, as well at a comeback was thwarted by a stout the easy layup. He wasn’t done there. victory on Oct. 28 to send their prai- Western University Spartans in the as collecting a silver in the 200m defence and a brick wall goaltender In a game against the University of rie rivals home early. quarter finals of the U SPORTS individual medley. She won the 50m in Lauren Taraschuk. At the final Victoria Vikes after a failed Justus National Championships, the host breaststroke race a whole two seconds whistle, the Bisons were national Alleyn three, Browne leapt to incred- 7. Besting the Bears Bison women’s soccer team thumped faster than the next best swimmer. champions for the first time in proible heights for an insane putback. The second half of the season Ontario champions, the University of gram history. They were also the first Browne finished the year as the started off with a bang for the Bison Guelph Gryphons, 5-1 in the conso- 2. Zacharias from Hovi! U of M hockey team - men or women Canada West assist leader, averag- men’s hockey team. On Jan. 5-6, they lation semi finals. Captain Amanda Zacharias from Hovi! - to win a national championship in ing 6.8 a game. swept the number one and eventual Wong thundered home the first ever The Canada West semifinals were 53 years. national champions, the University Bison goal at a national champion- airtight between the Bisons and 9. Dousing the Heat of Alberta Golden Bears. Remi ship from outside the box. Manitoba then-reigning national champs the The Bison women’s volleyball Laurencelle was the hero in game went on to lose to Victoria in the con- University of Alberta Pandas. After team made it back to the playoffs one, scoring the winner in a 5-4 over- solation final to finish sixth, which each team collected wins in games this season after a couple years on time thriller, and the Bisons followed raised a few eyebrows. one and two, it all came down to a

Sports

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

VOL. 104 NO. 29 April 4, 2018

Rieder hopes to lead Bison defensive corps next season

Sports

In the forecast: More rain Why we’ll see more home runs this summer JOE GONZALES, VOLUNTEER STAFF

Bison assistant captain opens up about what next season will bring for Manitoba JASON PCHAJEK, STAFF

PHOTO BY BRANDON VANDECAVEYE

ith the fire of a national cham- to be expected in such a competitive pionship win dying down to conference like ours. Some games embers, soft-spoken Erica Rieder of went better than others but overall I the University of Manitoba Bison felt pretty confident about my indiwomen’s hockey team is looking vidual game.” towards a summer of relaxation. Rieder often goes about her busiIn 2017-18 Rieder recorded 11 ness on the ice with very little fanfare, points - seven goals and four assists - until she uses her blazing speed to while appearing in all 28 Bison games. carry the puck end-to-end. This abilThe seven goals were a career high, ity was on full display during the U and tied her for second in goals on SPORTS National Championships the herd’s roster with forward Lauryn in London, Ont. Keen . “I think the best aspect of my game “I felt good,” Rieder said. “There is both my speed and size,” she said. were a few ups and downs but that’s “I try to be an energy player, using

my speed to join the rush and create things offensively and using my size to win battles in the corner and be a strong presence on the back end.” These talents have not gone unnoticed by Bisons head coach Jon Rempel, as he often relies on Rieder to be a spark in key moments. Rieder herself performs at important times the defender led the Bisons with four powerplay goals, and also had a team best plus/minus at +13 . “It means a lot,” she said. “Those important, high-pressure moments are what hockey is all about, and

frankly, they are for sure the moments this year, we know what can happen our team thrives on.” when everyone buys into the process.” Rieder will be heading into her One of those key pieces is the senior season next year, and with the aforementioned Fyten, the Bison departure of Alana Serhan, Caitlin captain and a key contributor on the Fyten, Rachel Dyck, Venla Hovi, and blueline alongside Rieder. Charity Price, her play will be impor“Losing Fyten will definitely be tant for continued success. significant for our back end,” Rieder The Regina product said she said. “She was a big-minute player believes her team has the pieces for that brought an experienced presence a repeat, but maintains the group is to the ice each and every night and not focusing on defending the title was a big part of why we were able to just yet. do the things we did.” “I haven’t really thought about it According to Rieder, the Bisons too much but I think with the core have the pieces to plug the hole. group we have, it is definitely a pos“I do think though that our sibility,” she said. “For now, though, [defence] is very solid and has grown we are just savouring the moment.” to be such a well-rounded group,” she Rieder said she knows there will said. “We had players step in and be a target on Manitoba’s back next really embrace their roles this year season, adding a bit of pressure. and I only hope that will be the case “I think coming off a national again next year.” championship win there will for sure The blue-line looks like Rieder’s be heightened expectation going into to lead, and she is excited for what next season,” she said. next season will bring for her game. “But I think that’s good pressure to “I think for me personally, our have. It pushes us to perform at a new defensive depth will only enhance calibre and be a team that expects and compliment my game,” she said. both more of ourselves and each “And give me confidence to become other. We are certainly losing some even more offensive.” key pieces to our puzzle but as we saw

Reflecting on the Bisons golden weekend Covering the Bison women’s hockey team has been a wild ride JASON PCHAJEK, STAFF

ith a 1-0 victory over the University of Alberta Pandas in the Canada West semifinals Feb. 25, the University of Manitoba Bison women’s hockey booked a ticket to nationals. Weeks later I was on a tiny commuter flight heading from Toronto to London, Ont., ready for the week of a lifetime. The Bisons went on to become national champions, and I was there for every single moment. segment on Venla Hovi during a Because of this trip to a little city Friday night Sportsnet broadcast in Ontario, I got to understand what last month, there was no indication this life means to these players. U they cared. SPORTS is their NHL because, as Rogers did not send anyone to one parent told me, “there is no show.” cover the tournament. Neither did Every moment of the tournament TSN, the Winnipeg Free Press, the was documented, and someday I will Winnipeg Sun, Global, CTV, or even be able to pull out an old and tattered CBC. The other competing schools copy of the Manitoban to relive one did not even send anyone. of the most important weeks of my What was once a thriving media career. The feeling of paper under scene has been slashed by cuts, as my fingers and holding a physical companies try to keep their eyes on representation of my work means far the digital world. Now, newspapers more than I could get trawling online and television stations resolve to documents. piggy-back off those already there. A week of my life is collected They get people already paid to be together in ink and paper. That is there to contribute, because their something I can hold on to. sports sections cannot afford to be In 2013 , Rogers Communications there themselves. bought the broadcast rights to all U Parents of players from multiple SPORTS. However, despite a brief teams lamented the fact those at

Western University a pat on the back was determined not to subject the for that. men to watching the same unfold. In an interview with Sporting They walked into Wayne Fleming News, American hockey star Hilary the next day with fire in their eyes Knight bemoaned the lack of media and showed why they were the No. 1 coverage of women’s hockey. team in the country. “We’re trying to put women’s ice The team came into the season hockey on the map, but we’re also with a championship or bust mentrying to combat the statistic of media tality, and that goal was on everyPHOTO BY BRANDON VANDECAVEYE coverage dropping in women’s sports,” one’s tongue for the entire campaign. she said. Every night we heard the mantra of home could not see their daughters Over the past two Bison sea- the four boxes, of players buying in, of compete. The high cost of stream- sons, this team has had an immense players believing in one another, that ing during ‘#ChampSZN’ on U amount of pressure put on their each and every player was doing it for SPORTS.live was a hindrance and shoulders. Last season showed a the next and not themselves. drove many families to trek further glimpse at what was possible, and That’s the difference between a than the media companies for just a anyone that knows the players in the championship team and a contendfew games. Bisons dressing room knows their 3 - ing team. It was once mentioned on Unlike the men’s tournament, 2 loss in game two of the 2017 Canada the 31 Thoughts Podcast, hosted by which in years past has aired on West semifinals to the University of well known hockey analysts Elliotte national television, the women were British Columbia Thunderbirds stung. Friedman and Jeff Marek, that you left with U SPORTS’ own stream- That team had what it took, but the can walk into a dressing room and ing service. At the very least, Bison 2017-18 team had more. from the way players talk, walk, and fans could tune into UMFM, another When the Bisons lost their playoff interact in a room - from the energy organization that made the trip. opener to the University of Alberta, of the room - you know a team that Walking around London you they did not walk around the rink will become a champion. I felt that would not know the tournament dejected after the game like seasons from day one with the Bisons this was going on. A staff member at a past. They had their heads held high season. local hotel was surprised to learn their and spoke with confidence that the hotel was a U SPORTS sponsor. series was not over. The production-value of the tourAfter seeing the Bison men’s nament was top-notch, but I would season come crashing down in the be quicker to give the event staff at opening round, the women’s team

PHOTO PROVIDED BY KEITH ALLISON

total of 6,105 home runs were hit sioned by the MLB to perform an leads to more balls in the air and so hemisphere. during the 2017 MLB regular investigation into the baseballs used more home run opportunities. However, more and more players season, smashing the previous record since mid-2015, the time at which A feature published March 21 by are now using a different approach: of 5,693 set in 2000. there was a noticeable uptick in home Tom Verducci explained the new era enter the southern hemisphere and If you have been paying atten- runs. of baseball where a big change was exit the northern. It’s a swing that, tion to baseball recently, it seems we Researchers from USC performed happening to one thing specifically: when at the right angle, generates are headed towards a trend of see- a CT scan on two different groups of the batter’s swing. more fly balls. ing more baseballs go over the fence. baseballs, one from 2014-2015 and the “If you’re 10 years old, and your In 2016, there were 5,610 home runs, other from 2016-2017. They found the coach tells you get on top of the ball? nearly breaking the record. There newer group of balls were, on average, Tell him no,” said Blue Jays third If you have been seems to be two different changes 40 per cent less dense. These balls baseman Josh Donaldson on an paying attention to in the game coinciding together were then sent to Kent State and it MLB Network segment. “Because, perfectly. was further concluded there was a in the big leagues, these things they baseball recently, difference in the chemical composicall ground balls are outs. They don’t tion of the newer balls, contributing pay you for ground balls.” it seems we are A bouncier, more air to the lower density. A feature from In 2015, after MLB rolled out resistant baseball The Ringer found the baseballs boun- headed towards “Statcast,” which showed the launch Rob Arthur and Tim Dix of cier, and FiveThirtyEight concluded angle on home runs, Verducci a trend of seeing FiveThirtyEight published a fea- the balls were also less air resistant. noted one thing: the average launch more baseballs go ture in March that combined The researchers concluded the ball angle has increased every year since research done at FiveThirtyEight could fly 8.6 feet farther and, from Statcast debuted, from 10.1 degrees over the fence. and The Ringer with the findings Nathan’s calculations, this led to a to 11.0 with 26 degrees considfrom researchers at the University more than 25 per cent increase in the ered the sweet spot for home runs. of Southern California’s (USC) number of home runs. The commonly taught way to school of medicine and Kent State hit a baseball was to perform an “in “Or do you want to see University’s department of chemistry The Sweet Spot and out” motion. Imagine a globe, it me sock a few dingers?” and biochemistry. Alan Nathan, a According to Arthur and Dix, would be like cutting into it above the Donaldson was one of the players physicist at the University of Illinois, a “philosophical shift” may also be equator in the northern hemisphere, mentioned in Verducci’s feature who, did his own independent research involved: while risking more strike- hitting the core, and then trying to after doing relatively poorly early in after he was part of a group commis- outs, an increase in upward swings come back up, still in the northern their careers in the batting depart-

ment, saw a surge in production after adopting the new swing. Donaldson, Justin Turner , and J.D. Martinez are all experiencing a middle-age resurgence after embracing the batting philosophy taking the league by storm. The league’s young talent, like Kris Bryant and Cody Bellinger , built their game on this same swing-generating loft. Not only the old guys know, but the young ones as well, they have got to hit the sweet spot. MLB balls are now meant to be crushed, and the players are starting to employ swings meant to crush balls. Until pitchers learn to adapt, it looks like the only way is even more home runs in 2018.