VOLUME 153, ISSUE 2, OCTOBER 2019
Editorial Board
About Us
Editorial Policy
Letters to the Editor
Editor-in-Chief Brad Ackerson
The Brunswickan, in its 152nd year of publication, is Canada’s Oldest Official Student Publication.
While we endeavour to provide an open forum for a variety of viewpoints and ideas, we may refuse any submission considered by the Editorial Board to be racist, sexist, libellous or in any way discriminatory.
Letters must be submitted by e-mail to editor@thebruns.ca. Include your name, since letters with pseudonyms will not be printed or posted online. Letters must be 500 words at maximum. Deadline for letters is Friday at 5 p.m.
Business Manager Mathew Gracie Art Director Maria Nazareth Araújo Creative Content Editor Jules Keenan News Editor Ally Buchanan Arts & Lifestyle Editor Jack Sparks Sports Editor Alisha MacDonald
Staff Marketing & Sales Coordinator Noubahar Hasnain Copy Editor Julia Pazzano Reporters Keely Martin Maria Hernandez Marlowe Evans Samantha McCready Photographers Maria Nazareth Araújo Jules Keenan
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We are an autonomous student publication owned and operated by Brunswickan Publishing Inc., a nonprofit, independent body. We are also a founding member of the Canadian University Press. Now a magazine, we publish monthly during the academic year with a circulation of 4,000. We publish weekly online at thebruns. ca.
The opinions and views expressed in this publication are those of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Brunswickan, its Editorial Board or its Board of Directors. All editorial content appearing in The Brunswickan is the property of Brunswickan Publishing Inc. Stories, photographs and artwork contained herein cannot be reproduced without the express, written permission of the Editor-in-Chief.
@thebrunswickan @Brunswickan @thebrunswickan Front Page: Matt Andersen and the Mellotones played during Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival on Sep. 11|Photo by Jules Keenan
INSIDE THIS ISSUE T H E
B R U N S W I C K A N
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I S S U E
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News Briefs
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by Ally Buchanan
Ticketed and Tired: Frustration Builds Over Parking Shortages
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Things to do in Fredericton This Month
by Keely Martin
by Samantha McCready
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Know Your Rights: Tenancy Agreements
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Meet Your Fredericton Candidates
by Keely Martin
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by Ally Buchanan
Places to Eat if You Are 18
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“We have a voice and we can be heard”: Why the Student Vote Matters by Samantha McCready
by Marlowe Evans
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Photo Essay: Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival by Jules Keenan
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Literature is Alive And Well at Word Feast by Maria Hernandez
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Brandon Brewer: Fighting with a Purpose by Brad Ackerson
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A Non-Athletes Role in Sports at UNB by Alisha MacDonald
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The Round-Up
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NEWS BRIEFS WORDS BY ALLY BUCHANAN | PHOTO BY MATHEW GRACIE
UNB Business professor awarded the Association of Atlantic Universities Distinguished Teaching Award Dr. Martin Wielemaker, an associate professor in the Faculty of Management, has been awarded the Association of Atlantic Universities (AAU) Distinguished Teaching Award for 2019. 4
The AAU is an organization comprised of the 16 universities in Atlantic Canada, with the goal of advocating for the impact universities have on this region, through economic contribution, research and quality of life. Each year they award a Distinguished Teaching Award to recognize professors in the Atlantic region that demonstrate excellence in teaching and leadership.
joined crowds—sometimes joining others in the province and country—to raise their voices against a number of issues. On Sept. 20, Fridays for Future and Rural Action and Voices for the Environment (RAVEN) hosted a rally as part of the Global Climate Strike, drawing crowds for poetry readings before marching to the Provincial Legislature. STU also held a climate rally on Sept. 20. The UNB Student Union partnered with the New Brunswick Student Alliance and the STU Student Union to hold a rally protesting the rising tuition, and falling student financial support. The rally— dubbed SU Mobilize—gathered significant traction with their hashtag #Don’tCutOurFuture. On Sept. 28, high schools around Fredericton gathered as part of the Fridays for Future Climate Rallies across the world. This turn out contributed to Canada’s wave of protests, which were the third highest in the world. For more information on rallies around Fredericton visit thebruns.ca.
UNB Launches 10 thousand coffees
Fridays for Future Fredericton and Rural Action and Voices for the Environment (RAVEN) held a rally on the UNB campus as part of the Global Climate Change Strike on Sept. 20.
Wielemaker has taught at UNB Fredericton since 2002. He has been involved in the development of new teaching materials in the form of tool kits and case studies in classrooms. He has also been recognized for this use of various alternative teaching methods and use of technology. Wielemaker received the UNB MBA Society’s Professor Recognition Award in 2007 and the University Teaching Scholar Award in 2012.
Students rally across the city protesting government action, and inaction, on a variety of causes On multiple occasions this month UNB students
On Sept. 25 UNB launched Ten Thousand Coffees, an online networking program. Ten Thousand Coffees has the goal of providing students with soft skills, such as communication and networking, in an effort to adapt to a modern workforce in which 85 percent of jobs are currently being filled as a result of networking. The program aims to connect students and recent grads with alumni from similar programs, based on interests and career plans. Involvement with UNB’s Career Cafe promises to help students make up 15 connections with alumni in their field by sending email introductions monthly. Students are invited to meet with alumni to discuss career paths and employment options over coffee, as the name would suggest, or purely online. Completion of the program will grant participating students an official LinkedIn certification recognizing efforts in networking.
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Things to do
IN FREDERICTON - OCTOBER 2019
Words by Samantha McCready | Photos by Jules Keenan
No matter the season, Fredericton always has exciting events and activities open to the public. Below you will find seven upcoming events you can attend this October to experience the best Fredericton has to offer. Although this is not a complete list, we try to provide an array of events to attend and things to try. Something you’d like to see included in an upcoming edition of Things to Do? Send your suggestions to editor@thebruns. ca!
Cst Robb Costello Memorial Oktoberfest When: Saturday, October 5th from 12:005:00pm. Where: Picaroons Traditional Ales - Brewery & The Roundhouse Cst Robb Costello was a Fredericton Police officer who lost his life in 2018 in a shooting on the city’s North Side. In memory of and to help raise funds for the Cst Robb Costello Memorial Fund, Picaroons Traditional Ales will be hosting the first ever Cst Robb Costello Memorial Oktoberfest. Tickets are available for $30, which includes a commemorative stein, two beer and a sausage. Additional food and beverages will also be available for an extra cost. Tickets can be purchased by searching “Cst Robb Costello Memorial Oktoberfest” on Eventbrite.
Handmade Pasta Class When: Sunday, October 6th and October 20th from 1:30-4:30p.m. Where: King West Brewing & RustiCo. A pasta cooking class will be offered twice by King West Brewing & RustiCo. This event is open to all adults who wish to get lessons from one of the 6
most popular restaurants in Fredericton. Tickets are $60 tax included, and includes a sparkling wine reception and the pasta cooking class. Tickets can be found by searching “Handmade Pasta Class” on Eventbrite.
Fall Festival of Colours When: Saturday, October 12th from 11:00a.m. 4:00p.m. Where: Crabbe Mountain Take a hike to Crabbe Mountain to check out the beautiful Fall colours and sceneries. Hike down to the bottom, take in the breathtaking fall colours, then get a ride on the chairlift back to the top to take in the views. At the Crabbe Mountain lodge there will be music, craft vendors, food from the kitchen and beverages in the Thirsty Boot. Tickets are $12 a person.
Nightmare on Smythe Street When: October 16th-19th starting at 7:00p.m. Where: Capital Exhibit Centre Known to be Fredericton’s scariest haunted attraction, the Capital Exhibit Centre will be hosting its Nightmare on Smythe Street event again this year. Walk through the spooky halls which includes fog, strobe lights, loud noises and violent scenes. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children and can be bought at the door.
Rotary Wings ‘n Suds Fest 2019 When: Thursday, October 17th from 6:009:00p.m. Where: Fredericton Boyce Farmers’ Market (665 George Street) The Rotary Wings ‘n Suds Festival will be taking
place in downtown Fredericton for the third year in a row. In collaboration with local vendors, such as Greystone Brewery, Cross Creek Brewery, Picaroons, Gahan House and more, this year’s Wings ‘n Suds is sure to be a goodie. Tickets are $30, which includes ten wings tickets and six beverage tickets. All proceeds will be going toward local Rotary projects in the Fredericton area. Tickets can be found at rotarywingsandsuds.ca.
World Class Boxing: Fight the Stigma When: Saturday, October 26th starting at 7:00p.m. Where: The Fredericton Coliseum on The Exhibition Grounds World Class Boxing will be returning to Fredericton for another night of great boxing. A few featured fighters include international champion Brandon Brewer, a Canadian champion Tyler Donovan and local fighters Hank Anderon and Jake Munn. Tickets are $39.13 plus tax. Doors open at 6:00p.m.
Juliet & Romeo When: Wednesday, October 30th starting at 7:30p.m. Where: The Fredericton Playhouse This original jazz dance piece, inspired by the classic Shakespearean play Romeo and Juliet, displays the themes of love, violence and play. The dance will be played by Decidedly Jazz Danceworks at the Fredericton Playhouse. Tickets are $32 and $16 plus tax for students. Tickets can be purchased on the Fredericton Playhouse website.
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Not included are Jason Paull with the People’s Party of Canada, Bradondon Kirby with the Libertarian Party of Canada, Lesley Thomas with the Animal Protection Party of Canada, and Jacob Patterson with the Communist Party of Canada.
Matt DeCourcey is the incumbent Liberal candidate, first elected in 2015 by a large margin at 49 per cent. He was 32 years old at the time of his election—the youngest Member of Parliament ever elected in Fredericton. During his term, DeCourcey was Chair of the government’s Youth Caucus, served on both the Special Committee on Pay Equity and the Special Committee on Electoral Reform, and was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs in 2017. He prides himself in having helped make life more affordable for constituents in Fredericton through raising tuition support, introducing the Canada Child Benefit and increasing pension benefits. “The whole thrust of our government’s agenda— and it’s been beneficial to people in Fredericton— is helping support families and vulnerable people with measures that make life more affordable for them and support their inclusion in the economy,” said DeCourcey. DeCourcey aims to further economic growth in Fredericton, through “significant federal investment” in the cybersecurity field, and encouraging immigration settlement in the area. “I’m keen to continue making it easier and more welcoming for people to come here and participate in the economic growth of the community,” he said. DeCourcey also hopes to see further investment regarding flooding control, “to ensure that as we tackle climate change, we also mitigate the short term effects that we’re seeing from catastrophic flooding each year, which harms our livelihoods, 8
harms our health, but also really harms our economy”. He is confident standing behind a party platform promising climate action, continued affordability and maintaining universal human rights—which he hopes to see continue to progress in the next four years. Having held three cohorts of a Constituency Youth Council, DeCourcey is encouraged seeing youth so politically engaged surrounding this election, mentioning third party advocate groups and rallies around important issues. He encourages young voters to further inform themselves approaching voting days. “Look at the record of the government right now and make an assumption. Are we moving in the right place? And most importantly, I would encourage them to all go out and vote,” he said.
Johnson’s primary focus would be around making life more affordable for her constituents, also mentioning her passions for healthcare, taxation and immigration. She believes current taxation rates are causing people to leave the province, and reformed immigration could help fill that gap. Informed by her work in provincial government, she thinks easing the transition educationally would encourage economic immigrants to settle and stay. “We need the best and the brightest to choose Canada. And the only way they’re going to choose us is if they can come here and have their credentials recognized,” said Johnson. Johnson prides herself on being what she states is not a “typical politician”. As such, she feels that she would be able to fully represent the people of Fredericton, even if it meant voicing opinions counter to the rest of her party. “I am not your typical person that’s putting their name on a ballot. I’m not worried about ruffling the leader’s feathers or upsetting caucus. To me, you’re hired to do a job, and your job is to represent your people,” she said. Andrea Johnson helped make history last spring when she was part of the first all female Conservative Party nomination race in the Fredericton riding. Originally from Ontario, Johnson has worn many hats during her career. She began in tech startups in the private sector before moving into provincial government under an economic file. There she was in charge of inticing businesses to come to New Brunswick.
As a single mother of four children of voting age, Johnson says she understands the concerns of the younger demographic. She encourages young voters to keep their representatives accountable, communicating the policy changes they want to see, and to go to the polls fully informed to cast their vote. “Start holding people accountable and challenging everything. Everything. If something doesn’t make sense, challenge it every day,” she said.
She was inspired to come to politics upon discovering that a number of issues she is interested in are not being sufficiently addressed. Hoping to make tangible change in her local area, she considered involvement at a municipal level, before deciding to run federally. “I wanted to do something. I want to be able to make a difference, and represent people,” said Johnson. 9
Jenica Atwin first came to the Green Party during the provincial election last year with the goal of speaking to communities that are often left out of politics. Raised in Oromocto, Atwin has worked for ten years in education—focusing on Indigeous education in local high schools. She began her career at Oromocto High School working with Oromocto First Nation, before spending four years at Fredericton HIgh School with Kingsclear First Nation. She was then involved in educational research on behalf of 12 of the Indigenous communities in New Brunswick with First Nation Education Initiative Incorporated (FNEII). She says her experience in this field was a great motivator in drawing her towards politics. “There’s a lot of things I think we need to do better on,” said Atwin. Atwin says she has noticed a lot of social and economic barriers, “It has really fueled my desire to become involved in politics”.
Atwin ran as the Green Party candidate for New Maryland-Sunbury in the 2018 provincial election, aiming to be representation for those who had been left voiceless, even though she did not win. After being inspired following the premature death of a former classmate, she found herself reinvigorated to follow her dreams and join another race, this time at the federal level. If elected, Atwin’s first priority would be mental health focused healthcare, informed by her time in education. “I can’t tell you how many times youth have come to me and disclosed that they were thinking about taking their life, that they’re experiencing really intense anxieties or other self harming behaviors,” she said, “I remember feeling very helpless in those times. And I don’t want to feel that way. I want us to know we have the resources that we need in those times of crisis”. Atwin describes herself as people oriented and having a loud voice—traits that she believes will help her advocate for her constituents in Ottawa. She wants to be an alternative voice for those who have become disengaged with the current rhetoric. “At the doorstep, we’re hearing a lot of apathy. We’re hearing a lot of disdain for what they’ve seen, we’re hearing a lot of people just frustrated with the current back and forth. They’re not sure what either of the two leading parties stand for anymore, because it’s just been such a confusing four years, I think. I feel that as a voter as well. And so they’re looking for an alternative,” she said. Atwin looks forward to bringing her experience in education to politics, saying that the two fields are more similar than they appear. “It’s not that far from being a teacher,” said Atwin, “It’s about educating and listening and learning. We’re all learning in this together.”
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Mackenzie Thomason became involved in politics in 2015 at the age of 18. He began with phone banking and canvassing for Fredericton NDP candidate Sharon Scott Levesquez, but he drew attention when he ran in the 2018 provincial election at 21. Thomason describes himself as stumbling into politics almost accidentally, after seeing those less fortunate and being drawn to make a change. “There’s people that are not in a position that I have been fortunate to have. There’s people who don’t have enough, and people who have way too much. That, to me, shouldn’t exist in the same society. And that’s what got me into politics. That’s what drew me to the NDP,” said Thomason. Thomason ran as the New Democrat Party candidate in New Maryland-Sunbury as the youngest candidate nominated in the riding. Despite losing the race, he became interim leader of the New Brunswick NDP in March of 2019. He wants to use his platform to engage what he describes as an “alienated” demographic—the 18 to 24 year olds. He hopes that seeing a candidate their own age will inspire younger voters to become more involved and use their political voice, which he believes they’ve lost after being overlooked. “Statistically speaking the the 18 to 24 year old voters, that is the vote that comes out the least on average,” said Thomason. He says he doesn’t believe this is because of apathy or laziness as most people assume, “It’s that students and young people in the 18 to 24 year old group don’t see policy and people that they can relate to,” he said. Thomason advocates for a few reformations to the current electoral system that would do more to include the younger groups, such as lowering the voting age to 17 and increasing Young MLA and MP programs, provincially and federally.
He also expressed passions for healthcare, free tuition, universal pharmacare and improved Aging in Place facilities. Thomason advocates for electoral reform, specifically towards a mixed member proportional system, which he hopes will be a high priority issue in the next four years after the Liberals promised it in 2015. He believes this will allow for more diverse ideas into the House of Commons. “If third parties are present, if they’re active, and have a block in the parliament, then it makes it very easy to present a broad, wider range of ideas,” he said. Thomason doesn’t want his late join in the race to detract potential voters, saying that he will work just as hard, if not a little faster, to prove himself on the federal level.
Thomason believes that will get more young people involved in politics and believe they “can actually change things right now.”
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Words by Samantha McCready The 2019 Canadian federal election is set to take place on October 21, 2019. With the election campaign in full-swing, Canadians are beginning to contemplate who they will be voting for next month. Millennials, who are loosely defined as individuals born between the early 1980s and early 2000s (ages 18-34), will make up the largest portion of voters in Canada’s upcoming federal election. Despite the large influence young voters have on the election, they have been showing low numbers of votes compared to older populations. According to Elections Canada, approximately 57 percent of Canadians from ages 18-24 casted votes in 2015. Turnout also went up among those aged 25-34, from 45.1 percent in the 2011 federal election to 57.4 percent in the previous election.
Today’s young people, however, appear to be more interested in politics than previous younger generations. Although millenials are beginning to flex their political muscles, their turnout numbers on voting days continue to lag behind their baby boomer parents. Despite this, UNB students are recognizing the importance of young voters. Sean Brennan, a fourth-year kinesiology student, intends to vote in October. “I think it is very important for young people to vote because the results of this election will have the greatest effect on our lives, especially with us coming out of university and into the workforce in the upcoming years,” said Brennan. Other students are drawing on the fact that not all countries have the right to vote, so young Canadian citizens should use their right. “Young people need to vote as they are the future generation that will be living in this world and can decide what type of government will lead our country,” says Spencer Reagon, a fifth-year Forestry student. Students are also showing a strong interest in voting in the upcoming election. Matt Gray, a second-year student in the Faculty of Arts says it will be the first time he’s eligible to vote, “I am really excited to see the outcome.” The Time to Be Bold campaign, launched by the Canadian Federation of Students, is a campaign targeted for post-secondary students to urge them to vote in the upcoming election. Not only does the campaign hope to push students to vote, it also aims to convince students to vote
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for candidates who prioritize students’ issues, such as tuition fees and fairness for international students. Vanessa Rennie, a fourth-year student in the Faculty of Science is looking for a political candidate who will tackle time-pressing issues. “I look for political parties who strive for gender and race equality, housing as a human right and a plan to convert our society to have zero carbon emissions.” Other students, like Brennan, say they are looking for a party who will focus on issues of all Canadians. “I look for a potential candidate who cares about issues such as environmental interest and engagement, stabilizing jobs across industries, interests in women’s rights and equality, and supports immigration and various religious beliefs,” says Reagon. Because of the weight that young voters carry in the upcoming election, it is crucial that all young voters utilize their right to vote, both for their country and for their futures.
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Words by Keely Martin | Photos by Maria Nazareth Araújo With the busy, stressful schedule of classes and part-time jobs, the last thing students need to worry about is where they will park their car while on campus. However, this is exactly what is happening. Finding parking on UNB and STU campuses has become exceedingly more difficult for students, faculty and staff over the years. Many students arrive an hour before class in an attempt to find parking, adding unnecessary stress and detracting from valuable study or sleep time. Students pay between $82 and $174 for varying passes and are still being forced to risk a ticket by parking in an illegal spot just to make it to class.
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In the gravel parking lots—like Aitken Centre and the lot behind the Joy Kidd, Tibbits and Dunn residences—cars are mashed together like an adventurous game of Tetris. In the staff and faculty lot beside the Quad, cars are some days parked blocking other cars from being able to pull out. Some students have driven to campus only to turn around and have to go home because they couldn’t find a spot. Students living in residence are choosing to avoid leaving campus to not risk losing their parking. Alisha Hathi, a Joy Kidd House resident, finds it easier to find parking at her residence lot, however, in the past when she was at Bridges it was
incredibly difficult to park. Noah Manuel, who currently lives at Aitken House, ends up having to park at the Joy Kidd lot, as there are no more spots in the residence parking near him. In the past week a number of discussion posts on social media have garnered some attention as students vent their annoyance with the lack of parking availability. A GoFundMe was even created by Brianna McQuillan, a fourth-year UNB student as a joking way to raise the money required to pay parking tickets, but also to enhance awareness about the parking issue. It has raised $160, as of Sept 27th. She has received $90 in tickets so far this year and hopes that the university sees one of these many posts students have created and decide to pursue a solution. So what is the university planning to do? Isabella Gallant, Vice President for Student Life for the UNB Student Union, will be working alongside the UNBSU to advocate on behalf of students on this parking issue. She is well aware of the problem, as she herself commutes to campus. “I, as well as the rest of the student body, would like to know what efforts have been done in the past to resolve this issue,” said Gallant.
UNB Security, to gather a more in-depth understanding of the logic behind the parking system at UNB,” she said. There are alternatives to parking on campus. Fredericton has a transit system, where students can get a discounted bus pass for only $55 from the Welcome Centre or Town Hall. Gallant also suggests students take more advantage of SafeRide, which runs after 5:30pm during the week to take students home. Some students are advocating for a parking lot up at Aitken Centre and some want there to be a cap on the amount of passes sold. Student Union is also interested in looking into what other Maritime universities have implemented to solve similar issues concerning parking on their campuses. “It’s important to learn by example and if another institution has effective parking methods, then I will certainly investigate whether they could also thrive here at our campus,” said Gallant. Campus saw even more car crowding with Homecoming weekend. To accomodate, university allowed free parking on all lots.
As the amount of parking passes sold and used compared to the number of spots available on campus to be used is not transparently shared with students, it makes it hard to understand the extent of the problem, says Gallant. “On behalf of the UNB community, I will engage in active conversations about the parking situation this year to UNB Administration as well as
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The Residential Tenancies Act in New Brunswick regulates the relationship between landlords and tenants. Although this is a very important document for students renting apartments and houses, it remains largely unknown. Renting as students can be a risky situation. Knowing your rights in relation to the Act is extremely important, especially when it comes to information pertaining regulations surrounding your landlord’s actions. Jessica Bernier, Chief Residential Tenancies Officer for Services New Brunswick, says it is important for students to become familiar with the Act so they can protect themselves. “The most important approach as a renter is to make requests to landlords in writing and keep copies,” says Bernier. The Residential Tenancies Tribunal (RTT) has a section on their website entitled I Am a Tenant that has quick links to necessary information for tenants. Within this header, under “Moving in or Moving Out?” students can learn about what those processes should look like, as well as the recommendation that all students have tenant insurance. RTT also has a Quick Reference Guide, which has condensed information from the Act into subsections on restrictions and requirements for landlords and tenants, as well as information on how to end a lease and notice of entry by landlords. Additionally, there are many forms on the RTT site to use, such as a Form 6—Standard Form Lease agreement and an Accommodation Inspection
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Form. They also have a form for roommate agreements if students are planning to rent with others. If you feel your landlord is not following the Residential Tenancies Act, there are steps you can take to protect yourselves. There exists a wealth of resources out there for students to access—including the RTT—which all tenants can contact. There is also the Bulletins section under the Forms & Resources subheader on RTT’s site and Residential Tenancies Act. On campus students have access to the Student Legal Information Centre (SLIC). Christopher Lutes, who works there, says that students can come to them for advice, especially around tenancies. As they are not actual lawyers they cannot do everything, but they can point students in the right direction—for example recommending lawyers if need be. Your lease is an important document and should not be taken lightly. As you read through it, Lutes recommends flagging anything that seems restrictive. “Often times that is because the landlord has put something in there they are not supposed to,” he said. A common example that they see with SLIC is restricting overnight guests. And even without a lease or any sort of agreement with a landlord, you still have rights similar to someone who has signed an actual lease. One of my friend’s landlord controls their thermo-
stat and will not let them freely change the temperature. This is another perfect example of something a landlord should not do. Lutes points out section 3.1 A of the Residencies Tenancies Act that states: “A landlord or his agent or representative shall not deliberately interfere with the supply of heat, water or electric power services to the premises except in an emergency or where it is necessary to enable maintenance or repairs to be carried out.” This means that in my friend’s case her landlord may be infringing on her rights and possibly taking advantage of her. The first step would be for my friend to give her landlord a complaint notice. She would have to report to her landlord in writing, sign and date the notice and include the location of where the alleged breach occurred. RTT has a copy of this form on their site under the Forms & Resources header, within the Forms for Tenants subsection, and under Dispute Resolution.
notice sent to the landlord. The RTT will then try to intervene on your behalf. In terms of security deposits, Bernier says that students should receive an official receipt from the RTT a couple of weeks after their landlord has submitted their deposit. If you do not receive an official receipt from the RTT, you would need to follow up with your landlord and request that they submit the security deposit. She mentioned that it is always important to get agreements like this in writing. “It is best to make this request in writing to pursue the matter if they do not comply,” said Bernier. An example of something your landlord can restrict is subletting. Bernier says you can find out within section 6 of your lease agreement whether you are able to sublet. RTT also has a form online that interested tenants can fill out to request permission to sublet. If you are entering into a subletting situation the original tenant becomes the landlord for the subletter. The subletter inherits the rights and regulations of the tenant. This also means that if you are subletting your place you become responsible for damages and unpaid rent by the person subletting. Lutes recommends students use the Residential Tenancies Tribunal. Students can reach them at 1-888-762-8600, via email at irent@snb.ca, or in-person at your nearest SNB location.
After submitting this form to her landlord, my friend would have to wait some time to allow the landlord to correct the error/breach of rights. The Act does not specify how long one must wait, but if your landlord does not fix the situation, then the next step is to go to the RTT and give them a copy of the
Another resource is the Fredericton Legal Advice Clinic, which is open approximately twice a month, where anyone can go and get legal advice from an actual lawyer. Lutes also says that the internet can be a useful tool, contingent on what sources you are finding. Illustration by Jules Keenan & Ian Humber
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Words by Marlowe Evans | Photos by Jules Keenan As explained in an article published by the Bruns last year, it can be really difficult to find nice sitdown restaurants in Fredericton that aren’t either fast food or big-box chains. Luckily, the Brunswickan has done some very tasty research to help students struggling to find places they can sit and eat in peace, without their ID.
91 York Street, Downtown Fredericton Sharkie’s Choice: Chicken Breast Parmesan, $16.95
649 Queen Street, Downtown Fredericton Sharkie’s Choice: Pulled Chicken Clubhouse with Dulse Fries, $15 This downtown favourite emphasizes local produce and ingredients from around New Brunswick, while also displaying and auctioning art by local artists. All dishes are made from scratch, and the restaurant offers gluten free and vegan options. As it’s just down the street from The Playhouse. Supper at Isaac’s Way pairs well with an evening at the theatre.
Luna Pizza is much more diverse than its name suggests. Here students can find pizza—of course— but also reasonably priced Italian and Greek dishes. Luna serves various types of pasta, as well as souvlaki and even barbeque chicken! It’s also an excellent choice on evenings where one may be frequenting bars or clubs, as it’s open late and happens to be right downtown!
426 Queen Street, Downtown Fredericton Sharkie’s Choice: Curry Butter Chicken with Half Gahan Spiced Fries and Half Rice, $18 Gahan House, while possibly best known for its fine brews, also has plenty to offer for those who
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aren’t yet of legal drinking age. The atmosphere is relaxed yet sophisticated, and the restaurant also displays art from local artists. Gahan House has a wide selection of specialty Maritime oysters, as well as unique dishes such as spinach and watermelon salad.
526 Queen Street, Downtown Fredericton Sharkie’s Choice: Hand Rolled Grape Leaves, $6.99
1168 Smythe Street, Uptown Fredericton Sharkie’s Choice: Green Dragon Roll, $13.95 This sushi restaurant offers a crazy number of options, and caters to vegetarian needs. Tomotachi not only has sushi rolls but a variety of tempura options and soups, and is a great place to eat after a shopping spree at Value Village!
The Sphinx restaurant is an amazing choice for someone wanting to try something a little bit different. Not only does the Sphinx have traditional and modern Middle Eastern dishes, but their meat is hand-slaughtered halal, which can be difficult to find in New Brunswick. 703 Queen Street, Downtown Fredericton (under the Art Gallery) Sharkie’s Choice: Any of their rotating sandwiches! Not only is the Beaverbrook an amazing place to study, but it’s a great place to grab some lunch. It has café style eating, so the menu updates and changes regularly, but their pastries are always fantastic. They make a great treat after a visit upstairs to the Beaverbrook Art Gallery—which has free admission for all UNB students.
527 Union Street, Fredericton (Northside) Sharkie’s Choice: Scallops and Fries, $16
Inside the Boyce Farmers Market at 665 George Street, Downtown Fredericton Sharkie’s Choice: Tony’s Prime Cut Steak Sandwich, $5
This iconic Northside favourite proves that not all of Fredericton’s best restaurants are on the Southside. Wolastoq Wharf has a reputation for amazing breakfasts. Ever wanted to try a lobster omelette? Here’s your chance!
Chef Rick’s, which is located inside the famous Boyce Farmers Market, provides one of the best breakfasts Fredericton has to offer. Waiting in line on Saturday is worth it to experience this locally-minded brunch spot. Serving breakfast burgers, potatoes, and of course, oatcakes. Chef Rick’s is a must for any new student coming to Fredericton.
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1 Words by Brad Ackerson The 2019 Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival was the most highly anticipated edition of the festival in its near 30 year existence—and for good reason. The festival has continued to grow rapidly from year to year, and that growth resulted in this year’s festival attracting an all-star lineup of headliners. The appearance of Robert Plant and The Sensational Space Shifters was easily the most notable act of the week, as arguably the greatest frontman in rock music history took the stage for his first ever show in Fredericton. The 71 year old music legend did not disappoint the sold-out audience, playing an eclectic mix of new songs as well as classics from his former bands Led Zeppelin and The Honeydrippers. Plant even became Fredericton’s version of Bigfoot for a few days, as rumors of sightings at local shops and pubs spread like wildfire through the cities downtown core.
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Plant and company were preceded on Friday night by one of the fastest rising groups in the international music festival scene, Larkin Poe. The Georgia-based group led by sisters Rebecca and Megan Lovell stole the show. Their incredible performance mixed frequent and heavy southern-rock inspired guitar riffs with bluesy melodies. Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats served as the Saturday night headliner, closing out the festival with a lively set that left those in attendance drained but already looking forward to Harvest 2020. Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit and New Brunswick’s own Matt Andersen were among the festival’s other headliners.
For over a decade, The Mellotones have been bringing their high-octane party to stages around the world.
3 The National Reserve captured every bit of energy, emotion and entertainment at Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival on Sept. 12.
Colin Fowlie started off his career performing with bands and other musical and theatrical outfits in the Saint John, New Brunswick area.
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Mid September in Fredericton was filled with writing workshops, talks over lunch at some of Fredericton’s finest restaurants and countless readings, all put on by local and far from home authors alike. Only one event could bring such a multitude of literary experiences upon us. The 3rd annual Word Feast Literary Festival ran from September 16-22 at many locations around Fredericton. Ian Letourneau, Fredericton’s First Laureate, pioneered the project and it has been carried out since 2017. When asked how Word Feast was initiated, Letourneau explained that the city of Fredericton announced they were creating a poet laureate position and the creation of the position came with the awareness that other local festivals were well-supported. So, it was time for Fredericton to have a literary festival. He quickly set about searching for volunteers and started to plan. Reaching out to artists is not a problem. Letourneau has a vast network of writers. He says he has been involved in many local and national writing organizations and has attended festivals from Whitehorse to Moncton as an audience member and writer. He worked for seven years as an editor and administrator at The Fiddlehead and as an editor with Goose Lane. The festival has had a positive impact on the artist community and the general public. When asked about the effects of the festival on the artist community, Letourneau said local writers are being included and getting paid to read their work and people who like to read and enjoy literature can now support an exciting event. The literary festival had a variety of events around different local businesses. Their annual Poetry Bash that took place on Thursday night at York County Cider was one of their most attended events. The event featured two English Ph.D. students with new books along with the Parliamentary poet Georgette LeBlanc and Doyali Islam, editor of the ARC poetry magazine.
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This year, the festival made a collective effort to be more bilingual and had three Francophone poets participating. Letourneau plans to continue this push in the coming years. Letourneau also spoke further on what is coming up in subsequent years. He said they commissioned the current Fredericton Poet Laureate Jenna Lyn Albert to write a celebratory Word Feast poem that will be used to open the festival every year. The poem will be translated and read in French and Wolastoqey.
3rd Annual Word Feast Lecture Friday’s main event was Friday Night Lit where the 3rd Annual Word Feast Lecture was read by Carrianne Leung titled Writing in a Dangerous Time. The event began with a reading by Shannon Webb-Campbell, who is a mixed indigenous settler poet, writer and critic. She read from her book of poems I Am A Body of Land, which was inspired by her familial roots. After Webb-Cambell’s presentation, Carrianne Leung followed up with her lecture. Leung holds a Ph.D. in Sociology and Equity Studies from OISE/ University of Toronto. She is a fiction writer and educator based in Toronto. She has been recognized for her debut novel, The Wondrous Woo, and her collection of linked stories, That Time I Loved You. Leung started her speech explaining how she first came up with the title of the talk. “It does feel like a very dangerous time that we live in,” she said. From the title, you would imagine the talk was about writing, but Leung talked more about the social and environmental issues we are dealing with in present society, and an author’s shifting responsibility in this society.
in Cape Breton Island. Her writing career started early in her life when at the age of eleven she landed her first gig with CBC radio. She kept the audience engaged while reading—her tone changing every time she read a different character—bringing them to life. After Spurway’s performance, Adyn Townes, an east coast singer-songwriter performed a couple of his songs. Townes made the audience laugh by making fun of his tendency to write melancholic songs. His songs had a gentle timbre and a fast and moderate tempo. You would find yourself moving from side to side while Townes performed. The lights of the playhouse changed according to the rhythm of the songs, with flashes of blue, purple and red dazzling the audience. His charisma made his performance very enjoyable, and he had the audience singing along with a Bruce Springsteen cover by the show’s end. Carrianne Leung also participated in this event and read a piece of her book That Time I loved You. The story takes place in the 1970s and depicts the life of a teenage Chinese Canadian girl confronting the realities of adult life and trying to stay true to herself. After the event The Brunswickan asked Leung further questions about her lecture the previous night, Writing in a Dangerous Time. In particular, her use of a quotation from the Canadian poet Billy-Ray Belcourt on how it is not just an author’s responsibility to witness these times, but also to push back. Leung said that as a writer you could reflect on society and express something about humanity, and that is a way to show what is buried in time.
“Perhaps this talk is not even about writing, and maybe more about being human,” said Leung.
Words and Music Saturday at the Playhouse, Word Feast held the marquee event Words and Music. The event featured authors Carrianne Leung, Amy Spurway and musician Adyn Townes. The event began with Amy Spurway reading a section of her book Crow. Spurway was born and raised 25
Words by Brad Ackerson | Photo Submitted Brandon “L-Jack” Brewer has never been one to shy away from a challenge in the ring or outside of it. In the past few years alone, Brewer has led the charge to bring high level combat sports to the area, built his own thriving fight promotion and established himself as New Brunswick’s toughest real estate agent—all while continuing to fight at a high level. It should come as no surprise that the Fredericton-born boxer and entrepreneur has chosen to respond to the first loss of his professional career by moving up two weight classes to challenge someone he sees as a bigger, more powerful version of the man who defeated him. Speaking to The Brunswickan in the leadup to his Oct. 26th, showdown versus the United Kingdom’s Ryan ‘Tank’ Aston (20-5-2), Brewer (23-1-1) made it clear that he is looking to send a message in the fight. “If you’ve ever seen a picture of (Aston) you know he is a beast” said Brewer when asked about the similarities between his upcoming opponent and Mark DeLuca (24-1) who was awarded the unanimous decision victory in their May matchup, an entertaining brawl that left both men bloodied. “I want to make a statement to DeLuca… I want a rematch, for sure.” Conventional boxing wisdom would suggest taking a step back after your first career loss, possibly taking a couple of “easy” fights to get back on a winning streak before challenging anyone who could be seen as a real threat. Maybe fighting somebody with 10 wins, rather than 20. The 34 year old Brewer is not interested in a step back however. Unsatisfied by the opportunity to test himself against the highly ranked up-and-coming slugger DeLuca in a fight broadcast internationally on DAZN, he sees the loss as something that was necessary to move forward and take his career 26
to the next level. Moving up two weight classes is just one of the changes he decided to make after the fight. Perhaps the most significant change made was moving his training camp to Guelph, Ont. where he will now be training with some of the countries top coaches and fighters after. Brewer previously spent most of his career training in New Brunswick where high-level trainers and sparring partners can be difficult “It was the best thing to ever happen to my career,” said Brewer of his recent loss and subsequent changes, “I think I was getting stagnant.” Showing off his improvements and breaking into the upper echelons of his division will not be the only things “L-Jack” is fighting for when he steps into the ring in late October. The event, billed as Fight the Stigma, is being held in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association of New Brunswick in support of a cause that is close to the heart of Brewer. He says boxing has helped him through his own battles with anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts and he now wants to use his platform to help combat the stigma that being open about one’s own mental health struggles is a sign of weakness, while showing that no one is too tough to be affected by mental illness. For Brewer, the connection between testing himself physically in the ring and maintaining his emotional wellbeing outside of it is crystal clear. When asked what keeps him fighting when he has already built a successful career for himself in the business world, his answer was quick, succinct and without hesitation; “It’s good for my mental health. It makes me happy.” Brewer will be hoping his fight on Oct. 26 will make his fans inside the Fredericton Coliseum as happy as fighting makes him.
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The University of New Brunswick offers a wide range of opportunities for students, especially when it comes to athletics. UNB offers intramurals, club sports and varsity sports. Although not everyone can be or wants to be an athlete, there are still ways for students to be involved with sports here at UNB. With so many different teams on campus the coaches and staff obviously will need help. Helping out a sports team is a great way to boost your skill set, improve your education and enhance a team. Nash Brewer, a third-year Kinesiology student says there are lots of different opportunities 28
“especially for people that like sports but maybe aren’t a varsity athlete but want to have that connection with sports at UNB.” Here at UNB there are many different roles that can connect students to athletes and give a chance to take what students are learning in the classroom and apply it to real-life situations. An example of one opportunity is volunteering at the Sport High Performance Gym to get a feel for working with athletes while learning from upper year students. “As volunteers we’re more shadowing the people doing their practicums. Like working with
the athletes helping them run through different training exercises and helping them with their form,” said Brewer. Volunteer positions like this are open to almost anyone. This is a great way to connect yourself with student-athletes and see how they train. There are opportunities at the SHPG whether you’re interested in working with the athletes or thinking about a profession in health and fitness. Students interested in fields such as Strength and Conditioning, Athletic Therapy, Nutrition, or Sport Psychology would benefit from experience at the high-performance gym. Emma Mackenzie, a third-year Kinesiology student, is using her love of soccer combined with her positive experience volunteering to further her education and get involved with UNB athletics.
have a university-level coach willing to listen to your analyses. “I feel like part of a bigger community. I feel definitely more attached to the school then if I had not done that in the first place,” he said. This is just another of many ways to be involved with UNB Sports. There’s also options like statistics, marketing and communication, and referring. Brianna McQuillan, a fourth-year Recreation and Sport Management student, is the student-athletic director for the women’s hockey team. Brianna’s main job is to promote the team. “My goal after my degree is to get into sport marketing so any opportunities that I can get to help develop my skills are opportunities I like to grab,” said McQuillan.
“Last year I volunteered at the high-performance gym which lead to my practicum this year. I’m assigned a specific team so it’s more individualized. I have more freedom to figure out what I’m doing and get more of an idea of the strength and conditioning aspect of sports.”
Each student’s experience is based on what they know and what they want to learn.
Brewer is using sports as a way to test different career paths.
“You can sit in a class and learn this stuff but going out and being a part of a team, I just think you learn so much more when you apply what you learn,” said Mackenzie.
“Right now, I’m still in that process of seeing if it’s something I want to follow or not but it’s pretty chill. You just go and hangout with people and learn,” said Brewer. But, if working with athletes directly isn’t your thing that’s ok. There’s plenty of ways to help the Reds behind the scenes. Third-year Recreation and Sport management student, Matthew Smith, is a great example of how an ex-athlete found a way to get involved. “I played pretty high-level hockey growing up and when I got to UNB I didn’t have that outlet so I asked the video coach if I could get involved and he invited me in to work with the coaches,” said Smith.
Reaching out to UNB Reds creates an opportunity to apply what you learn in class to real-life situations.
So, get involved! Email the coach of the team or the director of athletics. Volunteering is a chance to give students an opening to enhance their learning experience and connection to UNB. Coaches are always looking for help and students need to start approaching teams because you never know what type of position may be available. “I think it’s one of the best experiences you can get because they throw you right in there and it’s a pretty professional environment; you really get to learn the ins and outs,” said Smith.
Smith would analyze video and give his feedback to the coach. Which is a pretty big deal to 29
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Beatrix Balch
Shifa Taj
Abbie Bayers
“I’d probably say student turnout.”
“Right now, probably climate change.”
“Probably increasing health care services.”
Gabriel
Patrick Donovan
“That we have free tuition access because I hear a lot of people who can’t go to university due to that factor.”
“The Canadian economy transitioning to clean energy in a responsible way.”
Want to share a cartoon of your own? Submit it to editor@thebruns.ca and it may be used in an upcoming issue!
2001 Send any questions regarding school, university culture, or life in general to dearsharkie@thebruns. ca in less than 100 words for a chance to gain really bad advice from everyone’s favourite red herring. Disclaimer: Please don’t actually follow this advice. Dear Sharkie, I have an 8:30 on friday but i wanna go to ladies night… what do i do?? -I hate hangovers Dear I hate hangovers, To 8:30 or not to 8:30 is a question students ask themselves any day they have to get up early for class, and it only gets harder to decide after an evening at S Club. However, you’re in luck. I have three words for you my friend—skip that class. University is the most amazing time of your life. Are you really going to remember the lecture material from your class fifteen years from now? Probably not! Live in the moment! You only live once, right? Go to S Club, get that pitcher and have fun. Another option—don’t go to S Club or your 8:30! Go to the Cellar, get a pitcher, get some appetizers then go to bed. Sleep in and dream of that sick
spindip. Other than plankton, my favourite food is definitely Cellar spindip. Conversely, maybe the Friday morning material will be really important… in that case, go to S Club anyway. Hear me out! Go to S Club, get the Happy Hour discount, dance, have fun… but leave before 1 am. If you go home at 1, get to sleep by 2, and get up at 8, that’s 5 whole hours of sleep. What university student needs more than 5 hours of sleep, right? And if you don’t need breakfast and don’t care about going to class in the same outfit you wore to the club, get up at 8:20. Ten minutes to walk or drive to class is more than enough. If anything, the hunger pangs from skipping breakfast will help you to stay awake. Just make sure to chug a bottle of water before you go to bed Thursday to fight any threat of hangover on Friday. Then you should be home free. Hydrate or die-drate!
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Hopefully this well-thought-out list of suggestions will be helpful for you, I hate hangovers. All the best for your Thursday night exploits. See you at S Club?
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