The confluence issue 41

BLACK HISTORY

MONTH

The

Official CNCSU Publication

Confluence

FEBRUARY 2014

SIGNIFICANCE OF LEARNING

SQUASH THE SQUEEZE

13 TRUE LOVE

March 3

March 4-6

My name is Ryan White and I am the new Editor-in-Chief for The Confluence magazine, the best student organized periodical in Prince George, BC. Since I am new, perhaps a small biography is in order.

Want to tell the government that enough is enough in terms of tuition increases or that there is a serious lack of grants available for students? Come on down to the Gathering Place between 10:00am and 2:00pm and join the Squash the Squeeze coffee social. Students will have the opportunity to learn more about the financial injustices they experience while attending school in British Columbia.

More importantly, participants will be given the information necessary to lead the counterattack against rising tuition fees. Coffee and snacks are just an added bonus.

Democracy is knocking at the door so strap on your voting boots and paint the town red.

Between March 4th to the 6th, you will have the chance to vote your fellow students into the various Executive Committee positions that make up the College of New Caledonia Students Union. For those of you who are unaware, the executive committee members of the CNCSU are the people who are willing to fight on your behalf so that you may have the most pleasant experience as a student. You can find the voting booth in the Gathering Place beside the fountain.

Ryan White Editor-in-Chief

I am a native of Newfoundland and came to British Columbia as a small child. I no longer speak with my accent as it became something of comedic trope to you mainlanders. However, small tidbits of my newfism’s slip out whenever I am talking with fellow islanders or I drink my weight in Canterbury. For those of you keeping track at home, that’s a lot of Canterbury.

I am currently a fourth year English student at the University of Northern British Columbia, but spent my first two years of post-secondary education at the College of New Caledonia. To prevent myself from going insane with schoolwork, I spend my days plugging away on various musical instruments, particularly the banjo and piano, as well as playing gigs around town with my bluegrass string-band, Whiskey Fingers.

Squash the Squeeze Coffee Social

CNCSU General Election Vote

March 7

Last Day to Withdraw from Classes If you wish to withdraw from a class you are currently taking, it is not too late. Head on down to the College of New Caledonia Admissions Office before it closes to opt out of a class. You will miss your chance of a refund, but you will not receive an academic penalty. That’s good news for your G.P.A.

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Referendum

Family Day

Reading Break Ends

CNCSU Nomination Deadline

Campaign Period Starts

All submissions are welcome, the authors of edited works used in the confluence receive a $20 cheque upon publication.

Advertisement rates are available upon request.

Ryan Urban White

Harman Dandiwal

Editor-in-Chief, The Confluence

Production Editor, The Confluence

Dream Hunters Club

Readin Break Begins

Submissions, inqueries and requests can be made to news@cncsu.ca, in person at the CNCSU office room 1-303, or mailed to “The Confluence c/o CNCSU 3330-22nd Ave. Prince George, BC. V2N 1P8”

That’s enough about me. This beautiful magazine cannot exist without your submissions. Send anything you have, from poetry, reviews, and criticism, to the. confluence.mag@gmail.com and I will be happy to consider it for publication. Please refrain from writing hate speech, you’re better than that.

UPASS

CNCSU Nomination Open

The Confluence is produced biweekly at the CNCSU office on CNC’s Prince George campus by Ryan White and Harman Dandiwal.

I don’t care much for vanity as I believe it weakens one’s personal comfort with lounging half-naked on furniture while eating food.

No one should be ashamed to sit on the couch and eat pepperoni pizza in their underpants.

We also pay you $20 dollars for each published submission. This money can be used for beer and other forms of deviancy. There is nothing wrong with a little deviancy.

EVENTS AT A GLANCE

Bottle Drive

Pizza Day Quesnel

BOG Meeting

March 6

March 8

Join the fun and join the vendors. The College of New Caledonia is proud to host yet another Farmers Market in the Gathering place. From 10:00am to 2:00pm, expect the wonderful smells of amazing foods to waft down the hallways and into classrooms.

Be sure to bring your appetite and some cash, no cards will be accepted.

Today marks the day when we should all examine and observe the sacrifices, triumphs, and injustices that women experience due to a patriarchal society.

Check around what is going on and off campus in Prince George. For example, before March 4th, ask around in the CNCSU office or library about Post Secret CNC. It is a wonderful opportunity for both men and women to share their experiences with women in a positive and enlightening manner.

Farmer’s Market

International Women’s Day

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Hail to the Chief

How to describe the call of the moon: The hunger of nightfall?

Ancient hunger calls you: pounding in the back of your mind.

Cloud cover tries to suppress, but only prolongs ‘The-Howling’…

The primal surge

Jaws unlatch Muscles ripple Skin crawls Flesh wrestles with its former self and while shoulders move apart, and hair sprouts from skin, the skull has all your focus as your jaw stretches forward, Bone melts and reforms

Try to push away the thought of prey

The taste of blood is overpowering…

Teeth eject with vengeance, Forced out by stronger, sharper spires Blood sears in the mouth

Finally ankles snap and pop apart Lose your balance as your legs are recreated

The primal need awakens…

All the time awaiting the hunt

Nails peel, and fall claws slice through the flesh barrier of the fingertips, layered with blood

You’re forced to stand on muscles that burn while fingers throb, and teeth ache.

You want to stop To fall, on muscles that can no longer hold you up

nothing was meant to evolve so fast; resist it as long as you can vision blurs, then fogs, and soon, nothing.

Until the eyes are born anew the blur slowly clears, and soon everything is green-tinged, but sharper things hold shape in the night

You want to stop But you’ve waited too long…

Nothing will keep you from your prey for ‘The-Howling’ has just begun

Jordi Hamilton

Call of the moon

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Resolve weakens

THE SQUEEZE

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RYAN WHITE Editor-in-chief

So you want a post-secondary education in British Columbia?

I can’t blame you. We have a beautiful province overfilling with opportunity and excellent educators.

However, before you commit to a post-secondary education in BC, you should be made aware of the main issues of receiving an education in BC. If you think the BC government is on your side as a student, you are painfully misinformed and incorrect.

First, tuition is too damn high

and the resources for studentaid continue to shrink every year.

Truth is, the BC government has doubled the tuition fees for undergraduate and trades program students over the past three years.

Pursuing a post-secondary education has never been more complicated. The natural defense of rising tuitions is that of scholarships, bursaries, and student loans. If receiving student loans, the average BC student should expect non-refundable grants with high interest rates.

Want to tell the Minister of Advanced Education that enough is enough?

Visit www.squashthesqueeze.ca and sign the petition.

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SQUASH

Worst of all, those who take a student loan will be forced to spend their post-undergraduate careers licking the government’s boots by repaying their loans in a work place that does not pertain to their education or certified job field. If student loans are not a feasible option, students will spend the length of their school years attempting to balance work and academia, a dangerous combination.

At this point in time, students should expect their financial stability, social life, and academic career to suffer as they attempt to balance the bullshit that the BC government continues to throw at students while robbing them blind.

Think you are financially in the clear because you will become a graduate student after this semester? I certainly hope not. Those wishing to pay for graduate school in BC will be paying 14% more than the national average.

If you think the BC governments constant tampering with the postsecondary education system is 15 lbs. of bullshit in a 5 lbs. bag and want to do something about the increases and cuts in funding, the Squash the Squeeze campaign is for you.

Squash the Squeeze is a new campaign created by the Canadian Federation of Students to help eliminate the debts and rising tuition fees that cripple the financial stability of students across BC.

by : MICHAEL BRIGADE

PARKING PROBLEMS? R

Make

YOUR MOVE Your next move will set your career in motion College transfer student Courtney Lockhart always knew she wanted to pursue a career in politics. What she didn’t know was that a degree from the University of Lethbridge would take her from Lethbridge all the way to Capitol Hill.

Courtney secured a co-op position at Global Centurion in Washington, D.C., an organization focused on the abolition of modern slavery. Not only did Courtney see former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary

Clinton give a speech at the Department of State, but her work allowed her to see the impact of human rights advocacy first-hand.

Recognized on the national stage as one of Canada’s top-three undergraduate institutions (2014 Maclean’s University Rankings) and one of Canada’s top-three undergraduate research universities (RE$EARCH Infosource, 2013), uLethbridge provides students opportunities to take

Campuses in Lethbridge | Calgary | Edmonton

their education outside the classroom – something that Courtney says gave her insight into future jobs.

while gaining practical experience that will give you the skills and experience to shape your career.

The uLethbridge Faculty of Arts and Science offers more than 30 transfer and post-diploma programs for you to choose from. After completing your diploma, earn a degree in as little as two years.

Apply by June 1 to be eligible for a free semester of tuition.*

Our co-operative education and internship opportunities let you explore your interests

/artsci

*Terms and conditions apply

courtney-lockhart-v2.indd 5

14-02-26 4:44 PM

ecently, I have been looking at the city bylaws in Prince George specifically those of the city’s parking ordinances. You see, those who operate the city snow removal website make a big deal about “illegally parked” vehicles being a major hindrance to city snow removal. Being the giant nerd that I am, though, I took a look at what constituted an “illegally parked” vehicle. The actual language of the bylaw states that any vehicle parked on a city street between 8am and 6pm is illegally parked and subject to a fine from October through to the end of April. Seriously. If you aren’t parked in a driveway or parking lot between 8am and 6pm, you are subject to a $50 fine.

Daytime Winter Parking Prohibition BL7861 No person shall park a vehicle or permit a vehicle to remain parked on a highway* abutting a parcel located in the following zones: AG, AF, AR, RS, RT, RM or Z9 of the City of Prince George Zoning Bylaw No.7850, 2007, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. the same day, from October 15 to April 15 *”Highway” in this sense means any publicly accessible road.

The bylaw as written is unenforceable, its broadness ensures that its governance is ripe for abuse and it is generally unfair to Prince George drivers.

The marked zones outlined within the bylaw are literally every residential area of Prince George, plus crown lands and the controversial Hill Avenue development.

Of particular concern are the lower-income regions of town, where many converted

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Alberta’s Destination University. Make it yours.

duplexes and group living arrangements have at least four tenants, often more. For various socioeconomic reasons, there is simply not enough parking for the lower income residents of Prince George, and so they are unduly fined for snow removal.

Yet, if you take a quick look at the poorer areas of town, it’s plainly evident that these areas are most neglected by snow removal. Unlike the scrupulously maintained McMansion suburbs growing on the outskirts of Prince George, the city lets snow and ice build up to a point where roads are basically impassible in the lower-income parts of town before performing a perfunctory scrape.

The lack of snow removal in low-income areas is yet another situation where the municipal government punishes the poor for their poverty. The shameful negligence of city sidewalks, cash-grab transit increases and utter disregard for the needs and safety of the cycling community are all symptoms of a municipal government that equates income with worth as a human being. The city administration only seems to care about snow removal when it comes time to fine the poor and point fingers at the hamstrung public works department for lack of maintenance.

The city spends so much time, energy and money publicly shooting themselves in the foot just to further half-considered plots that one wonders if the negligence and corruption in our city will result in the municipality having to shoot stray dogs prior to the opening of the Canada Games next year?

FOR NOTHING

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by : Shane Darroch

During his reading, Matt Partyka claimed that “after six years, Post North is facing a midlife crisis.”

However, based on a turnout of about 100 people and the level of audience participation, Post North seems to be gaining in popularity. The drinks flowed liberally, the cheers echoed loudly, and the poetry was delightfully risky.

Consequently, Post North once again demonstrated that it is the premier poetry event in Prince George.

This comment established the tone of Post North being a fun event in which the readers do not take themselves too seriously.

The hole as nothing.” All jokes aside, this poem delivered some epic lines: “it all glacial holes, sink holes, pot holes, and assholes…/ but then there’s the love-hole too.” During the Post North debrief, Graham Pearce said “You killed it Matt […] I routinely read garbage.”

This Post North also saw the return of Lyne Ongman, to Prince George, from ITT Tech down in Burnaby. Her poems were short, but powerful: “The dorm girls look haggard and hang off the necks of the boys slurring their words/ We are all too youthful, and we are all too sad.”

The energy carried throughout the night; the final reader, G.P. Lainsbury, claimed that he was willing to trade a copy of his new book, Plato’s Pharmakon, for muscle relaxants. Lainsbury concluded the evening’s readings by saying, “I’ll die, you won’t know.”

This delightfully macabre statement once again reinforced the fact that Post North is, above all else, a fun environment. To restate my claim, the writers do not take themselves too seriously.

I hope this review titillated you enough to check out Post North next year. However, there is no need to wait that long to satisfy any literary lust; The Barry Mckinnon Chapbook awards for poetry and The John Harris Fiction awards are coming up in April. These events are a great way to see what’s being done in the Prince George writing community and an excuse to have a few drinks.

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A REVIEW OF POST NORTH 6

Post North was created six years ago

by Graham Pearce, of the CNC English department, along with Matt Partyka and Alex Buck. Since then, this event has provided a venue in which younger poets read alongside more establish writers. This year’s reading list was comprised of CNC students Mariah Snih and Tessa Gregory; additionally, CNC alumni Matt Partyka, Penny Douglas, Shane Darroch, Andy Johnson, Andrew Kenway, Lyne Ongman, Kale Walske, Paulina Nielson and Garrett Svenson read at this event.

Furthermore, local writers Paul Strickland and Daivid Oligive read as well. Finally, Graham Pearce of CNC and G.P. Lainsbury of Northern Lights College made up the complete set list.

Graham Pearce opened the show with his poem “December Penis”, immediately reestablishing the tradition of Post North being an event in which the poets put themselves at risk. By opening with this poem, Graham basically said, “if you came to hear poems about Prince Geoege’s northern landscape, you’re screwed.” The audience did not have the chance to become complacent; consequently, they became an integral reason why Post North was such a success this year and in previous years.

Unlike other literary events, Post North actively encourages the audience to become involved. The energy created between the interaction of the poets and the audience members is definitely unique in Prince George poetry events. David Oligive remarked during his reading, “I know some of you guys are against me and some of you with me, but the guy with the biker tattoos is with me.”

by : Ryan White Editor-in-Chief

I can admit that before my second year as a college student, I had no idea what Black History Month was. More specifically, I was unaware of what it was attempting to accomplish. My confusion towards the month long event was not because of racism or prejudice. Rather, my confusion was due to my lack of understanding in regards to African history, culture, and events within North America.

I lived a large majority of my life in small rural communities.

I never had the chance to observe Black History Month until I came to Prince George.

The more I began to study African culture and AfricanCanadian culture, the more I understood why this month was necessary. The lack of knowledge towards African culture, regardless of its location in the world, is exactly what Black History Month attempts to remedy.

Black History Month is a celebration which observes the various contributions that the Canadians of African descent have made towards our country on various political, social, and cultural levels. Rosemary Sadlier, the Ontario Black history Society, explains that aside from informing the Canadian public about history, Black History Month examines how, “as a people, with roots dating

TRUE LOVE

You see the skin all hanging on spiny bits of brush The blood and guts are lost Fallen in the dust The heart would sit Still and all alone All the pain and shock Powdered all the bones The brain is gone completely Nothing left for thought And eyes can see only The lonely heart, left to rot

back to 1603, African-Canadians have defended, cleared, built and farmed this country; our presence is well established, but not wellknown. The celebration of Black History Month is an attempt to have the achievements of Black people recognized and told”.

Prince George was sure to both inform and recognize various historical figures and members of the community for Black History Month. February 1st marked the first annual Black History Soccer tournament, followed by a dance.

The First Baptist Church hosted three events. On February 8th, there was a Night of Song, February 18th was a Caribbean Cooking Demonstration, and February 25th was the South African Cooking Demonstration.

The College of New Caledonia hosted various events that stressed the importance of observing and recognizing the cultures of an often overlooked group within Canada. On February 15th, there was a Family Day at CNC, from 2 to 5 p.m. February 22 served as the main event at CNC, which consisted of a wonderful dinner from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., followed by the presentation, Mandela: The Man and his Legacy.

If you missed any of the events listed above, don’t fret. There is still time to join the party. Kicking off the CNC events on February 28th is an afternoon of cultural performances, music, and food from 12 to 2 p.m. Come on out, learn something and have fun.

Love is just a lightning storm So pretty at the start Until you’re struck by loss, and all leftover Is less than a beating heart “What do you have to lose?” You ask.

Your sanity at best At worst you’ll be alone for good Stitching up your chest But never can you fix it Never will it heal Time will only help you Die within the real

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BLACK HISTORY MONTH

JORDI HAMILTON

As down would shoot the lightning Outward goes the flesh The air around is shock waved A heart is all that’s left

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF LEARNING

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by : Roxanne Quock

The following are the unadulterated words of Roxanne Quock, CNCSU Chair.

As per my personality, I have a hard time keeping my mouth shut. That kind of trait usually lands me in someone’s hot water. I have learned to live with it and accept whatever comes my way. When I entered into the Social Work program I started to meet people who felt as I do. So many things in my life felt unfair, wrong, misleading, or painfully unjust. How could I grow up feeling so adverse to these events if it was not wrong? If I had believed what they told me I would believe that it was my fault and that I was just spoiled. Thankfully I have people around me nowadays that will tell me how amazing I am and how much I have to

I learned of allies. They learned the gruesome and disheartening statistics pertaining to Canada’s Aboriginal population.

I walked away feeling balanced. No fights. No animosity. No shame. No blame.

The one central important person in my life is my son.

He brings the light to my life and love to my heart.

I have never met anyone more ready to learn and to accept. He is happy and playful, teachers often say too playful, but I think he is perfect.

At times he has seen me belittled. He has seen the pain on his mother and instinctively comforted me.

His little world all he knew was that he could make his mommy smile with hugs and kisses, that a long hug and some tissue would stop the tears. I have not hid my pain from my son, he needs to know how to survive those attacks.

He has been asking me to play with one of his best buddies at school. I finally wind up in the school at the same time as his mom and he want us to talk. As I walk to approach her, her face twists and eyes narrow. I get the up and down then the grinch smirk. It stops me dead in my tracks. I know what that means. I cannot move. As my son tugs on

my arm begging me to keep walking, he does not see the huge wall in front of me.

He does not understand my resistance to approach her.

In a split second I quickly reach down and hug my son while playfully singing one of our favourite Snoop Lion songs as I push him towards and out the door.

When he is done giggling he asks why I would not talk to his friends mom. I tell him she did not want me to talk to her. I immediately start telling him of people I go to school with who have boys his age and we can start to hang out with them. I point out the other little brown boys walking with their moms who are more than happy to chat and have play dates. He continues to question. I tell him that some people will not want to talk to me but that others will talk to me.

That suffices him, we move on to minecraft worlds and all the fun he has in them.

When I am home and dinner is done and he is content on his games.........I go to my room and I cry.

Every day I am glad that he does not understand what is around him.

Anger, sadness, shame then guilt. TGIF?

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STUDENT VIEWPOINTS

offer. Of course they wouldn’t be my friends if they didn’t tell me the hard core truth of my detriments in personality, but there is never any malice in the feelings and my soul can tell that they care more about my goodness.

I have been focusing much of my energy on bringing to light the injustices Indigenous People face in Canada. I am learning how socioeconomic and social conditions play roles in how people develop.

I learn about how our bodies work with passing messages throughout the body.

I learn how to communicate effectively. Every day I fill myself with something new that reinforces that, in fact, what I had experienced was unfair, unjust, and not my fault.

I see the connections. I want others to have it better. I want my son to be lighter. To be free.

I talk about white privilege.

Not to be hateful or hurtful. I do it because I am looking for my allies. I want to know who I can reach out to. I do not want to call these people to the front line to fight for us. I simply need to feel the comfort of knowing they exist. I have a wonderful Instructor who I have learned so much from. He and I share the passion for social activism and can hardly contain excitement about tearing holes in the social fabric that we call Canadian society. I brought to him today a viral argument that had spawned from a comic strip explaining what white privilege looks like. The class joined in and everyone learned something new.

“This man will make your liver quiver! This man will make your bladder splatter! This man will freeze your knees!

If you will, let’s all welcome the worlds Godfather of Soul, Soul Brother No. 1, James Brown!”

recently paroled Byrd’s upand-coming R&B group, The Famous Flames. It was through this band that Brown would begin to develop his own brand of funk and hone his singing and dancing. Brown was branded Mr. Dynamite in the early to mid-sixties because of the energy he brought to the stage.

In 1965, Brown released “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag” which he received a Grammy for. It was not until 1967 that Brown would be labelled, “Soul Brother No. 1”, taking the role he was created for. As a live musician, Brown would start many of his concerts with unmatched flair, charisma, and stamina, performing split-kicks, shuffle walks, and jumps that would put Van Halen’s, David Lee Roth, to shame. Brown would release successful studio and live albums throughout the 1970’s that are still purchased and collected to this day.

What made Brown so successful was his ability to get everybody off the seats they had purchased and up and dancing. By combining the simple, but danceable music of R&B with that of the precise and unorthodox Jazz, Brown established himself as a powerful force within the music scene as an African-American musician. Men wanted to be him and women wanted to be with him.

By the 1970’s, Brown would become known as, “The Godfather of Soul”, but he would soon experience a decline in both his personal life and his stage career. Following monetary disputes, a majority

of Brown’s longtime live band would leave him forever. Despite the setback, Brown would hire controversial musicians, such as Bootsy Collins and Phelps Collins, who would later embark on successful solo careers. Although still recording and performing, Brown’s 1974 track, “Papa Don’t Take No Mess”, would serve as his last No.1 Single.

By the 1980’s, Brown, a former advocate of a drug and alcohol free lifestyle, would become addicted to PCP and cocaine with his third wife, Adrienne Rodriguez. Brown’s legal and drug troubles would not end here. He faced numerous charges for drug and weapon possession followed by a 1988 high-speed pursuit that would lead to his incarceration. After three years of confinement, Brown failed to clean up his act and would spend the 1990’s abusing drugs and debating his domestic violence allegations.

In the 2000’s, Brown would attempt to make a musical comeback, performing live in various stadiums around the United States. Despite his efforts, it was clear that years of his drugs and alcohol had withered away the finely honed skills this man worked so hard to possess.

Brown would die from congestive heart failure on December 25th, 2006.

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JAMES BROWN

MUSICIAN OF THE MONTH 16 THECONFLUENCE

by : Ryan White Editor-in-Chief

These were the words spoken by James Brown’s MC, Danny Ray, during his legendary 1974 performance at Zaire 74, a three day musical event in Kinshasa, Zaire, now the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Brown could sing, he could dance, he could lead a band, and without a doubt, he earned the moniker of the hardest working man in show business for his dedication, precision, and lifestyle. His legendary stage persona would go on to influence such bands and solo artists as Sly and the Family Stone and Michael Jackson.

However, his rise and fall in stardom began from humble beginnings.

In 1933, Brown was born in South Carolina to a family defined by their extreme poverty.

Despite the constant threat of starvation and illness, Brown would learn to sing and dance at a young age, using his skills to entertain the troops in South Carolina that were waiting to be deployed to fight against the German forces during World War II. At age 16, Brown was convicted of armed robbery and sent to a juvenile detention center in Taccoa.

Despite his incarceration, Brown proved that caged birds still sing. He began performing regularly in the juvenile detention’s choir with another young man who would later become his bandmate, Mr. Bobby Byrd.

Shortly after his 1952 parole, Brown would join the

When The Provincial Government Doesn’t Even Give You

Lemons It’s pretty hard to make lemonade The national average for student debt is $27,000.

BC students graduate with an average of $35,000 in debt.

Funding for Post-Secondary institutes has stagnated or been cut in BC. Colleges and universities are caught in the funding squeeze between stagnant funding and frozen tuition and just can’t make ends meet. To try and balance budgets, schools are forced to cut programs, increase class sizes and leave less room for domestic students. Students have already been squeezed dry for their education, they can’t pay more tuition. The only solution is to increase school funding from the provincial government.

Students are being squeezed.

Schools are being squeezed.

Squash the Squeeze

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It’s time to

CNC STUDENTS’ UNION EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

ELECTIONS 2014

Eric Depenau Position Campaigning For: Chairperson Why you should vote for me: It is the job of the Chairperson to release the potential energies of all Student Union members as they work to create positive change at CNC’s campuses. I believe that I have the abilities and the qualifications to be a strong voice and leader within the organization. One of the strengths I will bring to the position of Chairperson is the ability to develop strong working relationships that bring out the unique interests, talents and abilities of the team members.

Aditi Kaushik Position Campaigning For: International Students’ Representative

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“This It’s that time of the year again. That time when College of New Caledonia students partake in the democratic experience by voting their fellow students in for the various CNCSU Executive Committee positions that are available. .“

The campaigns and elections are sure to be an exciting experience full of surprises for both the voters and the candidates running for the CNCSU Executive Committee positions. Voting is crucial as these positions require filling.

In no particular order, the current electable positions include: Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, Prince George Campus Representative, Quesnel Students’ Representative, Aboriginal Students’ Representative, Women Students’ Representative, and International Students’ Representative.

The Executive Committee positions make up the framework of the CNCSU and serve as the safety-nets which separate you, the student, from the vultures and villains who wish to make your social and financial life a living hell. For instance, the CNCSU is one of the reasons why the College of New Caledonia is one of the more affordable colleges in British Columbia. Plus, they give you contraceptives, a dental plan, and bus passes.

If you ever have a problem, the CNCSU Executive Committee members will be here to help you address your concerns and remedy your problem as quickly and effectively as possible.

Do not let the CNCSU down by not voting, do not let fascism win.

From February 25th to March 2nd, there will be numerous candidates on campus campaigning for the vacant and contested positions. If you see a candidate on campus, introduce yourself and ask how they are going to fulfill their positions to the fullest if elected. I assure you that the candidates will be more than happy to answer your questions.

You can vote from March 4th to the 6th at the Gathering Place beside the fountain.

Why you should vote for me: As an international student, I understand the issues international students experience upon coming to Canada.

Such problems include difficulties communicating effectively, getting used to differing education systems, and socializing effectively within new environments. If you vote for me, I believe that I can help international students overcome the various problems they experience through positive interactions and problem solving.

Arnold Yellowman Position Campaigning For: Aboriginal Students’ Representative Why you should vote for me: My spiritual name is translated to Colors before the Thuderbirds. Voting for me is a moment to understand the need to restructure the integrity of Indigenization. The Idle No More momentum gave a whole new generation of students the opportunity to reach the masses through grassroots awareness and education by recognizing the strength of culture and heritage connections. I look forward to representing Indigienous students and seeking advice through the year by establishing awareness around the regional campuses and communities. Musi/Miigwetch/Thank you.

Kirandeep Singh Wander Position Campaigning For: Treasurer Why you should vote for me: I will assist in formulating a budget for the union and take account of all financial matters. I ensure that careful accounts will be kept of all finances received and disbursed by the union. I will also be responsible for keeping the Executive committee informed of all issues which pertain to the finances of the union.

Moreover, I would also welcome advice from everybody to make sure everyone has a say. So, please vote for me for treasurer.

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by : Ryan White Editor-in-Chief

Lee Nanda

Position Campaigning For: Treasurer

Position Campaigning For: International Students’ Representative

Why you should vote for me: Having already been active in the Students’ Union, I have a lot of experience in the day to day operations of the Student Union: the Students’ Union services, the Students’ Union budget, fundraising, cash management and Students’ Union policies.

I look forward to being involved in the decision making and planning of successful student events to provide more campus community. I look forward to being able to plan more activities and finding the funds within the budget to give something back to students.

Why you should vote for me: I believe that when new International students come to Canada, they aren’t aware of the schools current policies and the benefits they can receive. Overall, I want to help new and current International students. I am a very energetic, enthusiastic, friendly, creative and helpful person. If you vote for me, I will be sure to help you with your problems, anytime and anywhere.

Shiwani Gupta

Muhammad Rajman Hussain

Position Campaigning For: Women Students’ Representative

Position Campaigning For: International Students’ Representative

Why you should vote for me: College is a place filled with great educational opportunities for both male and female students. A level playing field for men and women is a necessity to succeed. As the women students’ representative, I will present feminist viewpoints on all matters towards the student union, protect women’s rights, and maintain feminine safety and security. I will also assist students with their problems.

Why you should vote for me: I am an International student from Dubai.

First and foremost, I ensure that I am responsible for the success of International students. I have a vast understanding of the International students and International community and I ensure that I stay well connected with everyone. If you vote for me, know that I will solve your problems and treat you as a friend and family member.

Shannon Williams

Josh Balsom

Position Campaigning For: Secretary

Position Campaigning For: Prince George Campus Representative

Why you should vote for me: I would like to assist the student body by ensuring our Student Union runs smoothly, and that we, the students, are represented fairly. My past experience in administration and my commitment to understanding the diverse needs and life positions of our members will help me in my endeavour to serve. I have a very positive outlook on life, and various hobbies that help me get through my day to day school life with little stress.

Why should you vote for me: The two most important things for me to influence this year have been sustainability and fighting to reduce tuition fees. This past year I have been your Prince George Campus Rep; where I have worked with other student advocates across the province and country to work on these persistent issues. I think if you re-elect me this year, experience will be my biggest asset. Being a student leader for you this year has been a great privilege and I hope I can continue to do this work and fight for what is our right – Education.

Gursahib Mann

Kaila Poore

Position Campaigning For: Secretary Why you should vote for me: As a hardworking student, I am a very energetic and enthusiastic towards the various facets of college life, such as the new events and clubs in our institution. I am looking forward to the secretary position because it serves a great opportunity for me to help my fellow student body by contributing to their needs as sincerely as humanly possible.

Position Campaigning For: Quesnel Students’ Representative Why you should vote for me: I will direct my energy to create a positive experience for those at CNC – Quesnel. Also, I will speak on behalf of all the students to ensure our voices and concerns are heard. Overall, you should vote for me because I have the qualities and necessary skills to be a successful student representative and leader for you, the students.

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Teleah Old

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