The Voice • October 24, 2019 • Volume 52 • Issue 2

Student struggle

Some international students are working extended hours to cover costs. P2

Special youth edition

Foreign students graduate, evacuate

Study: two thirds of international grads quit Canada within six years

By SOUBHIK

By CHAKRABARTI

Workplace discrimination and racial profiling could be the reason international students don’t stay in Canada, according to a recent study.

Conducted by Statistics Canada, the study found that only one-third of international students who studied in Canadian college and university programs remained in the country after graduating.

The study said that difficulty finding jobs in Canada could be the reason international students are leaving and that discrimination from employers and language barriers could be contributing factors impacting student employment.

Third-year math and geography student from India Avjeet Dhaliwal who has experienced discrimination said that if she is unsuccessful finding a career in her chosen field she may leave the country.

“If I’m getting a really good job I wouldn’t have any problem staying in Canada, if not, I’ll go back,” Dhaliwal said.

The study’s co-author, Marc Frenette said that integration and a lack of connections could be a factor hindering the job search.

“They don’t have the same kind of network as people born in Canada might have,” Frenette said.

Khushwant Singh, a second-year international student from India in the Langara computer science program said that it took him three months to find a job in Canada

“It’s quite difficult” Singh said.

According to Frenette, however, trouble finding work may not be the only factor in the trend.

“It’s possible that they aren’t getting a job,” Frenette said. “But it’s also fully possible that they intended to go back to their home country or some other country” .”

While some students may intend on leaving, a 2017 survey conducted by the Canadian Bureau for International Education found that over half of international students surveyed expressed a desire to immigrate to Canada following graduation.

Falcons preview

Checking in with Langara's men's and women's basketball teams as the season starts. P8

Rink scarcity

This week, Voice Radio examines South Vancouver's ice rink shortage. langaravoice.ca

Mushrooms fighting mental illness

P4-5

No transit, no students

Looming

bus

strike could be an obstacle for college commute

With the possibility of Coast Mountain Bus Company staff walking off the job, many Langara students and staff may soon be unable to get to the campus.

Langara’s 2017 Transportation Survey Report showed that 88 per cent of respondents used transit to reach the campus.

Aaron Marty, an environmental studies student, said that a transit strike would be very problematic for him.

“My only way to get here would be taxi,” said Marty.

Situated on South Vancouver’s 49 Avenue, Langara College is primarily serviced by the 49 bus route, the second busiest bus route in the province.

Studio 58 theatre student Sofie Kane said, “It’s the main way we get to school.”

While the survey showed that

transit was a prominent option for respondents located in Vancouver, the results suggest that transit is even more popular among those travelling from further away. The survey stated that 96 per cent of respondents located in Surrey relied on transit.

In an email, Sherry Chin-Shue, director of human resource operations at Langara said the college is yet to address the possibility of a strike with employees.

“We are monitoring the situation closely and considering our plans should there be job action by transit workers,” Chin-Shue said.

In 2001, transit operators went on strike for over 100 days, in what became Metro Vancouver’s longest transit strike to date.

Despite 99 per cent of union members voting in favour of a strike, the president of Unifor Local 111, Mike McMillan, said he is “still hopeful a walkout can be avoided.”

TRAVEL OPTIONS

GET AROUND DURING A STRIKE

» Bike

Vancouver is full of cycling options. A map of the city's bike routes is available online at Vancouver.ca.

» Carpool

Driving with multiple passengers? Apply for a carpool decal from Langara and get access to carpool spots.

» Car Share

Business administration student Srikant Raturi said that a transit strike would be devastating for him as he relies heavily on the transit system.

“I take two buses and a train, so I don’t think I’d be able to reach the college,” said Raturi.

However, Gordon Lovegrove, a UBC engineering professor with expertise in transportation, said that such a significant vote could result in a strike action.

“I don’t see the drivers backing down,” Lovegrove said. The union must provide the public with 72 hours' notice prior to striking.

Services like car2go and Evo let you rent cars by the minute.

» Taxi, Ride Share

While taxi services are available in Vancouver, ride sharing services like Uber and Lyft are on their way following recent city approval.

SOURCES: LANGARA .CA, VANCOUVER.CA

PRODUCED BY LANGARA JOURNALISM STUDENTS | WWW.LANGARAVOICE.CA

OCTOBER 24, 2019 • VOL. 52 NO. 2 • VANCOUVER, B.C.

A poisonous Fly Agaric mushroom which has psychoactive properties. Consuming Fly Agaric can be deadly. PHOTO SOURCED FROM LIBRESHOT

 By RAY CHOPPING

“I take two buses and a train, so I don't think I'd be able to reach the college.”

— SRIKANT RATURI, BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION STUDENT

Bikes benefit business

More protected cycling lanes would mean more foot traffic for South Van storefronts

By PALAK KLAIRE

Businesses in South Vancouver are not receiving the full benefit of increased traffic from cyclists due to South Vancouver’s scattered bike lanes that are often unprotected from traffic.

According to Kay Teschke, a professor at UBC who helped initiate the Cycling in Cities program which investigates factors that encourage or discourage cycling, people fear the busiest trails in South Vancouver as a result of sparse biking routes that are often potentially dangerous.

Teschke said, “in popular areas for bicycling like Main Street there are no decent bike lanes.”

Many bikers fear collisions and while many bike lanes provide protection the risk factors are a big concern for large parts of South Vancouver.

“Cambie has bike lanes but they

Twenty hours not enough

International students struggle with tight work restrictions

 By STEVEN CHANG

International students must not work over 20 hours a week while studying.

Many students find it is not enough to support themselves and end-up working under the table.

International students that were interviewed by The Voice who work over their 20 hours limit weren’t willing to speak out due to the risk of getting fired and potentially losing their status in Canada.

It is a requirement for international students to have a minimum of $10,000 in their bank account to receive a monthly’s Guaranteed Investment Certificate.

“International students are only

getting about $670 every month from GIC, which is a tight budget to live off. Naturally, there is a tendency to work overtime even though they’re not allowed to,” said Kane Lillywhite, who works at a financial institution at Langara.

International students often encounter difficulties with affordability living in Vancouver. Sayem Behl is a secondyear computer science student at Langara, who knows many students from India that are currently working over the limit but won’t reveal their identity, due to concerns that if revealed they would

are not physically separated, its just paint and only some people are willing to ride on them, along Marine Drive so there are so many places where we just don’t have proper bike lanes,” Teschke said.

Small businesses in South Vancouver are better served by walking, transit, and cycling because drivers often choose bigger box stores. It’s tiresome to bike long distances and as a result riders often choose to go on a short journey to nearby shops but will purchase less than those who drove.

According to Rob Nijjar, executive director of the South Hill Business Association, “the number of bicycle lanes in the city is calculated partially by request. If demand is low, fewer lanes may amount to the same level of public service."

According to Nijjar efforts have been made by the city of Vancouver and the South Hill Business Association in expanding South Vancouver’s biking network. “Installation of bike racks has been happening for years people on Fraser. On the street you will see there are bike racks, as we work with the city, that’s what our business association does to improve our area,” Nijjar said.

no longer be able to stay in Canada.

Behl said, “I am lucky that I have a good employer at my software

Student’s Union, Navjot Warring, is an international student and thinks students are working part-time jobs according to their needs.

“I live with my uncle, so rent isn’t an issue. But other students are working so they can afford a car. Some students are working to put less burden on their parents back home," Warring said.

company. But if you ask anybody whether they’re working for more than 20 hours, they won’t tell you anything.”

The Vice President at the Langara

Student loans are often important to international students at Langara since they pay $590 per credit while domestic students pay between $99.42 and $129.31 per credit according to the Langara website.

Grads without a licence stalled

Employers often want students coming out of school to drive

Graduating students often don't have a driver’s licence due to the high cost of driving and this is negatively affecting their employment opportunities, even for non-driving related jobs.

Langara student, Sumeet Gupta, said, “I’d rather use transit because it’s so expensive. I just purchased my insurance a few weeks ago. It went up by almost a thousand dollars and I was scared.”

The Mercer Cost of Living survey ranked Vancouver the most expensive Canadian city this year. The average student in B.C. graduates with debt, linked to rising costs of living in the province. With the U-Pass B.C. student transit program, however, many South Vancouver students manage to commute to school reliably.

The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia insures the 3.2 million Canadians who are required to have basic coverage through them. In September ICBC reduced their subsidies for rates on new drivers. Joanna Linsangan, a communications specialist with ICBC, said, “the old model wasn’t fair”, to those who had, “taken the steps to get

in Vancouver and said that he has seen a drop in driving students since 2003 when ICBC regulations changed to no longer allow a learners knowledge test and behind the wheel test to be within a day of each other. Vakili said, “if the youth wants to get their license it takes

three years… it’s a slowdown of the system”.

Adding another financial barrier for students entering job markets has adverse effects for Langara College and other educational institutions pressed to come up with employment statistics.

Special youth edition

proper training to be a safe driver.” As a result of these changes many young drivers have seen an increase in their premiums. “We understand that it can certainly be a challenge for anybody who’s just starting out,” Linsangan said.

Driving schools represent an additional investment of over $1,200 in the case of one instructor, Ahad Vakili. Vakili teaches At the West End Driving School

Domestic and international students walking the hallways of Langara College. International students are struggling to make ends meet as they are limited to work only 20 hours in a week while studying. JOE AYRES PHOTO

"I just purchased my insurance a few weeks ago. It went up by almost a thousand dollars.”

— SUMEET GUPTA, LANGARA STUDENT

After graduating many students are struggling to find employment if they do not have a drivers licence. GINA ROGERS PHOTO

"Cambie has bike lanes but they are not physically separated, its just paint and only some are willing to use them.”

— KAY TESCHKE, UBC PROFESSOR

 By GINA ROGERS

“Some students are working to put less burden on their parents back home.”

— NAVJOT WARRING LSU VICE PRESIDENT

Kay Teschke UBC PROFESSOR

Students weigh in on election

Langara pupils not happy with Trudeau and think issues need to be verified

 By MISSY JOHNSON

Some students at Langara were unaware of the federal election Monday night, others are skeptical with the results and were united in wanting and expecting more going forward.

Many were not sold by what re-elected prime minister Justin Trudeau had to say; distrust and uncertainty seemed to be the common thread and most expressed relief the Liberals would have a minority government.

The Liberal Party will have 157 seats in the House of Commons

with the Conservative Party representing the opposition with 121 seats. The Bloc Québécois made a comeback while the NDP sustained losses and one seat was gained for the Green Party.

Jody WilsonRaybould will sit in Ottawa as an independent MP.

Daniel Watson a first-year information technology student said,

“I’m just happy it’s a minority, I don’t trust Trudeau.”

The last Canadian minority government was in 2011 during Stephen Harper’s second term.

WilsonRaybould said in her victory speech Monday, stronger policies and bi-partisan choices are made with this kind of government.

Driving for some extra cash

Stringent B.C. ride-hailing rules deter some student applicants

 By LINA CHUNG

Some Langara students say they would drive part-time for the incoming ride-hailing companies because they have flexible schedules.

Ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft will be operating in B.C. this fall and students are seeing it as a potential job opportunity.

In B.C, to become a driver for ride-hailing companies, a Class 4 driver’s licence is needed. The vehicle must also be nine years or newer.

Karanpreet Singh, a second-year computer studies diploma student,

is applying for his Class 4 driver’s licence shortly, and is hoping to drive in the evenings for Uber in the next year.

“I will do an office job from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., then in the evening I will drive Uber for four to five hours,” said Singh. “It’s an independent job. You don’t have to work under some employer.”

He added that you can drive whenever you want.

Student Yao Fu likes the benefits of this independence too.

“The money we get is much more than the [cost of operating a car]...

them to get extra money.”

Both Singh and Fu know friends who currently drive for Uber or other ride-hailing companies in Canada.

Other Langara students were not keen on the idea of driving part-time for companies like Uber.

“I don’t know if Uber pays enough to make it worth it, if you factor in car maintenance and gas,” Dave Scorer said.

The business model is unclear for Alochen Rajaratnam, “Personally I wouldn’t because I don’t understand the concept at this point,” he said.

Right now, there is no shortage of job ads for Uber and Lyft driver job ads in the Lower Mainland.

Uber was first founded as UberCab in 2009 in San Francisco. The following year Uber had it's first trip.

and you just take your time to go to school or go back home, “ said Fu. “I think that it’s pretty convenient for

In 2012, Toronto was the first city in Canada to launch the ride-hailing program. Ottawa followed suit in 2014 Uber launched in Calgary in 2015. Today over 40 cities in Canada have Uber and other ride-hailing services.

Describing the results from Monday, Langara political science instructor Stephen Phillips said “it means the governing party commands less than a majority of seats.”

Although a minority may lead to a more non-partisan government, Watson said he’s glad conservative leader Andrew Scheer didn’t get into power. He believes Canada can still do better, especially for students.

“I think more young people should have voted NDP,” he said. “Student fees are so expensive in Canada.”

Young workers in decline

By ANITA ZHU

The number of youth aged 15-24 with jobs is on the decline, according to a recent Statistics Canada study.  Based on the Stats Can numbers, the unemployment rate fell to 12.7 per cent from 12.2 per cent in the last few months.

According to some Langara students, the reason why they aren’t looking for jobs is because of busy school schedules or a desire to focus on their academics.

Some programs like Studio 58 do not allow students to have jobs during the term.

The average rate of unemployment for youth 15-29 was 11.8% between 1990 and 2015

“I have to focus on my studies,” explained Langara student Mihaela Andruseac. “I am studying full time.”

Some want jobs but find it tough to find one.

Langara art student Mathew Sever said he sometimes found that “language can be a barrier.”

The number of students who applied for the SWAP program this fall increased compared to

Watson pointed out that life is easier and more affordable for students in other countries such as Sweden and Denmark.

Tessa Scramstad, an arts student, said members of parliament need to take a more aggressive approach to climate change and said she doesn’t think the prime minister is up for the task.

“Justin Trudeau and the pipeline situation is not a good situation at all,” Scramstad said.

Sixty-six per cent of registered voters when to the polls, a two percent decrease from 2015.

this past summer, Erin Hagen, the administrative coordinator from student services said in an email to The Voice However, the number of students who actually submitted hours dropped to 49 from 60.

Justin Trudeau speaks to students at the UBC Okanagan campus. Some Langara students weren't happy that he was reelected. PHOTO HIVEMINER.COM

“I think more young people should have voted NDP, Student fees are so expensive— DANIEL WATSON, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY STUDENT

“It's an independent job. You don't have to work under some employer.”

— KARANPREET SINGH COMPUTER STUDIES STUDENT

A young man works at Starbucks.

PHOTO ERIS SIVA, WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Magic mushrooms Used for medicine

DISCLAIMER:

The Voice does not promote the unsupervised use of psychedelic mushrooms. Some may be poisonous. If you are looking into using psychedelic mushrooms for medicinal purposes, please seek a professional agency.

Mushrooms help

Studies on psychedelic fungi may

Psychedelic mushrooms are making headlines this year, and research shows their properties may help alleviate anxiety, depression and addiction.

Sam Reeve, president of Vancouver Mycological Society, said magic mushroom research looks promising, though more studies will be necessary to confirm its effectiveness on different people.

“It’s just going to be one more thing in the toolbox for fighting areas of mental illness,” Reeve said.

The Vancouver Mycological Society, is a community of researchers and enthusiasts who are passionate about fungi, including mushrooms, their biochemical properties, and their use for traditional and modern medicine.

The society is open to discussing the

promising use of magic mushrooms for medicinal purposes, but also emphasizes the risks of taking a hallucinogen.

Although she is pro-legalization, Reeve said it’s important to use caution.

“It will be good that it’s a bit regulated,” she said. “We don’t want people selling things that are grown in unsafe conditions.”

On Sunday, Oct. 20, the VMS hosted their 40th Annual Fall Mushroom Show at the VanDusen Botanical Garden.

The show included interactive displays of mushrooms, vendors, and several in-depth presentations on mushroom subtopics.

One of the speakers at the show was Paul Kroeger, a founder of the VMS and prominent B.C. mycologist, who gave a talk on psilocybin, the chemical

TOP LEFT: A group of Psilocybe pelliculosa sprouting on a forest floor. These mushrooms are almost exclusively found in British Columbia. COURTESY OF MUSHROOMOBSERVER.ORG

TOP MIDDLE: Alan Rockefeller extends his hand to show his gathering of Psilocybe quebecensis. These moderately active mushrooms are native to Quebec (hence the namesake). COURTESY OF MUSHROOMOBSERVER.ORG

TOP RIGHT: Large specimens of Amanite muscaria (Fly agaric) are laid out on a observational booth at the 40th Annual Fall Mushroom Show at VanDusen Botanical Garden in Vancouver, B.C. These mushrooms are arguably the most universally recognized mushroom, used frequently across pop culture. PHOTO BY KRISTEN HOLLIDAY

BOTTOM LEFT: A healthy patch of Psilocybe semilanceata (Angel Cap) grows in a patch of wet grass. Many magic mushroom users label it the most "user friendly" of them all. COURTESY OF MUSHROOMOBSERVER.ORG

BOTTOM MIDDLE: VMS president Sam Reeve proudly holds up one of dozens of mushroom specimens at the 40th Annual Fall Mushroom Show at VanDusen Botanical Garden in Vancouver, B.C. The specific mushroom she is holding is a Leucopaxillus septentrionalis (giant leucopax). PHOTO BY KRISTEN HOLLIDAY

help with mind

help with mental illnesses

compound in magic mushrooms.

Kroeger senses society shifting in favour of legalizing psychedelic mushrooms and exploring their medicinal potential.

He sees potential in recent studies.

“For serious treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, for coming to terms with end of life issues, I think there’s great validity," he said.

The Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic & Consciousness Research in Baltimore, United States, have published 64 peer-reviewed studies over the past 13 years on psilocybin and their effects on humans.

In one such study from 2016, titled Long-term Follow-up of Psilocybin-facilitated Smoking Cessation, researchers found that psilocybin, when administered in a structured treatment plan,

effectively helped the majority of participants to curb their addiction.

After a year, 67 per cent of the participants had not resumed smoking.

The researchers concluded psilocybin was more effective for smoking cessation than other medications and therapeutic methods.

In September, Vancouver city council discussed a proposal to investigate the distribution and sale of psilocybin, according to their meeting minutes.

Thirteen speakers attended to defend the natural psychedelic and the proposal was ultimately rejected.

Counsellor Pete Fry said: “I don’t think this motion is helpful at all. I think it imparts far too much stigma and sets us off on a bias that is not helpful to having a fulsome conversation.”

Studies in Psilocybin

Research tells how body reacts to chemical compound

Psilocybin is the chemical compound responsible for the hallucinogenic effects of magic mushrooms, and has a powerful effect on the brain.

DrugScience is a U.K.-based drugs advisory committee that reviews scientific evidence related to drugs. Their website says research is still ongoing regarding how psilocybin affects brain chemistry, but scientists understand psilocybin has a similar structure to serotonin. Serotonin is a chemical that has numerous roles in brain and body function. According to DrugScience, “Binding and activation of serotonin receptor sites correlate with the manifestation of psychedelic effects.”

Langara biology instructor Ji Yang said, “when you say magic mushrooms, the first thing that comes to my mind is psilocybe.” Although there are other types of

mushrooms with hallucinogenic properties, psilocybe is the most widely known.

According to the Vancouver Mycological Society website, ingesting mushrooms containing psilocybin can take anywhere from 10-30 minutes to take effect after being eaten depending on the dose.

— JI YANG

LANGARA COLLEGE BIOLOGY DEPARTMENT CHAR

While VMS vice president Mendel Skulski believes the area of research into magic mushrooms’ medicinal properties is valuable, he doesn’t believe everyone should use them. “There are certain mental health issues that are sometimes exacerbated by magic mushrooms,” he said. “It’s really important to be cautious, and important to go into such experiences with a not insignificant degree of preparation.”

“First thing that comes to mind is psilocybe.”

SUBMITTED

Online PR quiz not easy

Although there are many obstacles for international students to find relevant work in Canada after they graduate, there is also an obstacle for employers. It’s called the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

Many international post-secondary students who want permanent residency would be seeking to qualify under Immigration Canada’s Skilled Worker category.

This involves completing a pointsbased online questionnaire where an applicant is assessed points based on six factors of language skills, education, work experience, age, arranged employment and adaptability factors.

Only applicants with the highest points are invited to apply for permanent residency status.

A LMIA is a laborious application a company has to make to Immigration Canada to prove that there is no qualified Canadian available for the job. The employer must provide documentation as to why each Canadian interviewed was not qualified for the job.

A recent Statistics Canada study published in September states only a third of international students stay and work in Canada six years after graduating, possibly due to issues finding work.

Happily ever after or not

Does marriage still have a place in 2019? The

Philosopher’s Jam: Resisting Marriage - Reclaiming

Right: An Early Modern Critique of Patriarchy, held on campus just last Thursday, aimed to address that question.

According to the latest Statistics Canada data, approximately 38 per cent of all marriages end in divorce. Though the divorce rate has been dropping since the 1980’s, many still argue what is the point of even gettng married?

In a heterosexual marriage, it is inarguable that this tradition has

been historically used as a claim of ownership over women. Some traditions dictate that when a woman is married she moves out of her father’s home and into her husband’s; that she take his last name and bear his children. In many religions or cultures, a woman may be expected to keep her virginity intact until her wedding night. With such restraints, it can be difficult to see why any woman would want to get married.

From my own feminist voice; women are equal to men, and no person has the right to claim ownership over another.

While traditions are important as they're part of one’s culture progression is far more valuable. Progression can reshape society and change a cultural thinking. As we change, so too do our values. Do not get married out of obli-

gation or an idea of commitment. Some may only choose to get married because of family pressure, or because it’s viewed as the mature step after being together for so long. Marriage should be a choice of the heart. It can also be a choice of triumph.

Even though same sex marriage has been legal in Canada since 2005, it was only just decriminalized in Northern Ireland on October 22.

I am also married, and believe that marriage still has its place in 2019. The decision to get married wasn’t easy to come to. My partner and I had several discussions on whether it was right for us, and if the trial of a wedding was

something we wanted to subject ourselves to. We asked ourselves what would our future look like, both if we did and didn’t get married. There was no financial gain as the cost of the wedding was more than I’d ever be willing to admit, and obtaining a marriage license was a hassle.

But for us we decided the hassle was worth it. Being able to stand before our friends and family and declare our devotion to each other, to exercise our right to participate in this tradition. Marriage should always be a choice. But so should the decision to end one.

I decided to try Immigration Canada’s online questionnaire to figure out how many points I’d get under the Skilled Worker category.

Although I’m a domestic student, I answered the questionnaire as if I were an international student with good English fluency, aged 30, single, with a Canadian two-year diploma. Then, I got to work experience and job offer questions:

“In the last ten years, how many years of skilled work experience in Canada do you have?”

Since it has to be a job classed as managerial, professional, or skilled trades, I responded none, a situation similar to many international students.

Then this, “Do you have a valid job offer supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment?”

Many international students do not receive this, so I responded no.

I scored 367 out of a possible of 1200 points. Currently, on Immigration Canada’s website, I need a minimum of 450 points to be invited to apply for PR. Without PR status, international students need to leave the country.

“Marriage should be a choice of heart. It can also be choice of triumph.”

To many young men and women, the prospect of getting married may seem antiquated. And to others, a prision sentence. MANDY MOON ILLUSTRATION

A social group for men

South Vancouver Neighbourhood House program aims to provide a space for men to support each other

NGIMBIS

Support programs focused on helping men are particularly important in the era of modern technology when families don’t interact with real conversations, according to the coordinator of a South Vancouver group.

Eric Lau is the coordinator of the South Vancouver Neighbourhood Centre’s Man-Up community programs, which are a series of social groups focused around supporting men and those who identify as men.

Why women don't bike Research suggests less

Womenmake up just 38 per cent of cyclists in Vancouver, said a graduate student who is conducting research into the reasons behind the gender disparity.

Anjela Godber, a graduate student from Athabasca University and an avid cyclist, said her research suggests that men make up most of the cyclists who are on the road.

Lau said men who attend the meetings support each other on developing relationships.

“In some families, the interaction between children and parents do not exist anymore due to the lack of conversation caused by smartphones,” Lau said.

“Parents must spend more time with their children during the weekend and limit the screen time for children.”

Another participant, Ryan Brown supported this point of view. Brown said that although Canada has had a long tradition of democracy and free thinking, parents must sometimes behave in an autocratic manner to

preserve family cohesion.

The drop-in groups meet regularly in three community centres, at Sunset Community Centre, South Hill Neighbourhood Centre and South Vancouver Neighbourhood House. Topics at the support group include a book brigade, conversations over coffee, story circle, job search sessions and movies.

At the recent meeting on Octo-

ber 16, the group watched the movie The Sisters Brothers and then had a discussion on debt and family relationships.

Lau said the group, which began in the summer, was needed because there were many programs for women and families, but not enough for men to support each other.

Ali Ladal, an engineer who came to Canada as a permanent resi -

dent from India twenty years ago, attended the meeting, praising the initiative of men’s groups like Man-Up.

“Key social issues like children education and family peace must thoroughly be supported by men and fathers,” Ladal said. “There are many families deeply indebted in this country because parents are lackadaisical with children.”

A pure critique of marriage

Forum examines

Godber said some of the impacts on the number of women cyclists she had seen is when Vancouver started building more separated cycling lanes.

"About 25 per cent of the cyclists were women, then it jumped to 38 per cent,” Godber said.

“That's a jump but still isn't half of the male cyclists.”

Stephanie Sersli, a Ph.D. student at Simon Fraser University who studies on the gender difference in

cycling, suggested that many women are not prepared to travel along carshared roads and have unique mobility habits.

the use of marriage as a tool against

the tyranny of men over them as an artificial and indefensible development,” Emmett said at the forum.

women

Marriage as an illegitimate concept that was forced upon women by men to diminish their authority was the subject of a philosophical forum Thursday.

Kelin Emmett, an assistant professor at UBC, spoke on the nature of marriage at the Philosophers’ Jam forum on Thursday, sharing documents from her postdoctoral research about early modern women philosophers.

One of them was a writing called Giustizia delle donne by Modesta di Pozzo di Forzi (pen name Moderata Fonte), a 16th century Venician writer who wrote outside of the genre norms that were expected for women at the time.

In the literary dialogue that was published by her children after her death, Fonte writes about two groups of women who debate the nature of men.

“The questions of what modern readers are to make of the dialogue invites further philosophical considerations of the dialogue’s most interesting passages, many of which quite lucidly portray women’s equality and

“Fonte’s treatment of marriage specifically indicates that it can be viewed as a political institution as opposed to a natural institution, and one that was degrading to women’s political, moral and economic agency.”

Emily McBrayan, who attended the forum, suggested that marriage could sometimes be a net benefit for women.

"Some women financially benefit from marriage,” McBrayan said.

“If divorce happens, women are usually the ones end up getting men’s pension.”

Katharine Browne, the coordinator for Philosophers’ Jams, said she thought Emmett’s focus on early modern women was a needed addition to their open forums that philosophy lacked.

“Philosophy suffers from an underrepresentation of women in the field, and I thought that a Jam that highlighted women’s contribution to the discipline would be a welcome and important addition to our schedule,” Browne said.

“As with all of our Jams, I hope that the talk will prompt reflection and discussion on issues that are philosophically interesting and socially significant.”

"We live in a car-dominated environment, and our cities are literally designed around cars," she said.

“Many people associate biking with being assertive, you need to pick your space and being assertive are things that women are told not to do.”

Godber herself said she has encountered male behaviour on her routes.

"I've definitely had odd experiences, and it all unfortunately involved men, it could be male drivers, it could be male cyclists, they are very odd experiences."

It is essential to create a healthy bicycling atmosphere, and safety is a fundamental concern for women, according to Godber.

“Women have identified why finding maps and trying to navigate through the cycling routes can be somewhat challenging," said Godber.

Godber encouraged women to not be deterred by any of the challenges they might face.

“I think the more you bike, the more confidence you end up getting,” Godber said, suggesting they remind themselves that, "I belong here, the road belongs to everybody. It's a public space."

With Bike to Work week starting on the 21st, Sersli says it’s a great time to start supporting everyone’s right to bike, regardless of gender in Vancouver.

“Bike to Work Week is a great way to show support and celebrate people who bike to work,” Sersli said.

"As a society, we really need to start thinking about how we can change our physical and social environment so that women continue biking."

than half of cyclists are women

Participants Ali Ladal and Ryan Brown at the Cinemates (Short Films & Social Issues) meeting on the 14th. HENRI NGIMBIS PHOTO

“Key social issues like children education... must be supported by men and fathers.”

— ALI LADAL, ENGINEER

Kelin Emett at the Philosophers' Jam Thursday, where she talked about the portrayal of marriage by early modern women writers. ANITA ZHU PHOTO

“I belong here, the road belongs to everybody. It's a public space.”

— ANJELA GODBER, GRADUATE STUDENT

 By ANITA ZHU

 By HENRI

 By PALAK KLAIRE

“Fonte's treatment of marriage... one that was degrading to women's political, moral and economic agency.”

— KELIN EMMETT, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR

Home turf too distant

Men's team wants home field advantage

By LAUREN GARGIULO

The lack of an easily accessible playing field for the Langara men’s soccer team is one of the reasons the team didn’t qualify for the Pacific Western Athletic Association Championship this season according to the coach.

Langara College despite not competing will host the championship games offsite at the Burnaby Lake Sports Complex West Fields. Vancouver Island University, Douglas College and Capilano University will be competing and winners will go on to Ontario for a national competition.

Coach Marc Rizzardo said Langara has a good record, athletically and academically across the country. But the lack of a soccer field has made it tough.

Of the final four teams leading up to the PACWEST Championship, Langara is the only one without a field on or near the campus. Despite not qualifying, Langara will nevertheless host the tournament — offsite at Burnaby Lake Sports Complex West.

“I would love to get a field on campus,” said Jake McCallum, director of athletics and intramurals at Langara. “We don’t have a lot of space.”

The Falcon’s field is Musqueam Turf, located off of SW Marine Drive in the Musqueam First Nation Land at 4921 Staulo Cr. The team practices five days a week and plays back to back games Saturday and Sunday during the regular season, which ended on Oct. 20.

While other teams’ have the opportunity to have school engagement, because of the far location, it is difficult to bring students to the games according to Rizzardo.

“Support from the student body is zero,” he said.

The lack of student engagement from fans coming to see the game does not stop the team from being their own biggest fans, according to Joey Ratcliffe, the team’s captain.

Ratcliffe said he and his teammates have formed a close connection.

“We spend the week together. It really cements that bond,” Ratcliffe said. “I think that’s one of the biggest things about playing for this team.”

PACWEST STANDINGS

SEASON PREVIEW

Falcons pressing ahead

Men aim to strengthen defence, women work on cohesion

By STEVEN CHANG

Only one returning female athlete for the Falcons means fans will be seeing many new players this year, while on the men’s side, the returning veterans will lead the offensive.

Heading into the season, which begins Nov. 1, both women’s and men’s basketball are working to improve on last year’s performances. Last season, with a string of injuries and a weak defense, the men lost in the quarterfinal of the Pacific Western Conference Meanwhile, the women finished in fourth place, and will build on gelling in the hopes to rank higher this year.

Men’s team coach Paul Eberhardt stated they intend to press more aggressively and force more turnovers this season.

“I would expect by late January and February that we’ll be competitive with everyone else in the league,” Eberhardt said.

Returning veterans Moeiz Athaya, a thirdyear student, and Tyler Anderson, in his fourth-year, will provide leadership and keep an eye on younger team members who may need more support.

Last year, the team lost players due to injuries and academic issues which gave redshirt team member Jason Claur a chance to step in and help the team. Now a full-fledged player, Claur will make a big difference on the men’s team according to Anderson.

“Jason will help us out. We were in a tough situation last year and having him as a redshirt to be ready to play made a big difference,” said Anderson.  Steph von Riedemann is the only returning female athlete this year

for the women’s basketball team at Langara College, with many of the new players coming from the U.S.

The women’s coach Curtis Nelson praised his team for the extra preparation and work all 12 team members have put in, saying they wouldn’t expect anything less than excellence.

“Work ethic has been the key,” first-year recruit Binny Atwal said. “We tried to adapt the mentality of always doing more and not settling for average.”

Katie Skipworth a native from Lebanon, Oregon, said they have been working very hard this season. “We’re pretty young. I think we all have the attitude of wanting to be here,” Skipworth said.

The women's team works hard to gel together and work cohesively in practice, Oct. 16 2019. STEVEN CHANG PHOTO

Langara's current men's team plays against alumni players at the Langara Gym, Oct. 18 2019. STEVEN CHANG PHOTO

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“Work ethic has been the key."

— BINNY ATWAL, FIRST-YEAR RECRUIT