The Voice • November 1, 2012 • Volume 45 • Issue 5 by Langara Journalism

City bylaws affect local musicians.......................7 Bylaws limit options for local performers in Vancouver

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produced by langara journalism students

November 1 , 2012 • Vol. 45 no. 5 • vancouver, b.c.

Langara Jail time no issue for LSU MLA sparks A ‘confidential’ document leaked to The Voice reveals details on LSU marijuana staff compensation and other benefits — including jail-time leave. legalization “ L Fraserview MLA feels legalization would reduce crime . By RYAN BANAGAN

ash Heed, the MLA for Vancouver-Fraserview, has joined a legion of B.C. politicians and other policy makers in calling for the legalization of marijuana. As reported in the October 18 Vancouver Sun, Heed, who is the MLA for Langara College, said he believes organized crime activity from the illegal drug trade will be reduced immensely if pot were legalized and taxed. With more than 30 years of experience in law enforcement, Heed said he has seen the “devastating consequences” of pot prohibition, according to a press release announcing his decision. “In the early 1990s, I began to fully recognize the futility and the social, economic and public health costs of continuing marijuana prohibition,” Heed said in a prepared statement. “And I came to one inescapable conclusion — cannabis prohibition fuels gang violence in B.C.” Heed feels there is no way to deal with the drug problem under the current policies. He believes it’s easier for our youth right now to go out and buy marijuana than it is to purchase alcohol and cigarettes. Though the movement is gaining popularity, Vancouver-Fraserview residents are split on the MLA’s solution. “Organized crime will always follow the money,” said Fraserview resident Max Renger. “If we can eliminate pot as a money-making crop, hopefully the gangs will turn elsewhere.” But another Fraserview resident, Marissa Denning, said Heed is wrong. “People are missing the big picture here. Legalizing marijuana in B.C. will not stop the violence,” said. “Most of these gangs’ demand for pot is coming from the United States. That’s where they are making the big money and competing with one another,” she added. Heed announced he’s joining Stop the Violence B.C., a coalition of academic, legal, law enforcement and health experts fighting to regulate and tax weed. Included among the coalition are B.C. mayors, the Health Officers Council of B.C. and former B.C. attorneysgeneral. Heed’s statements were made after a Union of B.C. Municipalities resolution was passed last month, calling for the decriminalization of marijuana. Printed on recycled paper

Maybe the student union didn’t know that it was required to file the collective agreement with the LRB.

Larry Page, labour lawyer

By SAM REYNOLDS

See also New LSU bylaws on page 3

angara Student Union employees are entitled to full benefits and salary if they’re sent to jail, according to a collective bargaining agreement leaked to The Voice that the LSU has repeatedly refused to release. The agreement, negotiated between the LSU and Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 15, outlines the conditions of work agreed to by the employers and the employee. According to the agreement, the current wage for full-time LSU staff is $30 an hour — which increased from $26.30 in 2007 due to a cost-of-living allowance and other adjustments. Sessional staff wage rates began at $16 an hour in December 2007 and are now at $18.40. LSU staff are entitled to a buffet of

medical benefits: full coverage of B.C. Medical Services Plan, an extended health-care benefits plan, as well as a dental plan, with coverage extending to their family. Staff also enjoy full life insurance paid for by the LSU with coverage of one-and-a-half times their salary, a 10.5 per-cent contribution of the annual regular staff payroll into a registered retirement savings plan and five weeks paid leave if their spouse gives birth. The agreement also grants leave without pay for any member sent to jail for up to two years. The document specifies that if this incarceration comes as a result of action taken at the request of the LSU, the member will receive full pay, benefits, and not lose se-

niority while in jail. To put some perspective to the LSU’s wages, Statistics Canada reports that the average wage for administrative occupations is $21.87 per hour. Claiming the document was confidential, the LSU media liaison refused to comment. A CUPE Local 15 liaison later said that the LSU would not be commenting because of a “blackout” due to upcoming negotiations. Larry Page, a Vancouver labour lawyer with Davis LLP, dismissed the LSU’s claim. “Collective agreements are public and they are required to be filed with the Labour Relations Board of B.C.,” said Page. “Maybe the student union didn’t know that it was required to file the collective agreement with the LRB.”

SANDIP RAKHRA photo

The Five Beloved Ones of the Surrey Nagar Kirtan during the Vaisakhi Parade in 2007. The South Asian community continues to grow in Metro Vancouver, espcially in Surrey.

South Van no longer Punjabi draw Surrey markets replace Main street as Punjabi community grows. By ANNIE ELLISON

he South Asian community in the Lower Mainland is growing, but not in south Vancouver. The 2012 Canadian Census data shows that 126,000 Metro Vancouver residents speak Punjabi, but a walk through Vancouver’s Punjabi Market suggests otherwise. For the last five years, the Main Street merchant district has been struggling while Surrey’s explodes. “More people in India know of Surrey than Vancouver, ” said Madan Dhingra, owner of Mona Cloth House on Main Street.

High property taxes are forcing merchants to relocate, he said. “That guy called it a day and went to Surrey,” said Dhingra gesturing to vacant storefronts, “so did that guy and that guy.” New immigrants are also avoiding Vancouver’s sky-high property and rental prices. “Anybody new has no chance to come here,” said Dhingra. Clients can buy bigger, cheaper houses south of the Fraser, says Surrey real estate agent Tejinder Singh. “Vancouver won’t run out of Punjabi people,” he said. But there is more support, community and opportunities for new immigrants in Surrey. Singh says there is also better shopping than on Main Street. “Back there, you only have food and fashion.” Comparatively, Payal Business Cen-

tre in Surrey has banks, opticians, travel agents, lawyers, notary publics and other services. “It’s more like a market back home and that’s what people want,” said Singh. People want to go where the shops are and merchants want to be where the people are. This feedback is flooding Surrey and “killing us here,” says Dhingra. This shift also has devastating implications for community ties in the neighbourhood, says Langara anthropology instructor Carol MacLeod. Even if the extent of your relationship with a shopkeeper is waving hello, “what’s important is that they know who you are,” said MacLeod. Without the honour guard of frequented shops, such basic community connections don’t exist, says MacLeod.

By the numbers In Metro Van According to the 2012 Canadian Census, 126,000 Metro Vancouver residents speak Punjabi Source: Canadian Census

Check out our web exclusives at http://langaravoice.com/

News Cambie houses on sale still

Editor Brandon Reid

The Voice, THURSDAY, November 1, 20012

Prices remain the same as Vancouver market drops with buyer demand By JUDY CHERN

or sale signs along West 49th Avenue and Cambie Street may be a ripple effect of recent changes to immigration policies. The homes have remained unsold for about a year. With prices in the range of $2 million to $3 million, not many individual homebuyers can afford to put down the cash. Although Vancouver has seen a price drop in the overall market, the number of buyers is also decreasing. This is due in part to new immigration policies that involve limiting the number of applicants per year, said Anny Yang, a sales representative at Sutton realty group. Yang said immigration is crucial to the economy and the real estate market. “Our economy is going to hurt a bit, that’s why we’re seeing this downfall [in sales],” she said. “Local people can’t afford it for sure.” Estella Yang, a resident in the area, said she’s heard sales are targeted not towards homebuyers but towards developers looking to buy multiple lots in order to build multiplexes. Homeowners looking to sell individual lots are out of luck. “With the prices now it’s going to be on hold for a while,” said Anny Yang. She said getting a mortgage has become an increasingly difficult process. Real estate companies are feeling the downfall in the market, but they are also at odds with some individuals involved in the business. “There’s a lot of people who have a lot of connections through Asia that would jump in and get their licence and sell and buy without proper training, hurting the realtors that are doing their jobs,” said Anny Yang. She said as a result companies are cutting commissions for real estate agents. “It’s a troubled phase for realtors as well.” Anny Yang believes that immigration laws will loosen once the government realizes they’re hurting the economy. “It’s going to smooth out, we’re going to find equilibrium and a stable state,” she said. “If the market goes up so will the economy.”

BRONWYN SCOTT photo

A family doctor administering the HPV vaccine into a patient’s arm in belief it’ll protect against various forms of the virus.

Vaccine not that clean

HPV shot isn’t a guarantee like it’s made out to be, says UBC doctor By BRONWYN SCOTT

ew studies suggest that the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, administered to Grade 6 girls across B.C., may cause more harm than good. Two teenagers, 14 and 19, died after immunization, and suffering similar neurological symptoms such as migraines, speech problems, dizziness, chest pain, inability to walk and confusion, according to a study co-authored by neuroscientist Christopher Shaw. His intention is “not to scare people off” but to remind us that everything comes with risks and to make sure that young people make informed decisions. “I just want them to have that piece of the story,” he said. A causal connection between the vaccine and adverse reactions, however, cannot be determined and these incidents are rare.

“There will be side effects to anything that you have in this world, whether . . . it’s an injection or . . . driving a car,” said Ashleigh Stelzer-Chilton, a family doctor in Vancouver. “Nothing is 100 per cent,” she said. “I’ve worked in Africa and all over the place where vaccines are not available for a whole bunch of different reasons . . . but people die all the time for things that we’ve got protection from here,” said Stelzer-Chilton. “I think sometimes we focus on the wrong thing.” According to Stelzer-Chilton the statistics for the vaccine are “excellent.” Another article Shaw co-authored, however, suggests the vaccine’s clinical trials were inadequate and claims of a 70 per cent reduction in cervical cancer are unfounded. “What we do is evaluate the science,” said Shaw, who stressed he wasn’t offering a medical opinion but indicated that their publications are

“heavily reviewed by other scientists in reputable journals.” According to the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, 10 to 30 per cent of Canada’s adult population has HPV. The virus is common among teenagers and young adults. Men can also be infected. Using condoms and having fewer sexual partners reduce the risk of infection and regular Pap tests detect early infection. Symptoms may not be apparent and HPV is easily passed to a sexual partner. If left undetected HPV can develop into cervical cancer, the second most common cancer for women in Canada aged 20 to 44. Cervarix and Gardasil prevent two strains that account for most cervical cancers. Despite being lauded by media and healthcare professionals, neuroscientist Shaw warned that “adverse reactions … [can be] horrific.”

HPV Vaccine 1

Protects against the two HPV strains

May prevent precursors to various cancers

Cervarix and Gardasil are two available brand names for the shot

Doctors recommend regular Pap smears as the vaccine only prevents high-risk HPV types

U-Pass price may increase TransLink in negotiation with Langara on whether or not to raise cost for students By JENNIFER THUNCHER

angara students may be hit with an increase in the price of their U-Pass, but at least they’ll be able to vote on it in a referendum expected this spring. The U-Pass, a joint program between the Langara Students’ Union, TransLink and the province, provides reduced transit rates for full-time college students. Gurbax Leelh, LSU media liaison, said TransLink will not let the LSU release any information. “The only information I can provide at this point is that the price is being negotiated and we are trying to get our members the best price for their UPass,” Leelh said in a written statement.

This comment was echoed by representatives of students’ unions at BCIT, SFU and Capilano University, schools that are also part of the U-Pass program. Each representative referred The Voice to TransLink. Vincent Gonsalves, TransLink spokesman, says that all the partners are working together on a new program, which he believes they are close to finalizing. He sent the following statement: “In developing the renewed program, the objectives of the existing UPass B.C. program are still being considered, .… Once the terms and conditions have been finalized, they will be put forward for consideration by student societies for student referendums to be held early in the new

year.” Many students on campus were not happy about an increase. Standing in the rain while waiting for his bus, general studies student Ervin Ganal became animated about the potential fee increase. “Not a good idea. Everyone is already not happy about tuition fees going up,” said Ganal. Health science student Barkha Dhangu was equally opposed. “It is my only way of transportation. That sucks. We already pay so much [for tuition and fees],” said Dhangu. For other students the increase would impact their parents. “My mom is a single mom, so it is hard. She pays for my pass,” said Garlen Powar.

JENNIFER THUNCHER photo

Christina Pasca, general studies student, holding her cherished U-Pass in hope it won’t cost her more.

Campus news

Editor Audrey McKinnon

The Voice, THURSDAY, Nov. 1, 2012

New LSU bylaws drafted

The Students’ Union is revamping their rules after members asked for change. By Jules Knox

KATJA DE BOCK photo illustration

Roy Daykin, vice-president of administration and finance at Langara College is responsible for a portfolio that includes finance, facilities, and technology. Daykin, who worked previously at Kwantlen Polytechnic University and Douglas College, said that students should actively look into what financial aid is available. Thousands of dollars in scholarships and bursaries go unclaimed every year.

$200k in undeclared cash Thousands in scholarships and bursaries go with no takers yearly because of restrictive guidelines or no knowledge of what’s there. By Katja De Bock

t is a shame when $200,000 in scholarships and bursaries go unclaimed every year, especially when money is limited. That’s according to Roy Daykin, vice-president of administration and finance at Langara College. Sometimes the fund criteria are so restrictive that no matching candidate can be found, said Daykin. Last year, for example, the Carol and Charles Loh and Holdstock/Drechel bursaries went unclaimed. “The funds will eventually be distributed,” said Daykin. Langara works with the donors to modify the agreements, Daykin said, adding that Langara is not unique, since other colleges also have overflow funds.

“A bursary is based on financial need. A scholarship is based on academic performance,” said Daykin, adding that in 2011 Langara distributed over $300,000 of funds to students. Sue Street, executive director of college advancement, finds new donors and keeps up relationships with existing donors. “People give because it makes a difference,” said Street. “We can really impact students.” Street wants to increase funds, both for bursaries and scholarships. Shirley Kamerling-Roberts, manager at financial aid services, said via email, that in the January 2012 term, 300 bursaries were awarded out of 453 applications. That means there’s a 66 per cent chance of success.

That’s great news for people like Jennifer Barrett, a Langara biology student who received her first bursary last semester. “They’re a great supplement for school supplies, for unexpected things that just pop up. It’s a nice little emergency fund,” she said. Barett is awaiting the results of a second application. “If you find something, apply for it, because if you don’t, you’re not going to get the money anyways,” she said. Daykin’s advice echoes that. “Look into what financial aid is available, both at Langara and out in the wider world. There is lots of money out there that goes unaccessed,” he said. “One thing is, students don’t know how easy it is.”

HOW TO qualify:

Carol and Charles Loh bursary -Awarded to second year health care students. Holdstock/Drechel bursary -Awarded to film students who are enrolled in two English courses. -Currently being modified. Source: Langara College Financial Aid Department

he Langara Students’ Union is trying to bring in new bylaws that would be the biggest organizational change in the history of the union, says Saadia Rai, an LSU spokesperson. If passed, the new bylaws will restructure the organization and change how money is spent. Demands for greater accountability within the union triggered the adjustments, said Rai. Students running for office might need to submit a resumé under the proposed changes as well. Rai said that would keep the elections from being a popularity contest. However, students are questioning this proposal, saying that it is not clear who would be qualified to review these resumés without any bias. “The students should be the ones to choose the candidates instead of the LSU narrowing it down,” said Kari Fernandez, a Langara arts and sciences student. “It defeats the whole purpose of the people voting.” Budget responsibilities would also be clarified under the new bylaws, Rai said. Right now, it is not clear who is responsible for spending committees’ budgets within the LSU. A problem with the current LSU model is that it hampers good governance, Rai said. “It pits one constituency against another.” Student liaisons are currently competing for scarce resources that are given to each of them, she said. “Right now there’s a lot of internal squabbling.” The new bylaws propose hiring a chairperson to ensure that proper processes are followed at meetings. “You don’t want meetings to be hijacked by certain students and their self interests,” said Rai. Under the present terms, students need to be part of the constituency in order to vote for a particular liaison. For example, only disabled students can vote for the disabilities liaison. Under the proposed changes, all members would be able to vote for candidates representing these minorities. “That’s not right. That’s not fair,” said chemistry student Yuri Lee. She said only people in a particular minority should be voting for their representatives. Rai said she hopes a referendum will be held late November after the bylaws go through a second legal review. LSU members were not able to comment on the proposed bylaws.

Tiny spaces and traffic leave ugly scars on campus cars Students may find themselves at a car body shop and paying a hefty fee after parking during class. By Tanya Hill

angara’s south side parking lot at Ontario Street might put your car at risk for dents. Last year ICBC reported 16 collisions in the Langara parking lot, including those involving parked cars.

Smaller stalls may mean more people are unable to exit their vehicles without the possibility of hitting the car beside them. In 2010 the parking lot was repainted making the parking sizes smaller, in order to fit more cars. “I avoid the small parking spaces,” said Justin Mang, a computer-science student. “If someone [drove a bigger car] they wouldn’t be able to get out,” People are also taking up two spaces to avoid other cars parking beside them. “People park over the lines, spaces are so small that people are scared

that their car might get a dent,” said nursing student Vinita Pereira. Of the people who study and work at Langara, 27 per cent drive to school. Students who use the parking lots pay $6.50 per day. That could add up to almost $400 over a full-time semester. But the possibility of getting a ding, or dent could mean parking at school is even more costly. The estimated minimum cost to repair a dent is $250, estimates 24HR Collision Center, located on Fraser Street and SW Marine Drive in Vancouver. Another issue is the high congestion

in the parking lot when most school days let out. Many staff, instructors and students are trying to leave the area at that time. A 2010 Langara College transportation survey highlights student and staff frustration with exiting the college at peak times. “The perimeter parking is fine but anything in the middle, it’s too jammed,” Mang said. People surveyed in the 2010 transportation report suggested that a left hand signal at the parking lot entrance would be helpful to relieve congestion.

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Spaces are so small that people are scared that their car might get a dent. VINITA PEREIRA

Entertainment

Editor Cara mckenna

The Voice, THURSDAY, Nov 1, 2012

Pros develop student skills with masters series talks Famed photographers come to Langara to tell stories and give tips to photo students... and anyone else who wants to attend. By Sam Reynolds s part of its ongoing Photography Masters series, Langara is set to play host to internationally celebrated photojournalist Steve McCurry. In addition to McCurry, one of Canada’s premier photo curators, Stephen Bulger, was at Langara on Oct 25 to give an earlier talk in the series. McCurry is best known for his “Afghan Girl” photo — the iconic picture of a teenage Afghani orphan living in a Pakistani refugee camp that appeared on the cover of National Geographic in 1984. For McCurry, this photo didn’t come easily. He spent months in refugee camps in Afghanistan and Pakistan, being smuggled between the two countries to avoid Russian troops who had banned western journalists from Afghanistan. McCurry’s snapshots were the first images of the Russian war in Afghanistan that many westerners saw. Bulger, owner of the Stephen Bulger gallery in Toronto and president of the board for the Association of International Photography Art explained what makes a photograph worthy of inclusion in a gallery during his talk on Oct 25th. “What elevates a photograph to the art of photography is an appreciation of beauty,” said Bulger. “Did the photographer intend it to be art when taking the picture?”

A JOANNA FORD photo

Rosanne Griffin, 25, poses in Day of the Dead styled make-up for an artist’s portfolio.

Latin holiday goes local Day of the Dead celebrations across Van aren’t so grim by Brandon Kostinuk

he Day of the Dead isn’t some morbid ritual; it’s more like Thanksgiving and Christmas for the dearly departed. The Mexican holiday, which falls on Nov. 1 and 2, is a commemoration for the deceased through prayer, food, art and music. With November upon us, there are several Day of the Dead events happening in Vancouver. “The celebration is about honouring legacy and those that came before us,” said Lisa Moore, coordinator of the sixth annual Day of the Dead celebration being held at Rhizome Café tonight, Nov. 1, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. “An altar will be the centre of everything,” said Moore.

“Everyone is welcome to place photos on the altar. There will be candles lit all around as well.” The Rhizome Café will also be offering pan de los muertos (bread of the dead), a traditional Mexican sweet roll customary to the celebration. Food is an important part of the tradition, explained Alex Alegria, director of the La Casa del Artista Day of the Dead Festival that will be held Sunday, Nov. 4. “Fresh food is placed on the altar because Mexican [folklore] says the dead come at nighttime to eat,” said Alegria, “so it’s customary to bring loved ones their favourite food, like chocolate.” The La Casa celebration will also have a traditional altar open to anyone who wishes to participate by bringing photos and/or food.

“But the unique difference with our festival is that it will also be dedicated to Mexican artists and culture,” said Alegria. He added that Mexican artists Arisai de la Mora, Carmen Keitsch and Jorge Sandoval would be displaying their work. To see more art and Day of the Dead culture, Muster Studios is also hosting an event, the Dia de Muertos Celebration, Saturday Nov. 3. The event will feature live music and paintings from local artists, said Melanie Porodo, co-owner of Muster Studios. Headlining the night is Canadian ska band Los Furios, and there will also be performances by Caracas, Love Lust and Kid Lithium. The cover fee is $10 and doors open at 6 p.m.

EVENTS across the city NOV 1 RHIZOME CAFE Day of the Dead celebration with traditional events and food

NOV 3 MUSTER STUDIOS Dia de Muertos Celebration featuring live music and traditional art

NOV 4 LA CASA DEL ARTISTA Day of the Dead Festival with Mexican art

Source: livingvancouvercanada. blogspot.com

Dance fest brings dose of culture to Marpole EVENTS

coming up in Marpole Marpole Museum & Historical Society Christmas Sale Saturday, Nov 10 Time: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Baking and preserves, silent auction, refreshments, crafts, local vendors and a raffle.

Lend Me A Tenor by Ken Ludwig AT METRO THEATRE Nov 3 - Dec 1 Time: 8 p.m. An operatic comedy

Christmas in Marpole Village Dec 22 Time: 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. This festive holiday event involves a Santa Claus stroll, as well as seasonal musical entertainment Source: www.marpoleonline. com

This first annual dance festival brought a taste of international flavour, food, and dance to South Vancouver over the weekend. By GILLIAN HAMES

he inaugural Marpole Dance Festival took place this weekend, showcasing various dance styles from around the world. Performances were held at both the Scottish Cultural Centre and the Taiwanese Cultural Centre last Saturday, where attendees were exposed to both traditional and contemporary dance styles. The festival featured Scottish Highland dancing, ballet, and jazz, as well as shows by Yuaikai Ryukyu Taiko, a folk group that features Okinawanstyle drumming. In addition to numerous performances, those in attendance were treated to food and drinks for sale by the different dance organizations. Audience members lined up to enjoy freshly squeezed lemonade, coffee, pancakes and a variety of traditional Taiwanese and Scottish snacks, including sushi and various cookies and cakes. The festival was free to attend, and the Scottish Cultural Centre in Marpole was packed full of people by 1 p.m.,

where people of all ages from around the Lower Mainland braved the rain in order to attend. The Inverglen Scottish Dance School came all the way from Abbotsford to participate in the festival. Between performances, they were hard at work selling baked goods and flowers. “We are trying to get to Scotland next year,” said dancer Alexis Warmerdam. Best sellers for this dance school included traditional Scottish shortbread cookies. “The tulips are going pretty good too” said Warmerdam, gesturing to a small but colourful arrangement of flowers. “It’s been a busy day,” said event coordinator Yawen Wang, who spent the day organizing performers backstage and introducing the different groups. She also organized the volunteers who sold food and gave away door prizes. A festival highlight with an audience participation dance, which was clearly a favourite among some of the younger children, who were jumping around and laughing during the dance. The Taiwanese Canadian Cultural Society believed that the event was a success, having received positive feedback from both participants and audience members. The group said they hope to put together more community events like this in the future.

GILLIAN HAMES photo

Students of Inverglen Scottish Dance School sell flowers and baked goods.

Lifestyles Snow bunnies, get ready

Editor Carissa THoRPE

The Voice, THURSDAY, November 1, 2012

THE SPIRIT OF HALLOWEEN CAME IN COSTUME TO HAUNT LANGARA CAMPUS JEREMY SALLY photos

Clockwise from far left: Alexa Fraser as Ashley Spinelli from the cartoon Recess; Julie Dzuba as a green Crayola crayon; and financial aid officer Debbie Finley and financial aid clerk Alexandria Everitt dressed up as hippies. The pair risked life and limb to hand out popcorn to students both in and out of costume, including this blood-thirsty chap.

Recent snowfall means winter’s nearly here, so here are some ways to get out and get active outside By Kevin Hampson

ow that the first snowfall has whitened the North Shore mountains, it’s time to think about the many winter sports Vancouver has to offer. Grouse and Cypress mountains are popular destinations for skiers and snowboarders. Both are an hour’s drive or less from Langara. It’s hard to say exactly when the slopes will be open. “It all depends on mother nature,” said Grouse Mountain public relations manager Sarah Lusk, noting recent rain on the mountains. For thrill-seekers, Grouse has several terrain parks with rails and boxes for doing tricks and slides off of. If that sounds daunting, don’t worry – the terrain parks range from beginner to advanced. New this year at Cypress is a 45-foot air bag for doing ski jumps. Thanks to the inflatable landing pad, you can attempt a ski jump without the crash landing. Cypress sales and marketing director Joffrey Koeman is optimistic. The mountain’s Nov. 8 opening last year was its earliest ever. With more snow machines on the hills, Koeman expects to open around the same time this year. Grouse and Cypress both sell onenight-per-week season passes. The pass goes for $326 at Cypress, while Grouse’s once-a-week pass will set you back $350. If skiing or snowboarding isn’t your thing, there are other options. You can strap on snowshoes and trek through mountain trails at Cypress for $26, snowshoe rental included. At Grouse it will cost you $40 plus $20 to rent snowshoes, though that will also get you access to the outdoor skating rink. Skates are $8 to rent. You can skate for free downtown at the Robson Square outdoor rink, located across the street from the Vancouver Art Gallery. Skates are $4 to rent. The rink is expected to open Dec. 1.

KEVIN HAMPSON photo

Leon Cripps, assistant sales manager of Hillsound Equipment on Broadway tries on some snow gear.

Nearly 1 in 10 to eat less meat But 91 per cent of Canadians believe the meat they’re eating is safe By Richard Hodges

ost consumers haven’t changed their meat consumption habits a month after an outbreak of E. coli at an XL Foods plant in Alberta. An Ipsos Reid poll conducted last week on behalf of Global Television found that 90 per cent of Canadians still trust that the beef they are eating is safe, while nine per cent will be changing their diet long-term in the wake of Canada’s largest ever beef recall. It’s a sentiment that doesn’t surprise those in the beef business. Save On Meats butcher Brit Alex believes the recall is a short-term bump in the road and hasn’t seen a dip in sales. “A couple of years ago we had that big spinach recall and no one started saying veggies were bad for you,” Alex said. “These things happen but people have short memories.” The plant has now re-opened with permission from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Lisa Gauthier, senior media relations officer for the CFIA, stressed that all recalled meat has now been destroyed and new meat processed at XL Foods is under tighter scrutiny from inspection agents before being released to the public. “Canada’s food safety system remains among the best in the world, but events such as this underscore the need for continuous review and im-

lower levels of saturated fat and cholesterol. The only risk to removing meat entirely is a lowered iron intake, especially amongst women. For those looking to try vegetarian options or even go vegan (eschewing all animal byproducts), a number of “meetups” regularly take place around town where vegetarians, vegans and vegcurious diners get together to sample CARA McKENNA photo the numerous vegetarian restauNine per cent of Canadians plan to go veg due to recall. rants Vancouver has to offer. provement,” Gauthier said. Nancy Callan runs the Vancouver Langara College nutritionist Janet Meatless Meetup on Meetup.com and LePatourel believes the XL Foods scare recommends it for first-timers curious should make people think more about about the lifestyle. their dietary choices. “Switching your diet can be daunting “I don’t think XL Foods is an isolated if you don’t know exactly how to do it incident and it is indicative of other but we’ve been there and we’re happy problems in the meat industry,” LePato give advice and share recipes,” Caltourel said. “I think there needs to be a lan said. better balance between economies of While the meals the group dines on scale and supporting local meat proare strictly vegan, the restaurants ducers.” themselves often aren’t. LePatourel says that replacing red Callan said everyone is welcome in meat in your diet with proteins such as the group regardless of diet. beans or tofu can increase fibre and

Where to eat vegan 1

The Wallflower Modern Diner 2420 Main St. 604-568-7554

3G Vegetarian 3424 Cambie St. 604-568-9008

The Acorn 3995 Main St. 604-566-9001

Edible Flours Vegan Bakery 2280 W. Broadway 604-734-8351

Foundation Lounge 2301 Main St. 604-708-0881 Source: Earthsave Canada’s Vegetarian Directory

Editor CLAYTON PATERSON

The Voice, THURSDAY, November 1, 2012

viewpoints V

the oice The Voice is published by Langara College’s journalism department. Editorial opinions are those of the staff and are independent of views of the student government and administration. We welcome letters to the editor. All letters must be signed. They may be edited for brevity. Names may be withheld in special cases, but your letter must include your name and phone number.

HOW TO REACH US PHONE

Time to legalize pot in Canada L

ast month B.C. municipal leaders voted for a resolution that calls for the decriminalization of marijuana. While this action is a step in the right direction and a move towards abandoning a failed policy, decriminalization does not go far enough. Washington State is poised to become the first U.S. state to legalize marijuana. Oregon and Colorado also have marijuana legalization on their November 6 ballots. If parts of the U.S.A are finally seeing the light on the absurdity of criminalizing pot, then shouldn’t Canada step up to the plate as well?

“The war on drugs,” a term coined by former U.S. President Richard Nixon, 40 years ago, has “resulted in 45 million arrests, cost one trillion dollars, and led the U.S. to amass the largest prison population in the world,” said Douglas Haddow, communications coordinator at the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition in a recent article. Although we TANYA HILL may like to think of Canada as more progressive than the U.S.A, increasingly many of our social and economic policies seem to mimic and coincide with the Americans. When the federal government introduced mandatory minimum sentencing in Canada under its “tough on crime bill” (Bill C-10) current and former U.S. law enforcement officials were scratching their heads. They sent a letter to the Canadian government stating “We are … extremely concerned that Canada is implementing mandatory minimum sentencing legislation for minor marijuanarelated offences similar to those that have been such costly failures in the United States.” Legalization does not mean that the government is encouraging youth or the public to smoke pot; 25 per cent of Canadians between the age of 15-24 are already doing that. Legalization would help create a drug policy that “help shape healthier attitudes, reduce harm in our communities, and decrease the levels of violence, organized crime and corruption within our public institutions.”

OPINION

Let’s give the LSU a break T

he Langara Students’ Union has been the official representative voice of the Langara student community since 1969, and since that time has promoted itself on their official website as a “democratically run organization that represents and advocates for its membership at the college level and in Clay paterson the wider community, including the provincial and federal government.”

OPINION

We all pay membership dues to the LSU when our tuition is collected each year with the promise that our money will then be turned around into services and events for us, the students. We’re even the reason these people have jobs, since they are in elected positions. Earlier this year, news broke that the LSU had around $42,000 in left over student fees from the 2011/12 school year, but were refusing to

present that year’s meeting minutes to give an idea of what that money would be used for. Clearly we should just blindly trust these people, they are here to represent us after all. When the LSU executives deny requests to present a copy of their new collective bargaining agreement between the union and its staff, which is supposed to be a public document filed with the Labour Relations Board of B.C., claiming it is private and confidential, we shouldn’t press the issue. Why do we need to know how much money they make and what kind of benefits they have? Full-time LSU staff make $30 per hour, significantly more than the average salary for similar administrative positions. The generous pay makes sense though, because after all, the LSU is watching out for student interests and it takes a lot of time and effort to deny media requests for information, they deserve that money. A copy of the new bargaining agreement was obtained by a Voice reporter and has revealed even

more privileges enjoyed by the LSU staff. For instance, what happens if a staff member is incarcerated? Don’t worry, the agreement has that problem covered. Leave without pay will be granted to any member sentenced to less than two years in prison, but if that member was incarcerated as a result of action taken at the LSU’s request, he or she will receive full pay, benefits, and will not lose their seniority while in jail. Because really, why wouldn’t we want criminals whose conviction was initiated by the LSU back running the show? So the LSU has an impressive contract, a surplus of funds, the ability to operate under 50 shades of grey, and continues to ignore requests by the media to inform the Langara community what goes on behind the scenes. But before you go calling the LSU a shady organization that may or may not have the student body’s best interests in mind, just remember one thing: we elected these people.

Free HPV vaccine? No thank you P

eople crave a cure for cancer. This explains the exuberant reception of the first cancer vaccine in 2006. It is now offered free of charge to young people in B.C. But should we run to health services like bargain hunters? I don’t think so.

Recently, I was contacted by my daughter’s school nurse about the HPV vaccine. I KATJA DE BOCK could give my consent over the phone, she said. I replied that to my knowledge, this vaccine is offered in the early teens, before the first sexual contact. My daughter is just nine years old, and this is a new vaccine with unknown

OPINION

side effects. The nurse’s counter argument: The vaccine is totally safe. Totally safe. That rings a bell. During my prolonged stay in Germany, I worked intensely with thalidomide victims, people born in the early 1960s without limbs and sometimes without vital organs. People whose mothers had taken “totally safe” pills against morning sickness. I do not distrust doctors or nurses. I believe most are hard-working professionals who take their oath seriously. But I have less faith in the pharmaceutical industry. Let’s have a look at who produced Canada’s first HPV vaccine, Gardasil: the company Merck Frosst Canada Ltd. According to the Toronto Star, Merck’s lobbyist at the time was Ken Boessenkool, who later became Stephen Harper’s strat-

egist and recently got dismissed as Christy Clark’s chief of staff. Other lobbyists later found jobs in the Ontario government. No wonder Gardasil’s success increased with seven-league boots. According to Statistics Canada, the mortality rate for cervical cancer has steadily declined over the past several decades to 1.2 per cent of all cancer deaths in women. This means the chances of my daughter dying of an HPV-caused cancer are low to begin with. Additionally, long-term consequences of the HPV vaccine are not known. All this makes me skeptical about the Vancouver Coastal Health promo-calls for HPV-vaccination. My view: when in doubt, discuss your concerns with your doctor. But don’t let vaccinations through on the nod, and write to your MLA to request more research.

CORRECTION In the Oct. 18 Voice, it was reported that the counselling department has had to offer personal counselling through group sessions in order to meet the increasing demand for personal counselling services on campus. This is not the case. While it is true that the requests for personal

counselling are increasing, the counselling department has not started offering personal counselling services in a group environment. All personal counselling is still provided on a one-on one basis in private with a counsellor in their office.

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Iissues & ideas

The Voice, THURSDAY, november 1, 2012

editor stacy thomas

Vancouver — music city limits While a return to vinyl keeps record shops thriving, bands struggle to find places to play

Unfair venue regulations under review End in sight for venues struggling to be permitted. By Simone Pfeiffer

photo courtesy of GABE BOOTHROYD

Five Alarm Funk is one of the many independent bands vying for space to perform their music.

Not enough stages in the city There’s a surpus of indie bands in Vancouver, but bylaws and high rents limit the number of venues By Gillian Hames

he evolution of Vancouver’s music scene is being dictated by the lack of live music venues. Dylan Weightman, drummer in band Pardon My Striptease, agreed that venue choices in Vancouver have a large influence on the success of local bands. “Most of the time you’ll find yourselves cramming two to four bands onstage between nine and 11, because after 11 there has to be a DJ,” he said of the bigger venues. “There is too much supply and not enough demand for live, independent music.” According to Discorder Magazine editor Laurel Borrowman, venues are limited to either clubs that seat several

hundred people, or underground places that most have never heard of. This makes it harder for independent bands to reach a larger audience. A lot of these small places aren’t licensed and end up getting shut down, Borrowman said. As a result, more bands end up playing free house shows where rather than “doing keg stands”, people are attending specifically for the music. More established bands may have an easier time in Vancouver. “Definitely the music scene has been good to us. Great crowds . . . it’s a great place,” said Gabe Boothroyd of Five Alarm Funk. However, Boothroyd believes that certain regulations in Vancouver have a negative impact on the local scene. “The liquor laws are pretty repres-

sive for live music,” he said, and explained that the liquor board can even put restrictions on how loud a show can be. Though they might not have a place to play, there is no shortage of talented bands in Vancouver. Ben Beckett and Robert Tunold, a Langara grad, founded Napkin Records in February, and run it out of their home in East Vancouver. They have already signed roughly a dozen local bands to the label, like Girl Dracula and Night Detective. Borrowman ultimately believes that, because of the vast talent pool, the Vancouver music scene will continue to be strong. “I could go out every single night of the week,” she said. “There’s always something going on.”

“

The liquor laws are pretty repressive for live music. GABE BOOTHROYD, FIVE ALARM FUNK

he city is working to improve permitting regulations for live music venues, says city councillor Heather Deal. “The city has improved our processes internally and brought a staff focus to making our external processes more manageable for people seeking permits,” Deal said in an email. She was commenting on public complaints about restrictive bylaws. “We have also been testing a far more streamlined and less onerous system—there have been several pilot projects.” The Live Performance Venue Regulatory Review is a city initiative meant to improve venue-limiting bylaws. The review acknowledges issues such as outdated policies, costly fees, and lack of communication from city staff. David Mattatall of Zhoo Zhop, a record shop that hosts live music, blames a rotating roster of council members who can’t carry the issue forward at city hall. “It’s not an issue with traction . . . people who want to hold public events in non-event spaces may not.” “If the city wants to shut you down, they can at any point,” he continued. Ryan McCormick is on the board of directors of the Safe Amplification Site Society, a non-profit group seeking an accessible, affordable all-ages venue in the city. He says people who wish to open live venues face both legal and financial challenges. For the last few years, the group has been raising funds to rent a permanent venue for live performances. But it’s taking time. “Vancouver is the most expensive city in Canada,” he said, and it’s going to be a while before the group has enough money to afford such a space.

Vinyl buyers crave a warm sound A resurgence in the popularity of vinyl record albums supports several record shops. By Brandon Kostinuk

here is a niche market that keeps vinyl sales afloat, and it isn’t DJs, says Nick Bragg, manager at Zulu Records. Vancouver record stores claim it is the aesthetic appeal and sound quality that makes vinyl popular nowadays— plus the cost doesn’t hurt. The cost of records can range from $1 bargain bin pickups to $30 new releases, said Bragg, and most genres are available on record, but in limited quantities. “Sometimes we even give away records for free,” added Bragg. Geoff Barton, owner of Commercial Drive record store Audiopile, said, “Record sales have doubled every year for the last five years.” He believes the trend is a rebellion to the coldness of digital technology. Barton said that there is aesthetic warmth to records that make them ap-

pealing. “A record is tangible, it’s in my hands,” said Barton. “Playing a record requires more interaction.” Second-year English student Guang Liu agreed to the tangibility of the music-playing medium, and cited the collectability of records as a reason for their popularity. “It’s a bragging right because you actually own a physical collection,” said Liu. “There’s a physical quality to having something as opposed to just a data file.” But what makes records worth collecting is their sound and artwork. Ben Frith, manager at Neptoon Records, said, “Vinyl just sounds better than MP3s. There is a noticeable difference in quality.” Barton explained that it comes down to the storing medium. Music is stored using analog signals. Audio translates best onto the

grooves of a record and the result is a precise sound that listeners describe as warmer. More compressed files like MP3s have more potential for distortion of the original sound, said Barton. Bragg also added that, “The [album] artwork is tangible and provides more charm and value over digital albums. “Vinyl listeners are participating in a counter-culture, and they know it,” said Bragg. There is now a wider base of customers who visit record stores, from teenagers to retirees, and representing both genders. “The vinyl buyer is not necessarily mainstream anymore,” said Barton, “[and] where it used to be a male dominated market, it’s now a 50/50 split between male and female.” But he admits, “Vinyl won’t be as big as it ever was because you have to be a music freak to always want to find a record player to listen to music.”

photos courtesy of NEPTOON AND ZULU RECORDS

Record stores thrive with growing interest in vinyl.

sports

The Voice, THURSDAY, November 1, 2012

Editor: Carly rhianna smith

Falcons lose a fiery game SPORTS notes

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL HOME OPENER November 2 6:00pm Langara College

MEN’S BASKETBALL HOME OPENER November 2 8:00pm Langara College

INTRAMURALS Monday 9:00 a.m. 10:20 a.m. Open gym JANA MINOR photo

Jeff Chu goes for the shot during an intense match against UNBC while his teammates watch from the bench.

Men’s team triumphs Basketball team conquers UNBC in a match on home turf by jana minor

ind of like dating up, the Langara Falcons are playing out of their league – and scoring. The men’s basketball team beat the University of Northern British Columbia’s Timberwolves in an intense exhibition match at home on Oct. 27 that came down to the last second. “We have a talented team that can play a lot of the teams at the next level,” said Jordan Mottl, assistant coach. UNBC’s Timberwolves recently made the jump to Canadian Interuniversity Sport, the league above Langara’s PacWest division. Langara lit up the scoreboard in the first quarter but fell behind in the second, buckling under UNBC’s tight defence. “We usually have a slow quarter af-

ter the half, but we took the lead in the third and really picked it up,” said point guard Brody Greig. The game wasn’t decided until the literal last second. With Langara ahead by two points, a foul was called just moments before the clock ran out, and referees ordered one second be put back on the board. UNBC guard Sam Raphael then took two free throws, missed both, and handed the victory to Langara. “I wasn’t too worried,” said Greig. “After he missed his first free throw, we knew we won.” The final score was 84-82. Points leaders were Greig with 16 points, Jesse Jeffers with 15 points and Jeff Chu with 12 points. “The basketball gods owed us one. They owed us a miss at least,” said Mottl of the intense ending that nearly

sent an already tight game into overtime. “Our level of compete was where it needed to be. Our level of execution, not quite,” added Mottl. “We just need to get better at concentration and execution at the highest intensity level,” he said. “It was a very exciting game,” said head coach Paul Eberhardt. He said the team is dealing with some key injuries. Point guard Elliot Mason is bouncing back after dislocating a finger and centre Devin McMurtry has a hyperextended knee. “If we stay healthy we should be able to compete with anyone,” added Mottl. The Falcons lost 87-63 against Portland Bible College on Oct. 28 in their final exhibition game. Regular season kicks off Friday, Nov. 2 with a free home opener against Douglas College. Lang-

Wednesday 9:00 a.m. 10:20 a.m. Basketball Friday 10:30 a.m. 12:00 p.m. Yoga Friday 12:30 p.m. 3:00 p.m. Badminton

RESULTS Falcons

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL October 26

Falcons 60/Flaming Rons 61

WOMEN’S SOCCER October 26

Falcons 2/ WolfPack 5

MEN’S BASKETBALL October 27

Falcons 84/Timberwolves 82

When their opposing team pulled out, the Falcons filled the gap with more than they could handle by michael letendre

hey may not have expected to play the Flaming Rons on Friday, but the Langara women’s basketball team played a hard fought game that came down to the final shot. The Falcons were scheduled to play Columbia Bible College, but due to injuries, CBC had to pull out of the game. The Falcons’ coaching staff began searching for another team to play. They found the Flaming Rons, a squad from the Strathcona Women’s Basketball League. “In 11 years at Langara, it’s never happened before,” said Falcons head coach Mike Evans. The Rons outsized the Falcons, and from the start of the game the Falcons looked flat on offense, settling mostly for jump shots. The Falcons were down 25-30 at the end of the first half. “I thought our first half was just horrendous,” Evans said. Evans chewed his team out during the intermission, and the Falcons responded by coming out and playing aggressive. They pushed the tempo and were able to get easy baskets in transition and cause multiple turnovers by running a press defense. The fourth quarter was a shoot-out, with the lead changing back and forth multiple times. With 16 seconds left, the Falcons found themselves down by three and with possession of the ball. For their final play, the Falcons ran a play to get guard Jesseca Eng a shot at a potential game-tying three pointer. Her shot rang off the rim and after a scramble, the ball landed in the hands of guard Denise Busayong, who sank a 2 at the buzzer, putting the final score at 61-60 for the Flaming Rons. It was a disappointing loss for a team that’s gone 0-5 in the pre-season. “We ran our sets pretty well and if we hit our free throws we would have won the game,” said Evans.

WolfPack creams Falcons After a rough season with injured players, women’s soccer lost a shot at gold By STEVEN CHUA

ate wasn’t favouring the Langara Falcons on Friday, who lost their shot at gold in a 2-5 loss against Thompson Rivers University. The women’s soccer team confronted two challenges in their semi-final duel against the number one team in the Pacific Western Athletic Association: they faced a star player while nursing a roster full of overtraining injuries. Opposing striker Alanna Bekkering has clocked in time with the Vancouver Whitecaps FC Prospects youth soccer program, and many consider her a star player. “We’re going to try and stop Alanna from doing the damage,” said head coach Ryan Birt. “We think that’s where our best chances lie.”

Overtraining injuries were the next obstacle. Team captain Lana Rockhill said she’s faced recurring knee problems, the most recent being torn cartilage. However, she was confident it wouldn’t stop her from entering the field. “[I’ll] Put a knee brace on and it’ll all be good,” she said. Striker Amrit Berar faced a seasonending injury — a torn knee ligament. Midfielder Lauren Tasaka and defender Jodie Davis were also nursing knee ailments, but the setbacks didn’t quell the team’s hunger for a win. “We’re going for first, there’s not second or third or fourth for us,” Rockhill said. With the exception of Berar, everyone played through their injuries on Friday. The Falcons executed Birt’s plan — Bekkering never made it onto the scoreboard. The Langara team started strong, closing the first half with a 2-0 lead. Midfielders Courtney Sheppard and

Tejvir Malhi scored two goals, while goal keeper Carissa Harriman shut out the opposing team. However, TRU slammed the ball into the Falcons’ net 15 minutes into the second half. The Langara women responded by keeping the ball in the opposing team’s territory, but 10 minutes before the game’s end, the Thompson Rivers WolfPack managed to score a deflating goal by blasting the ball into the Falcons’ net from midfield. Overtime play ensued, and the WolfPack managed to rack up three more points. The Falcons were left losing the game at 2-5. Birt said Langara played a good match, but luck wasn’t favouring them. “I honestly wouldn’t do anything different,” said Birt. The Falcons went on to play Quest University for a shot at bronze on Saturday, but lost 0-1. Birt said at that point, his main concern was preserving his players for next season.

STEVEN CHUA photo

Assistant coach Loren Lidin fires the ball toward goalie Carissa Harriman at a team practice in Tisdall Park