Over The Edge Volue 25 Issue 2

Over The Edge

UNBC’s Independent Student Newspaper est. 1994

Change is in the Air

NUGSS By-Election, pg 8

Municiple Election, pg 9 - 13 Monique Gendron | OTE

Volume 25, Issue 2

Free overtheedgenewspaper.ca

September 25, 2018 over.the.edge.unbc@gmail.com

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Next deadline: October 10, 2018

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As our political world shifts,

Over The Edge Over The Edge is the University of Northern British Columbia’s independent student newspaper. Our office is located on the 2nd floor of the NUSC building in room 6-350. We are an equal opportunity publication which represents students in the UNBC and Prince George community.

Our publication supports student writing by welcoming news, arts, sports, culture and opinion articles, as well as photography, comics, and creative writing submissions.

and we are enveloped in contemplation of our choices, be sure to try connecting and grounding yourself within reality. Everything in life works in balance, whether that is ourselves or our communities.

When balance becomes compromised is when people burn out. Have a seat outside or take a hike, breathe deeply and notice the world around you, and how you fit into it. We too, go through the cycle of holding bright leaves we know will fall.

But it is in the decomposition, and the passing of time which makes our roots grow strong.

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s September continues to roll along and the leaves give up the green fight, it certainly feels like a time for change. By-election time is gearing up at NUGSS, as well as the City of Prince George, as potential directors, councilors, and mayors throw their name into

the hat. With the provincial referendum on proportional representation also creeping up, there are countless positions to consider, and important votes to cast. To make your choices a little easier, I’ve collected information and created brief bios for the municipal candidates. Allow this to serve as your introduction to these folks, but be sure to do your own research! There are countless opportunities to express your opinions, ask questions, and get involved.

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Collect Change for Change this Halloween Taylor Bysouth Contributor

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donation, however the purpose of this event is to boost student involvement across campus.

We ask that all donation boxes be handed back to the booth in the Wintergarden by 3 pm the day of the event. There will be Mr. Mike’s gift cards available for the team who collects the most change, as well as for the team that comes best dressed. ttention all students!

UNBC has partnered with the United Way of Northern British Columbia to bring about change in our local community by collecting change on campus!

Before we get to the nitty gritty details, let us start with a bit of background on the United Way of Northern British Columbia.

The United Way is a volunteerdriven organization that relies heavily on volunteer involvement, expertise and support to achieve a specific mandate. Their mission is to improve lives and build community by engaging individuals and mobilizing collective action. Their promise to you is to invest resources where they are needed the most and where they will have the most impact to the most people. United Way efforts positively affect the lives of one in three individuals in northern British Columbia, which equates to 115,000 people being impacted across our region.

In addition, 90 cents of every dollar donated is reinvested into programs and services helping your friends, relatives and neighbours throughout the region. During the last funding cycle UWNBC invested in 125 organizations across the north that provided 519 programs to the most vulnerable individuals

in our communities across the north. United Way strives to bring about positive, long term, sustainable change.

UNBC has been a big supporter of United Way Northern BC (UWNBC) for many years running a campaign that is staff and faculty driven. I have been volunteering with United Way for just over a year now, and have come to appreciate the hard work of all of those involved in this great organization.

I am pleased to announce that UNBC will be hosting its first ever Halloween coin drive on campus, with all proceeds going to the United Way of Northern BC. On October 31 from 9 am to 3 pm, students can form groups (or also participate individually), dress up as a group (students are welcome to dress up in their clothes of study, for example, students in the Medical program dress up as doctors, however it is not required), come sign up in the Wintergarden and collect change from other students and staff (hint: ask your family and neighbours for change donations or bring change from home to give yourselves a head start!). If you do not have time to go around campus, you are more than welcome to bring change from home as a

It is important to note that all funds raised in the community, stay in the community.

So look for posters around campus and listen to the campus radio station (CFUR 88.7 fm) for more information on the upcoming event. I will also be coming around to speak to classes to raise awareness for this great campaign and encourage students who have an hour or two to spare on October 31 to come out, collect change and help bring about change within our local community.

Even a small amount of change can make a big change in someone’s’ life.

Tierney Watkinson | OTE

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News

Proportional Representation Referendum in October Trevor Ritchie Contributor

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tarting this October, ballots will be mailed out to all registered voters to participate in the referendum on proportional representation.

The ballot will consist of two separate questions. The first question asks whether the province should move to a form of proportional representation electoral system, and is a binary yes or no decision. The second question will ask which of the three proportional representation systems the province should switch to. An interesting part of the referendum will be that even those who vote no on the first question will be allowed to offer their preference on which system is used, assuming that the yes side is able to win on the first question. The three different

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proportional representation systems being proposed for the referendum are as follows: the Dual Member Proportional, the Mixed Member Proportional, and the Urban-Rural Proportional.

In a Dual Member Proportional system, pairs of ridings would be merged into a single riding that would elect two separate MLAs, except in the geographically largest ridings which would be left at their current size and configuration. Political parties would nominate two individuals in the combined riding, a primary candidate and a secondary candidate, and both would run together. The voter would then vote for which party they wish to win the seat, as opposed to which individual candidate.

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An interesting part of the referendum will be that even those who vote no on the first question will be allowed to offer their preference on which system is used.

The winner of the seat would be the primary candidate from the party that receives the most votes, and the second seat in the riding would be awarded based on local and provincial proportionality. In a Dual Member Proportional system, the voter only has to mark one part of the ballot, just as we do now.

Mixed Member Proportional requires the voter to vote for two different things. The voter will vote for a local MLA to represent them, but also vote for which party they want to be elected to help determine provincewide proportionality. Once again, the ridings would be made larger than they currently are, and you would be able to vote for the local MLA. The second vote cast is to vote for a team of candidates from that party, with the party being allowed to choose from among that list to bring their proportional share of the seats in line with their provincewide vote.

Mixed Member Proportional is the only proportional representation system on the ballot that is used in other countries.

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Rural-Urban Proportional Representation is perhaps the most complicated, but offers many potential benefits to voters. In urban areas such as the Metro Vancouver and Capital region, ridings would be merged and voters would elect multiple MLAs using a ranked choice system, allowing multiple parties to potentially win in the same geographic area. In rural areas such as the Peace River districts or the Kootenays, the system would look similar to a Mixed Member Proportional system where the voters in rural districts would vote both for a local MLA and then for their regional party list candidates.

The current system is known as a single member plurality system, or better known as a first past the post system. In this system, voters elect a single MLA, with the candidate receiving the most votes becoming the MLA for the riding. Ridings are kept at roughly similar population levels to ensure equal and effective representation, and a candidate does not have to receive a majority of all votes to be elected; they simply need to have the most votes out of all the candidates on the ballot in order to win.

Individuals and organizations from both the yes and no side of the referendum will be escalating their campaign activities, asking for your support to defend the first past the post system or to change to a new electoral system that promises results more in line with the popular vote in each provincial election. Take the time to listen to the volunteers for each organization participating in the

referendum. Ask them questions, make sure that you understand exactly what it is you’re voting for. There’s no excuse not to vote in this referendum as the ballots are to be mailed to each voter.

This is an important referendum, it will change the way we govern ourselves. It’s our duty to participate and ensure that as many voices are heard in the process as possible. In order to vote you will need to be registered, and if you are not sure if you are a registered voter or not, you can check with Elections BC. Registration is free and does not take very long, and once you register you will only have to update your registry when you move so that they know you’re in a different place than before.

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News

We’re All in this Together?

Melanie Bellwood News Director

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new year of school has begun, and with it comes a new wave of chaos for students and administration alike. With a sea of fresh faces cruising through the concrete and glass halls of UNBC comes the intense anticipations and expectations for school to be the best - or the worst experience of one’s entire life. For some, this means passing classes and surviving exam season.

For others, the university is an opportune place to

Monique Gendron | OTE

become part of a community that works together to create something beautiful. This has always been one of the goals at the University of Northern British Columbia, whose motto is “En Cha Huna,” or “They also live respecting all forms of life.”

This year, however, the ideals of a community working together for the good of all are hard sought.

Our student body still reels from the “apathy accusations” of spring 2018, and it shows in many ways.

UNBC’s first event of the year, “Volley into September and Backyard Barbeque,” one that has been running for over a decade, welcomes

students new and old with music, food, and this year, a day of volleyball. The Northern Undergraduate Student Society (NUGSS) had slated a day of outdoor sports from 10 am to 5 pm, followed by the concert and barbeque at 7 pm. A popular staple of UNBC spirit, this year’s Facebook event boasted nearly 450 potential attendees and countless others commenting, liking, and interacting with the event page. Thus, it was with great disappointment that students, at 7:15 pm on the day of the event, were notified that it had

been completely rained out and would not go forward as planned.

The backlash was tremendous, with students commenting on the Facebook page that this was an event that some had prepared to attend for days. While many were very understanding of the situation, others were not.

“Another great

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NUGSS event,” commented one Facebook user.

“It rains every year,” another said, “Why is it cancelled?”

This type of reaction is to be expected for an event so large, and it is interesting to note that this disgruntled reaction comes closely on the heels of another important event: the Cafeteria Workers Rally at UNBC on September 12, held that afternoon in the central courtyard of campus. This rally was the second iteration of a long-term public protest by UNBC’s food service employees against the poor wages and lackluster benefits of their employer, Chartwells. While this rally denotes an important move preceding a potential strike

by Chartwells employees, the reaction of students new to the university has been particularly negative. One anonymous student of Humanities at UNBC states: “I know that it has been a long struggle between Chartwells and its employees, but I’m also really confused about what is happening here. Isn’t the Chartwells contract supposed to be over? I thought there would be a new company catering to the school by now. What is the university doing to help these workers?”

While the actual intervention of the university in this matter seems neither here nor there, it is fair to assume that some students are still witnessing the results of unresolved disputes within the school and are unhappy because of it. This also stands true in the case of the cancelled Backyard Barbeque; it does not seem to matter whether the event was cancelled or not, only that our student body seems to have fallen victim to a pessimistic atmosphere. Whether this has anything to do with a negative ambience within the school,

or is just a blinding example of seasonal student depression, one light shone above the rest as UNBC geared up for its annual SLO (Student Led Organizations) Days or “Clubs Days.” Approximately thirty clubs tabled at the two-day event, hoping to bolster their student support and develop a connection in the UNBC community, and many noticed a very interesting change as the hours passed.

Clubs such as the Instrumental Music Club, the Musical Production Club, and the Drama Club noticed an enormous influx of student interest at their booths this year.

“We have had quadruple the amount of people sign up to join this year than we did last year,” says UNBC Drama Club President, Teresa Coe. “But I think we felt successful for a number of reasons. I spent a lot of time this Clubs Days’ visiting the other clubs and trying to make connections.

I think it went really well!”

She was not the only one who felt this way. Chan Tran of the Instrumental Music Club noted that they had also experienced a higher than normal amount of people signing up, which was a huge relief. “It’s hard every year as people graduate,” she mentions. “You always hope that people will join to keep the club going. I think we have a great group this year and can’t wait to see what happens next!”

The Instrumental Music Club and UNBC Drama Club are two organizations spearheading the upcoming UNBC Community Jubilee - a new annual event that hopes to outstretch UNBC’s sense of community to the rest of Prince George through a night of talent and celebration. They are also two of the many clubs

participating in the September 27 Art Clubs Mixer, which introduces the numerous art-related clubs around the school to each other and welcomes new students to attend, join, or simply learn about UNBC’s artistic community. These events and opportunities are not limited to Humanities students, however, as mixers and socials of this type are being held in every college of study at the university, acting as beacons of welcome in a daunting atmosphere.

It is always difficult to gauge how the year is going to go in the first month of class. You might pass, you might fail, and you might drop the class and cherish the useless textbooks you forgot to return for the rest of your life, but it’s fair to worry about what direction you’re going to take.

This year has started with a bang for UNBC, and while some might still feel concerned about an aura of student apathy, others are ready to move forward to create the communities that we all want to be a part of.

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NUGSS

NUGSS By-Election and General Annual Meeting Sam Wall Editor in Chief

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hether you are a new or returning student, all of us at some point have likely wondered, “what is NUGSS and what do they do?” That can be difficult to answer, as they do so much! As your northern undergraduate student society, they are key advocates and representatives of students, and provide events and services. As a non-profit society, NUGSS has a board of directors who are elected to provide the vision, while staff assist with carrying out the everyday workings of the society.

Though the best way to find the answers to your questions is to go talk to the lovely directors or staff in person, a short summary can’t hurt! Services that students use everyday are provided by NUGSS, including the U-Pass program, Health and Dental Benefits Plan, the Thirsty Moose Pub, Degrees Coffee Co., emergency financial aid, food bank services, student lockers, bike lockers, and SLO/clubs administration.

As well, they sit on several UNBC committees to ensure the voice of students is heard. They also manage the NUSC (Northern Undergraduate Student Centre), which houses CFUR Radio, Over The Edge Newspaper, PG Public Interest Research Group, and the Northern Pride Centre.

There’s also an ombudsperson whose role is to maintain communication between the student body and NUGSS. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself!

You can find NUGSS on the third floor of the NUSC building, right above the Thirsty Moose Pub. There are many ways you can get involved with the society through volunteering or joining

a committee administered by the the society. Another great way to get involved is to campaign to become a director of NUGSS. Directors are elected by the student body, and typically serve one year terms. NUGSS has just announced a by-election to fill two vacant director roles: Vice-President and Aboriginal Representative. Nominations for these roles can be submitted between September 26 and October 18, and the campaign period runs from October 19 to October 28. All undergraduate students are encouraged to cast their vote on October 29 and 30.

For more information on NUGSS, all society members (undergraduate students) are welcome to attend the Annual General Meeting. Here you will see all of the year’s work summarized, including budget and actual expenditures. The more members in attendance the better, as this helps reach the quorum required for the meeting, and increases the diversity of members voting on any necessary motions. This will also provide you with an opportunity to meet the society directors and ask questions. The AGM is scheduled for October 17 at 2:30 pm in the NUSC Event Space, where free pizza will be provided!

Any inquiries on the byelection or AGM can be sent to nugss-hello@unbc.ca.

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Municiple Election

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Prince George Municiple Elections Mayor and Council Sam Wall Editor in Chief

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our years have passed, and it has come time for another municipal election in Prince George. As the campaign period kicks off, voters will have two candidates to choose from for the position of mayor, and thirteen candidates for the eight council positions. To make your selection process easier, OTE has provided a brief overview of all the candidates and their electoral platforms. As well, there will be an All Candidates forum at the public library, hosted by CBC on September 25 from 6:30 pm to 9 pm where you can ask questions of the candidates; more

information is available here: https://www.facebook.com/ events/2226997624202080/ General voting day will be on October 20, from 8 am to 8 pm, and you can cast your vote at any of these locations: Blackburn Elementary School, DP Todd Secondary School, Edgewood Elementary School, École Lac des Bois, John McInnis Centre, Kelly Road Secondary School, Malaspina Elementary School, Ron Brent Elementary School, Vanway Elementary School. Advance voting options are available, also from 8 am to 8 pm: October 10

Mayoral Candidates Willy Ens https://www.facebook. com/willy.ens.71 65 year old former pipe fitter, with a background in construction management, which he hopes to use to support upcoming infrastructure renewal such as the Four Seasons Swimming Pool and

Lyn Hall https://www.facebook. com/MayorLynHall/ Hall is the current mayor of Prince George, and is 63 years old. He hopes to continue work on road rehabilitation including resurfacing and repairing potholes, snow clearing which meets residents’ safety concerns, a financial plan for infrastructure upgrades, addressing affordable and senior housing needs, using

the fire hall. He studied safety in combustion engineering at the College of New Caledonia, and has struggled to find work and wants to commit to being mayor as a job.

He imagines minor improvements for major differences, with a focus on young people who will inherit this environment, green policies, sustainability, aquaponics, and local food production. each councilor’s strengths and connecting them with community, and strengthening Prince George as a regional hub. Hall’s experience includes ten years on the PG school board, and three years on city council previous to his four year term as mayor. Other city involvement includes chairing the Select Advisory Committee on Economic Development, and Northern Medical Programs Trust, and being a director on the Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT) Board.

at the Prince George Conference and Civic Centre, October 11 at the Pine Centre Mall, October 16 at the Prince George Conference and Civic Centre, October 17 at the UNBC Bentley Centre. You can also vote via mail if you have a physical disability, illness, or injury that affects your ability to vote, or expect to be absent from Prince George on general voting day and during all advance voting opportunities. Applications for mail ballot voting will be accepted from September 17 to October 19.

Voters will not need to register in advance to vote, just bring

two pieces of identification which prove identity and place of residence, with at least one containing a signature.

Individuals are eligible to vote in the Prince George municipal election if they are 18 years of age or older, are a Canadian citizen, have been a resident of British Columbia for at least six months, and have lived in Prince George for at least 30 days before voting.

This means that if you have been a student of UNBC since the beginning of this semester, you are eligible to vote! Be sure to take this opportunity and vote!

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Municiple Election

Council Candidates Frank Everitt https://www.facebook.com/ Frank-Everitt-271496462884731/ Everitt is a current city councilor serving his second term, who hopes to contribute to PG’s growth as a northern economic hub and make the city the best it can be, finding resonance with the region’s Conservative MP Todd Doherty’s perspectives.

He has been a resident of PG

for over thirty years, and has served as President of the Union of Steel Workers since 1983.

Everitt is also a member of the Finance and Audit Committee, as well as BC’s Round Table on Environment and the Economy.

Viv Fox http://www.votefox.ca/ https:// www.facebook.com/votevivfox Fox is running for her first term as city councilor. She hopes to promote multiculturalism, community wellness, and economic growth in the City. Fox also addresses the mitigation of drug hazards, illegal dumping, and the Quinn Street Recycle Depot and Transfer Station.

Previously in the armed forces, she also worked as a first responder during the BC wildfires, and supports the celebration of Orange Shirt Day and remembrance of residential school victims.

Garth Frizzell http://garthfrizzell.ca/ https://www.facebook. com/reelectGarth/ Frizzell is a current city councilor, having served three terms. His main goals include diversifying the economy and funding, and strong financial accountability.

He teaches technology and business courses at CNC, and has fifteen years of experience

in business technology entrepreneurship. Frizzell has served as the Chair of the City’s Finance and Audit Committee for four years, has been a Board Member for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities for ten years, and is a founding member of the International Students’ Welcoming Committee.

His contributions earned

him the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2013.

retired after over twenty years as Executive Director of the Central Interior Native Health Society, and was Executive Director of the PG and District United Way for thirteen years. Krause has also chaired several committees with the City, including Homelessness and Affordable Housing, Healthy City Framework, Finance and Audit, Intercultural, and Heritage Committees. He has won Prince

George Citizen of the Year, the Community Leadership Award from PG Native Friendship Centre, and the Queen’s Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medals.

Murry Krause https://murrykrause.ca/ https:// www.facebook.com/murry.krause Krause is a mainstay of local politics, serving six terms on city council. Born and raised in Prince George, he is an energetic community leader, and works from an informed, balanced approach. He is currently a director of the Regional District of Fraser Fort George, recently

Municiple Election

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Terri P. McConnachie http://www.terrimcconnachie. com https://www.facebook.com/ terrimcconnachiecitycouncillor/ McConnachie is a current city councilor seeking re-election to her second term. Her interests include investment in infrastructure and attention to maintenance programs, accountability at City Hall, civic

pride through beautification, and a collaborative approach to council. She has been a citizen of PG for over 40 years, worked as General Manager of the PG Exhibition, and currently works as Executive Officer for the Canadian Home Builders’ Association of Northern BC. McConnachie is

Cori Ramsay https://www.facebook.com/ coriramsayforcouncil/ Ramsay is a new candidate for council, who wants to shift focus to youth in order to maintain sustainability of the city. Her background is in retail lending and business, and under her leadership, Integris Credit Union and the City of Quesnel became living wage certified. She is also

the Chair of the Board at the Two Rivers Gallery, serves on the CFUR board as Treasurer, and volunteers with the UNBC Apiary club, UNBC Theatre Club, and Judy Russell Presents. She was named one of the Top 40 Under 40, and spoke at TEDxUNBC about poverty reduction.

Kyle Sampson http://kylesampson.ca/ https:// www.facebook.com/SampKyle/ At the age of 25, Sampson is the youngest candidate for council, and is seeking election to his first term. His interests include longterm budget needs, sustainability, community development, and attracting young professionals and families to the City. He feels a responsibility to support the

needs of diverse and vulnerable populations of PG. Sampson worked as a DJ at “The River” radio station, manages Pacific Western Brewing, and is organizing the Cariboo Rocks Northern Music Festival. He was named on of the Top 40 Under 40, and has support from several current councilors.

Susan Scott https://www.facebook. com/susanscott.PG/ Scott is a current member of council, seeking re-election to her second term. Scott currently works with the management team at Pacific Western Transportation, and worked for 22 years in college and university bookstore systems.

She volunteered as Assistant

Chaplain at the hospital for thirteen years, and volunteered at the Rotary Hospice House.

Scott is an Interim Director of the North Central Local Government Association (NCLGA), a member of the Standing Committee on Finance and Audit, and a member of the Select Committee on Homelessness and Affordable Housing.

also a trustee on the PG Public Library Board and a member of the Nechako Rotary Club.

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Municiple Election Paul Serup https://www.facebook. com/paul.serup Serup is a Hart community member, seeking election to his first term on council. His interests include nixing plans to rebuild the aging Four Seasons Swimming Pool, and allowing the YMCA to take over construction and management. This is despite an affirmative referendum vote

from citizens in October 2017.

Serup would like to see less bureaucracy, and streamlined processes in City management.

Brian Skakun http://brianskakun.com/ Skakun is a current city councilor having served five terms, and is seeking re-election for his sixth term. His main interests are in infrastructure, economic development, administrative communication and oversight, and environment. Skakun wants to see the City apply for funding to continue to improve roads,

sidewalks, and parks, as well as have a better informed council when voting on development.

He also wants to see increased communication amongst all players in City Hall, and an environmental approach that considers all factors. Skakun Chairs the Intergovernmental Resolutions Committee, and has been involved with the local SPCA

and PG Pulp Safety Committee.

He was recently the subject of some controversy in The Citizen Newspaper around his opinions on the needle exchange.

it was discovered that he had not paid the property taxes on his home, though eventually he paid what was owed. He hopes to be a voice for small business, and hold the City to account for how taxpayer money is spent. Stolz has been critical of the City allowing salaried administrative staff to be paid overtime for their work

on accommodating evacuees from last year’s wildfires.

Cameron Stoltz http://cameronstolz.ca/ https:// www.facebook.com/CameronStolz-125647834159519/ Stolz is a previous city councilor, having served two terms, and is looking to be elected for a third term. During his council tenure, he fought for and lost a motion to limit the increase of property taxes. In 2013, he stepped down as chair of the committee, after

Christopher Wood https://www. facebook.com/groups/ ChrisWoodForCityCouncil/ Wood is a new applicant to council, hoping to be elected for his first term. He has twenty years of Information Technology experience, as well as English and Math tutoring for a variety of age groups. Wood seeks to bring modernity to the city, including

rethinking traffic flows to allow cycling and exercise year-round, snow removal on a timely basis, and improved sewer systems.

He visualizes technology and art working together, creating a place where people want to live, including a new performance center, updated movie theatre, and expansion of the Maker Space at the Two Rivers Gallery.

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Dave Fuller http://www.davefullerpg.ca/ Fuller is running for his first term as city councilor. He focuses on community, environment, and economics. Community priorities include more funding for community groups, and more focus on establishing neighborhood gatherings and park spaces. Fuller is working with the PG Air Improvement

Roundtable to reduce industrial and sewage emissions, and create an organic household waste pickup. He is also a former owner of Ave Maria and a business consultant, hoping to implement a “Dragon’s Den” style investment system. He has also been critical of salaried City staff claiming overtime during the BC wildfires.

Almost Over the Edge Anonymous Contributor

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n May 2016, I went ski touring with two friends. We biked fourteen kilometres into the backcountry with our skis, boots, and gear strapped to our backs.

After bivy sacking throughout the wee morning hours, we woke up around 4:30 am to begin our 1500 metre vertical ascent. As it was later in the season with very cool temperatures, the slope had mostly turned into ice. We had crampons for our ski boots and ice axes to battle the icy landscape. After three and a half hours of whacking ice axes and kicking boots into the face of the mountain, stopping frequently in safe zones with minimal rock and ice fall hazard, we finally made it to the summit.

We ate a quick lunch to fuel ourselves for the big descent.

With skis now off of our packs and on our feet, we chatted excitedly about who would go first, and who would take up the rear. With nerves growing inside of me the longer we stood on top of the mountain chatting, I decided I would go first, and skied away from my partners.

The first three pitches were

successful. We were skiing down a sixty degree slope, constantly aware of the sloughing behind us, the rapidly warming temperatures, and the potential for avalanche. It was exhilarating. The plan was easy enough, ski each pitch one at a time to an island of safety.

Around 500 metres below me was a massive cliff, known to the local search and rescue as a cliff that has taken many lives. I skied more confidently knowing fully what was at stake.

We continued to pick our way down the slope, eventually reaching our final island of safety. After this pitch, we would be in the fan of the mountain face, and it would be safe and fun the rest of the way. As I was standing there, taking my last break, I looked around. I realized my skis were not facing in the right direction and I wanted to get them turned to face the other way. I made what is called a “downhill kickturn.” Essentially, you cross your legs in a very inhumane looking way and voila!

You are facing the other direction on a perilous slope. My skis did not have a good enough edge for

this maneuver. I kicked my own feet out from underneath me.

The first thing that happened, in a matter of milliseconds, was a blown ACL. My knee popped at the same time I realized I was about to head face first down this mountain. The second thing that happened was I lost my ice axe, and along with it my ability to self-arrest. The final thing that happened was, as foreshadowed, I wound up heading face first down the mountain. My friend, who was about fifteen metres below me, held out his hand and screamed at me to take it. Even though everything was happening so fast, I remember having time to think that I did not want to bring him down with me to inevitable death.

As I slid past him, he grabbed my backpack and we both went for an approximately two hundred metre long tumble over rocks and ice. At one point, it felt like I was literally drowning. There was snow and ice making its way into my throat. When we finally came to a stop, both just surprised as the other, I felt sick and lost.

My friend touched my face and when he pulled his hand away, along with it came blood. “There’s

a hole in your head,” he said.

We had a VHF (very high frequency) radio with us to call for dispatch, and just as soon as the operator received our distress call, the radio died. It had been damaged in the fall. Several hours later, after painstakingly making our way down the face of the mountain with six broken ribs, two torn knees, and a gash the size of a baseball on my face, we made it back to our basecamp, where eventually search and rescue would pick us up by helicopter and fly us to a hospital.

I regret having put my friend’s life in peril; it is something I will take with me to my grave. Someday, though, I will go back to claim the line that claimed me, this time with great respect and solemnity.

“All the birds have flown up and gone; a lonely cloud floats leisurely by.

We never tire of looking at each otheronly the mountain and I.” - Li Po

Anonymous | OTE

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Opinion

Compass Group Doesn’t Care about Our Campus Corey Bonnar Contributor

T

he first few weeks of class are complete and the last of summer has gone with the crisp morning air and overturned garbage cans, both sure signs that fall in Prince George has arrived.

Although the signs of fall are always pleasant to us who love the changing seasons, there have been some sounds on campus that are less pleasing to the caring ear.

A looming worker’s strike has clouded the otherwise harmonious hallways with an uncertain air of dysfunction. As someone who, due to budget constraints, doesn’t frequent the UNBC cafeteria as much as I would like to, it is not immediately clear how possible strike action would affect my day to day experience at UNBC. I also do my best to support our local Degrees Coffee Co. so it would not be a double-double withdrawal that I need to worry about.

But what about the people?

These are important members of our local community. These are people who raise families, work hard to support our students, and improve our University experience. I would like to show appreciation, and I encourage all of us to show our support.

We need to recognize the importance of supporting our local community members who are up against a faceless, British multinational corporation doing its best to put its profits before our people here on campus.

These are good local people, including neighbors, family, and friends, we need to ensure they can continue to be healthy participants in our community,

which means fair wages and job security. I for one, am going to sport a hairnet on campus as a sign of my support.

I encourage the rest of the student body to show their support and appreciation so we can move forward with a positive outcome, resulting in a fair contract negotiation that respects the importance of our people and what they mean to our community.

“

I for one, am going to sport a hairnet on campus as a sign of my support.

Campus Events

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Check Out These Events!

September 24 - 28

September 28

Write That Paper 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Location: ASC (10-2584)

Orange Shirt Day 9:00 am - 2:00 pm Location: Bentley Centre and The Gathering Place

Sept. 24 - Nov. 22 Study Skills for a Successful Semester 12:00 pm Location: ASC (10-2584) or Doug Little Lounge

September 25 JET Info Session 5:15 pm - 6:45 pm Location: 5-158

September 26 First Contact Documentary Screening 11:00 am - 1:30 pm Location: The Gathering Place

Global Friday Presents: Coming Back to a Sense of Community 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm Location: 5-175 NRESi Colloquium: Transformation to Low-Carbon Society 3:15 pm - 4:15 pm Location: 8-164 or webcast (http://www.unbc.ca/nres-institute/ colloquium-webcasts)

The Last Word

Work at Multiple volunteer positions open!

Email your resume to cfur_hello@cfur.ca For more information, visit cfur.ca/employment-and-internships

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