Your guide to the 2015 SFSS elections by The Peak

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» CANADIAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AWARD 2013

FIRST PEEK

Hello, my name is Tessa, and I’m a workaholic. That might not sound like such a big deal, or even something very negative. But being able to admit this to myself recently has given me a new perspective on how I spend my time, and has gotten me thinking about how I might be able to work towards working less. In the past, I would always justify my heavy workload as a result of having trouble saying ‘no’ to people, or I would tell myself that I needed to work more for the money, or because I was just ambitious and driven. But I have since realized that this is not what it’s about. It seems that I just like to be busy. I’m learning to acknowledge it, control it, and accept that it’s just the type of person I am. Some people much prefer to stay at home, watch lots of TV, and have all their evenings

March 16, 2015

and weekends free of any formal plans. There’s nothing wrong with that, but I’ve always been drawn to fill my time as much as I can. One side effect of this sort of compulsion is that I have trouble relaxing — I mean fully relaxing. I don’t know what it’s like to not have a ‘to-do’ list hanging over my head, and I am always considering how to squeeze tasks in between other tasks until I have no room left to breathe.

There are definitely upsides to this. I have learned how to be efficient and use my time wisely, but I’ve also realized that I tend to plan out every moment of my day, filling my time with so many activities that there isn’t time left for all the little things that I keep meaning to do “in my spare time.”

Another upside is that I’m never bored. There are always things to do, and as an only child, I’ve always been good at finding things to occupy my time. I used to always tell myself that after this semester, or after this assignment, my time would clear up. As soon as this particular task is out of the way, I’ll be free and life will be great. After a while I’ve come to the conclusion that, while those thoughts keep me motivated, they are untrue. Other things always seem to fill those spaces in my schedule, and that’s just fine. I don’t need everyone to understand why I’m a part-time student with a full-time job, a part-time job, and many other projects on the go simultaneously. It’s worked so far, and becoming more aware of how I allocate my time will help to make sure I save time for myself and those I care about. Ultimately, as long as I can keep myself in check and don’t overdo it, and as long as I still enjoy what I’m doing, I’ve learned it doesn’t matter if I have a crazy schedule, and it most certainly doesn’t matter if others think so.

NEWS

March 16, 2015

Representatives from the nonprofit volunteer organization Schools Building Schools (SBS) took issue with the manner in which the board approved the referendum question to discontinue their levy. Stacey Bryant of SBS explained that since their report to council last semester, the group had not had any correspondence with the SFSS until March 3 — the day before referendum questions were due — leaving them little time to make their case in favour of the levy. One of her concerns was with the wording of the question being “misrepresentative of what Schools Building Schools does as an organization.” The board ultimately moved to revoke the question from the referenda. President Chardaye Bueckert commented, “I don’t think it’s appropriate or kind of us as a student society to make them scramble,” and suggested that the issue be put to referendum at a later date.

The undergraduate health and dental insurance provider, I Have a Plan, presented a report of student usage for the past year. The report showed that 73 per cent of students were enrolled in the enhanced plan, while two per cent chose the basic plan and 25 per cent opted out of the coverage completely. I Have a Plan’s representative shared some of the contrasts in usage of the plan from previous years. There were more dependents and spouses enrolled in addition to an increase in claims related to mental health care in comparison to past data. The board was assured that people were taking full advantage of the plan’s offered coverages, and that costs would not go up for the next year.

SFU recently announced that Louis Riel House, the residence that primarily houses graduate students and families, will close at the end of August due to structural and air quality issues. Current residents have been asked to vacate by that time. This has sparked an outcry from residents who are not eligible to apply for any other on-campus housing — most of which offers single-bed dorm rooms only — and must find alternative housing for themselves and their families. After completing a full assessment of the condition of the building, SFU has deemed the structure beyond repair and has decided it must be torn down. In a press release on March 10, the university wrote that “The wellbeing and safety of residents at Simon Fraser University is a top priority. Given ongoing concerns with the structure and indoor air quality at Louis Riel

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House Residence, and following a recent assessment [. . .] it is clear that the mechanical systems and building envelope are at the end of their service life.” The release also stated that Louis Riel residents are an important part of the campus community, and that the university will continue to meet with and assist students and families as they develop next steps. Concerns about the general upkeep of the residence have been expressed over the past several years, but it wasn’t until last September that SFU began a thorough inspection of individual units and common spaces in Louis Riel to address issues with black mould.

In an online update, the university stated, “The assessment identified a number of moisture sources which are resulting in damaged building materials, fungal contamination and reduced indoor air quality.”

Leah Bjornson associate news editor news@the-peak.ca

During the inspection process, 39 residents were relocated to alternate housing on campus due to health risks in their units. Several Louis Riel residents have protested the closure throughout the process and held a press conference on the morning of March 10 following the announcement. At this conference, Louis Riel resident Teresa Dettling said that, had she known about the issues in the building, she would have thought twice about moving in. “We were all lied to about the condition of the building before we took possession of our apartments,” she said. Many of Dettling’s neighbours expressed concerns about how they are going to finish their education if there is no place for them or their families on campus. SFU Residence and Housing has communicated its intentions of “reviewing its housing plan for the future” and to meet the need for family housing, but has offered no immediate solution. All the residents of the condemned building were invited to a closed town hall meeting later that evening to have their questions and concerns addressed. Security was present outside Shell House where the meeting took place. Dettling stated that their presence was an “intimidation tactic” on the part of the administration. Dettling approached the Simon Fraser Student Society (SFSS) board at its meeting on March 11

Melissa Roach

on behalf of the Louis Riel Community Association to ask for the society’s support. She explained that she and fellow residents are looking to be relocated to other housing on campus — something the university has not promised to accommodate — as well as to request that SFU incorporate low-income housing into future residence projects.

“Any type of pressure you could put on the university [. . .] would be extremely helpful to us,” she said. SFSS President Chardaye Bueckert advocated for assisting Dettling’s group and moved a motion to that effect. The society agreed to endorse their declaration and to support them “as required and requested.” “If the SFSS is not in favour of affordable family housing on campus, I don’t know why we’re here,” said Bueckert. The Louis Riel Community Association will be holding a rally on Wednesday, March 18 in Freedom Square next to Convo Mall to stop the “displacement” of Louis Riel’s students and families.

NEWS

March 16, 2015

Director Janine Hosking screened the award-winning film Australian film 35 Letters at the SFU’s Goldcorp Centre for the Arts on March 11. The film explored young woman Angelique Flowers’s struggles through the last months of cancer. This documentary, followed by a panel discussion with Flowers’ sister, invited viewers to examine difficult questions of living with terminal illness and wanting to die with dignity.

The event raised $18,666 for the Canadian Cancer Society

Surrey Campus welcomed guests to an information session for SFU’s Occupational Health and Safety Diploma on March 11. Those interested in safety professions had an opportunity to learn more about the importance of health and safety management in the workplace, and its relationship to productivity, worksite operation, and workers’ health.

SFU’s Latin American Studies program introduced a public lecture titled “Lecture Civil Society, Public Policy, and the Quality of Democracy in Latin America” on March 10. Using Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, and Peru as examples, professor Gabriela IppolitoO’Donnell explored the influence of civil society organizations on democratization in those countries.

Students were in motion around the clock in the West Gym on SFU’s Burnaby campus to raise funds and awareness for the Canadian Cancer Society. The annual event took place from 7 p.m. on Friday, March 6, 2015 to 7 a.m. the following morning, and students and members of the SFU community raised $18,666 this year, as of press time. Donations are still being accepted, and that number is still rising. Over the past seven years, SFU has raised over $200,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society. Event attendees raised money and pledges in teams and walked, ran, or wheeled around the track for the duration of the 12 hour event. Attendee Jenna Gigantelli enjoyed the event, saying, “it was wonderful being there with my friends,

because we all stepped up together to show our support.” The event also involved a number of other activities, including a photo booth, sumo wrestling, zumba, live music played throughout the night, and a pancake breakfast in the morning. Brooke Sherwood, the team lead for community giving for the Canadian Cancer Society’s Greater Vancouver region, explained the importance of the Society’s work within the community. “Not only is [the society] a funder of research, it also provides a lot of support programs that can’t

SFU has joined a new national research council that investigates glycomics, the study of the structure and function of carbohydrates in biological systems. Six scientists from SFU have joined over 60 others across Canada in the Canadian Glycomics Network (GlycoNet), which received $27.3 million in federal funding last month. GlycoNet is one of the leading health-related research networks to receive funding from the federal Networks of Centres of Excellence program. Boasting a set of multidisciplinary researchers from across Canada, the organisation is playing a key role in large-scale research initiatives, such as glycomics, with the aim of improving human health.

David Vocadlo, an SFU professor of chemistry who has joined GlycoNet, told The Peak what glycomics is all about. “Many people think of carbohydrates as simply a source of energy used by the body. Remarkably, however, the body takes glucose and converts it into about 10 different types of specialized and distinct sugar units,” he explained. These specialized sugar units are then taken by cells and stuck onto proteins that are distributed throughout the cell, coating its surface. The sugar units play different roles, all the way from conception through development and into adulthood and aging. Vocadlo continued, “We don’t really know all the roles played by these different sugar structures in the body, and that is a topic of intense international interest.” He also noted that the study of glycomics may contribute to our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. “In diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, the cells that are affected

be funded by the government,” she said. “There are a lot of missing links that people on a cancer journey require, and the society raises money to support them.” The Canadian Cancer Society not only funds research projects, but also runs a pediatric camp for children and their families in Maple Ridge. Called Camp Good Times, the centre provides low-cost or free lodging for cancer patients and their loved ones, near cancer treatment centres across the province. Through this support, they aim to enable everyone to fight

their cancer, no matter their financial situation. At 11 p.m, attendees participated in ‘Laps of Remembrance,’ when each attendee was encouraged to decorate a luminary in support or memory of someone who fought or is fighting cancer. The track was lit by the luminaries, and laps were done in the dark, while “Hallelujah” was played and a dancer performed below the track amongst luminaries spelling out “hope.” Gigantelli explained that the memorial meant a lot to her, as her dad is a cancer survivor. “The whole time, all I could really do was be so thankful my dad is still with me, and reflect on what it would have been like if his luminary was a memorial one,” she said. When asked what she intended to accomplish that night, Sherwood said, “We hope that [the event] brings meaning. The reality is, if we were to ask everyone in the room if they know someone who’s had cancer or is on the cancer journey, unfortunately the vast majority of people would put their hands up.”

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show differences in how they use sugars. In cancer, for example, the cells take up additional glucose to feed their growth, and this creates stress on the cells,” Vocadlo said. “Cancer cells protect against this stress by changing the levels of specialized sugars found on certain proteins. So, if we can identify these changes and then understand how these changes impact these diseased cells, we can enable the development of new therapeutics.”

Vocadlo said he believes these findings could help with the development of new therapeutic strategies for diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Glycomics could also have wide ranging significance in areas extending to antibacterials and antivirals including vaccines. Ultimately, Vocadlo is enthusiastic to be joining GlycoNet, and will begin by focussing his research on understanding and controlling carbohydrate-processing enzymes.

6 NEWS

Students meandered in and out of the SFU Surrey atrium last week while candidates for the Simon Fraser Student Society (SFSS) elections vied for their votes at the first debate of this year’s election season. The atrium was scarcely populated when the debates began at 10:30 a.m. last Thursday, as students occasionally peeked over the railings to watch candidates debate issues related to advocacy, student involvement, and financial responsibility, among others. The faculty and at-large representative debates were fairly cordial, as candidates discussed their plans for engaging students and bridging the perceived gap between the SFSS board and the membership. Several candidates suggested creating an online database

Chief electoral officer (CEO) in the upcoming SFSS election Oscar Sanchez put in a request to increase his number of billable hours, as he had already billed 193 of the 200 hours available to him. With the voting period just under two weeks away, Sanchez made the point that he would need to work over seven more hours to “actually finish this election.” The board unanimously agreed to increase his hours by 50 so he can continue to work in his capacity as CEO.

March 16, 2015

for their faculties and clubs in order to better connect students across campus. After an hour, discussion shifted to focus on the upcoming referendum questions. This year, the board of directors has put forward three questions to be voted on by the student body in the upcoming elections. Current SFSS president Chardaye Bueckert spoke briefly about the proposed reallocation of fees from the Space Expansion Fund Levy to the SFSS Emergency Food Bank Program. If passed, $0.25 per full time student and $0.13 per part time student would be shifted to support the food bank, which has recently expanded its services to SFU’s satellite campuses. “This would provide an annual budget of $32,000 for the program,” explained Bueckert. Current VP external relations Darwin Binesh then spoke to the proposed shift of $4.75 per full time student and $2.37 per part time student from the Space Expansion Fund to the Membership Fee Levy. The executive debates started with a bang when Brady Wallace (REAL) was the only VP University Relations candidate to take the stage. The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), who was mediating the

debates, asked if the audience had any questions for Wallace, after which he queried if he could ask one of his own. Wallace addressed his absent opponents, asking how committed they are to the position considering their absence. He then responded on their behalfs: “not very.” After the debate ended, VP Student Life candidate Deepak Sharma (REAL) gave Wallace a standing ovation. Binesh (REAL) was also the only VP Student Services candidate present, as Shery Alam (SCHOOL SPIRIT) was ill. When asked how he plans to work with transit after the U-pass program is modified, Binesh responded, “I have formal negotiation experience [. . .] I do plan on fighting for a very fair rate.” All four of the VP External Relations candidates were present to battle for students’ votes during a lengthy discussion, which addressed issues such as government relations and advocacy. The discussion peaked when Bueckert asked how the candidates plan to address sexual assault on university campuses, if elected. Candidate Blossom Malhan (REAL) said she wants these issues discussed more openly on campus. “You have the right to be protected at this university,” she added.

Karan Thukral (SCHOOL SPIRIT), Arjan Mundy, and Kathleen Yang echoed this advice, with Yang highlighting the need for transformative justice approaches. The VP Student Life and the VP Finance debates were particularly contentious, with each pair of candidates exchanging quips and questions. VP student life candidates Hassan Liaquat (SCHOOL SPIRIT) and Sharma (REAL) emphasized that the position should be about more than “throwing a couple successful pub nights” — although both added that they had “done a few of those.”

VP Finance candidates Barbara Szymczyk (REAL) and Karan Thakur (SCHOOL SPIRIT) threw out figures from the current SFSS budget, speaking to what adjustments they would make in the upcoming year. At 1:04 p.m., the presidential candidates Kayobe Fatoba (SCHOOL SPIRIT), Erik Hadekaer (S.P.A.D.E.S. 2015), Zied Masmoudi (REAL), and Enoch Weng took to the stage.

Fellow candidate Johnny Aether (LAN Party) sent in a note apologizing for his absence. Before sitting down, Hadekaer removed his formal suit, put on a velvet gold tracksuit, and began cracking glowsticks, which he then threw to members of the crowd during his opening statement. Masmoudi begun by asking his opponents what their first priority would be if elected. Weng said he would focus on uniting the board priorities and ensuring the group was ready to work as a team. For Hadekaer, the emphasis was on Taco Tuesdays. “We will bring tacos to everybody!” he exclaimed. Fatoba said he wants to lead by example and try to keep the board focused on working together. “Less politics means more possibilities to do what we are elected to do,” he stated. Masmoudi later stated that the board needs to reevaluate its mission: “One of my main priorities would be to set a goal for the society.” Candidates parleyed for almost an hour on how to improve the society before the IEC wrapped up the debates at 2 p.m. The candidates will continue to debate next week at Harbour Centre and Burnaby before the campaign period closes on March 24.

OPINIONS

March 16, 2015

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Two law students at McGill, Soumia Allalou and Raymond Grafton, recently approached their university student union about creating women-only hours at McGill’s fitness center. Their proposal was met with widespread criticism, and rightly so. In fact, an online petition opposing women-only fitness hours was created soon afterwards, and I fully support it. It’s upsetting that in a society striving for equality and inclusiveness, a public gym funded by both sexes should shun away one sex at certain times of the week. What’s further upsetting is that this problem already exists at SFU.

It’s Saturday morning and I have just met up with my best friend. We’re planning on pumping iron at SFU’s fitness center, and we arrive there at about 8:30 a.m. When we walk through the doors to the fitness center, we’re told to leave. Why? It’s women-only hours. We’re actively trying to create a society that’s more inclusive, so it’s contradictory to create women-only hours in a university gymnasium

that is funded by students of both sexes. In her proposal to McGill’s student union, Allalou tried to reason that women have less access to equipment, are “intimidated” in the weights section, and feel less comfortable in the gym environment, implying these women may be subject to harassment by men. Firstly, men face the same difficulties obtaining dumbbells, barbells, plates, and machines. There

According to The Globe and Mail, the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against women released a damning report which accused Canada of “violat[ing] the rights of Aboriginal women by failing to thoroughly investigate why they are targeted for violence.” The committee added its voice to numerous others who advocate for a national inquiry into the matter. It is clear from this report that the Conservative Party does not take violence against Aboriginal women seriously. However, the Canadian government must be the one to take action, as they are responsible for this issue in the first place. The Canadian public has launched itself into a frenzy over the spectre of terrorism, which truly hasn’t been much of an issue. RCMP records state that 1,181 Aboriginal women have been murdered or declared missing in Canada, and yet for many this does not provoke the same gut reaction of righteous indignation. The public, for the most part, remains starkly unemotional. For evidence of this complacency we

need look no further than Prime Minister Harper. He is a near-authoritarian arbiter of justice (see Bill C-51), yet on this issue his stance is reserved and calm. Just this week he announced his support for a bill which would introduce life sentences with no chance of parole for crimes like murder and terrorism, which he called “repulsive” and “heinous.” Why isn’t Harper repulsed by the scourge of violence against Aboriginal women? The most Harper can muster is that a national inquiry on the issue “isn’t really high on our radar.” Centuries of racist policy in Canada have left the nation’s Aboriginal peoples disadvantaged — subject to racial discrimination, cultural genocide, and the societal consequences of poverty. As of 2006, approximately 50 per cent of all ‘status’ aboriginal children were living in poverty. In Manitoba, where the Aboriginal population is higher than most provinces, that number jumps to 62 per cent. Poverty has profound effects on a people. It is correlated with increased exposure to crime, violence, exploitation, substance abuse, and mental health issues, all of which have become endemic

in Aboriginal communities. The Canadian government is solely responsible. When the Indian Act was first introduced in 1876, it imposed draconian restrictions on Aboriginal peoples in regards to who had ‘status’ and who did not. Furthermore, it victimized Aboriginal women who married out. These women would lose their status, legal recognition, and be cut off from their families, communities, and support networks. This is where the seeds of a future of abuse are sown. The residential school system routinely abused Aboriginal children sexually, physically, and emotionally, and gave them trauma which they carried throughout their lives. The current violence is just a continuation of a history of similar brutality. The only difference now is that the state, instead of being the direct perpetrators, are law enforcers who have more pressing agendas than to deal with violence against Aboriginal women. After all, how can we expect a government that has consistently dehumanized and oppressed these women to suddenly care about their safety? A national inquiry is necessary for justice to be achieved, full stop. It is clear that the status quo

Adam Van der Zwan opinions@the-peak.ca

aren’t gender rules to dictate who gets access to these things. I’ve seen plenty of men aimlessly stare at a piece of equipment only to watch it then be taken by someone who has the courage to ask the current user for a chance to use it. It’s not a gender problem, it’s an inability to speak up. Secondly, being intimidated in the dumbbell or weights sections merely comes with being inexperienced at the gym. I’ve also observed plenty of men who hesitate to enter the dumbbell area because they notice the flurry of activity. Again, once gym-users of any gender break out of their comfort zones, they’ll realize that everyone generously shares weights. Finally, if you’ve been harassed in any way at the gym, then report the individual. Verbal or sexual harassment is by no means okay, but it doesn’t mean all men should be punished because a few of them have done wrong. Having worked

out regularly for six years at five different gyms, I can assure everyone that men are generally polite and helpful to women in the gym. To further explain how ridiculous women-only hours are, I’ll reference an activity that is dominated by women: yoga. It doesn’t make sense to say there needs to be a menonly yoga session because men are shy and inexperienced with yoga. And it’s not the case that women are extremely better at holding poses or more flexible in some innate way. Women who engage in yoga are simply better at yoga because they practice yoga. To have gender-only hours advances the attitude that men and women are extremely different psychologically and physiologically. Women can be just as strong as men. SFU should understand this, and should take note of McGill’s example in not setting women-only hours at their fitness center. Ideally, they should follow suit.

has not adequately protected Aboriginal women, and an inquiry could do two things. First, it could explore the root causes of violence. Second, and most importantly, it could provide justice for countless victims. A society where individuals are well aware that committing violent acts against Aboriginal women is

routinely met with impunity is one in which Aboriginal women will continue to be victimized. Moreover, for the families of victims like Loretta Saunders and Tina Fontaine, it denies them any sense of restitution. For Aboriginal women living in Canada, a national inquiry won’t eliminate a culture of violence and oppression. But it’s a start.

8 OPINIONS

Let me start by saying that I understand that debating taxes can be difficult. I do think that taxes at their basis are good because they keep society functioning, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important that things such as education and infrastructure are properly funded. However, there are certain individual products that should not be taxed, as access to them should be a basic human right. In the UK, exotic meats and helicopters arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t taxed, and in Canada incontinence products and many kinds of food are not taxed. All of these products are considered to be essential, but for some reason

March 16, 2015

menstrual sanitation products do not make the cut. Maybe itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s because periods are icky. I know that not taxing food products seems fair; every human needs food, so this should be a nobrainer. In Canada, fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, poultry, breakfast cereals and some dairy products are

not taxed, and this seems logical; however, there is actually debate over the types of food that fall into these categories. Wedding cakes and cocktail cherries are considered part of this list, and CBC reported that Twinkies and Pop-Tarts also fall in line with what is considered essential. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m no

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nutritionist, and I love a slice of cake as much as the next person, but Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m fairly sure my well-being wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be jeopardized if I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have proper access to these products. There isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a woman out there who would consider her menstrual sanitation products a fun treat. They arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a splurge and they arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t for cocktail parties â&#x20AC;&#x201D; they are a basic female human necessity. Period. Over half the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s population will need regular access to these products throughout a large portion of their lives, and yet they arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t considered a need. Let me just put it out there that the Merriam-Webster definition of the word â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;needâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is â&#x20AC;&#x153;a physiological or psychological requirement for the well-being of an organism.â&#x20AC;? How is it even possible that a debate exists about whether or not products like tampons fit this definition? But that is the tragedy of the matter; this is an ongoing debate with governments around the world. The UK, France, Australia, United States, and Canada are all petitioning federal governments to eradicate this tax that unfairly impeaches on the female

population. In Canada, the movement is called â&#x20AC;&#x153;No Tax on Tampons,â&#x20AC;? and there are over 57,000 out of the 75,000 needed signatures on the Change.org petition. The individual GST charged on each product we buy seems insubstantial and most Canadians donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t notice it in the short run, but Statistics Canada estimated that approximately 17,876,392 Canadian women between the ages of 12â&#x20AC;&#x201C;49 spent over 500 million dollars on menstrual hygiene products in 2014 alone. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lot of money coming from products that females have literally no choice but to buy. Most importantly, this debate is about defending the rights of the lower-income women who do feel the effect of every dollar spent. If tampons become an extra expense, these women may either choose to forego other necessities, like food, or push their limits and risk ill health from lack of sanitation. This just isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fair. If you agree that tampons and all other menstrual sanitation products shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be taxed, make sure to check out the No Tax on Tampons campaign. Tampons are a necessity that Twinkies simply canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t compete with.

Raise that green stout high â&#x20AC;&#x201D; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to make your ancestors proud. St. Patrickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day is right around the corner, and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve promised your friends a drunken romp for the ages. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve hit the dollar store up for every tinseled shamrock and shot glass you can muster. Soon youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be feasting and drinking to your heartâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s delight in the company of dear friends! Who cares if your neighbors have small

children? Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s spring break; they can sleep it off! Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve waited all year for the chance to wear that â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kiss me, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m Irishâ&#x20AC;? T-shirt, and nothing is going to stop you now. Green couch stains and horrible attempts at an Irish accent are in your foreseeable future, and you wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t give it up for a pot of gold. Stick on that ginger peach fuzz and get your jig on; youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re kicking off spring with a bang.

Your stomach is a festering geyser of cheap booze and green food colouring, ready to go off at any minute. The grip on the toilet bowl is firm; you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t risk letting the room start to spin again. One burp confirms your worst fear; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coming up, and nothingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to make it otherwise. You brace your arms and lower your head into position. In no time at all, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be given an abdominal workout that could put a Cross Fit class to shame.

Eyes bulging, jaw unhinged, you let out a war cry. Bile courses up your throat and ejects itself through your mouth and nostrils. After bidding farewell to breakfast, lunch, dinner, and two six packs of beer, you lean against the wall begging for it to be over. Shortly after, the geyser in your stomach comes again twice as hard. Somewhere, someplace, your ancestors are laughing and face-palming.

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2015 GENERAL ELECTION CANDIDATES PRESIDENT Enoch Weng Erik Hedakaer - SPADES 2015 Johnny Aether - LAN party Kayode Fatoba - School Spirit Zied Masmoudi - REAL

VP FINANCE Barbara Szymczyk - REAL Karan Thakur - School Spirit

VP STUDENT SERVICES Darwin Binesh - REAL Shery Alam - School Spirit

VP STUDENT LIFE

APPLIED SCIENCES FACULTY REPRESENTATIVE Corbett Gildersleeve - LAN Party Noura Seifelnasr - School Spirit Raham Saberiniaki - REAL

BUSINESS FACULTY REPRESENTATIVE Akashdeep Brar - School Spirit Hangue Kim - REAL

ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES FACULTY REPRESENTATIVE Arpit Toteja - School Spirit Arr Farah - REAL Parsa Kiani

Deepak Sharma - REAL Hassan Liaquat - School Spirit

EDUCATION FACULTY REPRESENTATIVE

VP EXTERNAL RELATIONS

Melissa Lee - REAL

Arjan Mundy Blossom Malhan - REAL Karan Thukral - School Spirit Kathleen Yang

ENVIRONMENT FACULTY REPRESENTATIVE

VP UNIVERSITY RELATIONS

HEALTH SCIENCES REPRESENTATIVE

Ali Najaf - School Spirit Ally Van Poa - Spades Brady Wallace - REAL Lia Fallah

AT LARGE REPRESENTATIVE (2) Curtis Pooghkay - REAL Jon Taras - SPADES 2015 Shubhal Goel - School Spirit Shipra Sharma - School Spirit

Christine Dyson - REAL

Divine Wekwa - School Spirit Hui (Larissa) Chen - REAL

SCIENCES REPRESENTATIVE Anu Sri - School Spirit Brandon Wong Jas Hans Jesse Velay-Vitow - LAN Party Jimmy Dhesa Marija Jovanovic - REAL

COMMUNICATION, ART AND TECHNOLOGY FACULTY REPRESENTATIVE Salathiel R. Wells - School Spirit

VOTING WILL OCCUR BETWEEN MARCH 24 AND 26 Inquiries can be made to Oscar A L Sanchez, Chief Electoral Officer at ceo@sfss.ca

Twitter: @SFSSElections Facebook: facebook.com/SFSSElections

ELECTION SPECIAL

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ELECTION SPECIAL

March 16, 2015

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Jeff McCann (‘11) on…

Getting into student politics: “[I felt like in] my first year at SFU, [the student body] was really disengaged, really slow. I didn’t meet a lot of people, and I didn’t really have any reason to be on campus, so I really wanted to get involved. I saw that there were a lot of opportunities to make changes and make it a better environment for students.” His time as President: “It was definitely challenging because we had a great board who really wanted to accomplish a lot in one year, so we created a lot of projects that we wanted to get out of the way because we were tired [of] hearing about years and years of systemic issues with the society.” His career: “In the role that I’m in now (an account executive at Shaw Sabey & Associates), it’s very similar to being in the Student Society where you can take on as many projects as you can come up with. . . You’re not really afraid of much after you’ve sat down with the CFS lawyers, sat down with the CUPE national representation, or when you’re dealing with the university for Build SFU.” Political aspirations: “I personally haven’t put a lot of weight into the political future. I think it’s definitely possible, I’m definitely interested, but I wouldn’t say that, as a result of being on the SFSS board, I am in any way am prepared for, or am more or less interested in, politics on a larger scale.”

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OPINIONS

SFU champions the idea of “engaging the world,” and at Schools Building Schools (SBS), we live those values. We engage the world, engage students, and engage communities. We’re trying to bridge the gap between two different worlds, so that we can learn from and support each other. Unfortunately, it seems the Simon Fraser Student Society (SFSS) does not fully understand how our mandate coincides with that of the university. The continuation of our funding has recently come into question due to the belief that our mandate does not reflect student interests. Let me explain how this is incorrect. Over 100 students have participated in our SFU-based club since 2010. Whether they’re on co-op positions, fundraising for a new project, leading awareness campaigns, or planning events, the students in SBS at SFU are gaining the skills and experience they need to kickstart careers in competitive fields.

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In the summer of 2012, SFU student Stacey Bryant took a co-op position at a SBS development project in Mbarara, Uganda. While local teams built a vocational school to teach practical job skills to youth in the community, Bryant helped the school plan to be sustainable for years to come. SFU student Rasheed Ahmed took a similar co-op position with SBS in 2013. For him, being immersed in the community and the culture was an essential part of learning about development work. “SBS gave me the rare opportunity to plunge into the development sector and do incredibly meaningful work while in the field,” he said. “It has been an immensely empowering experience and one that motivated me to continue my education and make a tangible difference in the world.” I’m now in my fourth year of studying International Studies and Political Science at SFU. I’ve been involved with SBS at SFU since my first year, and I’m now the group’s president. As I’ve watched my colleagues grow and succeed in their time here, I’ve realized SBS has been instrumental in providing career-related experience for SFU students. In 2012, former SBS at SFU executives Lauren McCarthy and Suleyman Salmanov,

backed by a team of committed volunteers, helped lead a successful campaign to garner support for a one dollar levy on tuition. The money raised through the levy has funded SBS projects in Uganda, supported communities in need, and given SFU students a wealth of experience. Over 1,500 SFU students recognized the benefits of SBS at SFU when they signed a petition in our support in 2012. However, these benefits were less apparent to the SFSS, who initially voted to pass the referendum question by suggesting

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that students should discontinue our support. As phrased, the referendum question misrepresented our mandate and inaccurately assumed that SBS does not represent the interests of SFU students. As we only found out about the motion through informal contact via Facebook less than 24 hours before the SFSS vote, we were not able to attend the meeting at which this decision was made. Even the public agenda for the board meeting did not include this motion, as it was filed after the deadline. At the following SFSS Board Meeting we argued that, based

on the unfair process, the question be postponed until the next General Election. As a result the Board overturned their previous decision. The referendum question will remain in limbo for another year, and in next year’s election, I encourage you to vote to continue funding SBS, to help us continue to engage the world. Since voting to contribute to SBS, SFU students have been funding education initiatives and changing the lives of youth both at home and abroad. Join our team. We are SFU students, and SBS represents our values.

ARTS

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The performers at this year’s Coastal First Nations Dance Festival have embarked on a lifelong journey to revitalize their culture. The festival, held at UBC’s Museum of Anthropology between March 3–8, showcased First Nations performers from across North America. The groups themselves transcended boundaries, with artists from many backgrounds collaborating in an active and fluid cultural expression. Some of the dances dated back hundreds of years — to a point of cultural vibrancy in British Columbian history that was nearly forgotten. Simon Fraser University alumni Jeanette Kotowich debuted a spectacularly nimble, contemporary Métis solo. From the beginning, the audience could not help but clap in rhythm, mesmerized by Kotowich’s energy. Git Hoan from Alaska showcased a chief’s welcome dance

that was hundreds of years old. The dance featured headdresses filled with down feathers, creating puffs of swirling feathers around the dancers — it was a glimpse back into the spectacles of history. Descendants of the Tsimshian, a culture uprooted from their home on the Pacific coast of British Columbia, revived a traditional dance that had been lost in the move away from their homeland. Git Hoan performed a dynamic and exhilarating set. Each dance told a story that evoked a powerful array of emotions in the crowd, from enthrallment to apprehension. The story of mouse-woman featured a seven-foot, shaggy, masked creature slaying any man who did not heed the wise woman’s advice. In another dance, masked raven dancers clacked their beaks over rhythmic drum beats and dove into the audience, calling to each other from their positions in the room. Dancers of Damelahamid, of the Gitxsan nation in BC, wore customary button blanket regalia and performed contemporary interpretations of First Nations dance. The new and original dances featured this year were a mix of enchanting vocals and riveting choreography. “It is more than just a practice, it is more than just an art

form,” dancer Margaret Grenier sung over the first beats of their song. “All that I am is here.” Urseloria and Nikollane Kanuho, Diné sisters from Arizona, were a flash of colours and sequins. Their set featured a show of female strength in the Women’s Fancy Dance. “[This dance was] originally danced by two brave women who were often booed,” Grenier explained. “[Many people] were opposed to women bringing such attention to their dance.”

The performance was a dazzling and deeply affecting assertion of female power at a time when violence against Aboriginal women in Canada is a serious concern. The artists put their culture and their hearts on the stage, and the intensity was felt by all in the audience. Against the backdrop of ceiling-high totem poles and surrounded by First Nations art, the museum’s Grand Hall was transformed

“I, not here, write.” The magnificent The things I heard about you by Vancouver writer Alex Leslie is a book of thought-provoking poetry. A mixture of prose, narrative, and erasure poetry, things entices the reader with lyrical repeating melodies. As the poems get smaller, the words become so much brighter.

Shortlisted for the Robert Kroetsch Award for innovative poetry, this debut poetry collection is fresh and abstract. The relationship between the reader and speaker is intimate. “Knocking on Heaven’s Door,” for instance, is a throbbing tale of loss and the need for multiple covers of the song on an iPod in order to truly feel the sorrow. Leslie borrows from the song and narrates in a prosaic manner while crafting delicate lines of poetry such as “all mantras are identical. A harness, a poem made too small. A trick of bearable limits, an exercise in the planned application of pain.” Generally, in the realm of poetry, a word like ‘pain’ is seen as

melodramatic, but Leslie pulls it off. The poem deals with the often melodramatic theme of sorrow, and turns it into a beautiful piece of poetry that melds the role of reader and speaker. After each poem comes a smaller one. Leslie continues her exploration of borrowing and erasure, taking from each preceding poem to create a smaller poem that merges the reader and speaker closer together. As the poems grow smaller, they become more abstract, yet simultaneously more precise. In particular, as “Knocking on Heaven’s Door” gets smaller, brilliant abstractions like these begin to emerge: “three months after your death: wet skin,

bare ingrown dog, dark in the stasis, the demand to see thunder.” These abstractions are gems, and help guide the reader into the psyche of the speaker. Leslie’s The things I heard about you is a masterful exploration of the blurred lines between writer and reader. Leslie explores social issues with enlightening subtlety that will leave you reeling. Merging genres effortlessly, she explores the art of borrowing, and the erasure of her own prose into poetry. One might conclude that Leslie simply creates prose poetry only to narrow it down to the barest, most intimate essentials.

into a moving shared experience for all attendees. It was a taste of multiculturalism from British Columbia’s indigenous peoples, who continue to leave a dynamic legacy by educating the public about their history.

ARTS

Robert Kenner’s Merchants of Doubt follows the deceptive tactics of corporations who hire “experts” to publicly doubt scientists in order to continue selling harmful products for profit. Cigarettes, fire retardants, and man-made climate change; the film tracks the similarities between their PR scandals, before becoming as deceptive as the corporations. During the 1960s there was backlash from scientists who began to strongly oppose the smoking of cigarettes. To combat this backlash, big tobacco hired scientists from unrelated fields to combat the evidence by casting doubt with lies. These “experts” were talented spin doctors who excelled at public speaking, while academics trying to expose the injustice struggled in the public forum. The film traces similar occurrences with regards to the climate change debate. On one side, there are knowledgeable scientists, and their opponents are big, bad oil companies who ignore the scientific consensus so they can continue making profits. As with cigarettes, if we wait too long and fail to recognize the harmful effects of climate change, there will be catastrophic circumstances. Merchants of Doubt aims to motivate the masses to stand up against major polluters and recognize how they have been manipulated by big corporations. The film is not concerned with science, yet it tries to make scientific claims anyways. Its argument for man-made global warming comes from the way it frames the debate. The problem is that this form of argumentation is misleading and simply untrue. It’s ironic that a film that tries to expose deception ends up using deceiving arguments itself.

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By framing the debate on man-made climate change as being scientists vs. non-scientists, the film asserts that there is no debate regarding how to interpret the empirical data. The film completely ignores any real scientists on the opposing side. Merchants of Doubt claims that those who don’t believe the inconvenient truth do so only for political reasons. During an interview in the film, Naomi Oreskes, one of the authors of the book on which this film is based, states that there is a consensus among scientists which proves that man-made global warming is a fact. There are two problems with this line of reasoning. Firstly, the argument is classic ad populum: something must be true because most people believe it. Merchants of Doubt commits this fallacy by arguing that man-made global warming must be real because all scientists working in the field believe it. The problem is that it’s not the number of scientists that matters, but the evidence that has convinced them. The movie wants to make empirical scientific claims without giving any empirical scientific evidence. Secondly, the notion that there are no expert scientists who oppose the idea of man-made global warming is completely untrue. In 2006, a large group of Canadian scientists involved with research on climate change wrote an open letter to Stephen Harper that called into question what many, including this film, deem to be cold facts. They wrote “observational evidence does not support today’s computer climate models, so there is little reason to trust model predictions of the future. Yet this is precisely what the United Nations did in creating and promoting Kyoto.” Merchants of Doubt aligns itself with the views of scientists, yet its argumentation is far from scientific. It wants to close the debate by ignoring its opposition while deceiving the audience with lies and fallacies.

Inspired by the theory of the vital few, the Vancouver-based 605 Collective’s new work explores the dynamic of their company and how they work together. “The theory of the vital few says that a small proportion of any large group has the power to affect change,” explained Josh Martin, one of two core members of the 605 Collective. “You have to consider the vital few in any group or organization — the key people who can change things.” The work explores which dancers play a crucial role at any given moment, and each has a turn at showcasing their individual qualities while controlling the direction of the

choreography. They play with the idea of one person being able to enact change, even if it begins from a very small act. Martin performed at last year’s Vancouver International Dance Festival alongside the 605 Collective’s other core member, Lisa Gelley. They each performed solos on the free stage. This year, their company is presenting a preview of Vital Few, which will return in completed form for next year’s festival. The Collective’s members have changed since the company’s formation in 2006, and they are always collaborating with new artists, but their process has remained the same. They draw on creative contributions of the whole group, and the creation is always a shared process. This show will feature six dancers, and they are also sharing the bill with another local dance company, Out Innerspace Dance Theatre. Directed by Tiffany Tregarthen and David Raymond (the latter of whom has also worked with 605), Out Innerspace complements the collective’s artistic approach perfectly.

“Tiffany and David are old friends, and we’ve grown into our companies together,” said Martin. “We are each other’s biggest fans.” Though the companies share many similarities, there are important differences in how they create movement. “Out Innerspace is a more theatrically-based company” focused heavily on exaggerated gestures and characterizations, explained Martin, whereas the 605 Collective’s style is more direct and varies between each dancer. Martin is excited that his company is a part of the festival, and admires the way the organizers have built its following over the years. “It’s not easy to be a contemporary dance festival. It’s hard to get people to want to immediately buy into it,” he said. “VIDF takes a lot of risks, but the way they’ve built an audience is impressive.”

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“I try to create diversity,” explained Ballet BC’s artistic director Emily Molnar. “The range of the company is quite large, and I want to demonstrate that.” Ballet BC’s latest program, Trace , is a diverse collection of contemporary ballets. They will be presenting the Canadian

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premiere of William Forsythe’s workwithinwork , a world premiere by Italian choreographer Walter Matteini, and perennial audience favourite Petite Cérémonie by Medhi Walerski. “Forsythe is at the forefront of contemporary ballet,” said Molnar, describing workwithinwork as an “intimate palette of his signature style.” The work was written for the Frankfurt Ballet and set it to Luciano Berio’s Duo for two Violins . With the music divided into pieces varying in length from 10 seconds to five minutes, the large group work is very episodic. Molnar explained that Forsythe pushes the technical prowess of dancers, and this work is more theatrical than usual for his company. “It’s amazing that

This new work, whose ItalForsythe came from a post-Balanchine beginning and went ian title loosely translates to as far as he did. His range is as- “Let Me Weep,” is “about the opposition of light and dark in tounding,” she said. Ballet BC performed Mat- our nature,” said Molnar. Matteini’s Parole Sospese in 2011, teini is interested in human nature and the and now idea that we they’ve invited “It’s amazing that an indehim back to Forsythe came from need pendent obchoreograph server to truly an or iginal a post-Balanchine work for the beginning. His range u n d e r s t a n d ourselves. company. “The Molnar defirst time we is astounding.” scribes Matwork with a Emily Molnar, teini as the type choreographer, artistic director of choreograwe like to do pher who isn’t a work that is new to us but not new to afraid to openly portray emotions them,” explained Molnar. This through his choreography. “It gets allows the company to form to your heart,” she said. After bringing it on their a strong relationship with the recent Eastern Canadian tour, choreographer.

Ballet BC is performing Petite Cérémonie one last time before putting it in the vault. “It’s a goodbye to the work,” said Molnar. The piece was premiered in 2011 by Ballet BC and, as Molnar described, it showcases the company well because it was made specifically for them. “It’s more in the genre of dance theatre,” she said. “It’s about the difference between the male and female brain. It’s playful and sophisticated, and audiences love it.” They experienced plenty of this love on their eastern Canadian tour, especially in Quebec. “Quebec is an audience that appreciates dance,” said Molnar. “They were giving us ovations between pieces. The audiences were delightful and warm.” The last time Ballet BC performed in Quebec was 2002, and they are a very different company now. Performing one day and being on a bus the next is not something the company is used to. “It was something we needed in our development,” said Molnar. “Touring bonds people. It pushes you physically.” They performed 10 shows in three weeks — more than they usually do in a normal season at home. They have plenty of plans to take their work on the road, such as opening the Jacob’s Pillow festival this summer, a fall tour around BC, and dates in the United States next May. “We want to be relevant in Vancouver and BC, but be ambassadors as well,” said Molnar. “It’s all a part of our vision.”

FOOD FINDS

Nestled in the heart of the historic Steveston village in Richmond is one of my favourite places to eat: the Shady Island Seafood Bar and Grill. The Shady Island will forever be a

special place for me, as it was the last place I ate a meal before asking my wife to marry me; but this restaurant has excellence far beyond my association with it, and features the best fish and chips I have ever had. With a view overlooking Steveston Harbour, the place has incredible ambience, especially if you get the chance to sit on the patio during the summer and watch the sun slowly fade into the horizon. Alternatively, if you’re there for an early summer lunch,

you might catch a glimpse of kitchen staff walking down to the boats moored at the wharf to quite literally get the freshest fish available. The place also has a rustic feel that melds perfectly with its historic setting. But enough about the ambience — you want to know about the food. The fish and chips are expertly prepared with the perfect ratio of fish to batter and an enormous helping of crispy chips, and you have the option of cod, halibut, or

salmon. Can’t decide? The Shady Island has got you covered with its Gulf of Georgia fried seafood platter for two, which features all three fish plus a helping of calamari. The portion size is very generous for what you’re paying, and I’ve almost always ended up with lunch for the next day. If fish and chips aren’t your thing, the menu also contains several signature dishes, including a seafood linguini that my brother, who worked as a high-end chef for several

years, described as the best he’s ever had. Though I tend to stick with the fish and chips, with the occasional venture into oysters and chips, I can say from experience that the warm seafood salad and Pacific prawn penne are also excellent choices. If you’re a fan of fish and chips, or even just seafood with a great atmosphere, I encourage you to make the trek to Steveston Harbour and give this place a try.

SPORTS

“I have no idea what I’m going to do, so it’s pretty crazy. My whole life, since I was young, I always knew what the next step would be — and I think that’s the way it is for most people,” Rebecca Langmead reflects as she nears the end of her final year. “This is the first time I’ve been unsure, and it’s kind of relieving in a way to not know and not have your agenda specifically laid out. But at the same time, it’s pretty frightening.” Before becoming an at-large representative for the SFSS, before playing forward on the women’s basketball team, Rebecca came from a small town in Newfoundland, about 20 minutes north of St. John’s. She spent a good portion of her childhood alone, as her two older brothers had already moved out — which made it that much harder to leave home. “It is tough, going home only once a year, not being able to see your family at Christmas time, missing pretty important events in your family [. . .] you want to be there for those things, but you can’t,” she muses. “It’s especially difficult when people get sick. In my final year, before basketball started in September, my grandmother got diagnosed with cancer, and to not be there with her through all of that was incredibly hard.”

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March 16, 2015

However, moving to the big city for the first time, Rebecca was excited for the change. She also had a chance that most Canadian university basketball players don’t get. “My experience was incredible: I had a chance to compete in the NCAA — which was my dream as a kid growing up — and still stay in Canada. I met an amazing group of women that are my best friends, that I consider to be my family. My coach is nothing short of a father figure to me.” At first, “I wasn’t a very good player,” she remembers with a laugh. “I played three years [where] I warmed the bench. It was really hard.” It was a tough transition for Rebecca, who had spent much of her high school career as a starter and one of the team’s elite players.

“One of the things you realize coming to university, when you start playing basketball at that level, is that it’s not just about doing well and being a good person — you have to produce,” she says. “You’re getting paid to be here, for most of us with athletic scholarships — so if you don’t produce, why would they give you money? Why would they help you out?”

In her second year, she asked Langford if she could take the next year off without losing a year of NCAA eligibility. “He said, ‘I don’t want you to [. . .] because I don’t know if I want you back next year; I don’t think you’ve worked hard enough. I need to reevaluate your position. You have the potential to be a really great player, but I just don’t think you’re giving me what I need.’ “That coming summer, I said to him, ‘Give me another chance, I’ll come back next year, and I’ll be one of the better players on the team.’ And I came back in my third and fourth year, I had gotten a lot better, a lot stronger — I gained about 25 lbs — and I just went and worked so hard those two summers, and in my fourth year I ended up becoming a starter. “It as a tough road to get there, but worth every hour I put in,” she reflects. When her four years of NCAA eligibility were up, she had two choices: to continue her basketball career professionally in Europe, or to hang up her shoes and focus on finishing her degree. She chose school. “It’s not something that I felt came too quickly. It was like, ‘You know what, I’ve been playing basketball for half my life, it sucks that it’s over, but I’m ready for it to be over for a little bit,’” Rebecca says. “But I really wanted to finish my degree, I really wanted to get involved at SFU, so I just said, ‘This is my

Austin Cozicar sports@the-peak.ca

last year [at SFU] and I’m going to make the most out of it.’” After that, it looked like Rebecca might simply focus on classes and cruise towards her degree — but that didn’t last for long.

“[I thought] after finishing basketball, ‘I’m not going to do anything, I’m going to focus on school, I’m going to get A’s and it’s going to be amazing’ — and then I joined the student society.” Rebecca got involved with the SFSS in her final year of basketball because of the recommendation of a friend; however, she credits much of her political career to current president Chardaye Bueckert. “I had an opportunity to sit down and meet Chardaye [. . .] and I just saw something in her

that I hadn’t seen in anything other than athletics. I had always seen people passionate about athletics, and I’d never seen anyone passionate about anything else because that was my bubble,” Rebecca says. “To see somebody who was so passionate about improving student life and advocating for students really sparked my interest. And then I just saw all the places I thought I could help.” Rebecca now finds herself even busier than she was playing basketball. “It’s a busy life — I played basketball for four years, and we had 20 or 30 hours a week of training or travelling, and this is a completely different realm of busy. I’ve never been this busy before,” Rebecca notes. But that’s the way she likes it. “I’m love the fact I’m busy, I couldn’t imagine what it would be like if academics were my whole life, because it’s not my whole life. I’m not an academically driven person, I’m a peopledriven person.”

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SFU Athletics announced last Monday that James Blake, who has served as the head coach of the men’s basketball program for five years — and the entirety of the time the team has been in the NCAA — had resigned. Blake called the choice to move on a mutual decision between himself and SFU Athletics. He did note, however, that he was “very shocked” to leave the team he has coached for five years. “It’s a little bit on their side, it’s a little bit on our side, [but] their side I was a little bit shocked with, that’s all I can say,”

said Blake. “I thought that we had a good year, but unfortunately, I think it’s based on a five-year period that I was at Simon Fraser, and unfortunately we didn’t win enough games. “That’s the problem with this business: it’s a performance-based business — [that’s] both the problem and the success of it.” Blake expressed some frustration about leaving after the team’s best season in its NCAA history — going 6–12 in the conference, and leading the whole NCAA Division II in scoring. “It was a fun team to watch,” he noted. “I don’t know what else they expected, if you score 105 points a game, and I think sometimes when non-athletic people make athletic decisions, this is what you get.” “I have accepted James’ resignation, and I want to thank him for all of his hard work during our transition into NCAA,” SFU’s athletic director Milt Richards said

in a press release. “James spent five years putting our program in a position to successfully compete at the NCAA DII level in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference and I wish him well in the future. James is an excellent recruiter who will be an asset to any program he chooses to lead.” Blake took over the program in 2010, when 15-year veteran head coach Scott Clark left the program to coach at Thompson Rivers University. The Clan were

entering their first year in the NCAA, a challenge that intrigued Blake, who had spent nine years coaching in the NCAA with American schools. “I walked into this thing not knowing what to expect,” he reflected. “I was excited about a Canadian school going to the NCAA [. . .] the first couple of years were so tough because of the transition period. I never expected it to be that hard, but if I’m ever put in that situation

The Clan are on their way to the BCIHL finals. SFU wiped away what can only be described as a disappointing regular season — where they scored less than 30 points and placed outside of the top two for the first time since the 2007/08 season — by sweeping the Trinity Western (TWU) Spartans in the first round of the BCIHL playoffs. Saturday, March 7, the Clan returned home to the Bill Copeland to play game two after defeating the first-placed Spartans 3–2 the night before. At only 1:47 in, Trinity Western put in the first goal of the night. Just over six minutes later Spartan forward PJ Buys, who was third in regular season points, made the lead 2–0 on the powerplay. It

looked as if it may just have been TWU’s night — payback for the loss at home. However, it didn’t take long for SFU to answer with one of their own, as forward Jono Ceci notched his second of the playoffs to put the Clan up on the scoreboard. There was no more scoring in the first period, but less than a minute into the second, SFU forward Trent Murdoch tied up the game. TWU took back the lead five minutes later, but Murdoch wasn’t satisfied with one game-tying goal, so he put another in the back of the net. 3–3. Trinity Western decided to continue this game of back-andforth goals, and once again took the lead off of a Ryan Bakken goal, and the team went into the second intermission ahead. Adam Callegari, who scored two the night before for SFU, scored his third of the playoffs to tie the game for the final time. Instead of following the score-and-bescored-on routine of the the second period, forward Jeff Mysiorek

gave the Clan their first lead of the game — and what would turn out to be the game-winning goal. Nick Sandor, who led SFU in scoring in the regular season, nabbed the sixth goal just to put the cherry on top. Although there were still 10 minutes left, the goal seemed to kill any chance of the Spartans coming back, or even scoring a goal. The Clan won 6–4. Notably, SFU shut down BCIHL leading goalscorer Cody Fidgett — who had 25 goals in the regular season for TWU (seven more than second place) — holding him to a single point and no goals. The trip to championship marks a return to form for the Clan. Having competed every year since the event’s creation, the team lost their chance to compete for the first time last year; they were upset in the first round by TWU, who were then the underdogs at third place. SFU is currently tied for most BCIHL Championship titles, having won the playoff tournament three times. The Clan traveled to Castlegar, BC last weekend to face their

BCIHL finals opponents Selkirk College, who are the defending BCIHL champions — having not only won last season, but also the season before. SFU narrowly edged Selkirk College in the season series, going 3–2, winning the deciding game in a shootout. However, Selkirk College had previously defeated SFU in the BCIHL finals in 2012, sweeping the Clan. Selkirk hosted the championship round, as they are the higher seed — second to SFU’s fourth place.

[again], I’ll know exactly what to do.” SFU Athletics announced that it “will immediately begin an international search to find the next head coach.” So, what’s next for Blake? “You know what, I just found out, so I don’t know,” he responded “I’m really excited about spending time with the family, and being a tourist in my own town, and taking my wife and my baby for a walk on the Seawall.”

SPORTS

March 16, 2015

Freshman Adrian VanderHelm became the first SFU male swimmer to earn All-American status at the NCAA Division II national championship last Thursday. He achieved second place at the 200-yard freestyle, after being disqualified for the individual medley for a uniform logo violation the previous day.

SFU Lacrosse finished their five-game road trip with a three-game losing streak in Arizona. After dropping a 14–8 result to the University of Arizona on March 5, they lost back-to-back games on March 8 and 9 to Colorado State and Chapman University. The 11–2 loss against Chapman was SFU’s lowest scoring game this season.

Women’s basketball forward Erin Chambers was named to the West Region First Team. The honour was voted by the NCAA Division II Sports Information Directors Association (D2SIDA). This marks the second consecutive year Chambers has been named to the team.

Men’s golf placed third in their first tournament of 2015. At the Notre Dame de Namur Argonaut Invitational held in Livermore, CA on March 9 and 10, the Clan placed first among GNAC competitors. Sophomore Kevin Vigna led the team, while freshman Chris Crisologo shot the Clan’s best individual round with a score of 71 (-1). Vigna was named the GNAC men’s golfer of the week for his efforts.

Looking to bounce back from two losses to division rivals Central Washington the day before, the Clan entered the doubleheader on Sunday, March 8 against Concordia University with a .500 record of 8–8. With a focus on getting the bats going early, the Clan were unable to match Concordia’s firepower with a consistent offence. The first game of the doubleheader started with a bang, as right-fielder Rachel Proctor smacked a grand slam in the first inning to centre field for her first home-run of the season, giving SFU an early 5–1 lead. However, things got tight

when the Clan’s shaky pitching, along with a cold offence, allowed Concordia to get back into the game. With momentum swinging in Concordia’s direction, head coach Mike Renney found a way to turn things around by inserting pitcher Kelsie Hawkins in the fourth inning. Hawkins quickly settled in — she retired the first three batters she faced in the inning and did not allow a run the rest of the game, earning SFU the first win of the doubleheader 8–4. It was a different story in the second game. SFU’s lone home run came from designated hitter Kaitlyn Cameron, who rang off a two-run shot in the second inning to keep the game close at 3–2. The third inning marked an offensive outburst by Concordia. The team scored five runs off the bat, putting the game out of reach for the Clan. SFU’s offence was only able to muster a total of three hits,

and the Clan’s streakiness at the plate was its eventual downfall, leading to the 9–2 loss. When asked about the team’s inconsistency after the game, Renney commented, “It is more mental than physical, and often in both softball and baseball, the term ‘hitting is contagious’ is used.” The team’s relative inexperience may have contributed to their struggles at the plate, but the need for a response in the stress of competition is evident. “We need to be more battletested to the point that we become more comfortable being uncomfortable,” Renney said.

There were some positive takeaways from the split games on Sunday. Arguably the brightest moments for the team came on the defensive side in the first game, which featured solid play by shortstop Danielle Raison, dominant pitching by Hawkins, and an all-world diving catch at first base by Alex Baylak. Despite their loss in the second game, the Clan showed resiliency throughout the doubleheader that allowed them to hold their own against Concordia’s team. As coach Renney put it, “like a strong branch we bent some but did not break, which is a character trait that we can build on.”

The SFU women’s basketball season came to an end Friday, March 6, when they lost 59–56 to the AlaskaAnchorage Seawolves in their second playoff game. The Clan held the lead much of the game, but with three minutes left, the Seawolves got the upper hand. With 40 seconds to go, SFU was down by only three, but despite three-point attempts by Erin Chambers and Katie Lowen, nothing would go in. The season was over. “We had two open looks [for a three-pointer] at the buzzer, and [the ball] felt good coming out my hands, but it just didn’t go down,” reflected Chambers. “I’m pretty

sure I’m going to have nightmares about that shot. “But it’s part of the game, and how it goes, [and] I love to play and I love that competition, so it will subside soon.” Aside from the heartbreaking finish, it was a good end to an inconsistent season. The Alaska-Anchorage Seawolves were ranked first nationally, and for much of the game the Clan maintained a solid lead. “We gave them their toughest game this year,” said head coach Bruce Langford. This year was a difficult one for the Clan, who suffered their first three-game losing streak since 2011 and had a record just above .500 — a contrast to their previous two seasons, where they went 20–10 and 25–6, respectively. “There were some frustrating times,” admitted Langford. “I thought we were less consistent this year than we’ve ever been. I think that inconsistency hurt

us. We weren’t as deep as we’ve been in the past and that may have hurt us a bit.” Perhaps a part of that challenge this season was the inexperience of the team. Only two of the players were seniors, and two juniors — and of those four, only three are returnees to the Clan program. “It’s a very young team. We really only had three seasoned players, and I think that that was a bigger factor than I thought it was going to be,” Langford said. “I think that we’re entering a crucial offseason, where it’s really important that [the players] look at where they want to get to, and work really hard to get there.” However, he noted that the team got better as the season went on: “We played better in

the last few weeks, we tightened up defensively, and I thought that was nice to see.” This season saw two key milestones: Langford became the winningest women’s basketball head coach at SFU when he won his 364th game on January 17 — Langford is now up to 370 — and Chambers became the all-time highest scorer in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference, passing the previous record of 1,831. Chambers, in her fourth and final year of NCAA eligibility, finished the season with 1,946 points. “I’ve enjoyed my four years here, I’ve made lifelong friends, and enjoyed playing basketball up here, so I’m okay with it,” she said of wrapping up her collegiate career. “It’s one chapter of my life that’s done, and there will be new things to come.”

32 DIVERSIONS / ETC

Across 1- Small burrowing rodent 7- Conductance unit 10- Of the highest quality 14- Very 15- 007 creator Fleming 16- Watchful one 17- Surrender by deed 18- Deli bread 19- Dies ___ 20- Secondarily 23- Hackneyed 26- Solo of “Star Wars” 27- Surmise 28- Shout 29- Intent 30- Floor covering 31- Patella 33- Little one 34- Filled pastry crust 37- Dusk, to Donne 38- Before, of yore 39- Numbered rd. 40- Bambi’s aunt 41- Nor. neighbor 42- Rocky hilltop 43- Polite agreement 45- Caterer’s coffeepot 46- Chat room chuckle LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

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HUMOUR

When you think of cultures that have faced adversity throughout history, the Irish are frequently overlooked. Whether it’s British home rule up until the early 20th-century, stereotypes about being lazy and drunken good-for-nothings, or light-hearted comments about serious tragedies like the potato famine, Irish people are often targeted but rarely given sympathy for their cultural background. It should come as little surprise then that the most discriminatory practice those of Irish descent face is also one of the most widely celebrated holidays of the year: St. Patrick’s Day. “That’s impossible,” you might think to yourself while adjusting your shamrock-shaped novelty sunglasses. “St. Patrick’s doesn’t demean Irish

With election season underway for the Simon Fraser Student Society (SFSS), things are heating up as promising newcomer Shaylene Pratt has already hit her first political roadblock: being locked in the boiler room of the Maggie Benston Building by current SFSS president, Steven Roberts. “Honestly, I was expecting something like this to happen,” Pratt told The Peak, through the locked door of the basement boiler room where she’s been trapped since last Wednesday. “Friends of mine warned me that student politics could be a petty and mean-spirited arena, so I’m not too surprised.” Pratt claims she was lured into the basement by Roberts via an

humour editor email

March 16, 2015

heritage; the day celebrates it!” Once a feast day of religious and cultural significance to the Irish people, the holiday has been seized by the masses and turned into a green-beer infused orgy of debauchery in which every jackass from Hamilton to Hanoi claims to be Irish. For actual Irish people, including myself, this appropriation is utterly offensive.

Sure, we like our pints of Guinness as much as the next functioning alcoholic, but the last thing we need are frat packs of culturally-insensitive bros running around, getting wasted on our behalf. If we wanted to get drunk, we would. We’re really good at it, and we don’t need non-Irish people doing it for us.

e-vite for a super-secret mock debate meant to give candidates an opportunity to practice before the actual debate next week. Since being locked in the boiler room, Pratt has begun to doubt the mock debate’s legitimacy. “Looking back on it, a basement doesn’t seem like the likeliest of places to hold a mock candidates’

Think I’m overreacting? Allow me to convey the seriousness of this appropriation epidemic with a real-life anecdote from last year. While attending an SFU St. Patty’s Day Pub Night, I was forced to witness my friend drunkenly hit on women while wearing a “Fuck Me I’m Irish” T-shirt. My friend is Japanese, and is no more Irish than a McDonald’s Shamrock Shake. If anyone should be having sex with anyone because they’re Irish, it’s me! Everyone appropriates my culture willy-nilly and there seems to be no relief, no justice in sight. After several years spent in post-secondary, it has become evident that this school and its students care little for the plight of its Irish-Canadian students. So what can my fellow Irish brothers and sisters do to fight back against this atrocity? As much as it pains me to say it, we must boycott this holiday and refuse to celebrate it. Without our approval, St. Patrick’s Day will lose any and all credibility. Refrain from dripping green dye into your favourite lager; drink from shot

debate,” admits Pratt. “You win this round, Steven!” Roberts’ political opponents are calling the move cheap and uncalled for, but Roberts’ supporters claim that Pratt knew what she was getting into when she collected the 12 signatures necessary for a student to run in the SFSS elections. Roberts has also shot back

Jacey Gibb humour@the-peak.ca

glasses that you didn’t buy from the dollar store; and save those temporary four-leaf clover tattoos for a day where cultural appropriation is less rampant. Like Earth Day, or maybe Thanksgiving.

Remember, Irish brothers and sisters, the only reason they appropriate our culture is because, in the words of a great Irishman, “They’re after me lucky charms!”

at critics, saying that anyone who thinks they’re qualified enough to represent their university’s student population on the SFSS board should at least be able to escape a dark, perpetually-humid boiler room.

Pratt admits that the recent setback has caused her campaign to lose serious momentum, citing lack of food and increasing symptoms of dehydration as reasons behind her current slump in the polls. As well, she’s feeling more pressure than ever to concede to Roberts — if only so she is allowed to leave the increasingly warm boiler room. Pratt explains: “The students have SFU have a right to a more transparent governing body and . . . wait, do you hear that? Is someone out there? Please, help me! “I guess that was just the pipes or something making a noise.” In an effort to remain as objective as possible, The Peak refused to assist Pratt in her escape, concluding that such an action might be interpreted as partisan support for Pratt as a presidential candidate. Thankfully, Pratt was able to tape 1,200 posters around campus before her political rival locked her in the basement, so she remains hopeful that students will remember her platform when they head to the polls between March 24 and 26.

“She’s going to play the victim here, but I think people need to stay focused on what’s important,” Roberts posted on his electoral Facebook page, which currently has 82 likes. “Our school needs leaders who will advocate for students and not just disappear for days at a time without any explanation. SFU students deserve better.”

34 HUMOUR

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HUMOUR

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36 LAST WORD

features editor email

Brad McLeod features@the-peak.ca

March 16, 2015

how to earing the end of my fourth term on the Board of Directors of the SFSS, I feel that this is an appropriate time to share my experience with all students, especially those interested in running for office this year. I served four terms as a member of the Board — two terms as the Director of Applied Sciences, followed by serving as the last Member Services Officer (now split into two positions, VP Student Life and VP Student Services), and am presently serving my final term as the VP University Relations. I ran for the first time in my very first year at SFU without knowing anything about the Simon Fraser Student Society. It seemed like a mad decision, but I went for it anyways. Being new to the campus and to university life in general, this seemed like a risky move. I expected to be humiliated by my opponents, who were all more involved around campus, especially the incumbent — but I was wrong. Running for the first time was the best decision I ever made. I met so many enthusiastic people who cared enough to put their

name forward, step out of their comfort zone and try to make a difference for the student experience at SFU. I wasn’t elected the first two times I ran for office, but I finally succeeded in a by-election in 2010. There are certain factors you need to consider before and during the election period to ensure success. Your goal might be winning the position you run for, but that doesn’t happen to majority of people who participate. Your chances as a first timer in the election might seem low — but is it worth a try? Absolutely! If you think you can bring new values to the table and improve the SFSS organization in any way possible, you should run in the SFSS elections. Some people are motivated to create awesome events, some want to get into advocacy work, some want to increase our collaboration with external organizations. The choice is yours. This leads me to my main point: how to be a true winner in the SFSS elections. There are a lot of things you need to do before the campaign

period even begins. Before you put your name in the ring, you should research the SFSS organization thoroughly: the projects, committees, bylaws, and constitution. It is a lot of information, and you are not expected to memorize it all; you should strive to become with the structure of the society and its operation. Talk to as many current and past Board directors as you can. Share your ideas and what you want to bring to the table. Get familiar with the current issues the society is facing (financial, operational, communicative — whatever it may be) and see if your solutions can assist the situation. Maybe even include them in your platform! Create a solid platform with a maximum of three key points, and don’t bullshit. If you promise lowering tuition fees you better have a plan to execute with a timeline. Otherwise you might find yourself making false promises. Design awesome posters and campaigning material, but don’t rely on them. During the election period, the school gets filled up with thousands of posters. Yours will likely be lost in the pack. During the campaigning period, I suggest running independent rather than being part of a slate. Slates at SFU don’t work. They take away from the freedom

of candidates, as you must confirm everything with your team — and if someone screws up in the slate, everyone gets blamed. Slates also create the illusion of support in a free-for-all game. If you are part of a slate, remember that the chance of your entire team winning is very low. So be nice to everyone running in the elections, because you never know who you might be working with. You should also talk to clubs and Departmental Student Unions. We have hundreds of these groups, and they all vote. Go to their meetings, learn their struggles. Also, be nice to the staff at the SFSS. They may not be able to vote, but if you do get elected, you’ll be glad you made the effort. Personally, I am against classroom speeches. It’s a waste of the tuition students pay to be in class and learn. If you plan to give classroom speech, arrange it with the professor beforehand, and keep it short. Focus on meeting people, rather than hanging out with the people that already declared their support for you. Spend one minute maximum talking with each student when campaigning,

and aim to reach out to as many students as possible. It’s a lot of work, but if you don’t waste your time, you can do it. Lastly, do not fall behind your academic commitment. School comes first, and you should learn how to manage the SFSS work and schoolwork simultaneously from the beginning — otherwise, your term will be hell. During the voting period, you are not allowed to campaign, but you can still remind your friends to vote in the elections. Lastly, if you win the election, please remember that it is just the beginning. You have accepted the serious responsibility of representing over 25,000 people, and you will be making a lot of difficult decisions. In doing so, always keep in mind those who trusted you with their vote, and the impact your choices will have on the SFU community. If you lose, it is not the end of the world. You have expanded your network and learned a lot through this new adventure. I strongly recommend getting more involved in the society initiatives and committees, in order to get ready for the next year. Best of luck to all candidates and future board members!