Vol. 5 Issue 09

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2013 News and Culture for the students of Kwantlen Polytechnic University

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MEET THE CANDIDATES OF THE KSA ELECTION

find us online / www.runnermag.ca / twitter.com/runnermag /

facebook.com/runnerpaper

MASTHEAD

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THE RUNNER

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Shit Harper Did Comedy Tour The Runner is student owned and operated

by Kwantlen Polytechnic University students, published under Polytechnic Ink Publishing Society Arbutus 3710/3720 12666 72 Ave. Surrey, B.C, V3W 2MB 778.565.3801

www.runnermag.ca Vol. 05, Issue no. 09 February 19, 2013 ISSN# 1916 8241

EDITORIAL DIVISON Co-ordinating Editor / Jeff Groat editor@runnermag.ca / 778.565.3803

Culture Editor / Max Hirtz culture@runnermag.ca / 778.565.3804

News Editor / Matt DiMera news@runnermag.ca / 778.565.3805

Production Editor / Roland Nguyen production@runnermag.ca / 778.565.3806

Thursday, March 14 @ 6:30-8 p.m.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Fir 128, Surrey campus From the award-winning comedians that brought you ShitHarperDid.Com comes a live comedy tour of universities and colleges in the Lower Mainland in BC. You’re invited to join us for the improvisational stylings of The Sunday Service (recently named “Canada’s Best Improv Group”) hosted by Graham Clark (awarded “Canada’s Best Podcast”).

The comedy show will be followed by presentations by Brigette DePape (the Senate Rogue Page) and founder of ShitHarperDid.com, Sean Devlin.

#KwantlenVotes.ca presents: Darren Fleet, Adbusters Media

Wednesday, February 20 @ 6-8 p.m.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Surrey Main 3840 The Kwantlen Student Association is kicking off their #KwantlenVotes.ca provincial election campaign with a speaker event featuring Darren Fleet from Adbusters Media.

FREE ADMISSION: Space is limited! Pls RSVP by emailing Arzo Ansary, KSA Director of External Affairs, at external@kusa.ca to reserve your spot!

Media Editor / Kimiya Shokoohi media@runnermag.ca / 778.565.2806

Associate News Editors / Sarah Schuchard / Chloe Smith

Associate Culture Editor / Tabitha Swanson Associate Opinion Editor / Hannah Ackeral Associate Photo Editor / Vacant Associate Sports Editor / Brian Jones Associate Art Director / Sylvia Dang Associate Copy Editor / Elizabeth Hann

CONTRIBUTORS Sasha Mann, Tristan Johnston, Alex Hawley

Cover Photo. Roland Nguyen

BUSINESS DIVISION Operation Manager / Victoria Almond office@runnermag.ca / 778.565.3801

Vote in the KSA election and referendum

Wednesday & Thursday, February 27 & 28 @ 9 a.m-5 p.m.

Cloverdale – Across from the Cafeteria Langley – Bookstore Hallway Richmond – Rotunda Surrey – Main Atrium Corridor

Vote for your representatives to the Kwantlen Student Association and have your say on the U-Pass, the creation of a Public Interest Research Group, and funding The Runner. Each voter must show a valid Student ID to receive a ballot.

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notice of poll:

KSA

GENERAL

ADVERTISEMENT

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notice of referendum:

GENERAL

KSA

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ELECTION and REFERENDUM

ELECTION and REFERENDUM

february 27 – 28, 2013 february 27 – 28, 2013 Each voter must show a valid Student ID to receive a ballot

Nominations Open

Monday, January 21, 2013 at 9 AM

Nominations Close

Wednesday, February 6, 2013 at Noon

All Candidates Meeting

All candidates must attend this meeting Tuesday, February 12, 2013, 10 AM – 12 PM Surrey Campus – Cedar 2110

General Election Polling and Referendum

Wednesday, February 27, 2013, 9 AM – 5 PM

Cloverdale – Across from the Cafeteria Langley – Bookstore Hallway Richmond – Rotunda Surrey – Main Atrium Corridor

General Election Polling and Referendum

Thursday, February 28, 2013, 9 AM – 5 PM Cloverdale – Across from the Cafeteria Langley – Bookstore Hallway Richmond – Rotunda Surrey – Main Atrium Corridor

For the full notice of poll for the KSA general election, visit:

Each voter must show a valid Student ID to receive a ballot

Referendum Question 1:

U-Pass B.C. Program Do you agree that the U-Pass B.C. program be continued for all Kwantlen Polytechnic University students for $35.00 per month of study for the first year, for $36.75 per month of study for the second year, and for $38.00 per month of study for the third year?

Referendum Question 2:

Public Interest Research Group Do you support creating an independent Kwantlen Public Interest Research Group at a cost of 80¢ per credit per semester, and thereafter adjusted annually for inflation according to the Canadian Consumer Price Index (CPI), provided that every student will be able to opt out?

For the full notice of the KSA referendum, visit:

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NEWS

THE RUNNER

It’s that time of year again, student. This year the pickings are sparse, all but one of the races are uncontested. However, that’s not to say that your vote still can’t make a difference. All the candidates who are running unopposed will be up for a yes/ no vote, meaning that their political future is in your hands. For our editorial take on which candidates deserve your support, read our editorial feature spread on pages eight and nine.

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Meet the Candidates Faculty of Academic + Career Advancement (2 positions)

Chanel Kwong Candidate Statement: I am currently the Academic and Career Advancement Representative and I would like to continue on in this position. I recently graduated from high school where I was involved in Air Cadets, was Vice-President for the Service Club, acted as student leader for several other clubs, and was an active volunteer at South Vancouver Neighborhood House. Recently, I have been involved in AIESEC at Kwantlen as the Corporate Communication Specialist and as the VP of Education for Kwantlen Toastmasters. I have gained many skills from all these experiences, and will bring them to my position in the KSA.

Faculty of Arts (4 positions) Michelle Brewer;1st yEAr criminology Previous KSA Experience: current student life committee member Reason for running: I have a lot of ideas for great events and philanthropy that we could do with the university and I figure I could have a better chance of doing that if I was on the student council as opposed to being just a committee member.

Why should students vote for you: I believe in raising money for charity; I believe we should have fun. Other universities I’ve attended, or that my friends attend, they have weekly beer gardens or other types of events that are really fun and a great way for students to meet each other and create strong bonds. Like some of my old college buddies, we’re still really, really good friends, like we were in freshman year and all the way through our degrees.

Kayla England; 1st year policy studies, minor in political science KPU Extracurriculars: Grey Matters philosophy club Previous KSA Experience: former student life committee member Reason for running: I was actually outraged. This September, they increased parking fees at the Impark parking lot which is at all the campuses. Impark runs the parking, and just recently, this September, they increased the fees without any notice and without any notification to students. I’m actually going to try to lower those fees and try to make parking more affordable for students.

Why should students vote for you: I’m also going to try to lower the KSA fees for everybody, because there’s been a lot of extra money the the KSA produces, that I want to try to lower the fees for everybody in general.

Candidate Statement: Students often find it difficult to choose a candidate as our busy lives keep us pre-occupied with our own personal issues and studies. There are larger issues we care about but often we cannot devote the time to address them. I vow to address these issues. As a former member of the Canadian Forces and employee of Justice Canada, I am up to the challenge and, if elected, will use my experience to fight for lower student fees and better parking options among other important student issues. Elect me and have a voice to fight for your student rights.

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THE RUNNER

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Samantha Klassen Profile: Unavailable for comment Candidate Statement: None submitted.

Fatima Zaidi; 2nd year criminology KPU Extracurriculars: START volunteer; Student leadership conference 2012; student orientation leader Previous KSA Experience: incumbent faculty of arts representative; chair of student life committee; governance committee member Reason for running: I really love representing students and I love having the opportunity to create opportunities for other students. its kind of a passion of mine, and I’ve really enjoyed my time on board working with students and talking to students.

Why should students vote for you: Students should vote for me because of what i’ve done in the KSA so far, just developing this writing program. I’ve brought the KSA and the university together through the student life committee. I have the people from the university showing up to the standing committee on student life. I’m also working on connecting us with the athletics and recreation department and working together for student involvement.

One thing I’m working on is celebrating students’ birthdays. If it’s a student’s birthday they bring in their student ID and another piece of ID that has their birthday on it and they claim a free gift from the office just to get them to talk to the KSA a bit more. I tend not to get involved with politics; I do my own thing, I represent students and I do my job to the best of my abilities.

Candidate Statement: My name is Fatima Zaidi and I want to be re-elected as the Faculty of Arts Representative. During my term as a board director, I became the Chair of Student Life Committee facilitating meetings and helping organize events such as the Welcome Week, I became a member of Governance Committee and helped amend regulations and improve the structure of KSA, and as the Faculty of Arts representative, I created Kwantlen’s first nine week Academic Writing Program to help students improve their academic writing skills. If re-elected I plan to continue representing students at the council and creating opportunities for students.

Faculty of Business Gaurav Kumar (Bhulla); 2nd year accounting Started at KPU: January 2011 Previous KSA Experience: incumbent faculty of academic and career advancement representative Why should students vote for you: If any [different] faculty students want to come and meet me and want to talk about me, or the KSA, if they want to organize an event and need my help, then yeah I’m here ready to help.

Candidate Statement: I am running for position of Business Representative. I believe that the KSA plays an amazing role in student life. I have always been the type of person, who wants to help people in any way possible. I have been working with KSA as Faculty of ACA representative. I can speak for students and can offer them help within the school. My goal is to find out what it will take to better student life and involvement at the Campus. I would like to help build a functional and exciting student life for Kwantlen. Vote for me, I do stuff!

Morgan McKee KPU Extracurriculars: Women Organizing Opportunities for Women club; START volunteer Previous KSA Experience: current external affairs committee member Reason for running: I think it was a combination of coaxing from my friends, in addition to the fact I think that I have some skills I can bring to the table that could be beneficial.

Why should students vote for you: My experience with public relations and business administrations. I think its important that [the] KSA voices the concerns of students on campus. I definitely hope that if I was to obtain the position of business representative that I would be able to be that voice and have an impact with the KSA Candidate Statement: As a volunteer with START, member of the WooW club, and recently appointed to the External Affairs Committee, I am appealing for your support. With experience in public relations, and business administration, I have acquired skills relevant for a Business Representative position. A personal ambition of mine, is to address the inequality and the under representation of minority groups in upper levels of Canadian businesses. In addition, I am hoping to take your voices to a level of priority and importance, and to grow a healthy, happy, Kwantlen student business community. Use Your Voice, Make A Choice, Make It MORGAN.

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Yasir Raja; 4th year business KPU Extracurriculars: Cricket club Previous KSA Experience: incumbent faculty of business representative Reason for running: I think it is a good experience, as I said before, its an awesome experience where you are giving the overall picture of the organization to, you get to meet potential clients or suppliers, you get to interact with a lot of people and faculty and its a good experience to help students also.

Why should students vote for you: We held different networking events and we called potential employers who would hire Kwantlen students, especially business students. Our business faculty and school of business is awesome, its way better than most schools in B.C. and even through the well known so that being said, students wants good classes or more classes to be offered, thats also a part of it, or networking events especially if they want to get into accounting.

Candidate Statement: My mission in the KSA Student Council is to enhance the school experience for students within the faculty by planning scholarly and social events, promoting on campus health and fitness, and creating relationships with the community/Student Clubs to provide volunteer and career opportunities. I will be here to coordinate and encourage all student activities within scope of Kwantlen Polytechnic University. I will work with the administration and faculty in all matters affecting the welfare of the student body.

Faculty of Science + Horticulture (1 position) Andrew Yergatian; 1st year sustainable horticulture KPU Extracurriculars: Horticulture greenhouse club Previous KSA Experience: None. I don’t even know who they are.

Reason for running: I’d like to see what they’re all about, what liberties they have and what they can bring about and what their goals are. I know nothing about them, and that’s after being here for over a year and still not knowing nothing about them. They’re either completely redundant or they’re just not doing something right, maybe, perhaps. I’m there to find out.

Why should students vote for you: There’s nobody else representing the science faculty, so it’ll be nice to have someone there, in case they want to say something to the KSA. I can be the pathway through which other people can talk.

Candidate Statement: I’m a sustainable agriculture student. I can be your voice in the KSA council.

Langley Campus Jennifer Campbell; 3rd year business KPU Extracurriculars: Glee club Previous KSA Experience: former director of academic affairs; incumbent langley representative; current deputy speaker; chair of student services committee; chair of governance committee Reason for running: To keep on going. My first three terms were really great. I got to do a whole a lot for the Langley students, however, due to power shifts and different structures in the KSA, [it’s] moved from that position to more not being for the students and I really don’t like that and I want to makes sure we get back to it being for all the students we’re supposed to represent.

Why should students vote for you: I’ve done a lot for the Langley Campus, making sure that they get everything they deserve. A lot of events happen in Surrey and Richmond because they have the biggest population, which makes sense, but leaving out two other campuses that really have an amazing group of people, and people who don’t come out to Surrey. Langley has the music and the horticulture program, and now the nursing program, which is strictly just in Langley, so they’re losing out. So I try to do as much as I can for those students who are there and try to represent them as best as I can, because they’re being left out and their voices should be heard.

Candidate Statement: It has been an honor representing Langley students for the past 5 years. During the past 5 years I have created and implemented many new events. I also lobbied and got the Langley Member Services and Health/Dental Office open 5 days a week. I have represented Kwantlen students at CFS National and Provincial meetings. Since 2008 it has been my mission to get more services and events for Langley students. I have lobbied for more Langley oriented Multi-Pass exemptions. Please vote YES for me to once again be your Representative.

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Richmond Campus Jun Tao (Davis) Xu Candidate Statement: My name is Juntao(Davis) Xu; I have been a volunteer working for student for more than two years and studying in Kwantlen for more than three years. I understand the need and feeling of the students. Vote for me as the Richmond representative, let students in Richmond campus have a chance to speak out their demands. If I am honored to be elected as the representative of Richmond students, I am representing your ideas, your needs, and your concerns. We need your supports to make our Richmond Campus a better place to learn, to live, and to love.

Surrey Campus Kirpanpreet Dhillon; 2nd year criminology KPU Extracurriculars: Bhangra club Reason for running: Actually, I had a friend [who was] Surrey representative. So I came to know about what’s KSA and I found something interesting in KSA. Like I want to know what’s KSA and what’s Surrey representative. Because, for my failures and sucsesses, I know how to best represent students.

Why should students vote for you: Because I want to do something for students. That’s the big reason. Because I want to do something for them, for me, for everyone.

Candidate Statement: Vote Kirpanpreet for Surrey Representative! I am a criminology student in Kwantlen University College; I have great interest to work with KSA. If you give me a chance, I would like to add some more ingredients to make variety of events more delicious on the surrey campus such as academic related programs and extra curricular activities and many more. Having learned from my successes and failures, I learned how to represent the needs and voices of students. So please vote YES for me to be your representative.

Aboriginal students (1 position) Melinda Bige; 3rd year sociology KPU Extracurriculars: AbOriginal Resurgence Community, Women Organizing Opportunities for Women; Pride Kwantlen Previous KSA Experience: incumbent Reason for running: I’m running to see the completion of projects regarding the aboriginal students on campus.

Why should students vote for you: I’m the only candidate and I’m passionate about the work I do and that advocacy is important.

Candidate Statement: As the past Aboriginal Representative in the past I have taken my role as advocate seriously. Students are the only reason I have filled this position in the past. I hope to continue the work I do and leave a strong legacy for aboriginal students. I have a passion for social justice. In the past our collective has successfully hosted a drum making workshop, the salmon bbq, an aboriginal day and drum circles. Upcoming are plans to work intersectionally with all our constituencies.

International students (1 position) Jasmine Kaur Sudhan; 3rd year business management KPU Extracurriculars: Women Organizing Opportunities for Women club; Previous KSA Experience: former student life committee member Reason for running: Because I wanted to. Being in student life committee, I have seen the problems international students are facing. And then, I want to help them. There are some things that need to come in line right.

Why should students vote for you: That’s their choice. I can’t pressurize them that they should vote for me. But I can request them that they should vote for me because I want to be their voice. It’s not that I am thinking about myself only, I want to be their voice for this.

Candidate Statement: Elect Jasmine as International Student Liaison! It will be an honour representing International Students for the coming year. I had worked as Standing Member in Student Life Committee and that took my attention towards the challenges faced by International Students. If elected, I promise to work in best interest of everyone with loyalty and true concern. My aim is to create a strong International Committee and bring problems faced

by International Students in lime light. To enhance every culture is another motive. I promise to fulfill all responsibilities. Make this happen, by making me a representative of your voice.

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Ming Li Candidate Statement: I would like to announce that I am running for the position of International Students Representative. Based on my international student background, different cultures had developed my ability to get along with different kind of nationalities. I will try my best to create colourful life for students with international background. Past working experience in KSA has equipped me with practice and knowledge for students’ life. I am hardworking, responsible and with pleasing personality. I am motivated to devote my energy and time to all international students that will develop our multiple cultures.

Mature students (1 position) Ahmad Kheslat; 1st year business management Reason for running: I’m a bit older now. being a mature student, i would be able to know what mature students go through and what they really want, so I thought that might be a good position to go with.

Why should students vote for you: being a mature student i have my work experience, i’ve got the capacity to deal with different issues, I’m innovative, I can innovate things which comes up and try to level up different projects.

Candidate Statement: I have returned to continue my education after several years. I feel great that I am caring on with my studies, knowing that I will enhance my learning. Being a mature student, I probably have gone through most of what other mature students have gone through. I know the problems that mature students face balancing work with university. Let’s get together to share and work towards a brighter future.

Queer students (1 position) Lydia Luk; 3rd year sociology KPU Extracurriculars: Presidential diversity and equity committee; Positive Space Campaign Previous KSA Experience: Incumbent queer students representatives Reason for running: I would like to be able to use my resources and my experience to bring people together and have queer student voices be heard and explore and have fun and see what we can do and hopefully some other people will be inspired and will have the skills to take it on after me. lets keep it going! I feel very lucky to be in this position so I hope to be able to continue in this work.

Why should students vote for you: There’s so much work to be done and I would love to involve more students to be part of that and I would love to continue and add onto new things. I think this is a unique opportunity and time and space for Kwantlen; there’s so many movements happening. The real package of being in post secondary is not just going to class but being involved with all sorts of aspects of school and student life. Even though I’m queer rep I love the opportunities it’s given me to work with the women’s group, students of colour, mature students, aboriginal students. Its just really a great time for us to get involved so I hope people see that in me and in themselves and that I’ll be the right person to do so.

Candidate Statement: Over the last few years, we have worked to hard to make Kwantlen a more open and safe place for everyone. We now have the social justice space and the Pride Office in Surrey, open 4 days a week. We have joined President Davis in creating a university-wide diversity committee.

We have created the Social Justice league, along with Aboriginal students, students of colour, andthe women’s club to support each other and fight for social justice. Vote to reelect Lydia Luk as queer students representative to continue more positive changes for all students.

Students of Colour (1 position) Richard Hosein; 2nd year policy studies KPU Extracurriculars: president of Canadian Students for Sensible Drug Policy club; vice president of Kwantlen University Policy Students for Sustainability; CIRCLE; Women Organizing Opportunities for Women; cochair 2013 student leadership conference Previous KSA Experience: incumbent student’s of colour representative; current external affairs committee member Reason for running: There’s several initiatives I wanted to continue. I was elected in a by-election so I haven’t had a full term yet. I want to have a full term to show the students what I’m capable of. I think more students would be conducive in attending a multicultural fest than a cram jam that might have some bands they’ve never heard about or care about, but everyone has heard of people from different cultures and I think everyone intrigued about getting to know about other cultures; it encourages CONT...diversity and inclusion on campus.

Why should students vote for you: I think I’m a very active student around campus, and I do have a genuine passion to make student life as good as it can be provided with what we have. with my position on the KSA and with external affairs I will continue to lobby on behalf of the students with the rest of the committee to make students experiences in universty the best it can be.

Candidate Statement: My name is Richard Hosein, I am the current Students of Colour Representative at KPU. I have embarked on my current academic path in an effort to legitimize my passion for social, environmental, and economic justice. I am involved with various initiatives and clubs around campus including: KSA, 2013 Student Leadership Conference, CIR:CLE, AIESEC-Kwantlen, Kwantlen University Policy Students for Sustainability (KUPSS), Canadian Students for Sensible Drug Policy (CSSDP-KPU), and the Federal and Provincial Green Parties. I can continue to assist self-identified Students of Colour with perseverance and determination to make a significant impact in student life for my fellow students.

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Renewing the U-Pass program for $45 monthly in the first year.

The Runner’s KSA referendum cheat-sheet

Multi-Pass

The Good: With four campuses across Metro Vancouver and some of the most expensive university parking fees in B.C., many Kwantlen students rely on public transit to get to class on time. The MultiPass combines the UPass, which gives students unlimited access to TransLink services, inter-campus shuttles and the car2go program.

For some reason, the Kwantlen Student Association (KSA) thought they could sweeten the deal by including “fitness services” under the MultiPass umbrella. For an extra $5 a month, students have full access to any Steve Nash Fitness World location, while an extra $20 a month lets students use any Richmond or South Surrey Sports Clubs. A gym membership arguably has nothing to do with transit, but students concerned with the effects of an all-Mexicali diet might be interested.

The Bad: Despite improvements to the MultiPass program this fall, such as including a late-night shuttle to the Richmond campus, students still find their options wanting. The shuttles don’t run often enough to be really convenient. Also inconvenient: bus services. While Translink’s inefficiency can’t be pinned on the KSA, it doesn’t change the fact that some students are spending hours in transit to attend an hour and a half class. Some students not benefitting from the U-Pass have the opportunity to opt out, but because of University contracts only one per cent of students are able to.

In a common theme for the MultiPass, membership at Steve Nash Fitness World would be great if it was something students could easily use. Instead, there are limited locations convenient to students, especially those on Surrey campus.

Verdict: Mixed The KSA has its heart in the right place, but the MultiPass doesn’t offer enough to merit the extra fees. While students who can’t afford to pay for services that they don’t benefit from can apply for a hardships bursary, the rest of us are left running for the bus stop after class, hoping we don’t miss the 301.

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Creating a PIRG for $0.80 per credit (with the ability to opt out) PIRG

The Good: Student-led Public Interest Research Groups (PIRGs) exist on campuses across North America and act as research facilities, community resource centres and advocacy groups. A Kwantlen-based PIRG would allow students the venue to get active in their communities and create real social change. A component of many PIRGs are grants, which fund research, publications, presentations and more. These grants allow students to gain experience not often afforded to undergrads. PIRGs generally have autonomy from student unions, which also means that participants won’t have to jump through political hoops when trying to garner support of the KSA for social or environmental causes. By creating a PIRG on campus, Kwantlen might also add a bit of validity to their newly-acquired university title. It can’t hurt to be able to offer students the chance to perform and apply research in real world situations as well as the opportunity to publish their results.

The Bad: Change don’t come for free. Proposed funding comes from a fee of $0.80 per credit, which students would pay in a lump sum with their tuition fees every semester. This wouldn’t be a fixed rate, either - it would be adjusted annually for inflation. Students would be free to opt out, though, if they were adamantly against funding something that could be beneficial to students and the campus. Which, given the Kwantlen student body’s general apathy towards anything Kwantlen-related might actually be detrimental to the proposed PIRG. Without student members, the PIRG will fade away to a bad punchline whenever anything requiring student involvement is proposed.

Verdict: Vote YES A PIRG could be an amazing force on campus, but it’s going to need student support. We encourage the council to pursue its formations, and we also encourage students to show an interest, too.

Increasing the Runner fee to $0.89 per credit (with the ability to opt out) The Runner

The Good: If you’re reading this, you probably know that The Runner is the source for all your Kwantlen news. We’re student owned and student staffed - anyone can write for us, which includes you!

Remember two years ago when Runner coverage exposed the KSA’s mismanagement of funds and led to the impeachment of half the council? We’re still riding on that, and probably will for at least another three semesters. That story proved we’re basically the university equivalent of the New York Times, if the Times had a heavy focus on student government and local musicians.

The Bad: Can a student-run paper be TOO good?

Verdict: Vote YES A+, great job, 10/10, would recommend to a friend. Also, we would appreciate more money.

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Referendum

Kwantlen student proposes creation of Public Interest Research Group

Richard Hosein, the students of colour constituency representative for the Kwantlen Student Association is asking students to vote for the creation of a PIRG on campus.

Matt DiMera/The Runner

KPIRG would promote social and environmental projects.

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SASHA MANN CONTRIBUTOR

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Kwantlen students are set to vote on the creation of an independent Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) at the end of February.

If the referendum is successful, it will be the fourth in B.C., following in the footsteps of Simon Fraser University (SFU), the University of Victoria (UVic) and the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC).

PIRGs are campus-based organizations that exist to help students take on projects related to social and environmental justice.

They first sprung up in the 1970s, and have since spread to more than 20 Canadian universities.

If passed, the cost to Kwantlen students would be $0.80 per credit, with the option for students to opt out.

The idea of a Kwantlen PIRG (KPIRG) was first put forward by Richard Hosein, the students of colour constituency representative at the Kwantlen Student Association (KSA).

“As a wayward youth I’ve been travelling across Canada,” says Hosein. “I’ve always found the PIRGs to be an inclusive space where you can meet with progressive people and not be marginalized.”

In Eastern Canada — where Hosein first

encountered them — PIRGs are particularly active. The PIRG at the University of McGill puts on the Rad Frosh every year: a threeday event combining music, burritos, bonfires, house parties and politics. It’s billed as an alternative introduction to the school year, significantly different from what McGill normally presents to students.

Although nothing that drastic is likely to come out of KPIRG — at least initially — it would operate similarly to McGill’s PIRG, or any of the 21 current Canadian Public Interest Research Groups.

It would likely run on a consensus model and would support social justice, fighting against the mistreatment of aboriginal people, queer people and other marginalized groups. Students wanting to start a project or do research related to social or environmental causes could apply for a grant from the PIRG. Hosein believes a PIRG is a way for students to “collectively be inclusive,” without letting the KSA or the university administration “impede on social justice.” He sees progressive thought being purposely blocked by conservative groups on campuses across Canada.

“That’s the beauty of the PIRG is that it’s independent. You don’t have to worry about anyone else telling you what to do, you can just go do it,” he said.

Arzo Ansary, the KSA’s director of external affairs, is supportive of Hosein’s proposal and hopes it transforms Kwantlen life.

“I would love to see us turn into a social justice hub or centre,” she tells The Runner.

Ansary believes it’s essential that Kwantlen provides a place where students can “learn about the issues that plague them, where they can learn about the things that affect us all because we live in a global community, and then also have an outlet for which to use that energy and that new found knowledge.”

To her, that’s exactly the power a PIRG has: “the ability to inspire passion, creativity, and then providing you an outlet for doing something about that.”

SFPIRG, the SFU group, has set up a bike tool co-op, a student lounge and a social justice library since it was founded in 1981. It has also put on regular events, including a weekly discussion on critical masculinity.

In reflecting the world they want to see, all decisions at SFPIRG are made by consensus.

As for what projects a Kwantlen PIRG would take on, that remains entirely up to the students who get involved. Members could publish a journal of radical intellectual thought, like McGill and Concordia do with their joint publication, Convergence. They could create edible gardens and a farmer’s market, as Prince George’s PIRG has done.

They could organize a queer film festival like at the University of Waterloo. The only limits are the amount of funding and dedication of volunteers.

To Hosein, Kwantlen’s location south of the Fraser is important. He believes it’s essential that an activist-related project such as a PIRG be started in Surrey specifically, because of the problems the city faces. “We have a large poverty rate,” notes Hosein.

“We have lots of socioeconomic problems that kind of magnify into organized crime, prostitution, all these different things that basically socioeconomic marginalization leads to. And I think that will breed a new interest in activism in Surrey.”

Will this new breed of Surrey activism truly emerge? Will the referendum pass?

Hosein says it will. Students, especially those who aren’t social justice oriented, might begrudge the idea of paying more student fees, but they can always opt out.

And to those students who are interested in anti-oppression work, a PIRG will be a critical resource.

The referendum vote will take place at polling stations on all four Kwantlen campuses during the KSA general election on Feb. 27 and 28, 2013.

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Voter Turnout (Estimated)

Voter Turnout (Estimated)

NEWS

FEB / 19 / 13

Canadian 1963 Federal Election

Canadian 2011 Federal Election

UBC AMS 2013 Election

80%

61%

44%

UVSS 2012 Election

SFSS 2012 Election

KSA 2012 Election

20%

11%

11.6%

How does Kwantlen voter turnout compare to other elections?

The numbers aren’t pretty

//

CHLOE SMITH ASSOCIATE NEWS EDITOR

/

First, for the sake of comparison, what is the rate of voter turnout for Canada as a whole? In the last federal election in 2011, according to Elections Canada, 61 per cent of Canadians voted. That turnout is consid-

ered low, especially compared to Canada’s record high in 1963, which was closer to 80 per cent. Whether former prime minister Lester B. Pearson’s winning personality had anything to do with it is debatable.

Here in B.C., our student election voting numbers are even less impressive. UBC has the highest numbers out of all the institutions, achieving around a 44 per cent turnout in their election this year. UVic has

maintained an average turnout of 20 per cent of voters for the last two years. SFU’s turnout in 2012 fell to 11 per cent from 2011’s 23 per cent.

So where does Kwantlen fit in with its voting numbers? The KSA was unable to provide precise figures, but their best estimation is that in 2012, a measly l1.6 per cent of Kwantlen students voted for their student representatives.

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OPINION

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The Runner took to the streets and asked students a) What does the KSA do? b) How will you be voting?

Carolyn Li, Biochem student

a) b)

Maham Choudhry, Business Admin student

Vanessa Dobin, English student

“The KSA? I think they do a few things, like plan events, and do things with the multipass, and gym membership. Outings? A lot of sporting events, I guess?

And the food bank?”

“KSA is here for students, they have various clubs, dental programs, anything students need, they’re there for you. Any time you need something, they’re there for you.”

“Let guys who let pro-life guys shove their opinions down other people’s throats. I didn’t really know there was [an election].”

“I don’t know when it is, but depending on who has better morals and ideas for activities. Maybe create a more fun environment?”

“I want to make sure that they’re the right people in the KSA who’re actually willing to help students, and that they have good policies, and good opinions and good strategies for students. You should read about the candidates. I think it’s very important to vote.”

“Maybe if I vote, hopefully it will be for people who won’t hurt female choices.”

Winston Le Creative writing

Alexander Mortin, Physics student

a)

“Deals with student funds, I guess? I don’t know.”

“I know they supply a whole bunch of services to people, I don’t use too many of them.”

b)

“I’m not voting. I don’t vote for KSA elections, usually.”

“I didn’t even know there was one [an election]”

Sophia Toor, Political Science/ Sociology student “I don’t know. Take our money? They provide us services, which I personally don’t take, but others do?”

“I believe somebody has to be accurately representing us.”

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CULTURE

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Top nine celebritiesturned-politicians //

JEFF GROAT

COORDINATING EDITOR

/

(1) Ronald Reagan

Reagan’s charm as an actor translated well into political charisma during his career as California governor and as president. He played the role of folksy commander-inchief so well that he earned the monikers “the Great Communicator,” and “the Teflon President,” due to his astounding abilities to connect with his audience and his ability to keep his hands clean during every scandal.

He’s widely credited with jumpstarting the American economy during the 1980s with his deregulatory “Reaganomics” policies.

Look how well that turned out.

(2) Sonny Bono

The former recording artist and one-half of variety duo Sonny and Cher, Sonny Bono first tried his hand at politics after his bureaucratic frustrations trying to open a restaurant. He served four years as mayor of Palm Springs, California and was elected to United States Congress in 1994 after an unsuccessful Senate bid. In 1998, Bono died after hitting a tree on a skiing trip in Nevada.

He’s most well-known for the song “I Got You Babe,” which was made even more well-known when Beavis and Butthead covered it with Cher.

(3) Arnold Schwarzenegger

“Ahnold,” also known as “Mr. Universe,” “Arnie,” and “the Governator,” is unique in that he has achieved great success in both acting and in politics. After winning the Mr. Universe competition at the age of 20, Arnold went on to star in Hollywood’s biggest action movies in the 1980s and ‘90s.

In 2003, he successfully won the California governorship in a special recall election. Unlike Reagan, this former actor and California Governor couldn’t reach any higher in the

realm of American politics. Because he was born in Austria, the presidency is off-limits to him.

(4) Al Franken

Goofy-looking Franken came from comedy before he started his career in the US Senate.

Franken wrote and performed for Saturday Night Live through the ‘80s and ‘90s and afterward wrote a number of political satire books, most of which skewer right-wing American politics. In a squeaker of a win, he narrowly defeated his Republican opponent in 2008’s election by a few hundred votes.

It took until June 2009 before the result was upheld. Franken now has the ability to live firsthand the satire and sketch-comedy that is the American legislative branch of government.

(5) Clint Eastwood

Tough cop Dirty Harry and the equallytough Man with No Name are Eastwood’s most famous movie roles. Eastwood rose to fame in the ‘60s and continued through the ‘70s and into ‘80s playing his signature roles in movies only old people remember, which is why he’s now a star-activist of the Republican party in the US. Although refusing to be pigeonholed politically in the past, he’s now accomplished just that after his rambling “empty chair” speech at the 2012 Republican National Convention where he pretended to interrogate President Obama on stage.

(6) Fred Thompson

Fred Thompson is a career politician. Even when he acts, he plays politicians and navy admirals and district attorneys and other kinds of civil servants. Initially trained as a lawyer, he took part in senate hearings after the Watergate scandal. He was eventually elected as a Senator after Al Gore vacated his seat to serve as Vice President. In 2008, he was a latecomer to the Republican field and

failed to woo primary voters despite a large amount of hype surrounding his potential candidacy. Still, he acted the shit out of that admiral role in The Hunt for Red October.

(7) Kal Penn

Penn, from Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle fame, is a huge Obama fan boy. His most prominent roles are that of Kumar, and of Dr. Lawrence Kutner on the TV show House. In 2007 and 2008, Penn was an advisor to Obama’s National Arts Policy Committee. In 2012, Penn became co-chair for Obama’s reelection campaign. In an upcoming release, Kal and Barack Go to the White House, Penn plays a young and spoiled youngster who lands a sweet job.

(8) Jerry Springer

Springer, while famous for his trashy talk show, did things backwards. He worked his ass off in law and politics before getting into show business. Springer served as an advisor to Bobby Kennedy while Kennedy ran for president in 1968. In 1970, Springer ran for Congress in Ohio, but ultimately lost, despite gaining record support as a Democratic candidate. In 1977, he was chosen to serve a one-year term as mayor of Cincinnati, Ohio.

(9) Jesse Ventura

Jesse “The Body” Ventura first faced down his opponents in the wrestling ring. As a wrestler, Ventura played a villain, living by the motto, “Win if you can, lose if you must, but always cheat!” In 1991, Ventura was elected mayor of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, and later was elected to Governor of Minnesota in 1998. He also tried his hand at acting, starring with fellow governor-actor Arnold Schwarzenegger in Predator and The Running Man. Since 2009, Ventura has peddled pseudo-science and paranoia on his TV show Conspiracy Theory with Jesse Ventura.

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CULTURE In the spirit of the KSA elections, The Runner has compiled a list of some memorable campaign stories from a few TV shows and movies. And in the spirit of democratic cynicism, we’ve provided valuable lessons that the KSA candidates in this year’s election can use to get out the votes.

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The Hollywood Guide To Winning (Or Losing) An Election Cynical advice for the KSA’s electoral candidates.

//

JEFF GROAT

COORDINATING EDITOR

/

1) Napoleon Dynamite

The story: When Pedro, a transfer student from Mexico, decides to run for class president, his friends Napoleon and Deb decide to help him get elected. The three awkward outcasts run an equally awkward campaign which appears destined for tragic failure. At the last minute, Napoleon puts on a Jamiroquai song and dances hilariously in support of Pedro.

A standing ovation ensues and Pedro beats his socially-superior opponent in a landslide.

The lesson: Elections are popularity contests. Do whatever you can to make your opponent look the fool. How can I be popular, you ask?

Suck up to Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s (KPU) figures of authority and power enough to woo the small circle of actual KPU voters/KSA, senate and board of governors candidates and their friends.

2) Arrested Development, The Immaculate Election (season 2)

The story: Michael Bluth convinces his son, George Michael, to run for class president when he thinks George Michael is having self-esteem issues. George Michael’s uncle G.O.B. produces the campaign video, which is a slicklyproduced smear piece, mocking the popular and fatherless front-runner, Steve Holt. Steve Holt drops out of the race to search for his father, while George Michael loses in shame after his “Star Wars kid” video is accidentally played at the end of his campaign video.

The lesson: There is nothing more effective at providing the illusion of popularity and influence than student politics. Also, when in doubt, go negative and get personal.

3) Black Sheep

The story: In this forgettable ‘90s piece, Chris Farley plays the brother of a gubernatorial candidate whose bumbling and idiotic mess-ups threaten the livelihood of the campaign. In a farcical turn of events, Farley’s character un-

covers evidence of fraud in the opponent’s campaign and ends up winning his brother the governor’s seat.

The lesson: Keep bumbling, idiotic family members away from you during a career as a student politician. If you really intend to commit election fraud, make sure you keep your more idiotic family members in the dark.

4) Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

The story: Governor Hopper has to pick someone to replace a recently deceased senator and gambles on the boy-scout-like naivety of Jefferson Smith, played by Jimmy Stewart. The governor uses Smith in a dam-building and land-buying ruse. The national press eats Smith alive and he’s nearly destroyed by the machinations and manipulations of his party bosses, only to be redeemed at the last minute on the senate floor.

The lesson: It doesn’t pay to be honest in politics. Really, Smith was extremely lucky that those controlling him had a heavy streak of 1930s American values. In the end, it’s about who you can use to get ahead. In this case, it’s we the student-people of KPU.

5) Community, Intro to Political Science (season 2)

The story: When Vice President Joe Biden is due to make an appearance at Greendale, the dean and students decide to hold an election to form a student government. Jeff, Annie and Pierce all decide to run for class president in a comical campaign and debate process. As a result of monolithic student apathy, the TV show South Park wins the most votes and the election is called off.

The lesson: Let’s be serious, just for a moment. Though we all are too afraid to admit it, Kwantlen has a serious problem with student apathy that results in KSA elections with voter turnout percentages in the low single-digits.

We’re just saying – the first step is admitting you have a problem.

6) Simpsons, Sideshow Bob Roberts (season 6)

The story: Sideshow Bob is released from prison and becomes the Republican candidate for mayor. He beats Mayor Quimby in the election after Quimby’s dismal debate performance and seeks revenge on the Simpson family. Lisa Simpson uncovers election fraud in Bob’s campaign after Smithers’ “Deepthroat” whistle-blowing.

The lesson: In order to win the vote, you need two things: charisma and rigged votes. With paper ballots instead of the e-voting from previous elections, it may be harder to wrangle up as many bought votes as needed. Challenge accepted. Free pizza, anyone?

7) All the President’s Men

The story: All the President’s Men recounts the story of Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, who together brought down President Richard Nixon over their investigations into the Watergate scandal. This is the movie that made the phrase, “follow the money” famous. Woodward and Bernstein do indeed follow the money, and with help from anonymous source Deepthroat, crack open the biggest news story ever.

The lesson: If you’re a cheating politician, count on the press finding you out. It’s not because we take the cheating personally or that we believe in the “truth,” whatever that is. It’s that these stories are really, really good for our careers. Thank you.

8) House of Cards

The story: Netflix’s new political thriller follows the ruthless congressman, Frank Underwood. After losing out on the nomination for secretary of state, Underwood vows to exact revenge on his political frenemies, including the newly inaugurated President Walker. What follows is a trail of sex and drugs, broken careers, political two-timing, and even murder.

The lesson: Once elected, take full advantage of your new position of influence and power. Use, use, use people to get what you want. If anyone stands in your way, ruin them. This goes equally for fellow KSA reps.

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CULTURE

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PROCRASTINATION

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Where in the world is Alan Davis?

President Alan Davis protects the purity of Western bodily fluids from Communist fluoridation.

Illustration: Jeff Groat/The Runner

Horoscope

Sagitarius Nov. 23 - Dec 21

Capricorn Dec. 22 - Jan 20

Never shake a politician’s hand. Politicians hold babies, and babies have malaria.

A gang of city counselors is going to show up at your house tonight to eat all of your cereal while you’re asleep.

Tired of your life? Buy a plane ticket to Tahiti. Go to the Smokey Moose and ask for Thor. Tell him I sent you. You don’t need to be alone anymore.

Aries Mar 21 - Apr 19

Taurus Apr 20 - May 20

Gemini May 21 - Jun 20

“Call your girlfriend. It’s time you had the talk.

Give your reasons. Say it’s not her fault, but you just met somebody new.” - Obama

Next time you use your oven, take a glance inside to make sure there aren’t any cute furry animals living there.

“Why do crows like garbage so much? What the shit is up with that?” - Stalin

The second half of this month will be better than the first half, as long as you stay away from the colours blue and grey.

Virgo Aug 24 - Sept 23

Libra Sept 24 - Oct 23

Scorpio Oct 24 - Nov 22

Those dreams you’ve been having about Stephen Harper aren’t going to stop. They’re actually going to get a lot worse.

“Your body could fall apart at any second, and that totally sucks.” - Cleopatra the Great

Hillary Clinton is a Scorpio. That is all.

Leo Jul 24 - Aug 23

Don’t forget to vote at the end of this month.

Kwantlen’s fate is in your hands. Don’t fuck it up!

Aquarius Jan 21 - Feb 19

Pisces Feb 20 - Mar 20

Climb on top of a boar and he will try to eat your feet. Climb on top of an armadillo and he will dance around like a monkey on crack.

Cancer Jun 21 - Jul 23