The Cascade Volume 7 Issue 8 2000-02-08

NoImpeachmentPetitionsin 'Mv'Collegesavs

DSU-ExecKelliSemple.

by Beverly Bouma

Denny Eddy, the driving force behind the movement to impeach the Douglas Students' Union board members, was arrested for assault on February 2nd, 2000. Kellie Semple, Internal Relations Coordinator (IRC) for the DSU, initiated the charges after an incident at Douglas College stemming from Mr. Eddy's continued efforts to post flyers advertising the reasons why the DSU Board should be impeached.

Because the DSU controls the student billboards in the College, and obviously wouldn't approve Eddy's impeachment flyers, the College supplied a table and mobile billboard in the concourse for Eddy's use. After posting impeachment flyers and information sheets Eddy left for a meeting.

Returning about half an hour later, Eddy discovered the billboard had been stripped. He re-postered and reported the tampering to Security. He then proceeded to the 4th floor mezzanine to observe the billboard. Almost immediately a group including Semple and Mike Oulette of the Safewalk office gathered around the billboard. When Oulette pointed to Eddy observing from the mezzanine, Semple started "flipping the finger" at Eddy. With the assistance of Oulette, Semple began removing the flyers from the billboard.

Eddy proceeded to the concourse. No security officers were visible. Semple was attempting to drag the billboard ,into the gymnasium. While she was unlocking the gymnasium door, Eddy grabbed the billboard and began moving it back to its original location. A brief tug-of-war ensued and, while Eddy tried to move the billboard, Semple attempted to push him away from it. Eddy pushed her arms away with one hand and continued to move the billboard. Semple immediately shouted: "Did you see that? He assaulted me". She lunged at Eddy again and when he pushed her arms away she shouted again: "Did you all see that? He just assaulted me again".

Through the intercession of some passing students Eddy was able to return the billboard to it's original location. Security and the New Westminster Police were called. Eventually, several NWP officers arrived, including Const. Quon who had investigated an incident the previous evening. He called Eddy aside to get the story while a female officer, Const. Jackson, proceeded to the Gymnasium to speak to Semple and her cronies. Moments later Const. Jackson approached Const. Quon and Eddy in the concourse. Without a word from Eddy and despite the protestation of Const. Quon, she informed Eddy that he was under arrest for assault and proceeded to "read him his rights". Eddy accompanied Const. Quon to the NW Police

Station where he was processed and released on his undertaking to appear in court on March 22, 2000. Charges are pending against Semple, Oulette, and other as yet unidentified accomplices.

Such an occurrence is not a novelty at Douglas College. While I was in the company of Mr. Eddy at Douglas College the previous night, Kellie Semple and Amanda Wheeler, DSU External Relations Coordinator, called campus security as well as N,ew Westminster Police after finding Mr. Eddy putting up impeachment posters in the Student Union Building. Mr. Eddy had finished posting his notices and was preparing to leave the SUB, but upon learning that the police had been called, waited for their arrival. Ms. Semple, Ms. Wheeler, and a small group of their associates pointed out Mr. Eddy, who was quietly conversing with another student, to Constable Quon of the NWPD. Constable Quon immediately spoke sternly of "assault by trespass" and "criminal trespass" charges to Mr. Eddy, to the delight of the DSU Board and their allies, who stood several feet away, red-faced and angry. After hearing Mr. Eddy's side of the story, Constable Quon and his partner allowed Mr. Eddy to proceed throughout the Douglas College campus without impediment. These two incidents mark the third and fourth times that DSU Board members have called the police to have Mr. Eddy removed from Douglas College property. In addition, various board members have filed complaints against Mr. Eddy, stating that they feel "threatened" by him in some way. All complaints were found to have no merit, and were dismissed by the RCMP, NWPD, and Douglas College Administration.

One may wonder why the DSU has filed so many complaints against Denny Eddy. In considering an answer to that question, one should take into account that these 'harassment' complaints and calls to the police began shortly after Mr. Eddy requested in writing to see and have copies of dor ·,1ents pertaining to the financial practices of the DSU. Last year, the DSU collected over $830,000.00 in student fees, and has not accounted for it at this time. (It does appear that the DSU is behind in producing financial statements, as the agenda for their February 16th Annual General Meeting has listed 'approval of 1997/98 financial audit' as an item on the agenda.) Denny Eddy wants to know where the money went: he's determined to find out.

Thousandsofstudentsprotestpost-secondarv educationcuts

by CUP staff

Source: CUP member papers and regional bureaus

Thousands of students across Canada took to the streets on February 2 as part of the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS) Access 2000 campaign.

The CFS, Canada's largest student lobby group, is calling on the federal government to restore $3.7-billion in provincial transfer payments for postsecondary education. Since taking office in 1993, the federal Liberals have cut $?-billion from post-secondary education and training.

Students in more than 50 communities joined the CFS in their call for more education funding.

In St. John's, Newfoundland, 1,500 university, college and high school students walked out of classes to protest government cutbacks to education. The protest was so boisterous that at one point a reporter from a local radio station asked if there was a party going on.

In Charlottetown, more than 200 students at the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) participated in a Kraft dinner lunch. The gathering was meant to highlight the impact high student debt loads have on students.

"We feel it went well," said Stephen Lewis, vice-president (finance) at the Student Union of UPEI. "It's hard to get students out on this campus, so we feel this was a successful turnout."

Out in Quebec, cold weather did not keep students from protesting. About 200 students from Concordia University, •McGill Univesity and Universite du Quebec a Montreal bundled up and marched in minus -15 Celsius weather

"The government has gone too far and cut too much from our programs. You can see it at McGill, you can see it across the country," remarked Kate Meier, vice-president (external) at McGill's Post-Graduate Students' Society.

Anti-corporate sentiment also echoed from many of the marchers who chanted such slogans as, "We want education, tax the corporations."

The Montreal protest wound through the downtown core for about an hour, culminating near the Mexican Consulate, where students aimed to show their support for Mexican students who recently ended a ninemonth strike at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (NAUM).

Various sources on Wednesday reported that students in Mexico City were protesting outside the Canadian Embassy in solidarity with Access 2000. The reports could not be confirmed by press time.

In Ottawa, protest organizers estimated that between 2,000-3,000 universi

ty and high school students, as w.,,11as faculty, marched downtown before reaching Parliament Hill.

CFS national campaigns co-ordinator

Pam Frache was very pleased with the turnout.

"I think today shows what we know already: that the majority of Canadians are with us in the fight for a restoration of education funding," she said.

On Parliament Hill, a number of people addressed the crowd including Federal New Democratic Party Leader Alexa McDonough while joining student advocates in prompting the federal government to use their budget surplus to reinvest in social programs.

"If the Liberals-havethe guts, we have the solution!" said McDonough. "Let's reduce tuition fees! Let's phase out tuition fees!"

The federal surplus is estimated at more than $95-billion over the next five years. According to Statistics Canada, tuition fees across the country for undergraduate arts programs have increased by 125.9 per cent since 1990, resulting in an average cost of $3,658.

•

In Toronto, student protesters blocked entrances to York University.

Protesters held cars for three minutes while they marched and let drivers know what was going on. Afterwards, they would let two cars in at a time.

The Toronto Transit Commission decided not to send their buses onto campus and were dropping students off at the perimeter of York.

"I think the strike would be more effective if they decided to strike in September or strike when it's registration and nobody decides to register and nobody decides to come to school in September," said Sandra Miller, a fourth-year psychology student at Yo-rk.

In downtown Toronto, an estimated 2,000-3,000 students and supporters swarmed Queen's Park in an impressive wave.

"I've jumped through hoops long enough," Joel Harden, the Ontario CFS chair, told the crowd. "Today we're taking a different route. l"oday you have to listen to the thousands of us."

Other notable speakers at the Toronto protest included Buzz Hargrove, president of the Canadian Auto Workers' Union, Ontario NOP leader Howard Hampton and CanadianAssociation of University Teachers President Bill Graham.

"The province of Ontario provides less to our universities than the private sector," boomed Graham over the loud speaker, pointing to the legislative building. "This government is dedicated to the pursl.Jitof private welfare."

Further west, more than 1,000 students from Manitoba's four major universities walked out of classes.

Following a march through downtown Meanwhile, out in British Columbia, the Winnipeg, students went to the Simon Fraser Student Society's took University of Winnipeg to listen to students through an education maze speakers and bands. Students played • before busing protesters to downtown a friendly game of street hockey, the Vancouver. prize for which was the "Chretien Cup." Throughout the morning volunteers And at the University of Regina, stu- were handing out leaflets around camdents started the Access 2000 day of pus for the event, while also encouragaction with a pancake breakfast, fol- ing students to attend the "night of eellowed by speeches and activities ebration" DJ gig held later in the throughout the day. evening at the Commodore night club. In Alberta, students at Mount Royal And on Vancouver Island, more than College in Calgary raised placards to 1,000 students from the University of show their support for Access 2000. Victoria (UVic) and Camosun College A rally was held at noon at Wyckham gathered in front of the provincial legisHouse, the Students' Association (SA) lature waving placards. building, with speeches·from campus "Let's be fair, the money is there, spend leaders. the surplus now," they chanted along "I think we inspired and motivated with the radical cheerleaders, a group some people today to join the move- of students who waved porn-porns ment and to speak-out about their con- made out garbage bags. cerns," said Elsie Kipp, SA vice-presi- Earlier in the day, between 8 a.m. and dent (external). 11:30 a.m., about 200 students from Mount Royal Students were very sup- UVic barricaded entrances to the portive of the campus initiative. About University campus. In the afternoon, 60 signatures were gathered for the the protest moved from the campus tuition freeze petition inside of an hour, grounds to the legislature. and many students also filled out "I think education should be free and at protest postcards that will be sent to least more accessible than it is right MLAs and MPs. now," said Kim McKay, and a third-year "The key is persistence," said Cherie English student at UVic protesting in Strid, a first-year journalism student at front of the legislature. Mount Royal. "The government needs to know we care."

Students protest outside the Parliment buildings in Ottawa in solidarity with the Canadian Federation of Students' Access 2000 Day of Action

Studentsportravedasloancheats,despite fallingdefaultnumbers

by Chris Bodnar Source: Ottawa Bureau

OTTAWA (CUP) Student leaders say the Ontario government is unfairly demonizing students as cheaters trying to bilk the student loan system,.and they add that the government's own numbers prove that portrayal is wrong. Figures released on Monday by Ontario's Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities indicate the province's overall student loan default rate has decreased by almost four per cent in 1999 to 18.2 per cent.

But student leaders say the Ontario government's announcement is unfair to students and diverts attention from larger issues regarding core funding to post-secondary education in Canada.

"The Ontario government is using a crime and punishment model on student loans," said Elizabeth Carlyle, the deputy chairperson for the Canadian Federation of Students. "They're portraying students like people trying to cheat the system. But the proof is to the opposite. Students are concerned about dealing with public money."

The announcement follows a revelation that the federal government is considering giving $1DO-million in retroactive risk premiums to the three .Canadian banks administering student

loans. Government officials are calling the proposal the "best deal" available in order to keep the banks interested in the student loan business.

HumanResources Development Canada handed over the administration of the Canada Student Loan Program to the banks in 1995, saying the program was too large to administer alone.

And the announcement of Ontario's declining default rates comes on the heels of harsh new policies on handling student loans by the province's government. Students are now subject to credit checks prior to being approved for a student loan. The government. also began deducting loan repayments from student tax returns, and forcing universities to share default costs.

Still, Ontario's Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities Diane Cunningham says the most recent results aren't good enough.

"It's encouraging that more students are paying back their loans, but default rates are still too high. More can and must be done," she said.

In the midst of Ontario's announcement, and the revelation that the banks may be getting a hefty bailout, Carlyle said Ottawa's justification that the student loan portfolio is getting too large to handle alone is misleading. She added that the Ontario gov-

.ernment is being allowed to get away with unjustly cracking down on its own loan system.

"The federal government says on one hand the portfolio is so large they need the help of the banks," said Carlyle. "Why is the portfolio so large? It's because they cut education. The provinces had to pass this on through · increased tuition fees. Now students need more loans to go to school."

According to the CFS, there are numerous definitions of what a student loan default is. The model the banks and governments use is to declare a loan in default whenever a student misses three loan payments. Nonetheless, banks can still hold loans and eventually collect after they've been declared as default.

And Ontario government figures show university loan defaults at only 8.4 per cent in 1999. The overall number of default rates is increased, however, when loans to students at private institutions are included. These default rates are over 30 per cent for private vocational schools.

Carlyle says when student loans are considered, including default loans that are later repaid, only seven per cent of student loans can be declared as default.

Overall numbers for student loan default rates across Canada indicate a decrease in student loan default rates.

CASAslamsnationalbanks

by Gordon Loane

Source: The Brunswickan (University of New Brunswick)

FREDERICTON (CUP) The federal government is being taken to the cleaners by Canada's big banks, says Jason Aebig, national director of the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA).

The CASA leader, whose organization represents 275,000 students at 17 universities nationwide, is critical of how the banks interpret the default rate on student loans. Recently, Ottawa offered to give the banks that lend money to post-secondary students $100-million in risk premiums money given by the government to offset the money the banks lose when students default on their loan payments.

Since the Canada Student Loan program was handed over to the banks five years ago, the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, Bank of Nova Scotia and the Royal Bank have collected approximately $75-million per year in risk payments from the government.

But the banks insist $75-million, based on a five per cent risk premium, is not enough.

"The banks couldn't continue to provide on that basis because the losses for the government and for the banks are horrendous," Royal Bank chairman John Cleghorn told the Globe and Mail. The banks are now demanding that risk premiums be boosted another four-and-a-half per cent.

According to Ottawa's proposed deal, the federal government would be required to set aside

$1OD-million over the next five years to cover the increased risk premium.

The government offer was made after the banks claimed their default rate on student loans had climbed from an expected 18 per cent to 26 per cent in recent years.

But Aebig says the problem lies in the bank's definition of what constitutes a default rate.

"The banks lump late payments in with unrecovered loans to calculate their default rate," he said. "If a student doesn't repay their monthly student loan after three months whether consecutive or individual, then on the 91st day that student is in default of their loan. It doesn't mean the money will not be recovered, it just means it is late on that 91st day."

"By lumping both together you arrive at a default rate that is considerably inflated," he added. Aebig says university students are also being penalized by the banks in their default rate calculations.

While the student loan default rate for university students averages seven per cent across Canada, Aebig noted the default rate for students who attended vocational colleges and technical institutions is about 13 per cent on average, and the default rate for private vocational schools is at least 18-20 per cent on average.

Aebig said the big banks lump all the postsecondary institutions together to calculate a default rate, which penalizes university students and makes everyone pay for the sins of a few.

"Target those who are not paying back their loans, put whatever measures in place to make sure

Gino Trifiro, a representative from HRDC, said the overall national default rate has decreased from almost 30 per cent in 1994-95 to an anticipated 26 per cent in 1996-97. But he says private banking institutions still thought they could do better at collecting and now need additional loan guarantees from the federal government.

Steve Dyck, a representative from the Royal Bank of Canada, estimates student loan defaults at over 26 per cent. But he says this figure is based on estimates from HRDC and that the Royal Bank has no official numbers to release at the moment.

On Tuesday, Royal Bank CEO John Cleghorn was reported as saying Canadian banks have seen losses since taking over administering student loans, and that they more financial guarantees from Ottawa.

"Clearly something had to be done. Otherwise the banks couldn't continue to provide on that basis because the losses for the government and for the banks are horrendous," Cleghorn was quoted in the Globe and Mail.

Bigitte.,Nolet, HRDC minister Jane Stewart's press secretary, estimates that up to 300,000 students currently receive funds from the Canada Student Loans Program.

they pay back their loans. Don't give everyone a high interest rate, don't give everyone a difficult repayment schedule and don't restrict the availability of student loans just because some people are abusing the program," Aebig said.

The CASA national director also can't believe the banks are trying to get Ottawa to set aside more money to cover a higher default rate, given their overall billion dollar profits in recent years.

"The banks may be losing money on the student loan program, but they must be making up for the loss somewhere else," he said.

Aebig adds that losses on student loans should be balanced with the fees students pay to use bank accounts, ATM machines, Visa and Mastercard.

"I think that the banks haye to be good corporate citizens as well and learn to balance the positives and negatives," he said.

Aebig also wonders if students might not be better off if the federal government re-assumed arrangement of the Canada Student Loans Program instead of hiving it off to the banks.

But he doesn't see that happening any time soon.

"Human Resources Development Canada officials in Ottawa have told me it is less expensive for the banks to handle student loans than it is for the federal government to administrate it. The current method is too cost efficient for government to ignore," Aebig said.

Canadianstudentsdeclaresolidaritvwith Mexicanstudents

by Mason Wright Reports out of Mexico indicated that military _________ S_o_u-rc_e_:_B_C_B_u_r_e_a_u_C_h_i-efpolice had burst onto one of the schools of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM)

VANCOUVER (CUP) International student solidari- on February 1, arresting more than 400 students ty was in the air February 2 as thousands of students who were striking in favour of free education in across Canada participated in a national day of Mexico. The Consulate General of Mexico in action. Vancouver, however, would not confirm those

Canadian students at the Vancouver protest, reports at press time. organized by the Canadian Federation of Students

Carrying placards urging people to "Support (CFS), declared support for their Latin American Mexican Students," the Vancouver group separated counterparts after hearing that 400 Mexican stu- from the organized parade route at Pender and dents had been arrested on Tuesday while protest- Burrard Streets and proceeded west as the march ing tuition increases in their country. continued east.

As more than 2,000 post-secondary stu- But when they reached the West Pender dents marched from the Vancouver Art Gallery to the office building where the· Mexican Consulate was Plaza of Nations on Wednesd;:iy,a smaller group of said to have been located, they learned that it had about 30 protesters split away from the main march been moved. In the resulting confusion, the demonin search of the Mexican Consulate. strators decided to postpone their protest at the con"The CFS already has their demonstration sulate until February 4 and rejoin the rest of the stuplanned out," said local activist • dents at the Plaza of Nations.

Blain Butyniec who first alerted students of the Unsure of the original parade route, the events in Mexico as some of them gathered at group marched east on Pender Street while chantiSimon Fraser University. "We think it's only fair that ng, cheering and occupying the eastbound lane of we take some time to support our fellow students in the street. Vancouver police officers looked on and Mexico." controlled traffic until the group reached the Plaza of

Nations.

, Mark Veerkamp, British Columbia chair for the CFS, mentioned in his speech at the Art Gallery that Mexican students were to march on the Canadian Consulate in Mexico City in support of the day of action. But when asked why he neglected to mention the 400 arrested Mexican students during his speech, he said that he simply forgot.

He added, though, that the CFS is behind any future demonstrations in support of the students in Mexico.

"I think anything that we can do to show solidarity to those Mexican students is important," said Veerkamp. "What we're talking about [universal access to education] is not just happening in Canada."

Meanwhile, on February 2 students from Concordia University, McGill Univesity and Universite du Quebec a Montreal wound through the downtown core for about an hour, culminating near the Mexican Consulate, where students aimed to show their support for Mexican students.

Privateuniversitvproiectleadstoconflictof interestaccusations

by Stanley Tromp

Source: The Ubyssey (University of British Columbia)

VANCOUVER (CUP) Classes are over, it's Friday afternoon and there are a few hours of daylight left. Hike the mountain Chief or head up to Whistler? Such difficult decisions could confront students at a proposed "Squamish University."

For now, construction of the private institution has been postponed, but if the project ever reaches fruiUpn it could change the face of Canadian post-secondary education.

The plan by former University of British Columbia (USC) President David Strangway to build Canada's first private, secular university in Squamish has created controversy. And as more details about both the timing and the direction of the project are revealed, concerns have arisen.

Some believe that having a private university competing with the public post-secondary system will unleash a flood of imitators. Critics fear the project, which some have dubbed "Squamish U", is just a gateway to a two-tiered Canadian university system. Others, meanwhile, are just wondering if the university will ever actually be built.

Despite all this, the controversy over Squamish U boils down to two main points: firstly, did former USC officials now working on the project work on it while they were still paid employees at USC? Secondly, how heavily would the Squamish university impact on USC in the areas of funding, student recruitment and competition for faculty?

This past August, Strangway said the time was right for private universities.

"It is clearly time for this movement to start in Canada," he wrote in a business plan. "The current project, two years in the planning, is part of the world movement."

Despite some degree of public concern, there has only been one official complaint filed regarding the proposed university. The Alma Mater Society (AMS), USC's student government, filed a

conflict of interest complaint with British Columbia's Ombudsman last April.

The AMS is alleging that Strangway, along with USC officials Peter Ufford and his brother Mark Ufford, breached USC's conflict of interest guidelines by receiving USC renumeration while working on the private project. (The University's Policy 97 states that even "the appearance of conflict of interest must be avoided.")

The Ombudsman's office confirmed it has been investigating the complaint, but doesn't know when its report will be completed.

Strangway did not return calls for this story, and former USC Vice-President' (External Affairs) Peter Ufford refused all comment when reached. USC financial statements, however, show that Strangway and Peter Ufford claimed $10,814 and $10,636 respectively in expenses from USC during the 1998-99 fiscal year, even though both were away on paid "administrative leave" during that year. Paula Martin, the University's director of public affairs, would not discuss the expenses citing privacy con-

The University has also examined another aspect of the alleged •conflict of interest: in December 1997, Les Peterson, the conflict commissioner for USC Properties Inc., prepared for USC President Martha Piper a three-page review of Peter Ufford's plans. USC claims Peterson found no conflict, but has refused all media requests to release the report, claiming this would breach Ufford's privacy.

AMS Coordinator (External Affairs) Nathan Allen claims Piper has repeatedly cited the Peterson review when faced with AMS questions over Peter Ufford's involvement. The AMS, however, has expressed little faith in this response.

"We are skeptical that this review was carried out in an appropriate manner, and that it covered all three of the officers in question," the student union states in its complaint. "And even if it did, the University cannot through the actions of the Board or its officers, violate the University Act The University has done nothing to protect the public and

student interest."

Questions have also been raised about when exactly former USC president David Strangway first conceived of this private, but "nonprofit," university to be built in Squamish. Recently uncovered information seems to indicate that while he was still serving as president of USC, Strangway founded a company that eventually appeared in a promotion of the Squamish project.

Four months before he left USC, on April 2, 1997, Strangway registered a numbered company (539947 BC Ltd.) at the Registrar of Companies. In September of 1997, the company was renamed Emeritus Endeavours Ltd., with Strangway as president, his wife Alice as secretary-treasurer and the two as the only directors.

Emeritus Endeavours Ltd. is the heading on a letter Strangway wrote in February 1999 to British Columbia's Ministry of Advanced Education to promote his private university plan.

"Following your suggestion, we will work with you to establish the most effective legislation and will plan to have draft proposals in front of you over the next six months," reads the letter, which was addressed to Advanced Education Deputy Minister Gerry Armstrong and obtained under the Freedom of Information Act. "We would expect to have formal legislation approved by the time of the sitting in the spring of 2000, probably in the form of a separate Act."

But next to this paragraph, Armstrong wrote, "This is not how I remembered it."

A month later, Armstrong wrote a "clarification" to Strangway.

"I indicated at our [Jan. 28, 1999] meeting that new legislation would be the most feasible of the possible options for you to pursue," reads the deputy minister's letter. "But it will first be necessary that the Ministry receive your proposal, with the required government review an_d Cabinet decision-making process to follow."

The Squamish project was first announced by Strangway in a Vancouver Sun story on July 14, 1997. Last year, however, Strangway told Canadian

University

Privateuniversitvcan,.tramnaae:;

University Press (CUP) that he worked for UBC "fulltime" until his UBC term expired at the end of July of that year.

Despite all this, Steve Crombie, the University's former head of public affairs and r"lw a spokesperson for the Squamish project, saio the UBC student complaints "are just hot air, and it's based on their own self-interest. It's really quite amusing."

While the Emeritus letter in question appears to be lobbying for the pr~vate university, Crombie said that Emeritus Endeavors Ltd. is not the driving force behind the Squamish project. He insists the company was set up as a consulting firm by Strangway to manage his wide variety of affairs, such as his role as salmon treaty negotiator and his work as president of the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI).

Emeritus Endeavors Ltd. is also distinct from the Howe Sound Educational Foundation (HSEF}, which is the non-profit society that Strangway created to establish the Squamish-based university.

Strangway hopes the HSEF board will have its first meeting early this year, and it seems to have already tried to address posSible future conflict of interest charges. "Conflict of interest policy to assure there is no personal benefit to the principals," reads one of its agenda items.

•

But Strangway is not the only one whose activities are under scrutiny. After his year of administrative leave, Peter Ufford returned to UBC in May 1999 only to announce his resignation less than three months later, effective December 31. On January 3, he then took on a four-month appointment as Squamish project leader. He will handle the private university's finances, administration and search for a new location.

Meanwhile, CUP reported in April 1999 that Mark Ufford, Peter's brother and a full-time employee in USC's Athletics department, had been working O[l the project while still working for Athletics and being paid over $80,000 per year.

Neither Mark Ufford nor UBC Athletic Director Bob Philip returned calls for this story.

This past August, Strangway wrote to James Tiampo the head of Amon Lands Ltd., the company that had pledged to donate the land for the project.

"[Squamish city council had] pledged $80,000 for the purpose of managing and expediting

the project," wrote Strangway. "This funding will be available as of October 1, 1999, and will permit the engagement of Mark Ufford, fee and expenses, on a three day/week basis as Project ManagerDevelopment as of that date."

Last week, Squamish mayor Corinne Lonsdale said the plan to hire Mark Ufford has been put on hold until the project is more firmly established.

The Squamish group had hoped to break ground this past New Year's Eve, but the university project was thrown into limbo in December when Amon Lands abruptly withdrew its land offer.Another land donor is currently being sought.

As well, the funding plans for the private university have shifted. Strangway's original plan.was to finance the university only by market housing built upon donated land. Thus, wrote Strangway in 1998, there would be no donations "that could otherwise have gone to UBC."

Since then, Crombie concedes, the donor policy had to change because of funding needs. Strangway has already received $20-million in donation pledges to date, as a contingency fund to ensure construction will be completed.

"We have projected $31.62-million of fundraising in the first 5 years," he wrote. "It is expected that this will be in the form of cash donations arid business partnerships."

The shift in funding policy worries some at UBC. Regarding the conflict of interest complaint, AMS Policy Analyst Desmond Rodenbouer said such donors could have helped UBC instead.

In the realm of public funding, Strangway has said that he will seek no government subsidies at all.

"It will happen, in one form or another," he said.

The AMS also complained that the Squamish university would compete with UBC, among others, to hire teachers. The Squamish. plan calls for 100 faculty to be paid an average of $100,000.

After Strangway began his project, UBC administration also set up a $500,000 Faculty Retention Fund, which the UBC Faculty Association said would pay to keep professors at UBC who might want to move to Squamish or elsewhere.

Crombie claims the HSEF has received more than 50 calls from interested professors, some of them from UBC. Crombie said Strangway has been meeting with USC's academic vice-presidents, but that there are no plans as yet to allow UBC professors to "moonlight" at Squamish.

Meanwhile, in Victoria, the project's political future remains unclear.

Last May, Okanagan East Liberal MLA John Weisbeck wrote to the Ministry of Advanced Education asking for information on "how to establish a private university."•

In reply, a Ministry note outlin1ed three options: a private member's bill, the establishment of a private institution with no legislation, or an affiliation agreement with existing universities in Canada or elsewhere.

Last month, Weisbeck told CUP that, "I support this project because it serves an important niche," and that he mighf sponsor a private member's bill to make it happen if necessary. He said he was speaking only for himself, not the Liberal party and that he has never spoken to Strangway.

Bob Plecas, a former top BC government

But Bill Bruneau, former head of the bureaucrat who Strangway hired as his "legislative Canadian Association of University Teachers advisor," wrote to Strangway last August 19. (CAUT), disagrees. He has written that the donation "I believe the provincial government will and re-zoning of any land for Squamish U would recognise the great benefits of the private university receive amounts to a public subsidy in itself, both in for British Columbia and will, therefore, pass the reqthe loss of potential tax on the land and in the uisite legislation," wrote Plecas. increase of the land's property value. He also-..

But whether Squamish U will ever get off the claimed that there are seven other possible kinds of ground is still unsure, and opinion on the project is public subsidies. divided. Some among USC's faculty expressed Crombie has responded that this claim is "a strong opposition. lot of crap."

When asked about Strangway's university,

Although the CAUT passed a resolution last UBC Board of Governors rep and sociology profesNovember condemning private universities in sor Patricia Marchak burst out laughing and said, "I Canada, Bruneau predicts their advent is inevitable. hope they lose their shirts."

BBiRilm/Ellilllfial 1

TheCasetorPost-SecondarvEducation

by Christopher Bolster

What does the CFS's Access 2000 Day of Action mean to UCFV students? We're not members of the Canadian Federation of Students, and yet the event in itself is of great importance. The answer stares us straight in the eyes. We are all students. Some of us study in the Trades, some in business, in sciences, arts and humanities, but nonetheless we are students the same. What happened on February 2 is of great importance to us because although our student union is formally against the CFS, the message of the CFS to our provincial and federal governments is one that requires the support of the UCFV student body.

The Access 2000 Day of Action spoke volumes to the politicians. Canadian students are increasingly concerned with the levels of debt that students are graduating with. On average student debt upon graduation is thirty thousand dollars. Ten years ago it was eight thousand. With shrinking graduate employment opportunities, taking on a debt load of such magnitude is a gamble for most. The big banks only frustrate the situation. The three big banks that administer student loans put students in default if they miss a payment or submit it late. That means student' credit record will be severely effected if they do not find adequate employment after they graduate. The original spirit of the Canadian student loan system was to help bright Canadians attend school even if they didn't have the immediate financial resources to do it. The federal government and Canada's behemoth banks have betrayed the original spirit of the system.

Is it that we think that only those who can afford education should be educated? I shutter at the thought. And yet, that is exactly what is happening. Do we not recognize that Canada's future lies in a wide spread educated populace? If we ever hope to move Canada out of a primary resource based economy we must support the idea of free universal post secondary education. Canada can no longer afford to have only an educated elite.

We have a tuition freeze. Besides Quebec, B.C. boasts some of the lowest rates of tuition in Canada. You would think that the tuition freeze has been a good thing for post-secondary education. You'd be wrong. The answer lies in simple economics. Every year it gets more expensive for universities to operate. Universities have to offer more spaces in more classes because of the growth rate of student attendance, labour costs go up, and building maintenance gets more expensive. Expenses increase while funding decreases. Its public knowledge that UCFV is running a two hundred thousand dollar deficit budget this year. Is it really surprising?

Universities rely on basically two sources of funding. They receive money from the provincial government because the government subsidizes a significant part of tuition. They also receive money from the provincial government in the form of special projects funding. An example would be the constructing of new facilities like a gym or a library. The second source of income for universities is through students' tuition.

In the early nineties, the Chretien Liberals inherited a sagging Canadian economy from Mulroney's Tories. The Liberals slashed provincial transfer payments for education and social programs. The universities were forced to raise tuition to compensate for the loss of revenue from the governments. I remember in 1993, watching the student demonstrators out on King Road waiving placards that said, "Axe Axeworthy." The slash to transfer payments meant that tuition would go up one hundred eighty percent.

short end of the stick. On the first day of my history class the prof went through the class list to confirm that all the students on the class list were present and to assess if there was any room for students on the wait list. He went through the list and a few people were not there to claim their seats so he offered them to the wait list students. He started to read out the names on what he thought was the wait list. The strange thing was that there wasn't any one present that was on the wait list. It was then that he realized that he was reading out the names on his other section of the class. There were so many names on the wait list for his class that he skipp~d over it because at first glance it looked like the list for another section. History classes at UCFV have an average of about 25 to 35 students. That is completely absurd. At that rate the four-year bachelor degree is a fantasy.

Universities that do not have money to purchase books for their libraries have a detrimental effect on the level of education that ·they can offer to their students. It occurred to me a couple of weeks ago that the reason they call our 'library,' the Peter Jones Learning Centre is that UCFV cannot actually call it a 'library' because calling it a library would indicate that it had books in it. Call me a cynic but when my history profs are telling classes to go to SFU or USC's libraries to get proper materials to write upper level research papers I think there is a real problem.

lettersto Editor

Dear Editor,

Censorship in an educational/intellectual institution. What? Should the SUS (Student Union Society) be able to censor material simply because they disagree with it? What about the CFS (Canadian Federation of Students)? What is the SUS so bent out of shape over? Is it the support and unity that the CFS gives to students across the country, which enables students to fight for their rights? Is it

University expenses can never be frozen without the quality of education suffering. If the federal government cuts funding to the provinces, and the universities cannot raise tuition to compensate for the loss in revenue it does not make it easier for students to get an education. A tuition freeze means that universities can not offer a proper education; class sizes swell, library funding gets cut, staff and faculty get laid off and students get the their Access 2000 campaign, which demands that our government freeze and lower tuition fees? They also demand that the government find an alternative to the current student loan program that is putting more and more students in increasing debt. And what if they disagree? Are they not responsible to us, the students, to inform us of relative information instead of denying us it?

After following the proper procedures I found the CFS Access 2000 posters I had posted around the school had been taken down by SUS on a whim. I say on a whim because they were unable to produce a set of standard procedures used to deter-

In the end it comes down to economics and priority. Either we make educating Canadians a priority and allocate the proper amounts of money to do so or we don't. If we don't support properly funding our post secondary institutions through government money then we may as well allocate the money to more tax breaks for the rich, support private universities and put our publicly funded post secondary education system out of it's misery.

Contributers

mine what is appropriate or not.

It seems SUS believes that only ideas compatible to theirs should be available to the students, that they can decide what is appropriate for our school hallways even if it means depriving us of pertinent information, and that they can make these decisions without a pre-determined set of guidelines. SUS seems to be against student rights especially the right to freedom of speech.

Ken Kayser

to the Editor continued on page15.

TheCanadianNationalistVision

The Nationalist Vision was the topic of the conference held in the Abbotsford campus lecture theatre this weekend. On Friday_evening, Skip Bassford opened the conference, promising "lovely long speeches that will be exciting." Indeed they were. Following this presidential welcome, Scott Fast (UCFV Political Science Department) assumed his role as moderator of the event, giving a brief overview of the conference, then introducing each of the. participants individually. Fast explained that the conference was dedicated to both the Nationalist Vision embodied in Canadian Political History and the potential renewal of this nationalist tradition.

Robin Mathews, William Christian and David Orchard, who are each intrinsically nationalist in their personal and political platforms, gave brief personal histories in a fairly informal manner. Their autobiographical, and occasionally, humorous reflections made it clear to the audience that Friday evening was really about meeting the speakers and getting to know their positions.

The conference reconvened on Saturday morning, beginning with Robin Mathews addressing The Maple Leaf and The Eagle, which alludes to the relationship between Canada and the United States. His lecture addressed the Canadian struggle for independence and the role that America has had in both a contemporary and a historical context. Going back to the war of 1812, Mathews discussed the American movement to annex Canada as the primary mover in the Canadian struggle for identity. He suggests that this struggle is what creates Canadian identity, as basically, it is the desire to not be American that has maintained Canadian borders. Using a metaphor of the United States as a "tireless schoolyard bully," Mathews was able to draw allegorical parallels to Canada's consistent role of "compromise" that keeps the bully at bay. Mathews closed his lecture on the optimistic note that we can "hope for hope" despite the fact that the Eagle has always wanted complete control; not just of Canada, but of the world.

UCFV's Miriam Nichols (English Department) responded to Mathews, saying that she agreed that the current corporate agenda was problematic. However, she went on to say that because Canada is not a homogenous country, there is no core tradition for Canadians to identify with. Her response was appropriately titled Notes for a Community for Those with Nothing in Common. Nichols advocated the need for an ethical tradition

rather than a core tradition, pointing out that the owning class is not restricted to the United States. Her discussion was Arendtian in theme, following the idea that we share this earth with those who are both like and unlike us as individuals, thus we cannot look at tradition as a model, we ·should instead look to the future with a common understanding. Essentially, Nichols said that we need to work on creating a new polis.

Following this, Ron Dart (UCFV's Political Science Department) discussed Stephen Leacock's role in pioneering the Red Tory Tradition, focussing largely on what Leacock meant when he proported himself as a Conservative. Dart provided an in-depth background of Leacock's personal and political life, reflecting on his struggles against matters like the Free Trade movements advocated by figures like Laurier and King. Dart explained that Leacock's Conservatism was about "the common weal" of society, and that now, just as then, there needs to be an "organic connection" with those who have come before us.

Michael Boudreau (UCFV History Department) responded to Dart, questioning the role of ideology. Boudreau suggested that no ideology is definitive in itself, and reminded the audience that many recognized Laurier as a Nationalist. Further, Boudreau questioned whether Leacock's rejection of Free Trade was really a defining element in Leacock's Conservatism.

At this point, the conference broke for lunch. However, many people remained in the lecture hall to watch the premier screening of "Above The Law 2." This underground documentary offers a perspective on the Gustavson Lake Standoff that was not made evident to the public in 1995. The film outlines a full-scale organized bureaucratic smear campaign, designed to frame the Native Peoples at Gustavson Lake as 'hostile savages': The purpose for this is stated in the film as primarily providing a model of deterrent to any future Aboriginal protest movements.

Following the lunch-break, William Christian came to the podium promising to "use all of his time" and "avoid making a specific point." Christian told the audience that this was advice he had been given early in his career in order to circumvent problematic questions and ensure that the responder couldn't make him look incompetent. This light opening was taken in good spirit by the audience, particularly since Christian went on to present an interesting lecture on George Grant and George Parkin, The Varied Notions of Nationalism. Mark Charlton really

couldn't respond directly to Christian, given the factual, autobiographical context of his lecture, and asked who it was that is listening to this "recovered t;adition."

Last on the agenda was David Orchard, with UCFV's Jay Haaland (Political Science Department) responding. Orchard is running for leadership of the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada, and accordingly, his lecture sounded rather like a campaign. Orchard gave a brief and somewhat select history of conservatism, reminded the audience that the Liberals sold CN Rail on the New York Stock exchange and addressed the need for Nationalist solutions to Canada's problems. Orchard used the examples of Japan and Norway, saying that these were two countries that salvaged their economies and their identities through strong nationalistic positions.

Haaland responded by saying that though he agreed with a lot of what Orchard had said, he felt that Orchard ought to have a more complete depiction of the Conservative party, "warts and all." Haaland reminded the audience that the main stream of Canadian Political thought has not been Red Tory, but rather it has been business liberal. He pointed out that almost all leaders have had reprehensible policies in some manner, such as Miennes and the wartime elections, and furthermore, that sometimes matters that come to make a politician look good were not necessarily the politician's first choice: think R.B. Bennett and the CBC. Haaland suggested that perhaps it is a turn in economics that is key, not political change. He went on to say that though Mulroney did huge damage by completely disengaging from the platform of the Conservative party, David Orchard seemed to represent hope for the PC party. Haaland cautioned Orchard in comparing Canada to the economic structures of Japan and Norway, and suggested that he add electoral reform to his platform. His final comments addressed Neil Bradford's approach to reform, The School of Social Capital a theory that looks beyond bureaucratic expertise to focus on building a sense of community.

In his closing summation, Scott Fast offered the following quote from Tommy Douglas: "Our destiny cannot be settled in the market place. This would be true even if our market wasn't dominated by the US." Fast went on to say that even though George Grant wrote a lament for this nation, he hoped he was wrong, and furthermore, as a nation, we need to be careful of our plot theory: evaluative theory is necessary.

left to right: William Christian, David Orchard, Robin Mathews, Scott Fast and Ron Dart Darrell Alary/Cascade by Melissa Kennedy

Feminism, culture, andfeminineidentitv

Profilesofthe Participants

Cllrllllll

by Darrell Alary

William Christian was born in the Queen Charlotte Islands. He wrote his doctorate thesis on the English reaction to the French Revolution and is now a professor at the University of Guelph, teaching in the Political Science Department. He feels that Canadians should realize that the country was formed not in spite of geography, but because of it, which should be seen as a unifying factor. In order for Canada to survive in the present world, it has to be a better country then its neighbour to the south. He is the author of iParties, Leaders and Ideologies in Canadai, iThe George Grant Readeri, and iGeorge Grant: A Biographyi.

RobinMathews

Robin Mathews was born in Smithers, B.C. He acquired his B.A. at the University of British Columbia, his M.A. at the University of Ohio, and· his Doctorate at the University of Toronto. He has taught at many universities around the world, including Leads University, and the Brittanique, as well as schools in Alberta·, British Columbia, Ontario and Finland. He is the author of several books, including iThe Canadian Intellectual Traditioni, iCanadian Literature: Surrender or Revolution?i, and i Treason of the lntellectualsi. He feels that Canadian Nationalism has been misunderstood recently, and defines it as those people who want to throw off colonialism (both traditional and economic colonialism). I Nationalists in Canada are the beating heart of the Nation.i He also advocates for a more equal distribution of wealth. He know resides in Vancouver.

DavidOrchard

David Orchard was born in Bordon, Saskatchewan in 19_50,the second of four brothers. He attended highschool in a nearby town, sitting in the same desk that John Diefenbaker sat in over 60 years earlier. He went on to study law at the University of Saskatchewan. Significant events in his intellectual thinking were the Viet Nam war, and his reading of iSilent Springi by Rachel Carson, which encouraged him to turn his family farm into a chemical free operation. In 1985, he formed the Citizens Concerned About Free Trade, and then promoted the group by holding over 100 town meetings across Canada from 19861988. He is the author of iThe Fight for Canada: Four Centuries of Resistance to American Expansionism, and attempted to become the leader of the Progressive Conservatives Party in 1998, coming second to Joe Clark.

by Petty Bozonelos

Source: The Varsity (University of Toronto)

TORONTO (CUP) To be or not to be a woman.

The question of what it is to be a woman has been asked perpetually but has never been concisely nor satis·fyingly answered. Why should we attempt such an impossible answer? Perhaps because the new millennium has met with an unprecedented and massive societal transformation of attitudes toward the "female other."

Prqfessor Naomi Morgenstern, who specializes in gender studi.es at the English department of the University of Toronto, admits that the question of female identity has-become ·increasinglycomplex in the past century.

"The whole idea of what it is to be a woman is complicated now because it is not a singular category," explains Morgenstern. "After the Second Wave, the political mobilization of women has changed the terminology. Previously, the white middle-class heterosexual woman was held as the ideal. Now, to think about women and ·identity also means to include race, class, ethnicity, and sexual orientation."

The discussion is complicated for Morgenstern because "woman," "female," and "feminine" are not mere words unattached from cultural meaning or historical symbolism. In fact, we are "girled" and "boyed" as soon as we are spotted during an ultrasound! Apart from making it easier on the colour ·scheme (pink or blue) for the baby shower, there are a host of presumptions and expectations placed on us once we make our grand entrance into the world.

"We are born into language and culture that already has a set of meanings," she says. "Because your identity is pre-formed and constructed you cannot undo it so easily and hastily. Language and categories are pre·used and saturated with meaning." Morgenstern believes that these preset categories can be confining.

"You can't choose to say feminine and mean something else that is separate from society's meaning," she says.

Sophie Bourgault, a FrenchCanadian and U of T graduate student, speaks of the enormous effect the Catholic Church has had on Quebec ·society in general, and women in particular.

"I do have contempt toward the Catholic Church which of course is a sentiment left over from the Quiet Revolution," declares Bourgault, who grew up in a small town outside of Montreal. "The Church taught us the notion of 'etre ne(e) pour un petit pain' [being born for a little bread], meaning that there was no point in asking for much on earth, since we would only get our reward in heaven."

Bourgault believes that the Church used this teaching to control

women's lives.

"Women's designated societal and religious role was to have many children in the name of 'la revanche des berceaux' [the revenge of the cradles]," she says

'La revanche' is the Church's idea that high birth rates were needed to compensate for the English conquest and to fight against assimilation.

Quebec's Quiet Revolution, the social and political transformation of the early '60s that challenged the dominance of the Church and the repressive state, has left a legacy in Quebec society. Bourgault believes a major part of that legacy is a backlash against the values and beliefs of the Church that still exists today.

• "There has been a massive transformation in Quebec demographics. Many people are going against the Church by using contraceptives and having far fewer children," she says.

"Also, Quebec has the highest rate of common law marriage in Canada, and if women do marry their maiden names no longer change automatically. Today, legal measures need to be taken to change maiden names."

The inclusion of women has rapidly transformed the professional arena as well. Professor Julian Tanner of the Sociology Department at U of T at Scarborough states that the pharmacy profession has attracted. many women largely due to its reasonable and predictable hours.

According .to Tanner, a recent study found that women pharmacists "reported that they were far more satisfied with income and promotional prospects than men."

Tanner describes pharmacy as a female-friendly profession, perhaps because it is also a family-friendly profession.

"It is a profession in which women can find a way of reconciling work and family," Tanner says. "Women are entering into the profession more readily than men, and I suspect that it will turn into an increasingly female profession."

Although there are more women entering into many previously male-dominated professions, it does not necessarily mean that women will find themselves in accommodating environments at all times. The term "revolving door syndrome" refers to the fact that many women enter some professions, such as law and medicine, enthusiastically but also exit disappointedly.

Professor Denise Reaume from U of T's Faculty of Law argues that female lawyers are expected to fit a mould that has been established by men.

"Law firms don't see the need to change their work practices in order to accommodate gender issues many women wouldn't dare to mention to a senior partner that she wants to have children in a couple of years," says Reaume. "Large firms are designed in ways that make it extremely difficult for

Feminism

Feminism continued from page 9.

women to climb to the top of the hierarchy and to have a family, unless they hire two full-time nannies."

Reaume believes there are solutions.

"What needs to happen in law schools is a more systematic treatment than is currently provided," she states. "Law schools still produce lawyers who won't recognize gendered legal issues. In addition, lawyers are not acquainted with patterns of prejudicial treatment."

Sexual harassment in the law profession moved into the limelight recently with the firing of a senior partner in the New York law firm Tory, Tory, and Haythe. Despite this recent attention, Reaume says many women continue to face harassment.

Professor David Rayside of U of T's Sexual Diversity Studies program credits the· feminist movement with making a major impact on societal values in the last century.

"Although there has not been a great legislative and legal response regarding gender inequalities and violence against women, there has nonetheless been a response," says Rayside. "There has been an enormous shift in public policy due to the feminist movement."

However, feminism has received a fierce backlash from mainstream media and culture. Those purported feminists who do get media coverage are definitely selected and liked because they really don't have much to say except for the empty Spice Girl chant of "girl power."

Feminists who do manage to rock the boat of the established cultural norm are perceived as neurotics, extremists, man-haters, or whiners. Gillian Morton, co-ordinator at the Women's Centre, affirms that the media is not feministfriendly.

"The question is, who represents feminists?" Morton asks. "And why are those caricatures of feminism portrayed in media believed? The media depicts feminists as being opinionated, having little intelligence, having no sense of humour, and whining about their own victimization."

Accompanied by this backlash is the belief in popular cultural that feminism is archaic, that it belongs in the '60s and '70s, and it is unnecessary to embroil oneself in such "passe" issues.

"The women's movement is not as strong as it used to be," concedes. Morton. "People think we have achieved equality, but not really. They say 'sexism is over so why are you still whiningr'

Barbara Gaertner, an exchange student visiting U of T from Germany, comments on the similar negative attitudes toward feminism back home.

"It is still considered bad to be a feminist because it scares men," Gaertner explains. "The term emanze, which comes from the word emancipation, is a derogatory term for feminist a woman that does not like men, who does not have sex, who has short hair and never wears a skirt. The stereotypical emanze can be found in all media."

Gaertner adds that because of this negative stereotype, feminists must justify th~mselves at every turn.

"In Germany, if you say that you are a feminist, in order to prevent immediate accusation of being an 'emanze,' you would need to reassure the other person that you are not a man-hater," she says.

Debates around women, identity, and feminism show no signs of slowing down. The metaphysical discourse of the "female other" will endure, spurred on by both women and men. Irrespective of the much appreciated differences and dynamism of this philosophical debate, feminism also embodies a political activism with concrete goals.

Paddy Stamp, U of T's sexual harassment officer, asserts that she must put her personal beliefs aside when focusing on political goals.

"I need to work in alliance with other women and try to secure the changes. I would like to see happen. For example, legislation on sexual assault does exist, but it is not consistently and fairly enforced," Stamp explains.

In addressing the division within the women's movement, Stamp warns that women must be cautious about advocating and pressing for exclusionary measures.

"Judgmentalism and moralism must be put aside for political strategizing. Prostitutes and pornography workers can also be feminists and can also be students. Feminism is a robust political force, it is diverse and divergent," Stamp says. "If I try to give a definition on what it is to be a woman, it would be a very different one from the women sitting next to me."

Fuzzvperspectives ofa DrunkenElitist

When all else fails, pass it on.

bystuntfrau.

•

The important point is that women are working together. The growing_ interest of gender issues has resulted in the creation of an "Institute for Women's Studies and Gender Studies," with a mandate comprised of dynamic cross-campus, cross-national, and international aspirations.

The director of the Institute, Margaret Eichler, who was instrumental in putting the infrastructure together, says that the role of the Institute is to "serve as a focus to bring together students and faculty members across campus. There was an enormous need to integrate the multitude of activities and events that were going on without each others knowledge."

While surveying groups, students, and faculty members, Eichler discovered much to her surprise that many groups were unaware of each other's projects and in fact overlapped. The institute will provide the opportunity for more_ interaction and better organization.

"There is an interconnection between theoretical and empirical research," Eichler explains. "Policy making is an important contribution to change in society. But also, what is rewarding is that the Institute will enable everyone to interact with many wonderful people, people who are on the leading edge that will aid in the invention of different methods and recreate theories that will lead to path-breaking work."

I'm troubled. I just spent a week in Winnipeg, which though problematic in itself, is by no means intended to be the main thrust of focus. I was there for a CUP (Canadian University Press) conference. Essentially, this meant a lot of working through the days, a lot of playing through the nights, and three hundred tired student delegates. And, since it was Winnipeg, very few departures from the Hotel that the whole event took place in. The seminars were fantastic: lots of writing and editing workshops, lots of interviewing and office management skill groups, and after dinner, lots of booze, karaoke and dancing. All good fun. But ironically, the troubled bit that I almost managed to obfuscate, comes directly out of my perception of the overall theme: time after time, I kept hearing the seminar leaders and keynote speakers allude to this notion of youthful idealism. If you are young, and you write, or report, or investigate, or edit, or manage, or do any of the things that are connected to this business of journalism, then suddenly you are meant to represent and be part of some sort of new energetic wave of force. Notable journalists such as Knowlton Nash, Stevie Cameron, Don Benham and John Miller each assured their (mostly) young audiences that they would be the future of journalism: youthful, optimistic, energetic etcetcetc. Uhhuh. That is where they kept losing me. If they (as the current faces of journalism) were unable to hold on to their own optimism and energy, then how do are we supposed to retain ours? Further, where does this notion of youthful optimism come from? I mean, it only seems logical to think that at some point in time, the people at the top of the industry were very much inspired to get to the top. This seems most obvious in the case points that, one, they did in fact make it to the top, and two, that they probably started when they were young. So when did they lose the

drive? It must have been either en route or en arrival, but this is neither satisfactory nor motivating. Makes me question the idea of the top, but this is another topic altogether. Don't get me wrong. 1,mall for that whole coming of age right of passage bit that always seems to involve the transferal of wisdom from the more to the less experienced._That,s great. What makes me suspicious is that none of them offered any specific advice. "Hold on to your ideals."

Fine. But how does one suffering from five years of student loan supplementation hold on to their ideals when they really just need to get a job; preferably in the area they spent forty thousand dollars becoming a Master at. "Don't lose your optimism." Once again, fine. Though it seems hard to imagine that optimism is much of a concern to anyone that has already had to ditch their idealism in exchange for a semi-well paying job, that falls somewhere along the line of what they thought they wanted to do before they started doing whatever it is that they are now doing. "Retain your voice." sigh. You see, it just seems to me, that the current state of Black Press Inc. completely disallows any voice whatsoever, never mind one that has it,s own tones and opinions. Hmm. Now again, don't misunderstand what I am saying. I am completely thrilled about the photo of me and Knowlton having a couple of drinks together in the Winnipeg Press Club. I am fully aware that the celebrities of this conference are fine examples of just how far the paper path can go. Knowlton Nash said that the daughter of time is truth. He gave no suggestion of the Father, but I'm guessing that it would have to be experience. Perhaps the reason that none of speakers addressed the way to cling to this notion of youthful idealism is because you just can't. Not if you want to maintain upward mobility. Optimistic to cynical, innocent to experienced read some William Blake. You'll see what I mean.

Knowlton Nash and our own Melissa Kennedy in the Winnipeg Press Club

Pb.onon for e1gn film

All About My Mother

A woman is many things to many people. She is mother, daughter, friend, lover, sister, and coworker. To herself she is where she wants to be, who she wants to be, and what she wants to be. In his latest film, Pedro Almodovar takes a modem approach to celebrating women. He uses tragedy, humour, and social issues as vehicles for exploring the many roles that women play in today's world. The film centers on a single mother, Manuela, whose only son dies tragically. Her story starts in modern day Madrid; Spain. His death occurs quite early in the film, but the audience is given enough time to obsenre their close, tender relationship and see Manuela as a devoted and understanding mother. After his death, she flies to Barcelona to try and find his estranged father where she also finds parts of herself that have been left unexplored for awhile.

·Back in the concrete web of the city, she bumps into her old friend Agrado, an irresistible and outrageous transvestite-prostitute with an amazing 36D chest. Agrado steals the scene every time with her style and uncensored big mouth which spat out one of the best lines I have ever heard spoken in a film: "A woman is all about her skir1, her eyes, her hair. And her lips are for sucking and bitching." She is the unapologetic bitch and stylish diva that men fear and love in us and who we feel we have to apologize for. Hats off to Almodovar for using a , man to portray the side of us that loves to don lipstick, wear pushup bras, and smile flirtatiously.When a young nun that Manuela befriends reveals that she is pregnant and living with AIDS, the film switches back to being a drama. Almodovar smoothly makes the transition from comedy to drama \v:tthout disturbing the actors' relationships with one another. As the audience is introduced to Manuela the friend, caretaker, and dreamer, they are continually being _introduced to her as the grieving mother whose still fresh grief is magnified by the camera. The filmis in Spanish with English subtitles that can be a little difficult to read at times, but it is worth the drive downtown to Fifth A venue Cinemas, the only cinema in town shmving it.

I don't want to sound like some jilted cynic, but when I heard a new 'Alternative' radio station was coming to Vancouver, I had some serious reservations. Hasn't this been tried before? For whatever reasons it didn't work out, so why should this new station be any different? I found out later that the new station was actually the old Abbotsford based Star-FM, which was recently bought out by Rogers Communications and was switching to the new 'Alternative' format from their old soft rock one (I'm not actually sure that it was playing soft rock, I ve never ever listened to the station and I can't find anybody who did. This probably explains the switch). When a big corporation buys a radio station and promises 'Alternative' music, you can pretty much guarantee that it there won't be a 'true al~ernative' song anywhere to be found. So with my shm hope all but di solved I tuned in to I 04.9 XFM thinking that at the very least it promised no commercials or DJ's for the first month. While I appreciate hearing quite a few Beastie Boy songs, when they come with the price of having to listen to Sugar Ray, Alanis, and Bush, it just simply isn't worth it. This station is as alternative as a cold day is in Edmonton. It blends some parts of 99.3 The Fox with some parts of 95.3 ZFM and all it really does is battle Z for most Billboard Top IO songs it can play in a row. After phoning a few times I was finally able to talk to Dale Boute, a man whose title I m not sure of, but he was somebody high ranking at the station. Mr. Boute feels that the two stations (presumably he meant the Fox and IOI.I CFMI) that play rock in Vancouver were not servicing the 18-34 age range and that they were hoping to tap that market. He feels that his programming will appeal slightly more to the male population but will include a variety that will appeal to females as well. XFM will be slowly phasing in DJs on Feb. 7. They hope to be involved heavily in the community by playing local bands and with a lot of community service and involvement. Mr. Boute defends his Alternative label by saying that it was bands like Third Eye Blind and Smashmouth that really made alternative radio in the United States in the early 1990 s, and they were going to stick to this format. I don t quite agree with this opinion so I thought I would talk to their main competition. Bob Mills, programming director from the Fox, feels that the new station doesn't live up to it's 'Alternative' label and that his own station, while not static, and always tinkering, will keep true to it's format making no adjustments to match the new kid on the block. With another 'Alternative' station starting up in the late spring out of Victoria (Extreme 107.3), I really question the relevance of the station; all in all it's as alternative as Spin magazine. So if you wanno listen to Kid Rock make sure you tune in.

-Phon Keomisy

-Darrell Alary

Curious Jorj hi+s+he s(opes

The life of a monkey can be a long and dull existence. The occasional break from the day-to-day monotony of eating bananas and scratching myself in front of others is welcome respite. So when the man with the yellow hat surprised me with a conformation on a hotel room at Sun Peaks on the weekend ofmy birthday, two weeks from that date, I was overjoyed at the forthcoming mini-vacation. I quickly set to arranging for the appropriate days off from the monkey institute where I am a valued member of the scientific staff (I even have a title: Guinea Pig--which doesn't make any sense to me, since I'm not even a pig, but what do I know). When I told them it was a birthday snowboarding trip that Hat had arranged for me, there was no problem filling my huge shoes (I mean that metaphorically and literally, we share shoes at the institue) for a few days.

The day came and with it my unbridled excitement at the thought of all that lucious snow and cool, crisp mountain air. Ah, to feel the soft icy breeze rushing against my eyes and cheeks as I barrel down the slopes. I felt as though I could not wait, and I certainly did not have to wait long. The drive up was about three hours to the Kamloops home of Hat's friend with whom we would spend the night (Hat in a nice warm bed, me on the floor with nothing but an old pillowcase as blanket and a few wood shavings for bedding). The next morning a group of six ofus (five humans, one monkey) drove forty minutes or so up the mountain and checked into our hotel. We had great rooms with a gorgeous view of the mountain--really up close .! 'm talking backyard close.

Enough about the rooms for now, let's talk SNOWBOARDING. I grabbed my gloves, my scarf, and my Sims and ran to the lifts! It is so much bigger than it was years ago, when, as a young chimp, I spent a long weekend there with my family (you think one mO'l'lkeyon a snowboard is a spectacle, try one snowboarding monkey and four skiing monkeys, cheese did we get stares). The entire mountain is board-able. The front, back, and sides are all covered in lifts. We started on the main chair on our side of the hill. Unfortunately, the large chair that conveys riders to the top of the mountain and allows them to challenge the other side of the mountain was shut down for about an hour. We took to the snow and could feel the previous night's several centimeter precipitates give to our metal edges as our turns dug and drove rich, long grooves into the pure white sheets. Man was that some nice snow.

In the middle of the afternoon we stopped for lunch at one of the many bars and restaurants that fill the village up in Sun Peaks Land. There were so many German tourists up there walking around all day in their jeans and sweaters taking snapshots and shopping. What the hell?! You're on mountain, Schultz! Hit dein slopes! I just don't get it.

I did feel one surge of disappointment that day. Get this: the mountain closes at 3:30. Can you believe it! TheT-bar run has lights and stays open till 8, but the rest of the hills are al I closed at 3:30. With all the money they have put into bars and hot tubs and shops, (there's even a photo-mat and copy centre) they don't have a single light anywhere on the entire mountain besides the kiddie slope. Even a monkey can see how ridiculous that situation is!

When I finally called it quits, I was in pain, my head was aching, and snow had found it's way into almost every crevice on my body despite the layers of clothing I'd t_µckedinto each other to form a snow-seal. It was a great day.

We dragged our tired bodies back to the warm hotel room, got changed, and grabbed the booze from the little pile of snow on the balcony. A deck of cards and six hotel coffee mugs were all we needed to start up a terrific round of the funniest drinking game ever conceived: Kings! What other game has the first three players who draw Kings emptying a couple shots of their drink (be it cream based, pop based, beer or wine) into a big bowl, and the last player to draw a king being forced to drink the motley brew?!

Nicely buzzed, we stumbled over to the bar 'n' grill we'd selected for dinner. We ordered pitchers of beer, lots of salty food, and no water! If you're going to drink DRINK!

My friends had snuck over earlier when I was in the can (when you're a monkey that means hanging off the edge of the patio with your tail and making sure no one is passing by underneath). They had dropped off a big birthday cake because, tf you remember from the start of my story, this trip was my birthday present. As we finished our last dregs from the pitchers o' plenty, the waiter and a couple ~aitresses carried over whilst singing a stmmg chorus of Happy B~day, a huge-normous-ly biggantic chocolate chocolate cake. Yeamama! ! Cake, cake, cake, cake caaaake.

"'ELuma, Animals, Jan.26th, 2000

With two Styrofoam (I know it's not environmentally friendly, but I haven't lived in the jungle for over fifteen years; I'm urbanized, what does an urbanized monkey care about the environment?) containers full of chocolate chocolate cake in hand, I, accompanied by my entourage of humans, made my way back to the hotel. right across the parking lot.

I have to admit that when it's the middle of the day and I'm racing the clock to get as many runs in as possible, I feel the need to criticize the rich bastards who have the audacity to journey to a ski resort and simply stroll the village. But when I'm in a vunderbar room, fifty seconds from three bars and four restaurants, my perspective changes (probably as a result of the alcohol, but none-the-less) into one of appreciation for the comfort, view, and hot-tub, all provided by the resort.

Hat and I went on a little hike the next day, enjoyed a leisurely drive home, and spent the evening at home relaxed in each other's arms, and in the knowledge that we had as much fun as is humanly possible .in Kamloops!

Until next time, this is Jorj signing off.

Q Luma is a collection of talents: Christopher Thom and Brad Smith from Blind Melon, Dave Krusen of Pearl Jam, and 't,- Chris Shinn of Celia Green. Six months ago they graced the stage of Animals, and from that point onward I was (I) hooked on the intensity of their music. With penetrating vocals, powerful guitar work, soulful bass, and skillful ...., drumming the music of Luma seduces the listener into a dreamlike state. I found myself lost in the sensuality of their 0 sounds. Or maybe I was just the girl in the front row, straining to catch the eyes of any willing band n:!ember, enjoying J:3 kick ass tunes, and having a wicked time. In truth it was both, and as their set finished my body continued to sway to ,_. the now invisible rhythms that danced through my ears. Waiting around like an over zealous groupie, I kept a close ..,. watch on the scattered members of Luma. I wanted an interview with them, and to my delight vocalist Chris Shinn and a: bassist Brad Smith agreed to answer an onslaught of quickly written questions that had been composed minutes earlier.

,: Brad Smith:

• Out the- back door of Animals and into the cool January air: I began by asking Brad why Luma had decided to come back to Abbotsford. Before answering he handed me a book to write on so I would not be writing on looseleaf midair. U Good thing too because I was prepared to ask him to use his back, something I would not have minded at all. With a ('a genuine smile he responded that they "loved playing Canada, and Abbotsford was a cool place". Brad commented that J:3 the band "is not picky and will go where the fans are." 1 continued by inquiring about the creative process by which the .. music is brought to life. He told me that Thom, Shinn, and himself contribute complete songs and collaborate on the ('0 011tcomeof the music. Out of curiosity I asked whether or not any of them have day jobs. Brad laughed and quickly answered, "no we are all professional musicians, no day jobs." (I only sighed for a moment and relished in a day dream

C of a life without my toilet cleaning janitorial job and came back to reality a moment later). I also inquired if their music :::, consisted of any spiritual influence and his answer was extremely endearing. He commented that their spirituality --' came from a belief that we are all a part of the same movement, and despite the insanity we all experience at various c; times in our lives we can do anything as long as we have each other. Brad spoke easily and suddenly my time was up. E He had to take off and as I watched him leave I felt warmed by his receptivity and patience with my persistent 1 questions.

-

c; E Chris Shinn:

1 Chris Shinn is difficult to pin down for more than five minutes. He stops and speaks to many people throughout the bar. enjoying the after show high that I am sure courses through the veins of every musician. Finally I caught him before li-. c; left and quickly blurted out four questions. First I asked him about his musical background. In a soft voice he replied "I ,.._... was with a band called Celia Green as the vocalist/guitarist. It was all my music, but then my drummer and guit..,1 player left to join Everlast. Christopher Thom found me and.wanted me to come to Seattle." I then asked him what ne c; thought of Abbotsford, or better yet Canada in general. He responded that Canada (Abbotsford included) is a "R ,:1y E cool place, the fans are really into the music." I continued by asking if Luma will come back to Abbotsford and he 1 confirmed that, "Yes, definitely we will come back." I only had time for one more question due to the drummer Davec;

E

1Krusen politely saying to Chris, "We gotta go." My last question ,vas silly, but I asked Chris whether or not he had painted his own metallic silver nails. The reason I asked is because they were done so smoothly and looked a helluva lot better than mine. He responded with a strange look in his eyes, "Yes I did them myself." Perhaps if the beer had not been controlling this last question I would have come up with something slightly more profound ( or maybe I just wanted tips on how to have great looking nails). Anyways, I watched him leave as I had done with Brad and felt the same glow that emanates from the members of Luma.

The night was over and suddenly I realized I had Brad's crossword puzzle book clutched in my hands. I offered it to Christopher Thom on his was out, but he smiled coyly and told me to keep it. On the last page I found a list of word definitions and for the enjoyment of the reader I will list a few of what I call Brad's definitions: aria operatic song, doddel muttered thoughts, pixie mischevious sprite, triton marine snail genus, atta fragrant essential oil, artifice artful stratagem, canter easy gallop, abet encourage, ovine sheeplike. At the bottom of this page in capital letters he wrote the words LOVELIFE, and hey I couldn't agree more. Well, that's a small taste ofthe Luma flavor. They are an awesome band thatwill surely make it very big in the next few years. They encourage people to check out their website at www.luma.com. They are working on a complete album and at the moment they have an EP available with four excellent songs including, Self-Medicate, Cessna, Passive, and One Less (a personal favorite). I cannot wait to see Luma again.

Miranda Matthewman

j,a,,n,u,and ~, Aittin'

V. Here are two )'hsions of what happened.

Date Review By Kelly

When I first heard about the "Win a Date" contest, I thought it was a neat idea. At best it could be a chance to meet new people and have a nice night out (I'll.edit out any ideas I might have had about cheap action). And at worst it would still be a free movie. So I signed up for the date and was able to beat out the hundreds of other applicants that I can only assume signed up for a shot at James. Once I had committed myself, however, I began to get really worried. I mean, what was I thinking? I was getting myself into a situation where I was going to be reviewed on a date. A complete stranger was going to write a critique on spending an evening with me. And then hoards of people, well at least a few--I'll try not to exaggerate the splendor of either me or the Cascade--will read about it. Luckily I was given the opportunity to give my side of the story, and perhaps save what's left of my reputation. Unfortunately I don't know what James is going to write. Should I say nice things like that he was cute and charming, bringing flowers and opening doors for me? Or should I say that he showed up late with a messy car and talked a lot about various people's odors? Maybe I should just be content with the fact that the date coverage in the paper probably won't get much space, and will be missed by most people who skip straight to the horoscopes.

(The following is Kelly's side of the story by James Clark) It was a dark and stormy -I mean goddamned stormy, dude- evening. He pulled up in his chariot, well a Volvo actually. Flowers were presented, hellos were exchanged -as were, eventually, bodily fluids (wait, I'm getting ahead of myself, more ofthatlater). The date was a well-planned trip to the movies that he had free passes for. We went out for dinner at Lou's, but he wouldn't let me eat. He ordered me Crantini after Crantini, all the while rubbing his hands together and smiling a ferocious smile. God, how bright those teeth of his can get when he senses his prey weakening or rather, getting loaded. If memory serves, and I'm not certain that it does, he was a perfect gentleman. The one thing I didn't appreciate, though, was his running gag of putting his hand, fingers pointing up, on the car seat, squeezing my cheeks and saying: "gotcha!" as I got into the car. That was pretty annoying. (One of those things that's funny the first time, but gets old pretty quick.) All in all, it was a good night. We went back to his place for coffee. I knew it wasn't really for coffee, but I was curious what he had up his sleeve \Vhat type of surprise would he have waiting? What_clever, witty line or charming joke would he use to hint at some sort of extra-curricular activity? This is THE James Clark we're talking about; I really wanted to see the mating rituals of such an interesting and unique individual. When we got into his place he queried, "so, wanna do it?" Yeah o.k. We did it. After a two minute thrill-ride and five minutes of apologies from James for not lasting -"this isn't typical of me, I'm usually a juggernaut! I must be coming down with a cold or something." I had him take me home and I thanked him for such a well, for an evening.

Date Review

By James

(the following is James's side of the story by the Casacde staffers) The evening went fantastically! She fell for me like a ton of bricks, I could tell by the lookin her eyes. When I pulled up my Volvo and sauntered up to the door I wasn't sure if my charms would work on her. I had nothing to worry about; like all women, she couldn't resist my dashing good looks, my casual 'savoir faire' attitude, and the huge bulge in my pants (it's amazing the different effect a pair of socks can have when they're not on your feet). We went to Lou's, one of my favourite spots for entertaining the ladies next to the bedroom of course. I offered her dinner, but she said "what good's food to me right now, I'm looking to get blottoed, smashed, hammered, wasted, DRUNK!" I was a little apprehensive about her intentions, the editors at the paper had told me that I didn't have to put out ifl didn't feel ready. Obviously she had different plans. I did my best to keep her semi-sober, but she kept ordering drink after drink, pounding them back like some college frat guy. We then went to the movies. This is where things started to worsen. She wouldn't keep her hands off me. It's not that I didn't want the action, but I prefer to get to know someone first before the groping begins. I tried to slow things down, but she didn't get the hints I was dropping so I finally pushed her away from my pulsing body and said flat out, "I'm not ready!" She got the message. But then, a few minutes later, there was a love scene in the movie and I wished I hadn't been so curt, cause I was starting to feel the need. Too bad, I made my bed, now I had to lie in it (or rather, not lie in it). Everything worked out though. When we got to her place she invited me in on the pretense that she had watched Scream 2 the other night on video and has been freaked out ever since. We went in and she dragged me to the floor (willingly I might add), and I experienced several of the most passionate minutes of my young uneventful life. After I finished she said she'd had enough of foreplay and that it was time to get down to business. I had the unenviable task of having to explain to her that I had finished several minutes hence. She closed her eyes, breathed a large sigh, then we cuddles for about a half-hour. Then she sent me home and thanked me for the .well, for the evening.

Before the end of last semester we sent a young girl, our contest

winner, on a date with our own infamous James Clark (that means hes so famous that hes in famous).

ISTEf!S better than Spice Girls

Forget the Spice Girls, here comes The Rez Sisters! Straight out ofWasaychigan Hill Indian Reserve, these seven bodacious babes take you on a wild, unforgettable road-trip to THE BIGGEST BINGO IN THE WORLD! Consider the UCFV theatre department two-for-two this season with this powerful offering from Canadian playwright Tomson Highway as a followup to this fall's The Wind in the Willows production. Department head Ian Fenwick said that the aim was to attract audiences from all areas to this, the twentieth season ofFVC/UCFV theatre, and they have hit the nail on the head.Our story begins in that crazy era known as the late nineteen eighties on Manitoulin Island, Ontario. We are gradually introduced to seven loveable characters and their Nanabush (which I'm told is not adirty word). Actually, Nanabush is how the Ojibway refer to the "Trickster" figure in native mythology. He teaches us about the nature and meaning of existence on the planet Earth, often through humility. Spirituality aside, this wacky group catches wind of the biggest bingo in the world and that it's happening in Toronto (yeah rightr). They are bound together in hopes of winning the grand prize of half a million dollars. We, the audience, watch the drama/humor/action of their trials and tribulations unfold masterfully before our eyes (and even get to play a little bingo along the way).Rick Mawson wears the director's hat this time around and he wears it well. Some say that the success of a show is determined during those painstakingly tense audition and casting periods. Well Mawson must have got beat with the lucky stick because one would struggle immensely to find a better outfit for these difficult roles. Each actor breathed true life into each of his or her respective parts. Every character has their own unique presence and is given depth throughout the play (which, by the way, reminds one of Michel Tremblay's work Les Belles Soeurs: a bunch of women, life sucks, let's go play bingo). Three aspiring thespians make their UCFV stage debut in this production and are more than impressive: Thelma Orgill as Annie Cook, who always pops out of nowhere with her cowboy hat bubbly, "Hello, watcha <loin'?"Desta Tocher as Emily Dictionary, the consummate biker bitch; and Deana Reder as Veronique St. Pierre, who I'm pretty sure was Mary Katherine Gallagher in another life.The play slows down at parts, like a road-trip tends to. But it is made up for with amazing spectacle, clutching drama, and genuinely funny bathroom humor, unlike most of my road-trips. The Rez Sisters really does draw on the audience members' emotions, sandwiching disturbingly sQlemn soliloquys between hilarious dialogue. One might confuse the viewing of this play with being on a roller coaster, considering all of the ups and downs. Then one might be given a straight jacket and locked up for throwing his or her hands in the air and screaming during the performance.

I'm pretty sure that every m~dium city has band like Unhand, a straight forward, no apologies, un-abashed rawk and rowl band. With bands like Tricky Woo, Hellacopters, Vancouver's own Black Halos, and t_he Supersuckers paving the way, I figured that Unhand might be cool if they avoid the one big pitfall of this musical genre: understanding that the eighties are over. The above mentioned bands act the big rock star persona to mock the whole thing, not because they think that they are all rock stars but as sch tick (I'm not quite so sure about the Supersuckers on this, they mig•ht actually believe they are rock stars). After listening to the album, I think that the members of Unhand would be the type of people who would go to a Sarah McL,;chlin concert and shout out "Show me your tits!" and mean it. The music itself wasn't bad, but the lyrics were horrid. After further inspection of the liner notes I fo~nd out that they toured with Motohead and Dokken, which pretty much sums up this band.

-Darrell Alary

This, the first

head

and producer

Kap,

on the pioneering

the Tunnel Hip Hop Club in New Yod,,

flaunts lots of talent. Backed by the production skill of Flex and Kap, and some of the best lyricists in the game from East to West, this album is a winner.

Funk.master Flex + Big Kap The Tunnel

lettersto Editorcont.

Dear Editor,

I read that letter and I have to agree with it. It is sad the way people abuse the handicap parking. It's not fair to those who are handicap to make them walk farther, or squeeze into a crack between two cars in a regular size parking .spot, or take off their leg to crawl across their seat to get to the drivers side, just so someone can get to their destination a little quicker.

The excuse "Oh but I'm just going to be one or two minutes." just doesn't cut it. There is NO excuse for the abuse of the handicap parking spots by anyone.

Now, I can't say that I'm not guilty of abusing the handicap spots. Far from it, I have abused them a few times. My own mother, who works at UCFV, has told me to use the drop-off only handicap spot right next to the door of "B" building, next to the Bookstore. And I'm not the only one in this household who uses that one. Or the one next to it if the drop-off spot is in use.

I think it's addictive. Finding a spot so close to the door, especially in the rain/snow/whatever, when you're just there to pick up/drop off someone. I used to park in the employee lot next to "B" building (before you pick on that, both family cars have

ICSA presents

Disability Resourse Center Support Association

The Disability Resourse Center Support Association will be electing its officers on Febuary 2, 2000. New members welcome. The schudule for the meetings employee permits on them) and walk up to the door will be March 1, 2000 and April 5, 2000 at 2:30pm in like (almost) everyone else. I'm not trying to make an ROOM 0209 ABBY CAMPUS. Individuals intersted excuse for myself or anyone else, but it's true in the group please contact Lee Holland at D.R.C. When I first started using those spots, it was the (853-7441 LOCAL 4609 or by e-mail: leeholgreatest thing since sliced bread. land19@hotmail.com).

There does need to be greater policing of all handicap spots around UCFV. Hell, they police the e~ployee lots for people parking without valid pe~-

Criminal Justice Student mIts! Why aren't the doing the same for the handicap spots? Not only is there no excuse for people Association (CJSA) abusing those spots, but there's also no excuse for why those spots aren't policed.

It's obvious something niust be done, and NOW. Things have gone too far when those who have been wronged must write in to a newspaper to let others know of how they are being wronged. They shouldn't have to write in in the first place.

From this moment on, I will not be found in any handicap spot. I'm also going to point out the letter to those in this household who are abusing those spots and demand they stop. It may not be much of a difference, but it's a start in the right direction.

Thank you for letting me babble anon.

Rock

The Criminal Justice Student Association (CJSA) has several events planned for this semester. On the evening of March 17th, we are hosting a St. Patrick's Day student social. There will be a live band in the cafeteria from noon to 3, and a beer garden from 4pm.

We also have a multi-media presentation planned for the beginning of March. "Through a Blue Lens: A Story of Seven Police Officers and Six Drug Addicts" is a documentary by the Odd Squad, a non-profit organization of police officers from the Vancouver area who are dedicated to educating the public on issues affecting the community.

As well, we have a year-end party planned for Friday April 14th, called CrimStock 2000. This event will be held at Rancho Caterers at 6pm. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased in early March.

Keep an eye on our bulletin boards, web site, and monthly CJSA Newsletter for more information on these, and other, upcoming staringevents.

Sean Connery, Nick Cage and Ed Harris

Tuesday February 8, 2000@ 7 p.m. 8101 (Theatre on Abby campus)

Entrance by donation

All are welcome

Kathleen McIntosh, CJSA Student Rep.

APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED

February 1 to March 31

Students who obtain ahovc-avcrnge marks, portray a balanced lifosty!e,lnd d<!lm>nst.rat.c u commitment to tl1eircommunities are encouraged to apply. Students can apply in more than one scholarship category.

General Program:

Oftered to BC rcsidents currently e11rolledin a BC universicy,technical .school.college or who ani in Grade 12 and will be pursuing a public post-secondary education in.any ficld of stu.dy.

Power Smart Scholarship:

Ottered to BC stmfonts who have completed ,m energy efficiency t>rconservation prnject/paper for school and who are curwntly enrolled in a public post-secondary institution or who are in Grade 12 and will be pursuing a public post-secondary edll('.ation.A summary (maximum of 1000words) mu.-;the indU<kdwil:hthe apphcation.

l'Ecole PofytechniqueMemorial Scholarship:

Scholarships arc offered to BC fomale sh1dents at any BC university. tec.hnicHIschool, college or who are in Gradr. 12 and will be pursuing 11public post-secondary education in any enginccd.ng or technical prograin.

AboriginalScholarship:

Offered to indi\iduals who am status/non·status Indians. lnait or iV!etisand we residents of BC,and who plan to enroll ill a po.,t-secondary institution or who are attending a p11blicpost secondary institution in any field of study.

ElectricianPre-ApprenticeScholarship:

Offered to residents oflK who are planning to enroil or who arn enrolled at a BC vocational/trade school in !:heE!i>drician Pre-apprentice program. Applicants must have completed Grade 12, including English .J2. Physics 12,and .Math 12 or t?quivalent.

College ScholarshipProgram:

RC Hydro offern sch(>lurshipsto .BCrollcges. Each college i~ responsihl(!for the sde1.:tionof recipients each year. For details ph!as(, mfor to th,, coll<!gtiscalendar of your choke.

Application forms available:www.bchydro.com/scholarships

For further information phone: (604) 623-3994 or (604) 623·4098

Drop off completed application: BCHydro'sPower Smart Centre at 333 DunsmuirStreet, Vancouver,BC

BChydro