the carillon the staff
editor-in-chief editor@carillonregina.com
john loeppky
executive director business@carillonregina.com
jacob nelson
production manager production@carillonregina.com
jeremy davis
advertising manager advertising@carillonregina.com
ty cote
technical editor frank nordstrom carillontechnical@carillonregina.com multimedia/Graphics editors multimedia@carillonregina.com graphics@carillonregina.com copy editor copyeditor@carillonregina.com
kate thiessen sarah carrier morgan ortman hannah senicar
news editor news@carillonregina.com
sara birrell
a&c editor aandc@carillonregina.com
ethan butterfield
sports editor sports@carillonregina.com
tyler meadows
op-ed editor op-ed@carillonregina.com
taylor balfour
distribution manager distribution@carillonregina.com
kyle anderson
staff writer
elisabeth sahlmueller
staff writer
marty grande - sherbert
news writer
ben schneider
a&c writer
holly worby
sports writer
brian palaschuck
web writer
contributors
julia peterson
nicole mah and adeoluwa atayero board of directors Erickka Patmore, Lindsay Holitzki, Maddie Ouelette, Dustin Smith. John Loeppky, and Jacob Nelson
the paper
227 Riddell Center University of Regina - 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, SK, Canada S4S 0A2 www.carillonregina.com Ph: (306) 586 8867 Printed by Star Press Inc, Wainwright, AB The Carillon welcomes contributions. Opinions expressed in the pages of the Carillon are expressly those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect those of The Carillon Newspaper Inc. Opinions expressed in advertisements appearing in the Carillon are those of the advertisers, and not necessarily of The Carillon Newspaper Inc. or its staff. The Carillon is published no less than 11 times each semester during the fall and winter semesters and periodically throughout the summer. The Carillon is published by the Carillon Newspaper Inc., a non-profit organization. land acknowledgement The carillon is written on treaty four territory. As such, the staff recognize that we are living, working, and telling stories on and of Indigenous lands. We recognize that we are on the traditional homelands of the Nakota, Lakota, and Dakota peoples, along with the homeland of the Métis nation. The carillon understands that it is pointless to acknowledge the land on which we work without speaking to our commitment to telling stories and prioritizing voices that further the return of the land to its place sacred place in the cultures of those that live here. the manifesto In keeping with our reckless, devil-may-care image, our office has absolutely no concrete information on the Carillon’s formative years readily available. What follows is the story that’s been passed down from editor to editor for over forty years. In the late 1950s, the University of Regina planned the construction of several new buildings on the campus grounds. One of these proposed buildlings was a beltower on the academic green. If you look out on the academic green today, the first thing you’ll notice is that it has absolutely nothing resembling a belltower. The University never got a belltower, but what it did get was the Carillon, a newspaper that serves as a symbolic bell tower on campus, a loud and clear voice belonging to each and every student.
The People’s Friend; the Tyrant’s Foe
The University of Regina Students’ Newspaper Since 1962 February 13 - February 26, 2020 | Volume 62, Issue 19 | carillonregina.com
news
Stress Program
cover
Activists in Regina stood in solidarity with the Wet’suwet’en protesters by briefly blockading the Albert Street bridge. Also, we’re hiring for news writer and a and c writer. Email your resume to our editor at editor@carillonregina.com.
photos
cover...................................... jeremy davis news.............................. jacksem via flickr news.................................... julia peterson a&c........................................ fifth parallel sports.................................... jeremy davis op-ed............................................ pixabay
news
P.6
Phd student Nichole Faller has introduced a Workplace Coping Strategies Course, on urcourses. The course is inteded to help students cope and manage stess.
P.7
Federal Minister Diversity and Inclusion and Youth Bardish Chagger sat down with the Carillon to discuss her role, goals and stratagies in her new post.
op-ed
sports
Rams Coach
Minister Chagger
arts
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Rams coach Steve Bryce has left the program amid conflicting reports over whether he, in fact, did resign.
Sinophobia
Fifth Parallel
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The gallery is holding a group exhibition. The display hosts work created by various local artists that are centred on climate change.
graphics
P.16
A reminder that treating others shitty based on the geographic loaction they hail from is still shitty.
Morgan Ortman
P.20
Ortman delights us again with her wonderful photography.
News
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Editor: sara birrell news@carillonregina.com the carillon | February 13 - February 26, 2020
Regina in the streets for Wet’suwet’en on Saturday RCMP, stand down marty grande-sherbert staff writer Regina’s most recent solidarity action in support of Wet’suwet’en land defenders took place on Saturday, Feb. 8, at noon on the Albert Street bridge. The action prior to this one, which responded to the B.C. Supreme court giving Coastal Gas Link (CGL) permission to enter Wet’suwet’en unceded territory despite Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs issuing an eviction order, happened on Jan. 13. While this earlier protest shut down the bridge’s traffic for around 15 minutes, the extreme cold meant that there were few people in attendance who had to go home relatively early. On Saturday’s action, however, the much milder weather made a significant difference – over 100 people came out to form another bridge blockade, and traffic was stopped for about half an hour. The heightened enthusiasm and support came in the wake of another militarized raid on the Unistot’en land defenders’ camp and arrests of six land defenders. As of this article’s time of writing, those people are now free – however, the raid continues to move into the camp and escalate, and more arrests have been made, including a Wet’suwet’en matriarch. Saturday’s protest began at Speaker’s Corner, just ahead of the bridge, where an Elder led an opening prayer and smudge and Indigenous organizers spoke, including Rachel Janzé, the program coordinator for the ta-tawâw students’ centre on campus. Janzé comes from the Gitxsan nation, neighbours and one of the oldest allies of the Wet’suwet’en. Members of the newly formed Regina group Matriarchs on Duty were also in attendance, and led the chants and the march. Slogans in chants and on signs that day included “Water is life,” “RCMP stand down,” “Solidarity with Wet’suwet’en,” “No tresspassing” and “No pipelines on unceded land.” Several students from First Nations University and the U of R also protested. Notably, as several other news outlets in Regina have reported since, two cars that were stopped by the blockade attempted to drive through the crowd on Saturday. This crowd contained children, including some in strollers, and elders. As the first car began to move, protesters around it quickly attempted to push it back to protect these vulnerable members of the crowd. One of these was a student at the U of R who said it was an act of instinct in the moment. Video of the car has circulated online, showing people pushed back by the car with considerable force. The crowd hit the car with their signs and fists as it drove off, but were otherwise unmoved and continued to blockade the bridge. Later, a second car did the same, but was this time
successfully pushed backwards by several protesters and eventually turned around. Meanwhile, police had arrived and were directing traffic to turn, which they could do safely and successfully. The crowd also parted at one point to allow the passage of an ambulance. While those on the bridge on Saturday were protesters, Wet’suwet’en and their allies have asserted many times throughout their battle with CGL that what they are doing is not strictly a protest. Wet’suwet’en people are not trespassing anywhere; they are on their traditional territories, which are unceded. That is, they have never been handed over to the Crown and are not covered under any treaty. The RCMP, with the blessing of the courts in British Columbia, is coming into these unceded territories with tactical teams and forcefully removing Indigenous people from them. This is a violation of the United Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People, which the B.C. NDP pledged to implement, but fail to do so. For Regina, in Treaty 4 territory where anti-Indigenous racism is rampant, this was a significant act of solidarity where, as organizer Saima Desai wrote in a Facebook post, protesters “put their bodies on the line.” The Wet’suwet’en nation continues to call for solidarity actions with the hashtags #ShutDownCanada and #ReconciliationIsDead, and efforts here are joined by many others blocking roads and ports or occupying offices. Students, always uniquely situated to be strong voices in protests and revolutionary movements, have a sure role to play in this moment. FNU student in attendance Karlene Pruden said she was empowered by the boldness of the direct action taken. “I was filled with many emotions that gave me empowerment to be able to stand among other people who want the same rights and freedoms as other people ... I may only be one person, but when a group connects we can make a drastic change. Saturday was an act of resilience against the violation of reconciliation.” Amanda Leader was another student in attendance. “My late grandfather, Paul Leader, stood up for Indigenous rights, and I feel like it is in my blood to do the same. The Wet’suwet’en water protectors simply want to keep the water clean, for me, for you, and for a future for seven generations of children.”
Jeremy Davis
Solidarity from RC 227
February 13 - February 26, 2020
carillonregina.com | The Carillon | 4
news
Iowhat the fuck!? We are in rats’ alley
julia peterson web writer The U.S. Democratic presidential nomination began in a state of confusion. After months of campaigning, debate and anticipation, the 2020 Iowa Caucuses took place across the state on Monday, Feb. 3. While Iowa is a fairly small (31st most populous) and not particularly demographically representative (over 90 per cent white) state, Iowans have an outsized influence on the Presidential election, because they are the first to vote on who both parties’ presidential candidates should be. Historically, candidates who perform well in Iowa and other early states like New Hampshire, Nevada, and South Carolina have tended to get a boost due to their positive momentum and significant media coverage, allowing them to campaign on a message of popularity and electability. On the other hand, candidates who do poorly in these states can face financial and political pressure to drop out of the race. So, on Monday, Americans waited up to hear the results of one of the most significant days in the nomination process. And waited. And waited. And as night dragged into morning, it became clear that something had gone seriously wrong. Most of the problems the
Donkey Hotey via Flickr
How could we not swear about this debacle
Iowa Democratic Party faced in reporting the results were due to a new smartphone app they had commissioned specifically for the caucuses. Fortunately, there are paper backups of all the data, but trying to rely on an unproven digital reporting tool caused more problems for the Iowa Democratic Party than it could possibly have solved. The app was built quickly – in less than two months – and had not been sufficiently tested before the caucuses. While there is currently no evidence that the app was hacked in any way – and when it comes to quickly written code, human error is practically a given – Iowa Democratic Party officials have reported a high error rate in the data transmitted through the app, and at one point even asked caucus chairs to email in their results rather than risking more mistakes. Further more, some of the precinct chairs who were supposed to be recording the results through the app were unable to log in at all, while others who could log in got bounced back out before they could input any results. Beyond technical faults and a complicated installation process, many volunteers struggled simply because they were unfamiliar with how the app worked. When the precinct chairs were unable to report their results
by app, they defaulted to what they had always done in the past – calling the results in by phone. Unfortunately, the phone lines were understaffed and became quickly overwhelmed, leaving caucus chairs on hold for hours. Some of them even opted to go home and call again in the morning once they realized how badly snarled up the lines had gotten. One particularly unfortunate man had been on hold for over an hour while he was giving an interview to CNN about the chaos. He made his way to the front of the phone cue during the interview, but because he could not answer in time, they hung up on him and he had to start over. Independent of technology failures, the Iowa Democratic Party decided that this would be a good year to collect more data during the caucuses than usual – hardly the biggest problem of the night, but it certainly didn’t help that the chairs were spending more time recording information and then had more information to transmit. As it stands now that all the results are in, former mayor of South Bend, Indiana Pete Buttigieg looks to have won the Iowa caucuses with 26.2 per cent of state delegate equivalents, neckand-neck with Senator Bernie Sanders’ 26.1 per cent. Senator
Elizabeth Warren outperformed her polling and came third with 18 per cent of state delegate equivalents, while former vice-President Joe Biden did worse than expected, landing in fourth place with only 15.8 per cent. And how much will all this matter? At this point, it’s anybody’s guess. In an unusual news cycle where the Iowa Democratic Party released the results in fits and starts and coverage focused more on the chaos than the candidates, it remains to be seen whether candidates’ performance in Iowa will have the same impact on the rest of the race as it would have if the caucuses had gone smoothly. The Nevada Democratic Party, which had been planning to use an app for their Nov. 22 caucuses, has now “eliminated the option of using an app at any step in the caucus process,” according to party communications director Molly Forgey. And all this negative attention on the Iowa caucuses has raised important conversations about the other flaws in the process – how a state that is so non-representative is allowed to have such an outsized impact, for one, as well as how caucuses are done in a public forum rather than by secret ballot, making it much easier for voters to be coerced into supporting a particular
candidate. Hopefully, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) will use this debacle as motivation to fix the broken aspects of their nomination process going forward, and – just as importantly – stop messing around with the parts that aren’t broken.
February 13 - February 26, 2020
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New era for old conservatives Desperately seeking Stephen two
ben schneider news writer Back in December of last year, Andy Scheer resigned as leader of the Conservative Party of Canada (CPC). Scheer’s abdication was highly anticipated after the Conservatives failed to form government several months prior, after October’s federal election. Though the Tories earned an additional 23 seats this fall, many political analysts agree that the Conservative’s failure to clinch power from the Liberals proved to be an immense fiasco. 2019 and the lead-up to the election proved a sticky matter for Trudeau and the Liberal majority government. In February, news broke of the SNC-Lavalin scandal which would dominate headlines for months to come, jeopardizing confidence in the Canadian government. Then, in September, the infamous photos of Justin Trudeau in brown face broke, stripping the Prime Minister of his progressive façade. As stated by Enzo Dimatteo for NOW Magazine, Toronto, “… this was Scheer’s election to lose, and lose he did. Despite the Brownface/Blackface controversy, Scheer still managed to be outperformed by Trudeau.”
Wikipedia Commons
Who wearing blue will wave the white flag in this leadership race?
As reported by Global News, Scheer’s election snafu wasn’t the only factor nudging him back into the world of fake insurance brokers. Amanda Connolly wrote on Dec.12, 2019 that “[Scheer’s] resignation comes as a direct result of new revelations that he was using Conservative Party money to pay for his children’s private schooling […] Senior Conservatives say the expenditures were made without the knowledge or approval of the Conservative fund board, including the chair of the board.” Scheer is staying on as the party’s leader until June 27 in Toronto, a date that has been drastically moved up from the original Nov. 2020 timeline. Now, middle aged white men all the way from Toronto to Montréal are gearing up to enter the prestigious race for the CPC leadership, a campaign which has already seen controversy. Here is a list of those who have put forth their name for the Conservative Party so far: Peter MacKay, Ontario; Erin O’Toole, Ontario; Richard Décarie, Québec; Marilyn Gladu, Ontario; Vincenzo Guzzo, Québec; Rudy Husny, Québec; Jim Karahalios, Ontario; Leslyn Lewis,
Ontario; Rick Peterson, Alberta; Aron Seal, Ontario; Bobby Singh, Ontario; Derek Sloan, Ontario. MacKay and O’Toole are the only candidates who officially registered for the leadership race, both having met the $300,000 qualifying fee. It would appear that the West is focusing their efforts on Wexit at this time. John Williamson (New Brunswick) has expressed interest in running as well as John Baird (Ontario). The party’s former interim leader, Rona Ambrose (Alberta), has stated that she will not seek the leadership. MacKay is considered the frontrunner of all the candidates, though Baird could pose a viable challenger should he decide to run. Peter MacKay is a former Member of Parliament, who served his Nova Scotia constituency from 1997 to 2015. In 2003, MacKay, then leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada, merged with Stephen Harper’s Canadian Alliance. This led to the advent of the current CPC. MacKay was named deputy leader of the party by Harper after MacKay himself chose not to run. During his time
in Parliament, MacKay held the portfolios of Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Defence, Justice and Attorney General. MacKay practiced law before his appointment to government and again upon losing his seat in the 2015 election. MacKay’s campaign has already caused waves amongst the Canadian public. On Feb. 1, MacKay tweeted that Justin Trudeau’s campaign spent $876.95 in yoga classes and spa bills. While MacKay was likely trying to incite outrage, the general response was more along the lines of “ok, and why should we care?” Tabatha Southey at Maclean’s states that, “The subtext of the tweet was painfully obvious: Trudeau’s not butch enough for what is essentially an only slightly glorified office job.” It’s also important to note that this yoga money was spent spent years ago – get with it, Pete! When asked about this tweet in a recent interview with CTV, MacKay and the journalist conducting the interview were cut off by MacKay’s PR team. Footage has one staff member saying “I think we’re done. You just went way over. I’m sorry.” The jour-
nalist defends her question and MacKay says, “She’s just doing her job.” Mackay has also fallen under criticism due to his inability to speak French, a trait which many other potential candidates have cited as a reason to not run themselves, agreeing that it’s an essential quality for leaders. While John Baird’s candidacy remains hypothetical, many Conservatives, such as one Mr. Jason Kenney, are urging Baird to join the race. Baird also held the Foreign Affairs portfolio under Harper’s government and also acted as Minister of Environment as well as Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. In an interview with Global’s The West Block, Baird stated that the party needed to modernize while maintaining traditional stances and beliefs. He also noted the poor results of last fall’s election in Ontario, specifically in Toronto and the GTA. Baird is continuing to weigh his options as the Feb. 27 deadline for candidates to enter approaches.
February 13 - February 26, 2020
carillonregina.com | The Carillon | 6
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U of R student pilots workplace coping strategies course Nichole Faller’s project aims to reduce depression & anxiety at work
elisabeth sahlmueller staff writer Although stress within the work environment is inevitable, this stress does not have to negatively affect either an individual’s life or their physical and mental health. This reality is made evident by the Workplace Coping Strategies Course, an online course created by University of Regina Ph.D. student and Online Therapy Unit researcher, Nichole Faller, as part of her doctoral research study. Throughout the course, participants learn how to not only identify, but also effectively cope with the stress they encounter while at work, which will hopefully increase “employee morale, employee productivity, (lower) absenteeism rates, reduce and even prevent this type of stress from resulting in individuals experiencing serious health issues like anxiety, or depression, ” she said. Faller’s Workplace Coping Strategies course is a new program offered by the University of Regina’s Online Therapy Unit, a university department which provides free online courses and training for a multitude of mental health topics. While this course ties into the purpose of the Online Therapy Unit, it also connects with Faller’s work with the unit as well. As a member of the unit’s research and development team, Faller is involved with “conducting literature reviews, developing new research projects … analyzing data and disseminating results.” Similar to other programs
JackSem via Flickr
Reducing hair pulling, one research project at a time
offered by the U of R’s Online Therapy Unit (OTU), the Workplace Coping Strategies course is “free, online, and easily accessible.” However, since it is aimed at employees of small to mid-size enterprises [SMEs] (businesses with 500 or fewer employees), it is also different from the other programs currently offered by the OTU in two main ways. First, the Workplace Coping Strategies course “doesn’t provide direct therapeutic, or coaching support.” However, links to mental health resources, crisis services, and government websites regarding employee rights are provided. Secondly, while some of the other courses offered by the OTU are only available to Saskatchewan residents, the Workplace Coping Strategies course is available to people across Canada. Although some people may think that developing a course may not be very difficult, Faller emphasized that this was not the case. For Faller, creating this class took a lot of time, effort, and research. Since this was a new course for the Online Therapy Unit, “the course content (had to be created) from scratch. We used … information we gained through scientific literature reviews … and asked for expert feedback before formally launching the program.” When asked about the motivation behind the creation of this course, Faller explained how it emerged from the realization that the needs of SME employees was a topic that had previously been given very little attention.
“I spent many years developing a human resource department for a small business in Regina. When I began to research mental health initiatives for small/midsize enterprises, I realized that there were no studies that specifically address the needs of SMEs,” such as not having enough employees to complete the necessary workload, “no human resource department [and] inadequate benefit plans.” As a result, Faller felt that this was a topic worth exploring, which led to the focus and theme of her two-phase Ph.D. dissertation study, the development of the Workplace Coping Strategies course and the inclusion of this course within that study. This course is spread over a period of four weeks and includes reading material covering a large variety of related topics, as well some optional worksheets. Over the duration of the course, participants go through four main lessons: Anxiety and Depression in the Workplace, Accommodations for Anxiety and Depression, Mental Health Disclosure and Accommodation Requests and lastly, Symptom Management. The first phase of Faller’s study involved sending out the course lessons to professionals (i.e. human rights lawyers, human resource personnel and managers), for their review and feedback. Faller then used this feedback to modify the content of the course before she started phase two. According to Faller, in phase two, individuals who are experiencing
depression and anxiety symptoms participate in the course. As Faller explained, following registration, participants complete a short online questionnaire and are asked a few follow-up questions before the course is explained in more detail. From there, individuals will randomly be divided into two separate groups. The first group of individuals will begin the course immediately, while the second group of individuals will have to wait eight weeks until they can access the course. Once participants gain access to the course, they will receive one lesson per day, for four days. After participants finish reading through the lesson material, Faller said they can complete the optional worksheets, which will help them apply the information they have just read to their own situation and work environment. Participants can complete the readings and worksheets at their own pace but will have only have access to the material for eight weeks. In order for Faller to get an understanding of the course’s impact and success, participants will be asked to complete a questionnaire about their experiences at “four and eight week [intervals] after course completion.” These results will lead to a better understanding of “how anxiety and depression are accommodated within SMEs, so that we can help SMEs provide effective accommodations in the future,” according to Faller Registration for the Work-
place Coping Strategies course is now open to all Canadian citizens, eighteen years and older who are currently employed and are experiencing, or have experienced, symptoms of workplace stress, anxiety and/or depression. Those who are interested should visit. Although ninety participants can be enrolled in the course, Faller encourages anyone who is interested to “sign up soon because (enrolment) will end by spring 2020.” Faller feels the project is a significant move forward. “There is growing research available on interventions aimed at improving accommodation usage, particularly within SMEs. [However,] we know very little about how mental health is accommodated within an SMEs and how these accommodations impact things such as employee productivity. This study will add to the scientific research, while helping SMEs within Canada through subsequent offerings of the course, information sharing and consultation.”
February 13 - February 26, 2020
carillonregina.com | The Carillon | 7
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Federal Minister of Diversity & Inclusion and Youth visits campus
Minister Chagger speaks to a number of invested groups
julia peterson web writer Last week, Bardish Chagger, MP for Waterloo, Ontario and Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth paid her first visit to the University of Regina campus. While she was in town for the Fierté Canada Pride Conference, she took a few moments to sit down with the Carillon to discuss politics in the prairies and how students can have their voices heard. With youth activism in the spotlight these days due in large part to international climate justice movements like Fridays for Future, Chagger reflected on what she sees as the best ways for young people to be heard on the national stage today. “We are consulting with youth and engaging with youth because the laws we pass will impact the young generation the longest,” she said. “The Prime Minister has a youth council, which he works with, and we have a youth secretariat to ensure that the resources are there.… I do believe that when we organize and we participate, we have a role to play. For
Julia Peterson
The carillon, read by government ministers since 1962
far too long, I think the young population has sometimes been dismissed. But […] young people are taking action, they are being noticed – not because they can vote, but because they have a voice, they will have a say and they will ensure the government knows that their presence is not only seen but known, felt and listened too.” Chagger herself got involved in politics when she was 13 years old, when she began campaigning for marriage equality in Canada, and continued to be actively engaged throughout university. This early work has directly influenced what she is doing in government today. “When I graduated university, I wrote a policy paper that said you should have not only six months of payment relief for your student loan, but six months of interest relief,” she said. “And almost 15 years later, in budget 2019, page 44 is my policy.” When asked about what she hears from her constituents as the top concerns for young Canadians, Chagger emphasized the Liberal government’s platform
positions on student loans. “We know paying back student loans is challenging for students,” she said. “So we said [in 2015], until you’re making $25,000 [a year], there should be no interest on your student loans and you shouldn’t be paying them back. And … when we realized that with the cost of living today, $35,000 is more realistic and would benefit more students, we committed that in our last platform and we hope to implement that within the next couple of budgets.” But she also emphasized that student loans are only one way that this government is keeping an eye on the future, balancing sometimes-competing priorities such as reducing the federal deficit versus investing in various social, environmental and infrastructure projects. “When I look at debt and deficits, I often ask – which ones are we concerned about?” she said. “For me, I’m concerned about the environmental deficit. I’m concerned about the infrastructure deficit [because] our roads are crumbling, our bridges
are crumbling, our sewer systems are crumbling. And that’s not something I want to leave to the next generation. I look at the social demographics of our country and the fact that we have an aging population and I’m concerned about the social deficits. … I’m mindful that the deficits of our country are more than the budget.” While Chagger discussed the importance of meeting people all across the country and helping people engage more fully with the democratic process, she said her best day on the job so far took place at an elementary school in her home riding of Waterloo. “My best day was going to a Grade five class that was learning about government in Ontario,” she said. “And I went, and there was this young individual, and I said ‘I’m the first woman to be the Member of Parliament for Waterloo, I was the first [female] Government House Leader, and I’m the Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Youth.’ And she says to me, ‘good for you, but I’m going to be the next Prime Minister of Canada.’ And her parents
talked to me a little bit later, and they said ‘when she saw you in that role, that’s when she started dreaming and realizing what she can do.’ And I think what’s exciting is people are now able to see themselves in these roles and understand that we all belong.” Although Saskatchewan currently has no Liberal MPs, Chagger says she wants the University of Regina student body to feel represented by the current government. “We as the government want to ensure that every individual is able to realize their potential,” she said. “We want to really build upon a more inclusive Canada – and for me that includes people of diverse backgrounds, people of all genders, sexualities, abilities, and religions. My Canada is an inclusive Canada, and I want to ensure that the students at the University of Regina know that you have an ally in the Federal government who wants to work with you and hear from you.”
We know paying back student loans is challenging for students, […] So we said [in 2015], until you’re making $25,000 [a year], there should be no interest on your student loans and you shouldn’t be paying them back. And … when we realized that with the cost of living today, $35,000 is more realistic and would benefit more students, we committed that in our last platform and we hope to implement that within the next couple of budgets.” – Minister Bardish Chagger
Arts & Culture
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Editor: ethan butterfield aandc@carillonregina.com the carillon | February 13 - February 26, 2020
Local artists explore climate change worldviews Fifth Parallel Gallery Exhibition focused on the environment julia peterson web writer The Fifth Parallel Gallery in the Riddell Centre is hosting an incisive and provocative exhibition focused on environmentalism and climate change. The exhibition, “House on Fire,” which will run until Feb. 14 and features works by 12 different artists, addresses ongoing emergencies and increasing risks related to environmental damage. Curator Amy Snider, who is also showing art in the exhibit, says this show is an opportunity for her to start conversations with other artists and with a wider audience. “I have been doing work that addresses climate change, or is a response to climate change, and I wanted to get it out there in public as a way to start conversations about that issue,” she said. “I have been doing work that addresses climate change, or is a response to climate change, and I wanted to get it out there in public as a way to start conversations about that issue.” Some of Snider’s motivations have to do with combatting the hopelessness and despair – and, therefore, inaction – that often arise when people are confronted with the impacts of climate change. “I know that there is a tendency for responses to artwork like this to be ‘okay, yes, I know that we’re fucked’ [...] and then just go on wishing to avoid thinking about it because it’s such a burden to really let the pain of this situation with climate change but also with other environmental issues represented in the show,” she said. “It’s just painful to allow those issues to actually affect us, and so the tendency is to avoid thinking about them as much as possible. And unfortunately, that also goes hand-in-hand with avoiding any action to make them better. I’ve read that, often, art about climate change - images, visual images about climate change - either make people realize the seriousness of the situation, or inspire people to take action. And very seldom do visual representations of climate change do both - make people understand that yes, this is a problem, but also push them to do something about it.” The artworks featured in the show use a variety of mediums, from Styrofoam and discarded
plastics to painted works, sculptures and photographs. “Saskatchewan Glacier,” a piece by Snider, is a series of cut and reshaped porcelain cups placed on shelves all along one of the gallery walls that represents glacial loss. One of the most striking pieces in the exhibition is “Tears of Humanity,” a sculpture of thirty red teardrops hanging from the gallery ceiling by Tiffany Favreau. “If we continue on this path of destruction, our last tears will stain the earth’s soil red,” Favreau said. “We will be the first species to cause its own extinction. … It is an extreme statement, but we are facing an extreme situation.” Other pieces include “Cradleboard,” by Margaret Orr, a multimedia sculpture of a bear. “Cradleboards are used in Indigenous society to keep babies save and warm,” said Orr. “Bears need to be protected from environmental disasters; this is why I put the bear in the cradleboard, which also symbolizes the land. But still, the land of Indigenous people continues to be destroyed, which is why the cradleboard is held up only by a thin piece of leather and a couple of screws. Anything can upset its balance.” One of the ways the show worked to motivate action rather than despair was by providing resources on ways to get involved in environmental activism outside of the gallery space – including information on how to reach out to EnviroCollective and how Fridays for Future are continuing to protest outside the legislative building from 12-1 P.M. every Friday. According to Snider, if people who attend this exhibition are inspired to engage in even a few small actions to help the environment, that will be a victory in her books. “If there’s one more thing I’d like people to know after seeing the show, it’s this: we all have an impact on the planet no matter what we do, yet having an “all or nothing” mentality about one’s own behaviour is only going to result in nothing improving,” she said. “If everyone started to consider how each component of their behaviour affects the environment and started to make even just a few very easy changes, the cumulative effect would be substantial. One may even realize how easy these small changes are, and this may build momentum and a sense of empowerment -
courtesy of Amy Snider
The most pressing issue of our time
that one is at least doing what one can. It’s possible to face our challenges and build our resilience instead of feeling despair, or worse, denial. We need to see a cultural shift away from thinking of ourselves - our comforts and conveniences - first, and the health of the planet second (if at all). We cannot go on believing that we are somehow separate or even better than “nature.” Everything in this world is connected, and these connections are now being
made obvious.”
“If we continue on this path of destruction, our last tears will stain the earth’s soil red,” – Tiffany Favreau
February 13 - February 26, 2020
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arts & culture
9
Birds of Prey review DC does it right
ethan butterfield a & c editor Another decade, another flurry of comic book films. Kicking off the new batch is the new DC film Birds of Prey. A spin-off of the Oscar-winning film (Best Makeup and Hairstyling) Suicide Squad, Birds of Prey takes the groundwork laid out by Suicide Squad, tears it up, lays out it’s own groundwork and tells anyone that disagrees to jog on. Honestly, this film was a lot of fun and makes for a welcome addition to the DC extended universe (DCEU for short). Margot Robbie once again nails the character of Harley Quinn, who, alongside Wonder Woman, is more or less the most interesting part of the DCEU at this point, because who cares what Superman and Batman are up to? All they do is brood about the place anyway. Yes, Harley Quinn certainly makes strides in Birds of Prey, being a Deadpool-esqe anti-hero with solid foundation for character growth. Spoilers, her and the Joker breakup and now she has to make it out on her own, a task that ends up
having some surprising emotional depth to it storytelling-wise (at least for a comic book movie). “What kind of emotional depth?” I supposedly hear you ask. Well, the empowering kind. Harley’s story is framed within the idea that she needs someone, that she needs to be a sidekick of sorts. However, the ability to make it on her own is something that helps her to understand that she can do things all her own, in her own way, and own it while she does it. This aspect of her character really helps link her to the audience because, well, imagine you’re going through a break-up. After the initial heartache is done, you think to yourself; “Wait a second. What am I doing? I got this!” and then throw in your earbuds and listen to “Good as Hell” by Lizzo or whatever the youth is into these days. The general point I’m trying to get across though is that Birds of Prey offers the viewer a chance to join Harley on her own journey of self discovery and, assuming you’ve somewhat been through the above, relate to it every step of the way. That aside, the rest of the cast do equally as wonderful
Vinson Tan via Pixabay
Less scary as a figurine, I suppose
work. Mary Elisabeth Winstead owns it as the socially awkward yet revenge-fuelled Huntress, Jurnee Smollett-Bell almost steals the spotlight from Margot as Black Canary and Ewan McGregor is a surprisingly ruthless villain as Black Mask. All of these characters and more really sell the show.
It’s a shame that this film is getting a low box office draw because it really is quite good, boasting a Rotten Tomatoes score of 80 per cent. Personally, I blame the superhero fatigue bug, or at least that’s what I would blame if I weren’t so sure that the next Marvel film is going to make bank. I certainly hope it’s not be-
cause it’s an all-female team, that would be a very silly and childish reason not to see a superhero film. Well, one way or another, I hope the numbers pick up.
The benefits of attending a poetry slam An open book by Taylor Balfour
taylor balfour op-ed editor When I had the luxurious offer of being able to attend a poetry slam in Vancouver lastweek Monday, I needed to take it. Better yet, I was being invited by avid members of the poetry slam community – people who had not only judged events but had read their work at previous slams as well – who knew the event by heart. I’ve only been to this one event, but I have to say it feels like I know the event by heart as well. Vancouver Poetry Slam, known as a project through the Vancouver Poetry House, is a non-profit organization that’s been running since 1996, “making it the longest-running poetry slam in Canada” according to their website. And it was at that three-hour event of beauty that I realized how much I would miss poetry slam nights when I returned home – and believe me, I’ve only been here for a few days and I miss it immensely – but not just for the act of reading poetry. It’s the experience and atmosphere, I argue, that is the biggest takeaway from the night. The poetry scene in Vancouver is extremely progressive, aware, powerful, and exactly what I feel as though our city needs: an event that celebrates diversity, that celebrates diversity and social-justice, and provides creatives a space to bare their soul and not be attacked for doing so. I think by offering people such a vulnerable, accepting, healthy space, it
could do our city, let alone our creative scene, a lot of good. Our event started off with a recognition of the land, and acknowledging that Vancouver rests on stolen land that was never negotiated over a treaty. “Just be a good ally,” was a common statement from our host during the night. The words were also uttered following “support black artists” after the featured poet, Nisha Patel, did readings from her latest poetry book, I See You. It was uttered following a power spoken word poem about the state of the environment and the Wet’suwet’en pipeline protests. It was uttered when a gender-fluid member of the crowd read a piece about not being confined to the world’s gendered boxes. Poetry is vulnerable and reading aloud to a room of people is one of the most powerful experiences I’ve had with an audience. You are translating complex feelings and details, dressing them in the prettiest of words, and baring them aloud to a room full of strangers, hoping your words can offer them a connection, a means of understanding a stranger through nothing but painting a picture with words. Because of such vulnerability, the audience must be warm and receptive, welcoming and open. The space encourages others to share. Newcomers, who have never read their private works aloud before, read at the poetry slam. People who have never been a fan of poetry claimed the event changed everything for them.
Jeremy Davis
Keep on writing
People who never felt accepted told us in the most beautiful way that in that room full of strangers, they felt at home. That’s what our city needs.
Our city needs more of that: vulnerable art and open hearts. [EIC’s note: In Regina, we have Word Up Spoken Word Poetry, more information is avail-
able here: https://www.facebook. com/reginawordup]
February 13 - February 26, 2020
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arts & culture
10
Book review: In The Dream House Hard to put down
julia peterson web writer I spent my two best weekends of 2019 reading Carmen Maria Machado. During the first best weekend, early last January, I was visiting two of my closest friends in New York when I picked up a copy of Her Body and Other Parties, Machado’s debut collection of short stories. She had released one of the stories online prior to publication – “The Husband Stitch,” a fantastically horrifying read – and when I discovered it late at night in December, reading on my phone under the covers, I thought it was the most perfect thing I had ever read. And when I finally got around to reading the other stories in the collection, I discovered I loved the rest of them even more. Machado is an unparalleled genius when it comes to inventing and reinventing literary form and structure, and her work is so incisive and unabashedly queer that she makes me experience my own space in the world differently every time I read her work. The content of her stories is rarely comforting – in fact, most of them are intensely creepy – and yet, delving into her writing, I still always find a weird sort of comfort. At one point during that first best weekend, when I was reading early in the morning with a plate of cookies I had baked the night before right beside me, I looked up from a story about the ghosts of disappearing women being sewn into the fabric of prom dresses and just smiled. It is the most at peace I have ever felt. My other best weekend happened over the summer, when I was working nights at a local restaurant. I had gotten off work relatively early, so I took my container of leftovers and went down to the beach. After eating an entire chocolate dessert with my fingers because I’d forgot to bring a fork and spending an hour or so swimming around the bay, enjoying the city lights and watching the planes flying overhead, I decided to stay up all night finishing Her Body and Other Parties. There was one long story about Law & Order that placed the whole thing in an eerie parallel universe set slightly to the left of the one on TV, and a heartbreaking love story in the format of a list from the end of the world, that I still find particularly haunting to think of. Machado’s writing is never an easy read’ but I always walk away feeling nourished and joyful for having read it – almost the literary equivalent of eating dessert with my fingers on the beach in the middle of the night.
Wikimedia Commons
What can we say, we’re a fan of her earings
All that to say, when I saw the news that Machado was going to be releasing a memoir, In The Dream House, this year, I could hardly wait to read it. I knew it was not going to be any sort of light romp – on her Twitter feed, Machado described this as a book that nearly killed her to write, chronicling her own experiences of intimate partner violence in her first relationship with a woman. But I also knew, because Machado was writing this story, that there was going to be something extraordinary about the horror. If In The Dream House had simply been a good book about intimate partner violence in queer relationships, that would have been more than good
enough – we still have so few books and narratives that reckon with queer intimate partner violence as a real but invisible issue, often disappearing from the public consciousness because it is uncomfortable to talk about and doesn’t fit the mold of what we expect a violent relationship to look like. Machado specifically writes about the challenges of naming and confronting abuse in a queer relationship when some people will of course take this as evidence that queerness itself is wrong and fundamentally abusive. In responding to that pressure, she says: “We deserve to have our wrongdoing represented as much as our heroism, because when we refuse wrongdoing as a possibility for a group of people,
we refuse their humanity.” And Machado does not leave it there. She pushes our ideas of what a memoir can or should be into something new – every chapter is titled “Dream House as ____,” offering a new lens on some aspect of this relationship, whether she is using that framing to recount a childhood memory, describe the actual architecture of a house she once lived in, or even retell the plot of a Star Trek episode. The book begins with “Dream House as Ouverture” (which is all of four sentences long: “I never read prologues. I find them tedious. If what the author has to say is so important, why relegate it to the paratext? What are they trying to hide?” and is immediately followed by
‘Dream House as Prologue”). Other chapters include “Dream House as Noir,” “Dream House as Erotica,” “Dream House as the River Lethe,” and “Dream House as Five Lights.” I found this book almost impossible to put down – I was five chapters in before I even left the bookstore – and brilliant in ways that almost defy review. So I will try to offer my response to Machado’s memoir in the most fitting way possible: “Dream House as imperative”: Read this book.
“I found this book almost impossible to put down – I was five chapters in before I even left the bookstore…” – Julia Peterson
February 13 - February 26, 2020
carillonregina.com | The Carillon | 11
Arts
Five romantic comedies for Valentine’s Day Tis’ the season for love elisabeth sahlmueller staff writer
way to change the past and have the life she has always wanted.
With Valentine’s Day tomorrow, now is a perfect time to watch some great romantic comedies. Here are five films worth checking out because not only do many of them have a great soundtrack, but they also demonstrate the perfect blend of humour and romance, without coming across as stupid, or overly cheesy.
Chasing Liberty (2004)
13 Going On 30 (2002) Angry, and humiliated by her ruined 13th birthday party, Jenna Rink (Jennifer Garner) spontaneously wishes to be thirty, the age she considers to be fabulous. Although Jenna’s birthday wish comes true, she quickly realizes that being thirty is not as great as she originally thought. Despite having a boyfriend and a successful career as an editor for Poise Magazine, she is not happy with her life, or the person she has become. Desperate to figure out what has happened Jenna seeks out Matt (Mark Ruffalo), her best friend from when she was a teenager. When she finds Matt she learns that he is engaged and has no idea what she is talking about, since they haven’t been friends since her birthday party. After discovering that Matt is now a successful freelance photographer, she persuades him to help her with a major magazine photoshoot. As they spend more time together, they start to fall for each other and Jenna begins to regret letting go of possibly the sweetest guy in the world. Unfortunately, Jenna may have to accept this regret, unless she can figure out a
For Anna Forester (Mandy Moore), having a love life is practically impossible as the president’s daughter, since she is constantly surrounded by several secret service agents, even while out on a date. Although these individuals are there for her protection, they are a major obstacle. Not only do they limit her freedom, but they are also unsurprisingly a major turnoff for most guys. After asking her father for less protection, Anna is finally given permission to attend a concert with her friend, Gabrielle (Beatrice Rosen), with no secret service agents while on vacation in Prague with her parents. However, irritated after her father goes back on his promise, Anna runs out of the concert desperate for some freedom. Soon afterwards she meets Ben (Matthew Goode), who helps her get away. As Anna and Ben travel together throughout various European cities, they begin to fall in love. Despite Anna’s belief that she is free for the first time, she later realizes that this is not the reality after she discovers the truth about who Ben is. Although Anna hates that Ben lied to her, it is difficult for her to move on since she can’t get Ben out of her mind or forget the time they spent together. 50 First Dates (2004) Henry Roth (Adam Sandler) is a well-known womanizer, content with his bachelor lifestyle. However, this contentment
dramatically changes the day he meets Lucy (Drew Barrymore) at the local diner where he goes one morning for breakfast and the two hit it off. Unfortunately, the next day when he sees her, she has no idea who he is and appears genuinely freaked out when he insists they met yesterday. Confused by Lucy’s strange behavior, Henry asks the diner owner and learns that because of a tragic car accident almost a year ago, Lucy suffers from short-term memory loss. As a result, Lucy can’t remember anything long term, only what happens that day. Each morning she wakes up with a blank slate, with no memory of anything that happened days earlier. Despite these challenging circumstances, Henry is not willing to give up on Lucy, especially since she is the first woman he’s ever truly fallen in love with. Pushing past years of relationship commitment issues, Henry attempts to not only find creative ways to get Lucy to fall in love with him, but also a way for her to remember him and their relationship when she wakes up the next day. Sweet Home Alabama (2002)
Jill Wellington from Pixabay
Chocolate and moves, perfect … Unless you’re lactose intolerant
and former sweetheart, Jake Perry (Josh Lucas). Despite Melanie’s belief that a divorce will be easily obtained, she is soon proven wrong because Jake initially has no intention of signing the papers legalizing their divorce. The longer Melanie stays in her childhood town, the more fond memories of her past come flooding back to her. Even though Melanie gets what she wants when Jake finally signs the divorce papers, she has to consider whether who and what she left behind was truly worth it and if she can do the same thing again.
Seven years ago, Melanie Smooter (Reese Witherspoon) left behind her small childhood town of Alabama wanting more out of life. Now she is not only regarded as one of the best fashion designers in New York City, but also engaged to Andrew Hennington (Patrick Dempsey), the son of New York’s mayor. However, in order to get married, she must first formally get divorced, which sends her back home to Alabama to confront her past ex-husband
While Robbie Hart (Adam Sandler) enjoys his work as one of the most popular and entertaining wedding singers, this changes after his girlfriend stands him up at the altar, deciding she simply can’t marry a wedding singer. Af-
winning three Oscars for Best Cinematography, Best Sound Mixing, and Best Visual Effects, which is the usual as far as war films go. As well, Jojo Rabbit emerged a surprise winner for Best Adapted Screenplay. In terms of the more poppy awards, Best Animated Film went to Toy Story 4 (with Frozen 2 being notably absent from the ballot). Best Original Song’ went to “(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again” from Rocketman (so catchy), and, moving away from poppy, Little Women won for Best Costume Design. With regards to historic wins, Best Original Score went to Hildur Guðnadóttir for Joker. Hildur is the first female composer to win the award in 20 years, which is fairly notable considering, you know, it’s been two decades. Moving right along, we head to the Best Actor, Actress, and Supporting Actress categories. Best Supporting Actress went to Laura Dern in Marriage Story, deservedly so, Best Actor went to Joaquin Phoenix in Joker, deservedly so, and Best Actress went to Renee Zellwegger for Judy, de-
servedly so. Now we reach the big winner of the night, Parasite, which won four Oscars in total. Best Original Screenplay, an upset win with Tarantino being a favourite after his Golden Globe win, Best International Film, Best Director, another upset win with Sam Mendes being the favourite, and, of course, Best Picture. While winning four Oscars is big in it’s own right, the fact that Parasite is also the first foreign-language film to win Best Picture is also something that simply cannot be overlooked. Yes, that was the 92nd Academy Awards in a nutshell, an event is spectacular and historic that you’d almost forget a 47-yearold rapper came out from under the stage to sing to an audience of mostly 50 somethings about mom’s spaghetti (I kid of course, Eminiem killed it on stage). I was going to attempt linking the song “Lose Yourself ” with Parasite’s Best Picture win but some things are better left alone. On the same note as musical performances, Billie Eilish continues to have a dominant year as her Oscars Me-
The Wedding Singer (1998)
terwards Robbie is left heartbroken, evident when his wedding songs demonstrate extreme pessimism and gloom, instead of the same happiness and enthusiasm as before. However, his life begins to look up again when he meets Julia Sullivan (Drew Barrymore), a waitress at a wedding they are both working at. The more weddings Julia and Robbie work at together, they discover they have a lot in common and get along really well. Unfortunately, Julia is romantically off limits, since she is engaged to her boyfriend, Glenn Guglia (Matthew Glave). Despite this situation, Robbie can’t help fall for Julia and has to decide how to stop her from marrying a complete asshole, when he is completely head over heels in love with her.
The Oscars 2020
Hindsight is in this year ethan butterfield a&c editor
Watching this year’s Oscars, I’m reminded of a song lyric (don’t worry, it’s not from “Lose Yourself,” I’m not that cheesy). The lyric comes from an old Staind tune “It’s Been Awhile,” that goes, “It’s been awhile since I could hold my head up high, and it’s been awhile since I first saw you.” Now, you’re probably wondering why I’m referencing a 2001 grunge song in relation to the 2020 Academy Awards. The reason? Because it has been a while. It’s been a while since I’ve seen the Oscars that loose. It’s been a while since I’ve seen controversy addressed appropriately with a bit of humour attached. And it’s been a while since I’ve seen a film like Parasite do as well as it did. But you know what they say, hindsight is 2020. Let me start off by first, apologizing for that 2020 joke and; second, stating that the most powerful moment of the night came not from a film winning, but from someone speaking their mind. Joaquin Phoenix’s speech, for anyone that heard, drove many
points home. One of the most notable takeaways from said speech was the “we’re stronger together” section, which addressed how working together/collaborating together is more beneficial than calling people out for their past mistakes (to an extent, of course). It’s a controversial statement at first glance, but taken with deeper meaning I think there is something to be said for trying to move forward from the mistakes of the past. Lord knows I’ve made mistakes, but each day is another day to be better. Back to the films, it was a fairly even card for most of the show, which is rather interesting considering how recent years have had two or three movies clean-up. Bombshell took home Best Makeup and Hairstyling, Ford v. Ferrari shockingly won two Oscars for Best Sound Editing and Best Film Editing and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (one of my personal favourites of the year) also took home two awards for Best Production Design and Best Supporting Actor for Brad Pitt’s role as Cliff Booth. 1917 cleaned up fairly well,
morial performance literally left people in tears. Hard to deny that she isn’t basically just pure talent at this point. On a more or less final note (apologizes for events during the show I missed), there was a lot to appreciate at this awards show. Parasite’s massive night, Eminem’s performance, Hildur Guðnadóttir’s historic win, Brad Pitt winning his first acting Oscar, Joaquin Phoenix’s fantastic speech, and any of the other numerous events that occurred, this was an Academy Awards to remember. Hopefully, this will open the door for more risk-taking on the Academy’s part in future shows. One can dream, anyway.
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All that glitters is gold
Sports
12 Editor: tyler meadows sports@carillonregina.com the carillon | February 13 - February 26, 2020
Rams coach resigns Bryce out in unclear circumstances
brian palaschuk & john loeppky sports writer & editor-in-chief On Thursday, Feb. 6 the University of Regina announced Rams coach Steve Bryce’s resignation. Prior to the release by the University, renowned local sports journalist, Rod Pedersen reported that the Rams had, in fact, fired Bryce. Director of Sport, Community Engagement & Athlete Development Lisa Robertson. “The release stands.” The release in question made
no mention of Pedersen’s tweet. “The University of Regina has accepted the resignation of Steve Bryce, head coach of the University of Regina Rams football team. Bryce has indicated he is leaving his position for personal reasons. He had served as head coach since March, 2016, guiding the club to the playoffs in two of his four seasons. The University of Regina thanks Steve Bryce for his service and wishes him the best moving forward.” “The University of Regina respects the privacy and confidentiality of all personnel matters and will not be providing any fur-
ther details on Bryce’s departure.” Former Ram Jens Johnson tweeted about the resignation and the impact it may have on the program. “Steve is nothing short of an outstanding coach and human being. He exemplifies integrity, generosity, and what it means to create a ‘family.’ He would give the shirt off his back for any of his players or people involved with the Rams organization. Sad.” When asked, Dr. Harold Reimer, Dean of Kinesiology and Health Studies – the department that oversees athletics – referred back to the statement and refused
to be asked about his relationship with Bryce, an area of interest for some in the athletic department given the sudden nature of the resignation. In fact, interim head coach and former offensive coordinator Mark McConkey was out of the country when Bryce’s departure was announced. He says that much of the workload, including the work he did up until a week or so ago, is “up in the air.” “That’s all up in the air right now. Being the offensive co-ordinator is, I think, the best job there is. You get to call the plays and design the plays.”
Jeremy Davis
“I’m not going to give up the full responsibility of that. What the plan is, is to maybe hire an offensive assistant to assist me, but I still want to be the lead on the offence because I think that’s the best part of my job.” McConkey said that Bryce vacating the position for reasons unclear will have no impact on the incoming recruiting class. “I’ve touched base with almost all of our confirmed recruits, there’s one who I haven’t been able to get in touch with. They are all still in and they all still want to be part of the Rams and yeah a few of them are obviously not happy that Steve’s not here but at the same time they understand we’ve got a great coaching staff and all of our volunteer coaches and a great locker room of guys, a good family feel and a lot of them want to come to school and get a degree go that route as well.“ McConkey echoed the positive review of his most recent predecessor. “Steve and I had a great relationship. He was a mentor to me, and a good friend and I know lots of players loved playing for him and built great relationships with them in his four years here. Just overall great coach, great guy and was a good head coach for the program over the last four years.” McConkey pointed out that the job is a tad bit overwhelming given that he just got the gig on Thursday. “Right now it’s a little crazy, just trying to get my feet under me. My number one priority is the players right now. I just want to make sure they are doing the right things, still doing ok academically, still working out. I think once I get my feet under me a little bit and kind of figure out the responsibilities of the head coach then we can start looking towards 2020 and seeing how everything plays out form there.” “Our guys are still going to continue to work hard. We’ve had a great off-season so far in the weight room and on the track. We’ve got a great young locker room, great young team and just because there’s a new guy manning the ship, I think we still have our high expectations for 2020 season so I’m really looking forward to that and want to get to August already and hit the field.” The Rams have lost two straight head coaches after the long-term reign of Frank McCrystal. Mike Gibson left after a tumultuous thirteen months and Bryce managed a further four years.
February 13 - February 26, 2020
sports
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13
Cougar men to take on Pronghorns in playoff showdown A rubber match takes on new meaning with Valentine’s day clash
tyler meadows sports editor The Cougar men are heading to the playoffs for a road play-in game against eight seed Lethbridge. The Cougars finish the year 10-10, while also going 1-1 against Lethbridge in the first games of 2020. Since then the men are 5-3, while Lethbridge is on a six-game win streak. Lethbridge also comes into this game 10-10 and score the fourth most points in Can West. Lethbridge throws six double-digit scorers at the defence which will make it tough for the Cougars to single out an offensive weapon and key in on. Scott Mazutinec will be someone to look out for beyond the arc as he jacks up over seven per game from downtown, hitting on 38 per cent. Lethbridge loves to get their guys to the line as well as they are second in Can West in made free throws, so staying out of foul trouble will be paramount for the Cougars. The Cougars will also have to be careful with the ball because the Pronghorns are number one in steals and the crowd will be rock-
ing every time there is an opportunity for transition. The beloved Cougars will live and die by the 3 as they toss them up more than any team in Can West and arguably should shoot more because they only make 30 per cent of them. The Cougars need to take and make as many 3s as possible too because Lethbridge does not defend the 3 particularly well. In the two games against Lethbridge, Regina got blown out in the first but bounced back to earn a hard-fought split. Carter Millar, who has had a terrific season, was the leading scorer in both games for the Cougars and sealed the victory with free throws. Millar also missed the last 6 games of the season to a lower body injury and it is uncertain if he will be ready for the game on Friday. Coach Burrows has done a great job coaching this year and accomplished his pre-season goal of making the post-season. It will be interesting to see if he shortens up his bench for this post-season run, or if he will lean on his depth like he has done all season. He has done a great job of get-
University of Regina Athletics
Cougars to throw down with Lethbridge
ting the team to play with pace and share the ball as evidenced by their second place standing in assists. It helps when you have a tweener big like Millar who can bully down low in the post and also step out and knock down the trey. But it is on the defensive end that will push this team forward in the playoffs where the Cougars
have been decidedly average, albeit without their best player for 30 per cent of the season. Season fan Steven has this to say about his favourite team making the playoffs. “These guys work so hard and it’s so much fun to watch them. They play like a modern NBA team with all the 3-pointers
and passing. I think they can beat the Pronghorns no matter what!” A confidence that I’m sure the men have right now as they focus on their win or go home game on Valentine’s Day.
Battle of Saskatchewan closes Cougars hockey season Magwood notched her 100th career point as the Cougar women thrilled in a shootout win brian palaschuk sports writer It was an exciting weekend of hockey in the province. Fans were treated to four renditions of the battle of Saskatchewan; both the men and women split games between Regina and Saskatoon. Both teams had an uphill battle this weekend against the traditional powerhouse Huskies. Coming into the weekend, both teams had important playoff aspirations: the men needed at least one win to get into the Can West playoffs and the women needed to eke out four points to guarantee a firstround home game. The first night went the Huskies’ way on both fronts. At home, the Cougar women played an overtime nail-biter in front of 877 Cougars hockey fans. Jenna Merk scored first for the Cougars, but the Huskies tied it up in the third courtesy of Abby Shirley. Neither team could solve the opposing goaltender through five-on-five overtime and the game went to three-on-three. Saskatchewan’s leading scorer Bailee Bourassa put one past Jane Kish to hold the Cougars to a single point. On the men’s rink in Saskatoon the Huskies came out fast and never looked back. They scored the game winner just six minutes into the game and followed it up with two more in the first period to sink the Cougars chances. Unfortunately for U of R, the playoff race was also out of their hands as UBC defeated Mount Royal to eliminate the Cougars from playoff contention. Despite this heartbreaker, the Cougars came back to Regina strong for senior’s night.
University of Regina Athletics
The team played hard for graduating players Dawson MacAuley, Isaac Schafer, and Landon Peel. Playing some of their best hockey of the year, the Cougars held even with the dominant Huskies through two periods, getting goals from Tristan Frei and Connor Odelein. The game got away from them at the end, with a couple of empty netters sealing their season with a 2-6 loss. In Saskatoon, the women played another barn burner. The Cougars and Huskies traded leads through regulation. The
visiting Cougars got out in front courtesy of Merissa Zerr, but the U of S equalized and then took a one goal lead in the third period. Not to be denied, the Cougars got a huge goal from standout rookie Paige Hubbard with just 40 seconds remaining in regulation to take the game to yet another overtime period. Again, overtime wasn’t enough to settle the game and it went all the way to a shootout. There, two of the Cougars biggest assets combined to win it. Kish stopped all four shots she faced, and Cougars leading
scorer Jaycee Magwood finished it for the Cougars. Magwood also reached a huge milestone, getting her 100th point in her final career game as a Cougar, a mark surpassed by only two other players in Cougars history. Coach Sarah Hodges talks about how important Magwood has been to the Cougars. “She’s a good shooter and that’s her biggest strength. Every team needs to have somebody who can put the puck in the net – she’s had a good season and a very good career.”
Although they came up just a point short of their home playoff berth, the Cougar women will continue to the post season against the Mount Royal Cougars, a team they are 2-2 against in the regular season.
February 13 - February 26, 2020
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The magic elixir for women’s sports A view that cannot be ingnored
brian palaschuk sports writer
We live in a world where gender identity and gender equality have become dominant issues in our society more than ever before, and naturally these questions extend to the world of sports. An issue that has been gaining increasing media scrutiny via the WNBA and the recent dissolution of the CWHL is the tremendous financial gap between women and men competing in the major league sports, especially hockey and basketball. Per puckreport.com, in 20192020, NHL players had a minimum salary of $650,000 USD. In comparison, the CWHL folded after only two years of paying players stipends from $2000$10000 USD. In basketball, where the WNBA is financially supported by the NBA, the Wall Street Journal reported that the new partnership will pay women an average of $130,000 USD; this compares to the men’s 2019 minimum of $582,000, an amount that is reserved for players without any previous experience. It is also worth noting that the WNBA operates at the expense of losing nearly $10 million USD per year, reported by the Associated Press. In a world where gender equality is at the forefront of public discourse, this tremendous gap in professional sports is tough to swallow. After all, women playing their sport at the highest levels go through the same rigours as men; they train for years, enduring the same financial costs as men and going through similarly competitive varsity programs only to make a fraction of the income. Through the lens of today’s social consciousness, this is clearly unfair. To unpack some of the economic and historical factors as to why this is the case and to look at how this gulf can be overcome, I talked to University of Regina economics professor, Shaun Augustin. Augustin’s speciality at the university is sports; he teaches the University’s class on the topic, so he was a natural fit for the inquiry. When I posed the question, “from an economic perspective, what are the primary barriers to making women’s sports profitable?” His answer was surprising-
ly straightforward. “The biggest barrier is consumer demand. – It’s about absolute versus relative quality and how fan’s perception of absolute versus relative quality impacts demand.” For the non-economist, Augustin uses the comparison of major league versus minor league sports. “If you think about the AHL and the NHL, the demand for AHL hockey isn’t as great as NHL hockey because fans know even if there isn’t a huge qualitative difference, they know that the players aren’t as good relatively speaking as the NHL players.” This is a comparison that can be extended to the perception of men’s and women’s sport. “Fan perception of women’s quality relative to men’s quality of play matters. It impacts their willingness to pay and go watch games.” This is not to say that Augustin or any other economist thinks that women’s sports have less quality than men’s sports; in fact, this is as much a sociological and marketing problem as it is an economic one. Augustin puts this very succinctly. “It really boils down to: How successful can the women’s leagues be at generating consumer demand to attend games or watch it on TV? It’s about changing people’s hearts and minds about the quality level.” There are biological assumptions about men’s sports and women’s sports. In basketball, men can jump higher, in hockey, men can shoot harder, and in track and field, men can run faster. However, this does not mean that the product will be less entertaining. Augustin uses tennis as an example. “We know that men are more powerful players and faster players, but on the skill level that is not quite as evident. The entertainment that women’s tennis generates is arguably just as good as men’s tennis. Millions of people watch women’s tennis and like it just as much as men’s tennis.” Tennis is an excellent case study in the potential of women’s sports to be economically successful. According to CNBC, the top 100 female tennis players earn 80 cents to the dollar that men’s play-
ers do. While this is still an obvious and problematic pay gap, it is a far-cry from the hundred-fold difference in professional hockey. Furthermore, viewership in professional tennis is notoriously close; some women’s majors have outdrawn their men’s counterparts. This is tied to the public perception surrounding tennis. When people tune in to watch the Women’s U.S. Open Championship, they do not see themselves watching an inferior version of men’s tennis, they are watching a different sport. For Cougars hockey coach Sarah Hodges, the same is true of hockey. “It is a different game and its played differently, but I think the athletes are equally talented and more talented in some areas as the men because its different. We play a more skilled game – there is a different skillset.” Even if the solution for women’s major league sports is fan perception of quality, that creates two more problems. How can women’s sports get the exposure necessary to change that perception? How can women’s sports continue to improve without the financial means to practise and compete? One answer is in the WNBA. The WNBA is financially supported by the NBA; the Wall Street Journal reports that NBA teams hold over 50 per cent ownership in the league. This support allows the league to incur short term losses ($10 million USD per year) in order to promote the sport and sustain reasonable salaries for the players. This is possible because the NBA is wildly profitable; Forbes reports that eight of the league’s teams have an individual worth over $2 billion USD. According to Augustin, the NBA’s willingness to invest bodes well for the future of women’s basketball. “Sports franchises and leagues aren’t in the business of charity – these owners are here to make money; they are trying to be profit maximizers. I would see them applying that kind of thinking to this.” However, as an economist, Augustin notes that if these shortterm losses extend to the long term, the WNBA may go the same way as the CWHL. “If they cannot change hearts
and minds of fans to go out to more games – then they will eventually wrap it up. They will not be willing to subsidize it forever.” So, should the NHL adopt the same strategy? For Augustin, the answer is yes. “I think it’s the only viable strategy - that being said, the NHL jumping on board isn’t a guarantee of success.” The biggest reason the WNBA loses money is because of the increasingly competitive player salaries. This is a crucial issue for women’s sports because the long-term goal is fair pay, and in the short term, the minimum is a living wage. We have seen the player’s association in the WNBA successfully lobby for increased wages, and women’s hockey has recently adopted a player’s association as well to help grow the sport and lobby for equality. From an economic perspective, these artificial price floors need to be carefully implemented. The biggest problem right now is the size difference between the developmental pipeline and professional league. In both women’s hockey and basketball, there are numerous varsity programs supplying elite players, but there are limited professional spots. In hockey for example, the men have the NHL, ECHL, AHL, as well as the many overseas leagues, while the women have five teams in North America and a similarly small number of leagues in Europe. This means that there is an excess of labour, which drives down the salaries for players. The resulting market equilibrium is a wage that is far too low for women’s hockey players to survive, which is where player’s associations need to step in. As an economist, Augustin acknowledges that this is important, but it is a fine line. “I think there can be some value in players’ associations organizing women’s sports and trying to establish basic levels of compensation as well as work conditions – as long as they don’t try to make themselves on par with a comparable men’s league.” Augustin says that this is because of an economic concept called marginal revenue product. Players are valued based on how much they can contribute to a
win, and how much that win contributes to revenue. At women’s sports current state of viewership, especially hockey, this number is very small. As a case study, Augustin compares women’s sports to the early days of men’s sports, where financial stability and profitability were far from guaranteed. “They all started without players’ associations. In the early days of those sports leagues, the financial viability of those franchises was always in question.” “They suffered very similar problems with men’s sports that women’s sports are facing today: is it interesting enough to the general public that they are going to go watch these sporting contests and are they going to be willing to spend hard earned money on a luxury item?” The answer was not always yes. In the history of the NFL for example, 49 franchises have gone defunct and in hockey, an entire league (the WHA) collapsed under financial strain. Augustin sees women’s sports at a similar economic crossroads. “Women’s sports are in sort of a similar infancy stage in my opinion. The idea of their athletes being paid significant sums doesn’t jive with the demand.” “Their demand for compensations can make the cost structure so unsupportable that it can kill the sport altogether. They need to go in with open eyes and be realistic about what they can negotiate for.” For women’s sports then, it is about walking the line between reasonable and livable wages and crushing the league under the burden of unsustainable losses (remember that the WNBA loses $10 million per year). Augustin makes a comparison in men’s sports. “A men’s example of that would be MLS or CFL. They are examples of men’s sports that don’t have the same kind of consumer demand.” “What they negotiate in the collective bargaining agreements are much less lucrative than the other leagues.”
February 13 - February 26, 2020
Continued... According to the economics, women’s leagues in the major sports won’t reach pay equity in the short term, but reasonable wages in line with smaller consumer demand sports is a reasonable target to strive for. This is because perhaps the biggest enemy of women’s sports becoming profitable is an uncontrollable one – time. Augustin explains that major leagues evolved from their financially unstable beginnings to the juggernauts they are today largely through consumer product partnerships. Consumer product companies, most famously the major beer companies, used targeted sports audiences to advertise and that drove revenue in the major sports leagues, which allowed them to reach the status they have today. This is particularly evident in the modern NFL, where Super Bowl commercial spots can run upwards of $5.25 million USD for 30 seconds. While the NFL is an extreme example, many modern low-draw or niche sports have found similar advertising catalysts to drive success, and they have done it in shockingly short amounts of time. Two examples of this are
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“extreme sports” and “esports.” In extreme sports, the X-games became profitable and popular largely due to partnerships with energy drink companies that drove revenue in a target market. Similarly, esports has been profitable by marketing gaming peripheral products to their audience. There can be similar advertising catalysts in women’s sports, the problem is discerning what they are. Augustin explains, “While it’s important to get bums in seats for women’s sports, that’s a starting point. The grassroots of this is to develop consumer demand to watch on tv – that’s what will grow enough revenue to make it reasonably profitable.” Another solution that has been proposed is a shorter season or tournament model. For Augustin, this too is a potential solution. “We live in modern times with modern men’s sports – but that isn’t the history of the sport. They’ve had shorter seasons in the past.” “In a short season or tournament, it controls cost. You don’t have to pay the players an equivalent of a year’s salary.” While it is difficult to accept that women’s major league sports do not currently drive enough consumer demand for athletes to
compete as much as their male counterparts, they need to start somewhere. The biggest problem many leagues have faced in the history of sports is trying to do too much too soon. Again, men’s major leagues became the juggernauts they are today in a matter of one-hundred-years. So, what can we do right now? For Augustin, it comes back to product differentiation. “What WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) did right is that they didn’t try to market themselves as a competitor against men’s tennis; they tried to market themselves as something different and unique.” This is true, but tennis is competing against a sport that is on the lower side of consumption to begin with. Can women’s leagues really compete against men’s leagues in the major sports? Augustin says maybe, using soccer as an example. “Lot’s of people follow the Canadian women’s national team. – if that can be successful, can that translate to a professional league? I think the answer is yes, but they need to work at it, and they need to find some sources of revenue to make it work.” “They haven’t found the magic elixir yet, but I think it’s
possible.” As an economist, does he think that there will ever be true gender equity in major league sports? “For the most part the history says no – I think there is a potential to establish viable leagues that are profitable, that pay reasonable amounts to female athletes, but will they be as high level as men’s, probably not.” “Getting fans to get over that absolute quality difference is probably too big a gap to get across, but can you get it big enough that its viable financially and economically, I think so.” Part of the problem comes back to time. Men’s leagues have had a 100 year head start, and they are still growing. According to an article by Forbes, NBA revenues grew by an average of 13 per cent in 2018. On top of this, the major leagues are also increasingly working to market their products to women. This means that women’s leagues are competing for viewership and working to change quality perceptions in all parts of the gender spectrum. That being said, the WNBA is a beacon of hope for women’s major league sports. Despite losing money, the WNBA is growing rapidly. Wom-
en in the WNBA are making reasonable salaries. They will average $130,000 USD in 2020, up 83 per cent from 2019. Viewership is also on the rise, with reported increases of 30% from year to year. Most importantly, the NBA continues to support them. As Augustin suggests, this means that the investors believe that the league will be profitable going forward. They are setting a standard for gender equality that will hopefully drive fair compensation in other women’s sports for generations to come.
Playoff-bound Cougars set for play-in game Win or go home in Valentine’s Day showdown
tyler meadows sports editor
The Cougars women’s basketball team is going to the playoffs! However, they aren’t exactly going in on a high note. The Cougars have lost their last four games. To put a cherry on top of this pie without whipped cream, they must win a play-in game against Victoria on the road to advance. Tough task, Victoria finished 7 in Can West going 12-8, while Regina finished 8-12. Further, Regina has only won two games against teams that finished the year above .500 on the road and Victoria has only lost one game at home to a sub .500 team. The Victoria Vikes are led by Ashlyn Day who averages 16.4 points per game she is a lethal 3-point shooter knocking down 45 per cent of her attempts. Day, along with 3-point specialist Morgan Roskelley, who makes over two per game on 43 per cent shooting, lead the way on offence. Katie Langdon will also be a load to handle down low. She had a tough January but has played well the last five games and will be looking to advance in the playoffs in her fifth year. The Vikes are especially protective of home court going 8-3, which makes the task even more daunting for the 5-6 road team. The Vikes have a deep team and will probably tighten up their rotation for the play-in game. On the Cougars side, it’s been a tough year with a lot of injuries and an incomplete roster to be frank. Coach Taylor has done the best he can managing the roster and getting the most out of the team. They have been a very scrappy team, always fighting,
University of Regina Athletics
Ballin
like this past weekend when they went down big to Fraser Valley, but pulled to single digits multiple times in the second half. Season ticket holder Steven has been watching the team all year and is cautiously optimistic about the upcoming game against Victoria. “I believe this Cougar team, though not one of the best or most talented teams we have seen recently competes so well on defence. Coach Taylor has them
locked in and they usually make it difficult for the other team to score. I think they have a really good matchup with Victoria, which makes me super nervous because these games can be a coin toss.” This season the Cougars have been middle of the pack in nearly every statistical save for defensive rebounding, in which they are first, and steals where they rank last. They make 37.5 per cent of their field goals and 30 per cent
of their 3-pointers. The Cougars play really good defence, but they don’t create enough turnovers. Compounding that problem for the one game playoff, is the fact that Victoria takes care of the ball better than all but two teams in Can West. The game will obviously come down to who is able to make shots and take care of the ball. The teams are very evenly matched with both having margin of victory differentials within half a point of each other. Both teams
make shots, play defence and get after it. So, the competition will be fierce.
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Editor: taylor balfour op-ed@carillonregina.com the carillon | February 13 - February 26, 2020
Keep your sinophobia in quarantine this flu season
pixabay
While the quarantine in Wuhan, China continues, and thousands are infected in the city’s area by the novel coronavirus (NCOV), buzz continues to circulate around the world about the urgency of the virus. The Carillon’s news section includes an account of the situation on the ground in China, but the NCOV has implications abroad as well, implications that aren’t about public health risk. Rather, the real (and, to an extent, justified) fear of contracting a serious illness as the NCOV sprads has spiralled for many into a very unreasonable paranoia despite there being little to no risk. Even worse, these exaggerated worries express themselves through acts of anti-Chinese racism (or sinophobia) that harm, isolate, and have material costs for Asian Canadians. Edward Hon-Sing Wong, co-chair of the Chinese Canadian National Council’s (CCNC) Toronto chapter, has written for Briarpatch and Al Jazeera about the sinophobia surrounding the NCOV outbreak, which he says has a long history in North America. The CCNC is dedicated to monitoring anti-Chinese racism in Canada, and its very existence shows that such racism has been a long institution here. As Hon-Sing Wong explains, Chinese Canadians have long been portrayed by racists as “unhygenic” or “diseased,” a perception that dates back to the poor conditions in 19th century Chinatowns. Of course, these conditions themselves were caused by racism in the first place – a
lack of care for migrants meant that sewer and waste systems were not adequately implemented. This sinophobic perception of “dirtiness” prevented Chinese Canadians, says Hon-Sing Wong, from getting jobs as well, and as a result disenfranchisement continued. Hong-Sing Wong says in his article for Al Jazeera, “Sinophobia Won’t Save You From the Coronavirus,” that Chinatown conditions are much improved in present day, but panics about diseases from China “add fuel to the fire.” The NCOV scare is unfolding in a similar manner to the SARS outbreak in 2003, and Chinatowns are losing a great deal of business while Chinese and other Asian Canadians are facing unfounded accusations of illness or being avoided in public. This is not only happening in big cities like Toronto but in Regina, too, and at the U of R. The University of Regina cancelled all travel to China in January, taking a “proactive” approach to the NCOV. While precautions are understandable, the virus can only be contracted through close person-to-person contact and the Chinese government is taking its own serious precautions to avoid further infection. This idea that China is somehow a time bomb of fatal disease because of the NCOV, when several times more people die of the regular flu in the US in a year than have died of NCOV in China, is creating hysteria and stoking racist ideas. I have already heard several of my Chinese, Korean, and Japanese friends
speak out about microaggressions they experienced in Regina because of their perceived risk for NCOV. Although I was not able to get an interview from a student about these experiences directly, U of R students offered me some of their testimonies through social media. One student reported to the Carillon that a classmate of theirs walked into class wearing a mask, asked an Asian student if they had been to China, and then told them to sit two seats away from them. Another says that they know someone who is convinced the NCOV is a superweapon created by the Chinese. The U of R officially runs a “you belong here; racism doesn’t” campaign on campus – it should be aware of the kinds of grossly misinformed attitudes that are leading to this racist behaviour among the student body. Let us get the facts straight about NCOV: it is only spread through close contact with an infected person. It is not necessarily, or even likely to be, a fatal illness, unless the person infected has poor respiratory health or is immunocompromised. We still need to protect the health of these people – of everyone – but the way to do this is not to increase our sinophobia or distrust of Asian Canadians, and it is ridiculous that this needs to be said. During any flu season, we need to encourage basic hygiene like hand washing and safe food preparation, we need to be getting our shots, and we need to take a damn sick day or wear a face mask when we’re ill so that we don’t expose
others to our germs. Considering that face masks are widely accepted as courtesy and hygiene standard in East Asian countries, it is particularly ironic that in the West we act as if China is unhygenic while we walk around sneezing on our coworkers.
marty grande-sherbert staff writer
“The way to do this is not to increase our sinophobia or distrust of Asian Canadians, and it is ridiculous that this needs to be said.” – Marty Grande-Sherbert
February 13 - February 26, 2020
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How not to celebrate Black History Month It is that time of the year again when people start allowing consumerism and capitalism to make them feel insecure about their romantic life, or lack thereof. In the midst of all the drama and lust that usually clouds the month of February, the month holds a special meaning for Africans and Black people all over the world. What is known today as Black History Month officially began in 1926 when Carter G. Woodson, an African American historian, initially proposed the idea. The proposal to commemorate the many achievements of African Americans and highlight the often discarded history of the Black race became what was known as Negro Week in 1926. The movement spread to Canada and was launched by the Ontario Black History Society and soon after officially became Black History Month in 1976. Worthy of mention, however, is the fact that Black History Month was not officially recognized by the House of Commons until 1995. Jean Augustine, Parliament’s very first female Black member, called on a motion to have the month-long celebration made official. Senate’s official recognition of the month took place in 2008 when Senator Donald Oliver called for the motion. Over the years, the month has become an opportunity for Canadians to celebrate Black heritage and share stories of many unsung Black Canadian heroes. While many non-Black people with genuine intentions also look forward to partaking in the festivities, there are some cringe-worthy acts and practices that occur year after year that put a damper on the festivities. At the very top of the list is acting like Black History Month is the only time when
Black History is important. As cliché as it may sound, Black History is a year-round celebration and should not be restricted to only being celebrated one month in a year. This goes for people who give themselves a pat on their back for acknowledging their Black neighbours existence in February and go back to business as usual on March 1. It’s gross and not to mention, we are literally in 2020. Some well-meaning teachers also believe that this is the time to take a breather from their regular curriculum and place extra focus on Black characters. Your curriculum should already have these stories incorporated into them. Giving your students the impression that Black History is not part of their regular lessons trivializes the month in more ways than you can imagine. Whatever discussions you have about Black History this month should exist naturally within the scope of things you already discuss in class and in the same fashion as you would discuss them. Black istory is Canadian history; this is a time to reflect on that, not to begin discussing it. There is also a tendency in conversation to discuss Black History in terms of nostalgia and something that only exists in the context of the past. There are more black heroes that Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks – learn them. Black History has not ceased existing and neither have they paused in terms of accomplishments; a celebration of their history should explore them. We live in an overly sensitive society where everything is polarized and blown out of proportion within seconds. However, one of the reasons people usually have
M.P Jean Augustine courtesy of JeanAugustine.ca
a hard time navigating times like these without seeming condescending and out of touch is because they only wait for government-sanctioned celebrations to learn about something they should be learning year-round. It is important to be sensitive about being respectful without being overly patronizing. At the end of the day, do not forget that it is okay to ask questions because there will never be anything wrong with seeking more knowledge. Happy Black History Month, U of R and remember, if you feel the random urge to say any
of these to your Black friends – “yo my G” or “what’s good sister” – don’t.
adeoluwa atayero contributor
Angelica was made of adventure Have you ever looked into a pair of eyes and could only see adventure and your favourite shade of green? Angelica had those eyes. Angelica was the adventure. When I was in grade nine, getting settled into my homeroom, the most beautiful girl I had ever seen walked in. She was wearing a shirt with a pattern of a map of the world. I didn’t know it back then, but her life taught me the outlook that I strive to implement in my daily life. Every single day she inspired me. To love, to be curious, to be free, and to dream big and go after it. I have yet to meet someone who embodies the word “spirit” in the way that she did. For anyone who never had the pleasure to meet her, I am sorry because I believe that meeting her is one of the greatest gifts that I have ever been given. Angelica had to switch schools which meant I no longer saw her on a daily basis, but the circumstances also prevented us from communicating as much as we had before. As unfortunate as it was, I was okay with it because of every adventure I had and every new thing I tried with her. I knew that when I’d be able to tell her about it, she would smile. Any time I was scared to do something, I knew that it was going to be another story to tell her, which would be another chance to make her proud of me. I can’t name a lot of people who understood life as well as she did. She understood that life is short, and nothing was going to stop her from living her dreams. She understood that every person is deserving of love and compassion. I wish everyone knew the kind of heart that she had. I wish everyone understood the impact she had on every person she met. I wish I could find the words to explain who she was. She was full of life.
She was our world’s Holly Golightly from Breakfast at Tiffany’s. She had the spirit that you would fall in love with, even if you didn’t want to. I think that’s how she wanted it to be too. She wanted to be free. I have never missed someone so much in my entire life, and not a single day goes by that I don’t thank her for all she has given not only to the world, but also to me. She is no longer remembered as just a person, but through the impact she left on the world. Her legacy lives on through the idea of a free spirit, loving everyone and living life as though every day is a new adventure.
nicole mah contributor
Nicole Mah
February 13 - February 26, 2020
op-ed
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Kesha’s defamation ruling is ridiculous Kesha’s music was a defining moment of my childhood, as it was for many my age. What was a defining moment of my adulthood, unfortunately, was her assault trial against her producer, Lukasz Gottwald, better known as Dr. Luke. I’m sure a great deal of you are aware of this case. When Dr. Luke’s trial was at its peak in 2016, it was ruled in Dr. Luke’s favour. Key moments from the trial included the judge refusing to give Kesha permission to leave her contract with Sony, the record label she was signed to with Dr. Luke. However, the key piece of evidence used against Kesha at the time was a recording of her denying that Luke ever assaulted her. The recording in question was taken in 2011, four years prior to Kesha filing a suit against Dr. Luke, which occurred in 2015. This means that the video in question – the key piece of evidence being used against her – is a recording that had taken place while she was still under Dr. Luke’s direct management. At the time, Kesha’s lawyer, Mark Geragos, stated that Luke “threatened to destroy Kesha’s life and the lives of her family if she didn’t cover up his sexual assaults in a 2011 deposition” according to a 2016 article from NME.com. However, seeing the amount of weight it carried in ruling the trial in Dr. Luke’s favour, it seems as though none of this was taken into consideration. Of course, for many victims of sexual assault and various forms of violence – primarily domestic violence – the threat of keeping silent and denying any allegations of assault is all too common. In an article poignantly titled “Confused Why Women Don’t Report Sexual Assault? Ask Kesha,” the Huffington Post details how the media treatment of Kesha – belittling her struggle and questioning her motives – is the exact reason why a majority of assault victims don’t report the crimes done to them. Let me put it as plainly as I can think possible: a lot of assault victims don’t want to relive their trauma, be stuck in a room with their abuser for days on end, and be accused of lying while attempting to get legal justice done to the person that traumatized them. Unfortunately, the public doesn’t seem quite compassionate enough to understand this. Frequently, the public accuses victims of coming forward for some kind of financial gain. So, genuinely, I ask you, what has Kesha gained since this trial began? Notoriety? Fame? Money? No, none of the above. What she gained was her name being dragged through the mud – people accusing her of doing this for financial gain. Realistically, what financial gain? Her money went toward hiring lawyers and dealing with a traumatizing court trial. Did she gain fame? Also no, because who would want to be known as “that girl who sued Dr. Luke for assaulting her?” No one, because no one wears being an assault victim as a badge of pride. It isn’t something that victims enjoy, and it never will be. Kesha’s story is all too common, and
Wikipedia Commons
that’s the problem. An even bigger, more prominent issue, however, if now Kesha has been charged with defamation against Dr. Luke’s character. No, I’m not kidding, but let me tell you, I wish I was. Essentially, Dr. Luke sued Kesha in return in 2014 claiming exactly what has been analyzed above: that she had made up the assault claims to get out of a recording contract she had signed with him and Sony, and that these claims counted as defamation. And last week, he won. The judge, Jennifer Schecter, ruled that Kesha “defamed Gottwald when she texted Lady Gaga claiming he had [also] raped Katy Perry” and was therefore told “to pay interest of $373,671 (£289,000) on late royalties” according to BBC.
Yes. Thanks to a private text conversation with another celebrity, Kesha has been charged with defamation of her assaulter’s behaviour. You know, the text exchange that was only made public during the trial where she was arguing he was an abuser. The text exchange that wouldn’t have been made public otherwise. According to Encyclopedia Britannica, in order for defamation “to be criminally punishable, it must be such as would provoke a breach of the peace or in some other way directly prejudice the public interest.” I feel the need to emphasize that this was a private text conversation. No broadcast as a means of swaying public interest, but a private conversation of a victim speaking with a friend about the actions of her abuser.
While Katy Perry denies the claims, claiming she had not ever been assaulted by Dr. Luke, it’s atrociously sad how such minuscule evidence against Dr. Luke – i.e. the recording of Kesha while still under his thumb – got him off scot-free, while the same amount of evidence got Kesha charged. Do you still wonder why women don’t report sexual assault? Because I don’t.
taylor balfour op-ed editor
“Genuinely, I ask you, what has Kesha gained since this trial began? Notoriety? Fame? Money? No, none of the above.” – Taylor Balfour
February 13 - February 26, 2020
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The many faces of the five-dollar bill
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KMR Photography
Early last month it was announced that the Canadian five-dollar bill is about to get a new look, which involves replacing Sir Wilfrid Laurier’s image with that of another significant Canadian. Similar to the process that occurred in 2016, which placed Viola Desmond on the Canadian $10 bill, the public will also be consulted in selecting who should be displayed on the new five-dollar bill. Although I have some issues with the requirements regarding the nomination process, it is a good decision to redesign the Canadian five-dollar bill. Laurier has been on the bill for the last 51 years, making it time for another Canadian to be honoured. In 1969, Sir Wilfrid Laurier’s image was placed on the Canadian five-dollar bill for the first time, as part of the Royal Canadian Mint’s Canada design series. Laurier was the first Francophone Canadian Prime Minister and likely chosen because of his significant contributions to Canada. During his years of governing (18961911), he advocated for national unity, “promoted national development and expansion, [encouraged] immigration … [supported] the construction of a second transcontinental railway and [over saw] the incorporation into the country of … Alberta, Saskatchewan … (and) the Yukon territory,” as mentioned on the Bank of Canada’s website. Over the last 51 years, the Royal Canadian Mint has released three different versions of the five-dollar bill (1986, 2001 and 2011) as part of their various design series. While these bills have received a new design, Laurier’s image has always remained. It is definitely time for an upgrade. On Jan 29, public consultation for selecting an individual to be displayed on the five-dollar opened up. Individuals have until March 11 to, as the governor of the Bank of Canada, Stephen Poloz, stated: “nominate any historic individual [who
has] inspired them.” A max of five names, along with a symbol, or image accompanying the nominees name, can be submitted on each submission form. Multiple forms can be submitted by an individual. All names will be reviewed by a council of individuals from civic, academic and cultural areas of society. These individuals will research the nominees and create a list of possible candidates which they will then submit to the Minister of Finance, Bill Morneau, who will have the final say. The decision of who will be featured on the new five-dollar bill will be announced later this year. From there, the design process will commence with the release of a new five-dollar bill in three to four years. Although I’m glad that the public will have an input in this important decision, I disagree with some qualifications regarding nominees put forward by the Bank of Canada. For example, nominees can’t be a fictional character, which eliminates Prince Edward Island’s beloved Anne of Green Gables. While I realize that she may be more relevant to the people of the east coast provinces, I can’t help but think that it would be amazing to have such an iconic Canadian fictional character displayed on our country’s currency. Secondly, all nominees have to have been dead for at least twenty-five years (before March 11, 1995). This qualification seems unfair because it eliminates The Tragically Hip’s former front man, Gord Downie. In my opinion, Downie is someone who extremely deserves the honour of being commemorated on Canadian currency. He was an individual whose songs always demonstrated Canada and the issues that mattered most to Canadians. His lifestyle and personality strongly embodied important Canadian values, like bravery, courage,
dedication and charity. I’m not the only one who wants to see Downie on the new five-dollar bill. Ever since news emerged about selecting a new person for the five-dollar bill, his name has been circulating on social media as a popular nominee choice. Some people have even pointed out that the five-dollar bill could be nicknamed “the Gordie,” which would be pretty damn cool. While the nominees should be someone who has died, there shouldn’t any specificities on the length, because it excludes significant individuals. However, there are many Canadians who would be an excellent choice for the new five-dollar bill, who have earned great “achievements [and/or demonstrated] leadership … for the benefit of the people/ service of Canada.” Terry Fox is my top choice because he is definitely a Canadian hero who not only brought all Canadians together to raise money for cancer research, but also created a legacy that still exists forty years later. Fox’s image on the five-dollar bill, is unsurprisingly being pushed for by the residents of his hometown, Port Coquitlam B.C. I agree with Dave Teixeir, local Terry Fox run organizer. “Terry … is [a] national figure in Canada. He is … someone who would be wonderful to have on a piece of Canadian currency” as mentioned by CBC News. Another individual who would make a good choice is Nellie McLung. Throughout the early 1900s, she not only fought for women’s rights and equality, especially when it came to suffrage and work pay, but also advocated for a variety of social, moral and human rights issues. A third option would be Miles Gilbert, otherwise known as Tim Horton, a successful hockey defenceman who played four seasons in the NHL and helped found a small donut shop in Hamilton, Ontario,
which eventually grew into the Tim Horton franchise. Anne of Green Gables, Gord Downie, Terry Fox, Nellie MClung and Miles Gilbert ‘Tim’ Horton are all individuals who have made significant contributions to our country and deserve the honour of being commemorated on the five-dollar bill. However, it will be up to Canadians to decide who will be displayed. Anyone interested in submitting a nomination form should visit the Bank of Canada’s website. To quote Poloz, a new five-dollar bill provides a “great opportunity to highlight the many stories of heroes, sometimes unsung ones, who have helped shaped the Canada we live in today.”
elisabeth sahlmueller staff writer
“I disagree with some of the qualifications regarding the nominees put forward by the Bank of Canada.” – Elisabeth Sahlmueller
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Editors: sarah carrier, morgan ortman, kate thiessen graphics@carillonregina.com the carillon | February 13 - February 26, 2020