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THE CORD
THE TIE THAT BINDS WILFRID LAURIER UNIVERSITY SINCE 1926
VOLUME 56 ISSUE 12 NOVEMBER 11, 2015
SAFETY
Sexual assault is talked about. But what is being done to combat it? MARISSA EVANS STAFF WRITER
In July, a Wilfrid Laurier University student was walking home along Bricker Avenue when she noticed a group of “belligerent” males walking behind her. It was 10:30 p.m. As she walked between two apartment buildings, the males followed her. They proceeded to push her against a wall. One ripped the side of her shirt off. She was able to kick one in the shin and run away. She only told two people about the incident and didn’t report it. “Because it’s not the first time it’s happened to me,” she explained. “And when I did tell someone, it blew up in my face.” Over the past few years, discourse has begun to open up in society around sexual violence. Universities across the country are putting forth efforts to eradicate the stigma surrounding sexual assault and develop better protocols and policies. But incidents such as the one above continue to happen. According to the Criminal Offence Summary put out by the Waterloo Regional Police Service, there were 19.1 per cent more sexual violations in 2014 as compared to 2013. In 2014, there were 453 reported cases of level 1 sexual assault, where assault is committed in circumstances of a sexual nature and the sexual integrity of the victim is violated. Of these cases, no adult females were charged; rather the largest demographic of persons charged were adult males. Sarah Syrett said she doesn’t recall there being any talk about incidents involving sexual assault while she attended the University of Waterloo. She graduated in 2011 and said it was only after this point that she discovered the neighbourhood she had been living in as a student was referred to as “Rapeville.” However she never felt unsafe while on campus or when walking home. “I’m sure it was happening,” she said in reference to sexual assaults. “It was definitely happening. But I think that just generally, we’re better at talking about those things now.” While she attended Ryerson University for her first year, missing out on any orientation to UW, Syrett said the university didn’t address
In Depth, page 3
THE DARK SIDE OF WATERLOO
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2 •
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015
VOCAL CORD What stereotypes are associated with gay clubs?
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PHOTO OF THE WEEK
Editor’s note: We need change
“That it’s only for gay people.” –Alex Sokolowski, secondyear communications
SHELBY BLACKLEY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
WILL HUANG/PHOTO EDITOR
Men’s football head coach Michael Faulds hugs fifth-year Dillon Campbell after his last game as a Hawk Saturday.
“That it’s gay to be in a gay club, which is wrong.” –Anthony Pullia, third-year communications
“That they’re not inclusive of the outside community.” –Laura D’Amico, third-year psychology
“If you’re not gay, you can’t join in.” –Marina Machado, thirdyear psychology
“People tend to think they’d be more sexualized.” –Mason Leite, third-year economics and finance Compiled by Maddy Cutts Photos by Jessica Dik NEXT ISSUE: NOVEMBER 18, 2015
CORD STAFF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Shelby Blackley sblackley@thecord.ca CREATIVE DIRECTOR Lena Yang lyang@thecord.ca CREATIVE DIRECTOR Joshua Awolade jawolade@thecord.ca MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR Mynt Marsellus mmarsellus@thecord.ca
Bag O’ Crime Location: 43 Ezra St. Waterloo Reported: Tuesday, November 3, 2015 @ 11:51 p.m. Several female tenants all Laurier students contacted SCS in regard to a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot. They had heard the sound of metal scraping along the pavement and a loud banging sound near the building. WRPS attended to assist. An unknown male dressed in black had been seen running through the parking lot. The vehicle and male had left the area upon the arrival of the attending officers. Location: Waterloo College Hall Reported: Thursday, November 5, 2015 @ 5:39 a.m. SCS attended Waterloo College in response to a report of a broken panel of glass. SCS located the upper meshed window of the door leading from the foyer of the residence to the lounge area broken. A work order was generated to have the window repaired. There are no suspects at the time of the report. Location: Off-Campus Reported: Friday, November 6, 2015 @ 10:01 a.m. WRPS attended to a student housing complex at an off-campus location in Waterloo in response to an activated fire alarm. A suspect in this case was identified as a male Laurier student. In lieu of criminal charges being laid the matter is being forwarded to the Student Conduct Administrator for his consideration. Location: Mid-Campus Drive Reported: Friday, November 6, 2015 @ 11:21 a.m. SCS received a complaint regarding a vehicle being driven along Mid-Campus at a high rate of speed
CAMPUS NEWS EDITOR Kaitlyn Severin kseverin@thecord.ca
GRAPHICS EDITOR Vacant
LOCAL NEWS EDITOR Erika Ymana eymana@thecord.ca
PHOTO EDITOR Andreas Patsiaouros apatsiaouros@thecord. ca
FEATURES EDITOR Bethany Bowles bbowles@thecord.ca
PHOTO EDITOR Will Huang whuang@thecord.ca
ARTS & LIFE EDITOR Zach Guitor zguitor@thecord.ca
VIDEO EDITOR Brian Phillips bphillips@thecord.ca
OPINION EDITOR Mitchell Consky mconsky@thecord.ca
LEAD REPORTER Maddy Cutts mcutts@thecord.ca
SPORTS EDITOR Drew Yates dyates@thecord.ca
LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER Jessica Dik jdik@thecord.ca
in an erratic manner with the driver honking at pedestrians. Laurier was holding an Open House at the time and campus was highly populated with pedestrians. No one was struck or injured. The driver, a male Laurier student, was located and restricted from driving any motor vehicle on campus. Location: 50 University Place Reported: Friday, November 6, 2015 @ 12:44 p.m. SCS is investigating the theft of a Play Station along with two controllers from a unit on the 4th floor of the student residence. Entry had been gained through an insecure front door sometime between 3:00 a.m. – 12:20 p.m. on November 6 from the common area of the unit. The owner was home at the time but had been asleep. Location: 50 University Place Reported: Friday, November 6, 2015 @ 2:07 p.m. SCS is investigating the theft of a Play Station, two controllers and several games from a unit on the 5th floor of the student residence. Entry had been gained through an insecure front door sometime between 3:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. on November 6 from the common area of the unit. The owner was home at the time but had been asleep. Location: Clara Conrad Hall Reported: Friday, November 6, 2015 @ 10:27 p.m. SCS officers attended to the female student residence at Clara Conrad Hall in response to a complaint of an unknown male going down the hallways trying different dorm room doors. Upon opening one door and finding an occupant inside he ran
SENIOR COPY EDITOR Caitlyn Sageman csageman@thecord.ca SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR Kira Gelbard kgelbard@thecord.ca
CONTRIBUTORS Kamil Ahmed Debra Boulay Kanwar Brar Paige Bush Fatima Busscher Ryan Culley Killian Cuppage Emilia Curcic Marissa Evans Bailey Gembom Spencer Gibara Alena Guits Fani Hsieh
Safina Husein Daniel Johnson Brigitte Kloss Heather McLeod Kyle McCord Hannah Narduzzi Marco Pedri Tristan Renaud Aliaa Sidawi Caroline Spicer Jordan Soufian Jessica Wood
down the hallway and out of the building. A vague description was provided. An exterior search of the immediate area by attending officers proved to be negative. Descriptors: Male (unknown ethnicity), 5’6”, 130 lbs. slim build, dressed in all black clothing. Location: 345 King St N, Waterloo, Ontario Reported: Saturday, November 7, 2015 @ 12:37 a.m. SCS officers attended to the student residence at 345 King St. N., to assist an RLAC in identifying several students that had been caught smoking marijuana by the underground garage. Three male Laurier students were identified and will be dealt with by Residence Life for the narcotic infraction. Location: 75 University Ave. W., Waterloo, Ontario Reported: Saturday, November 7, 2015 @ 11:35 p.m. SCS engaged in a male carrying an open container of alcohol while walking west through Laurier Campus along the north exterior of Willison Hall. The male was issued a PON for his violation of the LLA sec 31(2) — having liquor in open container in other than licensed premises, residence, or private place. Location: 75 University Ave. W., Waterloo, Ontario Reported: Sunday, November 8, 2015 @ 12:20 a.m. SCS received a report from Foot Patrol that their transport van had its rear passenger tire slashed. It is unclear when or where the damage was incurred and there are no suspects. Photographs of the damaged tire (now removed) were taken.
I talked to a woman who was attacked. She was pushed by two men who tried to rip her shirt off and assault her. She was brave, kicking one in the shin before running away as fast as she could. She didn’t realize how absurd it was until much after, reliving the day in her head. And she, a close, dear friend of mine, also has to live every day with the fear of it happening again, triggered by all of the things that could have happened to her. But she’s not the only one. We have received four Bag O’ Crime submissions and a fifth incident summary by the Waterloo Regional Police about sexual assaults in the area around the universities. This is a common occurrence, and we would not be doing our due diligence if we didn’t look into it. That’s why this week’s main story looks into the prevalence of sexual assault and what is happening in the Waterloo Region. It’s hard to read. It’s hard to report. It’s hard to believe this is something we have to deal with on a regular basis despite the services, task forces and efforts put in by those around us. But unfortunately, it’s still an issue. Change beyond just awareness needs to happen. The culture of universities that makes rape on and around campus so common that it’s not talked about needs to change. It’s concerning to read weekly submissions indicating that students aren’t safe, or sit here reporting on why this is happening. I’m not blaming anyone for these occurrences. Sexual assault goes beyond blame and is part of a larger social issue. I’m simply saying that all parties need to express the drastic need for change. This shouldn’t be something people read in the paper. This shouldn’t be something they’re getting notifications about. And it certainly shouldn’t be the defining moment of their university career. Sexual assault is not part of the university experience.
EDITOR’S CHOICE:
COLOPHON
PREAMBLE
“How to throw the best party” by Jordan Soufian
The Cord is the official student newspaper of the Wilfrid Laurier University community. Started in 1926 as the College Cord, The Cord is an editorially independent newspaper published by Wilfrid Laurier University Student Publications, Waterloo, a corporation without share capital. WLUSP is governed by its board of directors. Opinions expressed within The Cord are those of the author and do not necessarily refl ect those of the editorial board, The Cord, WLUSP, WLU or CanWeb Printing Inc. All content appearing in The Cord bears the copyright expressly of their creator(s) and may not be used without written consent. The Cord is created using Macintosh computers running OS X 10.10 using Adobe Creative Cloud. Canon cameras are used for principal photography. The Cord has been a proud member of the Ontario Press Council since 2006. Any unsatisfied complaints can be sent to the council at info@ ontpress.com. The Cord’s circulation for a normal Wednesday issue is 6,000 copies and enjoys a readership of over 10,000. Cord subscription rates are $20.00 per term for addresses within Canada. The Cord has been a proud member of the Canadian University Press (CUP) since 2004.
The Cord will keep faith with its readers by presenting news and expressions of opinions comprehensively, accurately and fairly. The Cord believes in a balanced and impartial presentation of all relevant facts in a news report, and of all substantial opinions in a matter of controversy. The staff of The Cord shall uphold all commonly held ethical conventions of journalism. When an error of omission or of commission has occurred, that error shall be acknowledged promptly. When statements are made that are critical of an individual, or an organization, we shall give those affected the opportunity to reply at the earliest time possible. Ethical journalism requires impartiality, and consequently conflicts of interest and the appearance of conflicts of interest will be avoided by all staff. The only limits of any newspaper are those of the world around it, and so The Cord will attempt to cover its world with a special focus on Wilfrid Laurier University, and the community of Kitchener-Waterloo, and with a special ear to the concerns of the students of Wilfrid Laurier University. Ultimately, The Cord will be bound by neither philosophy nor geography in its mandate. The Cord has an obligation to foster freedom of the press and freedom of speech. This obligation is best fulfilled
EDITOR’S CHOICE ONLINE: “Straight frat boy in a gay club” video by Brian Phillips
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when debate and dissent are encouraged, both in the internal workings of the paper, and through The Cord’s contact with the student body. The Cord will always attempt to do what is right, with fear of neither repercussions, nor retaliation. The purpose of the student press is to act as an agent of social awareness, and so shall conduct the affairs of our newspaper.
Quote of the week: “Andreas isn’t really the tea type. He’s more the warm milk type.” - Photo Editor Will Huang regarding Photo Editor Andreas Patsiaouros’ “drink choice.”
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015
• 3
In Depth
FROM COVER
WILL HUANG/PHOTO EDITOR
ANALYZING THE CULTURE AROUND SEXUAL ASSAULT –cover sexual violence in any form during her undergraduate career. Nor were friends or professors talking about it. Carla Lopez graduated from Laurier in 2009. She and her female friends consciously made sure to always walk in groups. “We just didn’t feel comfortable,” Lopez said. “There were those [emergency poles] that Special Constables put up and we knew there were those. But we knew people pranked them so we thought they wouldn’t take us seriously if something did happen on campus.” She also didn’t trust using Foot Patrol as the volunteers were “just other students” who were sometimes younger. While she always felt safe while on campus, some nearby streets posed concerns.
unions to address, universities have just recently been picking up on it. One of the things the Union has been focusing on is encouraging Laurier to “unwind what is disclosure and what is reporting” to help survivors feel more comfortable with getting the help they need. “In the past — and we’re talking maybe five, 10 years ago — there was a high pressure on survivors of sexual assault to go through the court process,” Bassett said. “We’ve learned through partnerships with the sexual assault centres and experts in the field that that’s not always the best case scenario for survivors.” Formally reporting can be a traumatic process and is a personal decision. According to Bassett, what’s most important is helping individuals connect with services and supports. To address this, Laurier has put forward efforts such as the creation of the Gendered Violence Task Force, which is comprised of students, staff and faculty. It spearheads prevention, policy and education and is guided by research gathered by The Change Project. The Project collected data based on responses from 570 Laurier students in regard to the campus climate around gender based violence. 40 per cent of those who responded to the survey said they’d experienced some form of sexual violence or harassment. Because of numbers like this,
40% of 570
WLU students surveyed have experienced some form of sexual assault
“I think that universities are making a really purposeful and concerted effort to change the culture.
-Laura Bassett, vice-president of university affairs for WLUSU
“I think it was Noecker — for some reason it didn’t feel safe either,” she said. “At the time it was full of guys and frats. So we didn’t feel safe and I didn’t feel safe walking through there. They’d always be catcalling the girls so it just made me feel like something could happen.” According to Laura Bassett, vicepresident of university affairs with the Wilfrid Laurier University Students’ Union, while sexual violence is not an unfamiliar issue for students’
David McMurray, vice-president of student affairs at Laurier, said it won’t be surprising if the amount of sexual violence reports and disclosures increase. “Because of all the education, awareness and training, because students are telling us 40 per cent
“I feel like we take the necessary precautions ... that being said, it happens regardless.”
-Kristen Tassiopoulos, Laurier student
of them are experiencing this, we are expecting a lot more reports,” he said. “And if you think of it versus not being reported, this is much better.” He said this would indicate the university’s efforts are succeeding in creating an environment where survivors feel comfortable disclosing their experiences. Alana Holtom, corporate communications coordinator for WRPS, said it can be difficult to decipher whether an increase in crime rates are due to an increase in criminal activity or an increase in reporting. “We could see a month where we have way more speeding infractions,” she explained. “Does that mean everyone’s driving faster? Probably not, it just means we’ve put a focus toward that.” She said the same is true of sexual violence reports. There is always a need to dig deeper and consider why reports could be up. When an incident of sexual violence is reported to WRPS, the case is given to a specialty branch that
19.1% increase in sexual violations in 2014 from 2013
handles sexual-related offences. According to Holtom, this has been the protocol for handling sexual violence reports for a long time. “The difference nowadays is in technology,” she said. “In that area there’s a lot of focus, especially on the child exploitation area, and also with other cases that come forward where someone is using technology in whether it’s a luring situation or they’re sharing images, that sort of thing.” To accommodate this change in criminal activity, detectives have to be both proficient at police work and knowledgeable about current trends in technology. Laurier’s Students’ Union itself has been involved in all the efforts the university has been putting forward in terms of sexual violence. One of their own initiatives was to introduce a session called The Hawk Pact to Orientation Week this year. The session addressed incidents of sexual violence that happened at other universities and ways Laurier is combatting it. As the undergraduate representative for OUSA, Bassett also sits on a select committee for legislation development at the provincial level. Here she was able to have input into Bill 132 — the Sexual Violence and Harassment Action Plan Act. Additionally, members of the Union presented to the Select Committee on Sexual Violence and Harassment about a series of policy recommendations. One of these was a call for an amendment to the Residential Tenancies Act so those who have been a victim of sexual violence or harassment have the ability to terminate their tenancy early. This amendment was included in Bill 132, allowing victims be able to exit their lease with only 28 days notice. Unlike alumni, current Laurier students seem aware of incidents of sexual violence and the efforts the University is making. Josh Aucoin said when he and his
male friends hear about incidents, their reaction is to question how it could happen. “It’s not something that would ever, ever cross my mind,” he said. “To actually think that someone does that to someone else without their consent is ridiculous.” Kristen Tassiopoulos said she doesn’t feel unsafe while on campus, but when it comes to getting home at night she would rather take a cab than walk. “I feel like we take the necessary precautions, just as myself and my friends included in that,” she said. “That being said, it happens regardless.” Aucoin said he doesn’t feel unsafe, but usually travels with a group of male friends. Tassiopoulos and her
453 cases of level one sexual assault in 2014
“... We knew people pranked [Special Constables] so we thought they wouldn’t take us seriously if something did happen. -Carla Lopez, Laurier alum
friend, Jaimie Wilson, commented “that must be nice” to Aucoin. Aucoin admitted that “it’s a whole different ball game for guys.” Overall, the three believed the university takes the matter seriously enough and that the topic is discussed on campus. “I think that universities are making a really purposeful and concerted effort to change the culture and I think that they should be applauded for that because this has always been one of those issues that’s been pushed under the rug and nobody really talks about,” Bassett said. “And people in the administration are really taking a very purposeful step toward changing that.”
4 •
Campus LAURIER IN BRIEF Remembrance Day at Laurier On November 11, students, faculty and staff at Wilfrid Laurier University are invited to attend Remembrance Day events around Laurier’s Waterloo campus. Laurier’s History Students’ Association will be hosting a Remembrance Day event at 10:50 a.m. in the Concourse. Speakers will also be in attendance, including David McMurray, Laurier’s vice-president of student affairs, who will perform a reading of ‘In Flanders Fields.’
Laurier sponsors Syrian refugee families Wilfrid Laurier University has partnered with the Mennonite Central Committee to sponsor three Syrian refugee families. Two of the families will be settling in the Kitchener-Waterloo region while one will settle in Brantford. Over $21,000 has been donated from more than 80 donors from the Laurier community and more than 70 students, staff and faculty have volunteered to support the families, which includes arranging the initial house set-up.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015 CAMPUS NEWS EDITOR KAITLYN SEVERIN kseverin@thecord.ca
COMMITTEES
The fate of the statues Special advisory committee to weigh in on Laurier’s statues project KAITLYN SEVERIN CAMPUS NEWS EDITOR
On November 5, Max Blouw, president and vice-chancellor of Wilfrid Laurier University, issued a statement noting the formation of a special advisory committee that will provide advice and recommendations to the university’s Senate and board of governors on moving forward with the prime minister statue project. Joel Peters, Laurier’s assistant vice-president of external relations and member of the prime minister statues advisory committee, said especially with the different views of the project on campus, it is best to have a group of representatives come together. “The feeling is this is the best way to have a representative group come together to fully understand and I guess educate each other about the project through a sort of communication information gathering phase,” said Peters. The committee will discuss the pros and cons of the statue project
and how to support it. At the end of their discussion, the committee will give Blouw recommendations on how the university can best proceed. Members of the special advisory committee include a representative of the board and senior advisor of Aboriginal initiatives, Jean Becker, as well an additional Aboriginal representative. “We’re leaving it up to the groups to decide how to represent themselves,” said Peters. Student representatives will also take part in the meeting, including a member of the Wilfrid Laurier University Students’ Union and a representative from Wilfrid Laurier University Graduate Students Association. A member from Laurier’s Arts Divisional Council Student Members will also be part of the committee. “Because so much of the discussion has come out of the arts, we’ve asked the arts divisional council who have a variety of divisional representatives.” Other campus associations taking part in the committee include Laura
LENA YANG/CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Mae Lindo, director of diversity and equity office, and the principal-dean of the Waterloo Lutheran Seminary, Mark Harris. The prime minister statue project was unveiled on the Laurier campus on June 30. The project, originally proposed for Kitchener’s Victoria Park and later rejected by city council, was supposed to incorporate 22 prime minister statues around the Waterloo campus. The first statue to be erected was John A. MacDonald in the campus Quad. Laurier’s board of governors approved the statues proposal on June 25. On October 20, the university Senate approved a motion to oppose
the project and asked the board to cancel Laurier’s involvement in it. In his statement, Blouw asks that the special advisory committee consider the presentation, history and development of the statues when discussing a recommendation. “First, the PM statues project was initiated in good faith and with the best of intentions. Second, as a university community it is essential that we encourage and welcome reasoned, respectful and informed discussions, no matter what the issue,” Blouw said in his statement. “It’s going to be an interesting discussion and I think Dr. Blouw’s statement sort of indicates sort of a tone and philosophy that he’d like to bring it to,” Peters said.
RANKINGS
And in 10th place...
Wilfrid Laurier University ranked 10th in the Maclean’s comprehensive category for annual university rankings KAITLYN SEVERIN CAMPUS NEWS EDITOR
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Wilfrid Laurier University officially ranked 10th in the comprehensive category in the annual Maclean’s university rankings for 2016 released two weeks ago. Maclean’s list of schools in the comprehensive category have a significant degree of research activity and offers a broad range of undergraduate, graduate and professional programs and degrees. For each category including comprehensive, primarily undergraduate and medical doctorial universities, Maclean’s ranks the schools in five broad areas based on 14 performance indicators. These include data from federated and affiliated institutions. Additionally, the publication collects information on universities from reputational surveys, student and faculty awards and researching
“We more want to keep our eyes on the areas that are of particular importance to us as a university.” -Deborah MacLatchy, vice-president of academic and provost
opinions from various university faculty and senior administrators. This year, two new indicators were added to the research, one being a survey of university students talking about their experience and the other a measure into the amount and impact of the faculty’s published research. Deborah MacLatchy, Laurier’s vice-president of academic and provost, said the university is pleased they have come up in the overall comprehensive rankings list. Last year, Laurier ranked 13th in the comprehensive category. “What’s even more important is that the areas in which we really significantly have put effort and really sets Laurier apart such as student satisfaction [we increased in],” said MacLatchy. In the 2016 comprehensive list, Laurier ranked third in student satisfaction and 10th in their reputational survey. The university also ranked sixth in faculty awards and sixth in student services. “It shows that we’re doing well ... where we feel it’s important.” Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, British Columbia ranked first on the comprehensive list overall and 12th in student satisfaction. Laurier’s neighbouring school, the University of Waterloo, ranked second overall in the comprehensive category and fifth in student satisfaction. “I think that’s a good lesson in
“It shows that we’re doing well ... where we feel it’ s important.”
-Deborah MacLatchy, vice-president of academic and provost
why we have to look at the overall rankings with the real eye to what makes up those rankings and then what’s important within them,” said MacLatchy. MacLatchy said the reasoning behind Laurier’s move to the comprehensive list relies on the university’s broad variety of programs, the number of graduate students and increase in research activity. “We more want to keep our eyes on the areas that are of particular importance to us as a university.” When asking prospective students if rankings matter on their university decision, MacLatchy said the students are not focused on the numbers or lists. “For a lot of [perspective] students it’s not a real focus in how students make their decision,” she said. “I think it’s important that, especially for perspective students, to really continue to find the university that’s the right fit for them regardless of what the rankings say.”
CAMPUS NEWS • 5
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015 ADVOCACY
Students feel silenced on statues
Members of Students Against the Statue Project at WLU disappointed with advisory committee KAITLYN SEVERIN CAMPUS NEWS EDITOR
On Monday November 2, members of Students Against the Statue Project asked that the statue project be on Wilfrid Laurier University’s Board of Governors’ agenda. The group formally requested to speak and submit documentation at the board’s meeting on November 26. Rather than having the opportunity to speak at the board meeting, Students Against the Statue Project received an email on November 5 about Laurier’s special advisory committee to review the project. “On Thursday they emailed us back and basically just directed us to the university statement and said that the statue project has been taken off of the agenda,” said Jaydene Lavallie, fourth-year global studies student and a core organizer of Students Against the Statue Project. The statues project has been a controversial discussion on the Laurier campus since the John A. MacDonald statue was installed on
“It takes away the public aspect of it now, we can only put in any input through one of those representatives.” -Jaydene Lavallie, core organizer of Students Against the Statue Project
“There’s a full understanding on all sides and different ramifications to the issue.”
-Joel Peters, assistant vice-president of external relations
WILL HUANG/PHOTO EDITOR
Members of university, including Indigenous professor Kim Anderson, have spoken up against the statue project.
June 30. Students have created petitions both for and against the project, professors have spoken up against it, a sit in was done on the current John A. MacDonald statue and multiple letters have been sent to The Cord. On October 20, a motion was passed by the Senate to oppose the installation of the other prime minister statues and recommended the board of governors cancel Laurier’s involvement in the project. The Students Against the Statue Project group include students, faculty and community members, many of whom believe the installation
of the statues does not “accurately portray the diversity of the university or community.” “In my opinion, the board of governors meeting is open to the public, any students could’ve shown up, a lot of students could’ve shown up,” said Lavallie. According to Lavallie, the group planned on asking student to show their support in opposition to the project. The group has asked to be informed as to how representatives of the special advisory committee will be chosen. So far, they haven’t received a response.
“It takes away the public aspect of it now, we can only put in any input through one of those representatives, we won’t actually be able to speak.” Although the group has yet to speak to the board, the group believes their dedication to stop the statues has put pressure on the university. “We would have preferred if they’d made this decision to open up this committee after the board of governors meeting, which would’ve allowed us to speak and then they could’ve formed the committee,” Lavallie said. As of now, members of Students
Against the Statue Project are continuing to gather letters of supports from different campus clubs and individuals. The group hopes to submit to each representative of the advisory committee. “We would probably would have to reformulate our strategy once we know what kind of meetings they’re having and what they’re discussing. Right now we have no idea.” Joel Peters, assistant vice-president of external relations, asserts he did not hear about the group’s request. Peters believes David McMurray, vice-president of student affairs and chair of the special advisory committee, will make sure various views and perspectives about the project are brought forward. “There’s a full understanding on all sides and different ramifications to the issue,” said Peters. “Apologies that [Lavallie] didn’t hear it, it’s not something I was aware of, but certainly this process is meant to be very open and consultative with respect to the various forces on campus.”
ELECTIONS
JESSICA DIK/LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER
The Students’ Union has already begun planning for their 2016 student elections. The nomination packages for positions such as president and CEO, and board of directors have been released.
Election process begins for WLUSU MADDY CUTTS LEAD REPORER
Wilfrid Laurier University Students’ Union has already begun preparations for student elections this coming winter. Elections are held annually to allow students to elect their peers into a variety of positions, from the board of governors which governs the business aspects of the university, to the Senate which addresses academic operations. There is also the role of president & CEO of the Students’ Union, as well as the board of directors, who advocate for the student body at the administrative level. This year, the Students’ Union has already released all policies and
nomination packages and have begun their promotional campaigns. “We’re doing these like little pieces about people who have been in the Students’ Union, people who have been successful in their elections,” said Bianca Anderson, assistant chief returning officer for the Students’ Union. “Those pieces go out periodically while we’re leading up to the campaign season.” Nomination packages are available at the U-desk, online, as well as at the WLUSU offices on both the Waterloo and Brantford campuses. Students from either campus are eligible to run for all positions. The board’s goal is to accurately represent Laurier’s student body, an aim currently undermined by the gender disparity amongst representatives.
This year, there is only one female on the board. “So the board isn’t actually indicative of our students. I’m pretty sure our student population is 60:40, 60 per cent female, so ideally that would be the goal,” said Anderson. “It’s maybe not going to happen in one year, but it’s like a long-term plan to have the actual campus represented in the board.” WLUSU is hoping to draw in potential candidates through promotion of the post-graduation benefits and skill transferability of these positions. “One of the big reasons any student comes to Laurier, or any university I guess, is at the end they want to get a job,” said Colin Aitchison, chair of the board of directors. “We want to
highlight the importance of roles like this in regular corporations.” However, certain requirements of the roles have been altered to ensure candidates are in line with the student aspect of the role, such as requiring elected representatives to be enrolled in a minimum of one class per semester during their term. Students with an interest in running have the remainder of the semester to consider their applications, with nomination packages due January 18. This will be followed by an all-candidates meeting that evening, with campaigning officially commencing the following day. This will give students the opportunity to share their platforms with the student body prior to elections days, being held on February 3 and 4.
Marketing to voters has already begun, with WLUSU representatives meeting with members from Residence Life to encourage awareness amongst first-year students. The Students’ Union’s broader campaign, #LaurierVotes, will also continue to market the benefits of being engaged with politics to students. It is a campaign to encourage a higher turnout. The campaign began with the federal election, though organizers are certain the best route to a higher voter-turnout is by increasing student involvement with the election. “We want a higher candidate turnout than we had last year,” said Aitchison. “Hopefully a higher candidate turnout will also reflect a higher voter turnout.”
6 •
Local
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015 LOCAL NEWS EDITOR ERIKA YMANA eymana@thecord.ca
REMEMBRANCE DAY
Sikh soldier remembered Private Buckam Singh commemorated at Remembrance Day service MYNT MARSELLUS MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR
On November 4, Sikh-Canadian veteran, Harjit Sajjan, was sworn in as Minister of National Defence alongside three Sikh-Canadians in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s federal cabinet. Sajjan is the first Sikh-Canadian to have held this position. His appointment holds sentimental value for the community as almost 100 years ago, Private Buckam Singh, a Sikh-Canadian, enlisted in the Canadian military to fight in the First World War. He was one of only nine Sikh-Canadians permitted to do so. On November 8, a Remembrance Day service was held at Mount Hope Cemetery, located on the KitchenerWaterloo border to recognize Private Singh’s grave site. According to Wilfrid Laurier University alumni, Simmer Anand, roughly 300 to 400 people from across southern Ontario attended the ceremony. The first of these services was organized after Sandeep Singh Brar, founder and curator of sikhmuseum. com, received a peculiar army medal from a British collector in 2008. The medal was engraved with “20th Canadian Infantry” and Private Buckam Singh’s initials. “I assumed it was a soldier of the British-Indian army because this medal was given to all soldiers from all commonwealth countries. I was amazed and shocked. There were no
“Today is just a reminder that this didn’t happen overnight.”
-Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
Sikhs in the Canadian military at that time,” said Brar. Receiving the medal began the lengthy process of reading through old military records about Private Buckam Singh and eventually discovering the grave. “I spent a year putting his story together. I discovered the grave here, which had sat for 90 years with nobody knowing it because when Private Buckam Singh died at that time there were no Sikhs in all of eastern Canada. So he died alone,” said Brar. “If I weren’t to have discovered that medal — let’s say it had just gone to a military collector — none of this story would have ever seen the light of day.” Since 2009, Private Buckam Singh’s grave has been a focal point for Remembrance Day. It remains the only military grave for a SikhCanadian soldier in Canada. That focal point had almost been removed
BRIAN PHILLIPS/VIDEO EDITOR
Sikh-Canadian veterans attend Sikh Day of Remembrance at Mt. Hope Cemetery to visit Pr. Buckam Singh’s grave.
earlier this year. The community, Kitchener mayor Berry Vrbanovic and former members of parliament Steven Woodworth and Peter Braid protected the grave — for which they were awarded plaques at this year’s ceremony. “I immediately contacted the War Graves Commission myself and suggested they defer their decision and they allow for an appropriate period of time for dialogue and consultation with the local Sikh community,” said Braid. “Fortunately, that deferral was granted allowing for the opportunity for dialogue and consultation, which will come in the coming weeks and months.” Members of the community, veterans and political figures were in attendance lay wreathes on the grave of Private Buckam Singh.
Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, said the sacrifices made by Private Singh and other soldiers should be honoured. “Today is just a reminder that this didn’t happen overnight,” said Bains. “That many, many, men and women like Private Buckam Singh sacrificed so much — and we’re really here to honor them and remember their sacrifice.” Bardish Chagger, Waterloo MP and Minister of Small Business and Tourism, reflected about what the event means to her and the Sikh community in K-W. “This ceremony has been going on for eight years, I’ve been coming for seven of those eight years and it’s really neat to see how it has grown. It’s neat to see how the face of the com-
“That’s how we lived, and that’s what we’re going back to.”
-Bardish Chagger, Waterloo MP and Minister of Small Business and Tourism
munity is changing and how it [the ceremony] is welcomed,” she said. Chagger also identified how Private Buckam Singh’s gravestone does not have a cross on its face like the other military graves next to it, indicating Canadians’ lasting inclusivity. “That’s how we lived, and that’s what we’re going back to.”
COMMUNITY
WATERLOO INN TO CLOSE AFTER 43 YEARS JESSICA DIK/LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER
SAFINA HUSEIN STAFF WRITER
On November 3, the Waterloo Inn Conference Hotel publicly announced their decision to close their doors after 43 years. December 15 of this year is said to be the hotel’s last day of operation, located at 475 King Street N. Mary D’Alton, president of the Waterloo Inn, explained that almost four years ago, the current owners of the Inn made the decision to explore their options and consider selling the property. “There have been a lot of new properties and newly renovated and invested hotels,” said D’Alton. In order to renovate the Waterloo Inn’s significant property, millions of dollars would have to be invested. With the necessity of a heavy investment and local competition, the
Waterloo Inn’s owners decided that further reinvestment and renovations on the hotel’s property was not a feasible move both for their personal interests as well as from a planning perspective. “It wasn’t a match anymore,” D’Alton explained. Over the past couple of years, the Inn has considered many potential investors and buyers however the circumstances, timing or negotiations weren’t suitable. The prospective buyer of the hotel began meeting with the Inn’s management this past summer. There are no details as of yet in regards to the buyer’s plans for the property, but D’Alton is certain that the buyer’s plan will be significantly different and it is likely the buyer will partake in a notable investment. “Whatever it is, it’s going to be visionary,” she said.
“It wasn’t a match anymore.”
-Mary D’Alton, president of the Waterloo Inn
Although the prospective buyer plans to take over the property and assets, they do not intend on taking over any of the food, drink or staff. D’Alton said that the news of the hotel’s upcoming closure was a huge shock and disappointment to their staff. “To tell people that they’re not going to have a job in two months and not knowing what’s going to happen
after is pretty tough,” she said. After the announcement of their closure, the Waterloo Inn has hired an international firm that has set up a working centre at the hotel to hold private training sessions, in which hotel staff are able to work on their resumés, learn about computers, social media and more. “My goal is to get as many [hotel] staff hired as I can,” said D’Alton. “I have actually had a lot of phone calls from the hotels, restaurants and bars in the area wanting to hire our staff, which is great.” Not only was the announcement a shock for hotel staff, but for the public as well. D’Alton said that since the release of the news, she has been overwhelmed with positive feedback from the public in regards to their substantial presence within Kitchener-Waterloo.
“I think it’s a function of the staff’s good reputation. I think the staff have provided quality product and good service for years, people are going to miss it.” The hotel was built in 1972 by a group investors and shareholders and the property originally holding 40 rooms. By 1978, the hotel underwent another small expansion that added another 40 rooms. At the same time of the expansion, the hotel was sold to the second generation of shareholders, most of whom still own the property today. Following suit in 1982, the investors added on the four-storey building and various other additional spaces. “The last few months we’ve been really successful. It’s just a business decision. I think we’re going out on a high note,” said D’Alton.
LOCAL • 7
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015 DEVELOPMENT
Investment to improve local trail The new Iron Horse Trail will have new lighting, seating and a wider pathway
MARCO PEDRI/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
ERIKA YMANA LOCAL NEWS EDITOR
Significant changes on the Iron Horse Trail are underway as an improvement strategy was approved by the council to revamp the 20-year old route. The improvement strategy highlights improvements on trail road crossings, flow of traffic, safety and width of the trail, amongst others. The plan started in April and was worked on until the beginning of November. According to Joshua Joseph, author of the Iron Horse Trail Improvement Strategy, a lot of the strategic decisions came from information given by the public. A number of feedback streams were implemented in order to generate community involvement. A public workshop and public meeting were held at Victoria Park Pavilion where brainstorming and panel discussion ensued. There was an online interactive survey that made it possible for
“I think it’s going to be transformative.”
-Joshua Joseph, author of the Iron Horse Trail Improvement Strategy
individuals to comment by dropping a pin on the map. This showed location-specific comments and allowed planners to see what areas had issues. Trail feedback stations were held for three days on the trail, which allowed community members to chat with organizers. The improvement strategy calls for $2.5 million to be invested and will cover general upkeep and additions to the trail such as signage, widening of the trail, repaving, seating, garbage bins and landscaping. This cost is a sum of three sec-
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tions to the trail: North and Central, in which each will incur $750,000 and South, which needs $1 million. Another aspect to the cost structure is lighting, which will amount to $1.5 million. Thus, the total cost of all improvements will be about $4 million. “It is a lot. When you think about that, it is a lot of money. We just have to look at the role this piece of infrastructure can play and see if it’s actually justified. The fact that it’s carrying hundreds of thousands [of trips] every year … it makes sense,” said Joseph. The Iron Horse Trail is set to begin its improvements in 2016, in conjunction with other projects in the community such as the LRT and the King Street redesign. But Joseph said there is a section in the improvement strategy that involves trail closure plans, which will inform the public of alternate routes when construction begins on the trail. “There would have to be some type of understanding between the public that these improvements are
going to take some time to implement, but here’s some alternate ways to get around. The good thing about the Iron Horse Trail is that it’s central to downtown Kitchener and uptown Waterloo, so there are other streets that can be used. But it is going to be a challenge for sure,” said Joseph. In terms of the need for these improvements, Joseph said the numbers speak volumes. The trail is used as a commuter route for people to get to work or school, or for recreational activities such as running or cycling. It averages 250,000 trips per year. The improvements will pave way for an increase in recreational use, as it plans to include public art and events. The immense public outreach indicates a need for its preservation. “I think it’s going to be transformative. People are going to love it even more when all of these improvements go in. I think it’s going to be a landmark feature in the City of Kitchener and the Region of Waterloo.”
K-W IN BRIEF Waterloo MP Bardish Chagger named as Minister of Small Business and Tourism Waterloo’s new member of parliament, Bardish Chagger, has been sworn in as part of Justin Trudeau’s cabinet on November 4 in Ottawa. She was at Rideau Hall with Prime Minister Designate Justin Trudeau and several Liberal MPs who will soon form his Cabinet. Chagger was officially sworn in as Minister of Small Business and Tourism, along with Toronto MP Bill Morneau as Finance Minister and Vancouver MP Jody WilsonRaybould as Minister of Justice. She is a part of the 50/50 maleto-female split Trudeau implemented once he was officially sworn in.
Big plans for the former American Hotel in downtown Kitchener The historic features of this hotel, located at 1 Queen Street North, will be kept but 22 luxury condos will be built on its second and third floors. The condos will be a mix of bachelor, and one to two bedroom units. The main floor will include a coffee shop and restaurant. This plan hopes to attract university graduates who are working in the downtown core.
8 •
Arts & Life
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015 ARTS & LIFE EDITOR ZACH GUITOR zguitor@thecord.ca
LGBTQ
STRAIGHT TO THE GAY CLUB
FANI HSIEH/GRAPHIC ARTIST
Opinion Editor Mitchell Consky — a straight frat boy and total bro — went to a gay club to learn about the LGBTQ partying culture and the intersection of gay and straight communities in K-W
MITCHELL CONSKY OPINION EDITOR
As a straight frat boy who typically spends most nights out at Phil’s or Chainsaw, I had no idea what to expect when I decided to join the party Saturday night at The Order — a “gay club” in uptown Waterloo. I was interested in seeing what made it different than all the other clubs I go to on a regular basis. I wanted to understand what the place means to different people. With a little booze flowing through my veins and a tape recorder in hand, I made my way through the crowd and talked to numerous visitors. I quickly learned that this club stands for more than just the LGBTQ community. As many explained to me, it’s a “safe place,” a “no-judgement zone,” a “domain of acceptance.” It’s a place where everyone — gays, straights,
Sexuality, social class and gender all seemed irrelevant, overpowered by the pulsating beat ...
bisexuals and transgenders — are welcomed to join together and feel the music, which admittedly had me pulling out some of my most laughable dance moves. One guy told me that having this place to go to actually made him feel more comfortable coming out of the closet. He explained the inclusive environment allows everyone to feel comfortable in their own skin.
FILM
I also talked to a few straight girls who said they love coming to The Order so they don’t have to worry about “creeps breathing down their backs and grinding up against them.” They explained to me it’s an environment that exists without the “judgemental” dynamic of other clubs. “It’s one of the few places where people of the same sex can make out on the dance floor and no one will look twice,” said a lesbian student whose name I can’t remember because I was too drunk to ask for it while recording. She went on to explain that it’s not just a “gay bar,” but how it’s a place for everyone who is willing to have a good time and be accepting of other people. The club is set up like most clubs: there’s a dance floor in the middle, a DJ at the front, a bar to the side and a separate area for coats. One minor
detail that sets this place apart: the restroom. Yes, there’s only one. It’s an open concept area for all genders. People file in, do their business and continue with their night. I asked people if there should be something like this arranged at other bars in Waterloo. “Fuck yeah” was the standard response. Didn’t get much else. Phil’s, take notes. The experience opened my eyes to a night of pure fun. Everyone merely wanted to have a good time. Sexuality, social class and gender all seemed irrelevant, overpowered by the pulsating beat of the speakers and the diverse crowd dancing away. It was a night where no inebriated assholes were kicked out because they were caught throwing punches at the dude who looked at their girlfriend funny. No one had to feel self-conscious about following a dress code (one guy barely wore
anything at all). There were no tough guys hiding behind bottle service to show the crowd how rich they are. And the tequila shots never burned so beautifully. Refreshingly enough, everyone was themselves. And that’s what partying is all about.
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Bond, boring Bond Bond’s latest instalment fails to meet high expectations
KYLE MCCORD STAFF WRITER
CONTRIBUTED IMAGE
The James Bond series began in 1962 and 53 years later we have 24 films and more than half of them have their own unique scenes, characters and at least something to be spoofed. Following 2012’s Skyfall, the bar was set pretty high for James Bond in many ways. Along with Adele’s feature song, the film offered so many new elements to the story and really changed the series presented with gorgeous cinematography. Spectre on the other hand feels like it is stuck in the same formula as Skyfall and fails to portray anything new or fantastic in the ongoing series. Following the events of the prior film, Bond sets out on a mission to uncover a secret organization bent on destroying him and the double-O project.
Spectre on the other hand feels like it is stuck in the same formula as Skyfall, and fails to portray anything new ...
One of the amazing things about the latest film is that it uses the beautiful locations to the best of its ability. The opening scene in Mexico City set during a Day of the Dead celebration was fantastic, while scenes in Rome and Austria really made the viewer want to visit those places. The biggest problem with the film was how slow it got in the middle. With a running time of two hours and 28 minutes, it is the longest Bond movie starring Daniel Craig. No other Bond film has ever made losing interest or falling asleep half way through so easy. A change of
pace was anticipated, but sadly, it never came. That being said, Spectre did offer some good elements to the series. One in particular was Christoph Waltz as the new villain. Since Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds, Christoph Waltz has become one of the most iconic actors of recent films. The film’s creators strategically placed him in the shadows of a room, complementing Waltz’s haunting and tormenting demeanor. With a skilled actor like Waltz, you would assume that the director would use him in as many scenes as possible, but unfortunately he appeared only sparingly. While 2012’s Skyfall left a lasting impression, Spectre failed to meet expectations to create a memorable or strong sequel in the franchise. The gorgeous landscapes and brilliant actors could not save the film from its dull story and lethargic pacing. Spectre is far from a terrible film, but it is far from being a staple in the James Bond 007 series that so many people have come to love.
ARTS & LIFE • 9
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015 SATIRE
How to throw the best party Dad was wrong, you can be cool too
JORDAN SOUFIAN STAFF WRITER
Thinking of having a shindig, get-together, soirée or a synonym because everyone else is too afraid to host? Good on you, because Thomas Jefferson thought, “that a little rebellion, now and then, is a good thing.” Now that I’ve quoted a founding father to give this article some credence, it’s obviously logical to explore some strategies to host the best party of the year. Be sagacious when employing these techniques and don’t hold me accountable for the best and most fulfilling night of your life. Further on the note of fulfillment, isn’t that what partying is really all about? Trying to find absolute satisfaction in our menial lives, because nothing says content like a night of frustration and impure elation. Alright, it’s time to cut the soft, mushy flim-flam and get to the tips that will make your party a success. The first step is to invite way too
It’s an unwritten rule of party success to never have a song play for its entire duration ...
LENA YANG/CREATIVE DIRECTOR
many people or too few people. So long as you choose a polar opposite, you’re on the right track. Partygoers value tight, claustrophobic interactions, but sometimes want to relax with only a countable amount of other people. Once you’ve decided on how many people to have in attendance, consistently update the event location and time on Facebook so people will get daily reminders of your massive or meagre party. Once everyone’s in attendance, make sure the phone attached to the auxiliary cord is in open sight so that even the shortest person can reach for it and change the songs at their will. It’s an unwritten rule of party
success to never have a song play for its entire duration, and this is often accomplished by having strangers attach their own phones to the speakers. So if you’ve been crafting the perfect playlist to synchronize the beats per minute of each song to the duration of the party, forget it. By this point everyone should be jamming out to half of every Cal Chuchesta’s bangers. It only follows that you should have a ton of fragile objects littering your house, otherwise you’ve just about butchered the party. Forget red solo cups for beer pong, and reach for the unnecessarily expensive China glass tea set your parents gave you for your birthday. The glass may not be resilient to your
friend’s awful trick shots, but it’s a necessary foundation to have fragile objects strewn around your house. It’s now late into the evening and people are having a good time, but you suddenly remember that you left your toothbrush exposed by the faucet in the bathroom. LEAVE IT. Don’t put it away, it’s always exciting to see where your toothbrush ends up at the end of the night. If somebody wants to use it to scrub away the pizza stains they left on your couch, let it be, because a cool host doesn’t care about his personal property. Accordingly, the pizza they dropped had better be from your fridge. Before the party, stock your fridge with a bunch of fast food so that people can aimlessly flail their
arms inside your fridge until they find the pizza and Go-Gurt. If you’ve managed to follow some of the aforementioned tips, your house should be an absolute disaster. All you have left to do is just sit down on your pizza-stained couch and look around, only to realize that people are stealing the couch you’re sitting on. It may feel like you’re floating, but in reality University of Waterloo engineering students are putting you and your couch in the back of the pickup truck they built. This may seem like an unfathomable turn of events but embrace it. At least the campus police department didn’t shut down your party within 15 minutes of its inception — a new Wilfrid Laurier University record.
FASHION
FASHION VS. FUNCTION Winter is coming. Don’t compromise your warmth. Headwear
Wool is your friend. It’s a great insulator, it doesn’t retain sweat and it’s comfy as hell. You don’t have to wear dorky earmuffs or an outrageous toque to keep warm. Stick with a minimalistic beanie, toque or even a skull-cap to keep things simple. As far as colour goes, stick with solid or simple patterns and aim for neutral colours like black, grey, navy or even a darker red. As far as hats go, it’s best to pick something versatile that will match with anything.
Layers
Did I mention wool yet? Get that shit on lock — hoodies, sweaters, long-sleeve tees, tank tops, you name it. If it can be made of wool, put it on your body. All jokes aside, cotton and synthetic layers also work well in the cold weather. Cotton is arguably more comfortable than most wool pieces, but where it falls is in its tendency to retain water. Wool or cotton layers include flannel shirts, oxford cloth, waffle knit shirts and knit sweaters. These look best if you keep it simple.
Jacket or coat?
I know that denim jacket looks tight, but trust me when I say it’s not worth it. This winter, opt for a jacket with a down or synthetic fill, or a more traditional cold weather option like the peacoat or overcoat. Downfill jackets will warm you right up, but beware if it isn’t waterproof as down-fill insulation will lose efficacy when wet. That’s where synthetic comes into play, which perform better when wet. Peacoats and overcoats present a formal alternative to the insulated jacket, but unfortunately don’t insulate as well and lack waterproof options. These jackets can definitely keep you warm with some proper layering. Grandpa made it, so can you.
Footwear
Don’t get stingy with your sock game. If you’re going to splurge on one piece this winter, definitely invest in some wool socks. With the right socks, you can get away with nearly any shoe on a dry, winter day. When things get wet, reach for something that’s actually waterproof. If you don’t want to look like your uncle, opt for a winter boot that uses neutral colours and ideally a narrow profile. One favourite is the L.L. Bean “Bean Boot,” an iconic waterproof boot that pairs perfectly with wool socks for the winter and remain excellent rain boots for the remainder of the year. WORDS BY ZACH GUITOR
Pants
You can normally get away with the same pants you wore in the fall — jeans, chinos or joggers — but there are few things you can do to make sure those legs are extra toasty. I survived my last winter wearing some heavy-ass jeans, 21 oz. per square yard to be exact. It felt like I was wearing cardboard half the time, but it was definitely worth it for the added warmth. You can also consider wearing a pair of cotton or wool long johns or a pair of synthetic pants underneath your pants on those extra cool days. If you’re poor like me, you can also slip some pyjamas underneath. PHOTOS BY ANDREAS PATSIAOUROS
10 • GAMES
Dear Life Dear Life is your opportunity to write a letter to your life, allowing you to vent your anger with life’s little frustrations in a completely public forum. All submissions to Dear Life are anonymous, should be no longer than 100 words and must be addressed to your life. Submissions can be sent to dearlife@thecord.ca no later than Monday at noon each week. Dear Professor, We’ve submitted two very small assignments, and still have no grades in this class. The deadline to drop without failure is in a week. You lack a sense of urgency. Sincerely, How is this allowed? Dear Life, Why do you penalize me a whole letter grade for one little mistake in citations? Do you really think I will be doing a lot of citing while working at Chapters? You know, there really are more important things in life to worry about. Sincerely, where do i place that comma? Dear Life, Sometimes, trust is really hard to get back. It’s going to take a little more work. Sincerely, I’m not as bad of a person as you think I am. Dear Life, Hey I just noticed I can get a bottle of water on campus again. We make such a fuss about ‘doing the right thing’ when we decide not to allow anyone to sell water on campus and no fuss at all when we backtrack. Sincerely, the spin is everywhere Dear Running Boy with Laptop, You ran after me while I was in my own little world, I thought maybe you just needed directions and was very surprised when you said that I had caught your attention and you just had to talk to me and get my number. You said two things that I want to address. One was “call me desperate” the other was “I’m confused” in response to my answer. First, you are not desperate. It took a lot of courage to go up to a girl you don’t know, ask for her number and risk rejection. Good for you! I respect that bravery and I sincerely meant when I said I was flattered and appreciated it. Second though is you need to respect my answer and receive my reasoning without objection.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015 I genuinely have a boyfriend of 3 years. I felt it was my obligation as a committed girlfriend to tell you this and move on. What is confusing about that? Don’t assume I’m lying to get rid of you. Please know that I respected your courage but you need to respect my answer. Sincerely, Why can’t we be friends? Dear Life, Turnaround, every now and then I get a little bit lonely And you’re never coming round Turnaround, every now and then I get a little bit tired Of listening to the sound of my tears Turnaround, every now and then I get a little bit nervous That the best of all the years have gone by Turnaround, every now and then I get a little bit terrified And then I see the fuckin look in your eyes Turnaround bright eyes, fuckin every now and then I fall apart Turnaround bright eyes, every now and then I fall apart And I need you now tonight And I fuckin need you more than ever And if you only hold me tight We’ll be holding on forever And we’ll only be making it right ‘Cause we’ll never be wrong together We can take it to the end of the line Your love is like a shadow on me all of the time (all of the time) I don’t know what to do and I’m always in the dark We’re living in a powder keg and giving off sparks I really need you tonight Forever’s gonna start tonight Forever’s gonna start tonight Once upon a time I was falling in love But now I’m only falling apart And there’s nothing I can do A total eclipse of the heart Once upon a time there was light in my life But now there’s only love in the dark Nothing I can say A total eclipse of the heart Turnaround bright eyes, every now and then I fall apart Turnaround bright eyes, every now and then I fall apart And I need you now tonight (And I need you now) And I need you more than ever And if you only hold me tight (And if you only) We’ll be holding on forever And we’ll only be making it right (‘Cause we’ll never be wrong) ‘Cause we’ll never be wrong together We can take it to the end of the line Your love is like a shadow on me all of the time (all of the time) I don’t know what to do and I’m always in the dark We’re living in a powder keg and giving off sparks I really need you tonight
Forever’s gonna start tonight Forever’s gonna start tonight Once upon a time I was falling in love But now I’m only falling apart And there’s nothing I can say A total eclipse of the heart A total eclipse of the heart A total eclipse of the heart Turn around bright eyes Sincerely, the Great White Buffalo- still roam-
ing the pastures of your life Dear Student Union coordinators, Your passion and dedication to Laurier students does not go unnoticed. You are appreciated. Keep doing you. Sincerely, Not a rodent
CHECK YOURS BEFORE YOU NEARLY RAM INTO MY CAR. Thanks. Sincerely, Eyeballs exist for a reason Dear Yang, Why you hatin’? Sincerely, embrace your last name
Dear drivers, Blinds spots aren’t a myth, they actually exist so PLEASE FUCKING
Sudoku
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015
Editorial
• 11 OPINION EDITOR MITCHELL CONSKY mconsky@thecord.ca
Remembrance Day should never be overshadowed Immediately following the end of Halloween, spider web and skeleton decorations are already being replaced with Christmas lights and ornaments. Malls are playing carols and the holiday season’s excitement is in the early November air. Is this too soon? Or is it never to early to get into a merry mood? There is nothing wrong with getting into the holiday spirit a little early. Many commercial organizations jump on the potential of promoting their gifts and events as soon as possible to make the most money. Some students may feel like a holiday album is perfect for the November blues or that a movie that resembles everything we love about the holiday season will alleviate some of the stress we’ve been feeling. However it’s important to not let other important days become overshadowed or forgotten. One example is a day commemorating soldiers dying in battle during the fight for freedom. Remembrance Day is upon us and like the name suggests, we must remember. In the chaotic buzz of holiday shopping and celebratory preparations, people are forgetting
to take part in a day that runs much deeper than commercialized gift exchange. The moment of silence during the 11th hour of the the 11th day of the 11th month should never be disregarded. It is a brief — very brief — time to pay our respects for something so important and put everything on hold for those brave souls that sacrificed their lives for our protection. It’s important to remember those who fought for freedom, that lost their lives because of the fight and have allowed us to enjoy the commodities we indulge in daily. This may entail hitting pause on Mariah Carey’s “Merry Christmas” record — at least for 30 seconds. We are not discouraging holiday celebration. It’s important to enjoy what makes you happy. But it is just as important to remember that we would not be able to celebrate the holidays if not for the sacrifice of these soldiers. Wear a poppy, attend a memorial ceremony or simply lower your head for the moment of silence. Holiday excitement can continue in a moment.
Student discussion is necessary for issues on campus The Wilfrid Laurier University board of governors meeting at the end of the month was going to be an opportunity for students, staff and faculty alike to express their views on the infamous statue project. Unfortunately, things went a different way. A group opposing the installation of the statues were informed that a special advisory committee will instead come to an agreement on what to do next for the statues, excluding any presentation the opposing group had prepared for. Firstly, this may be a good thing. With so many opposing views, it’s important to strike a committee that can rationally come to an agreement on something. However, freedom of speech and student engagement must still be present. This committee will have certain members sit on it to decide on an “appropriate” action, but student voices must be heard further than a student representative. The Wilfrid Laurier University Students’ Union said from the beginning they stand non-partisan. If students have concerns, they are to approach the Union. This is good, but students may not feel like a non-partisan group will represent them in front of others who are partial to a particular
side. Laurier and the Students’ Union claim they want student voices and discussions to happen. But there is skepticism that students questions will even be heard. The way some students go about their activism makes others feel like the loudest students are the only ones being listened to, and this does not make for the appropriate discourse Laurier preaches. To reach maximum collaboration and productivity as a university, students must be able to contribute their thoughts and ideas to rising issues. Critical discussions involving heated but moderated debates within the student body should not be exclusively held behind closed doors. This advisory committee may be beneficial in helping everyone finally come to a decision, but it is important that others play a deserved role in that decision being made. And regardless of what the decision is, this may be greater than some people sitting in a room. If something like the statues project is going to continue to divide the student body, maybe a referendum question should be presented to let students really show how they feel.
These unsigned editorials are based off informal discussions and then agreed upon by the majority of The Cord’s editorial board, including the Editor-inChief and Opinion Editor. The arguments made may reference any facts that have been made available through interviews, documents or other sources. The views presented do not necessarily reflect those of The Cord’s volunteers, staff or WLUSP.
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WLUSP ADMINISTRATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIR Bryan Stephens VICE-CHAIR Abdiasis Issa DIRECTOR Rafey Sattar DIRECTOR John Pehar
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JOSHUA AWOLADE/CREATIVE DIRECTOR
College or university? KAITLYN SEVERIN CAMPUS NEWS EDITOR
“College or university?” That was the question I heard from family members and friends almost everyday during grade 11. To some, college may seem like the easiest way to find an almost brainless hands-on job. To others, university may only be for the wealthy who are rewarded a $50,000 receipt at the end of their four-year journey. As someone who has spent time in both, I can tell you college isn’t easy, nor is university only for rich students. Whenever friends or family ask me, “what’s better, university or college?” I always tell them, “Neither. They’re just not the same.” At the beginning of grade 12, I decided I wanted to go to university, but I also really didn’t want to. I tried to look into psychology programs at universities across Ontario, but I realized later that psychology wasn’t my passion. Instead of running a victory lap in high school, my mom recommend I take a year-long certificate program at Sheridan College, just a 10 minute drive from my house. I took Media Fundamentals, a program that offered classes for students who wanted to pursue a career in film, journalism or digital media. Although I breezed through my homework and all I did in class was hang out with the stoners, it opened
my eyes to new ways of learning. Finally, I was able to gain skills in photography and videography. Although it sounds easy, I had to put in hard work and late hours just to get the perfect shot of a staircase. I still know a few students in Sheridan’s media arts degree and I’ve never seen people work so hard doing what they love. When I was in high school no one on the honour roll even considered college as an option. College was for the kids smoking in the parking lot or for those who knew they couldn’t handle the “university lifestyle.” I will admit to seeing a lot of those types at Sheridan, but I later realized these students didn’t want the university lifestyle. They knew they wouldn’t get anything out of university; college is for learning hands-on and their passion lied in these classrooms and teachers. The same goes for students in university. Again, I always see people working tirelessly to get an assignment done. These students wouldn’t be able to handle college either and not because it’s too easy — it’s just not the way they want to learn new things. As for me, I decided to go to university because I realized what I wanted to do while going into Wilfrid Laurier University’s communication studies program. My first year at Laurier can’t even compare to my time at Sheridan, but I met a lot of new people with the same passion as mine. I knew if I had stayed in college I wouldn’t acquire the same skills I have today, but I’m always grateful I did get an experience of both institutions.
Remember, university isn’t for everyone, but neither is college.
Presently, I have a love/hate relationship with the university lifestyle. Sure, it’s fantastic living in another town, but for me, sitting in a class while the time drags on isn’t the best way to learn. I’ve had some great professors at this school and I’ve had some I didn’t agree with. At times I do miss the classes and the people at Sheridan, but I’m also happy university gave me the courage to talk to people and learn new things. I don’t believe the rumors that college is only for students who can’t handle the university lifestyle, or that university is only for those who come from wealthier families. If you know what your passion is or you’re confused as to which direction you should take, I definitely recommend going to both university and college campus tours, even if you’re already enrolled in one. Talk to people, sit in on a class and get an idea of how you learn best. Don’t let other people influence your decision. Would you rather sit and listen to a lecture or get out in the field and work hands-on? Remember, university isn’t for everyone, but neither is college.
12 •
Opinion
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015 OPINION EDITOR MITCHELL CONSKY mconsky@thecord.ca
Statues are not truly evil Rebutting the arguments of those who oppose the statue project
SPENCER GIBARA OPINION COLUMNIST
Over the past four months, students at Wilfrid Laurier University have endured endless amounts of slander regarding the planned statue project. For those of you who don’t know about it, the project would involve the installment of numerous statues of past prime ministers across the Waterloo campus. What frustrates me is that those who are against this project don’t have arguments based on reasoned, philosophical difference, but instead, based on an anti-intellectual motive, aimed at stopping any mention of history that may be considered “offensive.” Allow me to elaborate on some of the opposing arguments out there. Apparently, it is considered offensive that all of our prime ministers have been white. Some of these prime ministers were openly antiNative, which could offend students
It’s important to remember that discussion is the number one priority for these types of situations. KAMIL AHMED/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Wilfrid Laurier was the seventh Prime Minister of Canada and has no real link to the university besides his name.
who have Native backgrounds. The statues would be built on what is considered “native land,” which is seen as insensitive. Now this is a lot to unpack, but it’s time to poke holes in their logic. It’s true that our prime ministers have been white, but that’s a fact of Canada. It’s not a conspiracy to paint our past leaders with one brush. So while facts of Canadian history may harm the poor sensitivities of some students, university is a place where people come to learn. But what’s more unbelievable is the idea that these statues would be built on Native land. These statues would be placed on the campus of a university named after, in case
anyone is unaware, Wilfrid Laurier - a former white PM. Using the logic of the protesters, the very existence of our university here is a scandalous offence. It begs the question, if these students are so offended, why are they paying to come to a school on what they consider stolen land? It’s so hypocritical that I question if Native students are actually being listened to or if those in opposition to the project are just using First Nations students as a smokescreen to hide their true intentions. What‘s even more sad is that this opposition started from a professor, Jonathan Finn. It’s hard to wrap my head around the idea that someone committed to teaching is also interested in making sure certain facts
about our history are suppressed. What we have is a case of people pretending they have a right to be offended. The truth is, that’s not a right. If I get offended, that doesn’t allow me to stop everything I disagree with. Initially, the complaint was that the price tag would be too large considering the layoffs last year, but once it emerged the statues would be free and the installation insignificant, the protesters tried to save face by saying it’s offensive. It’s even more telling that those opposed to this project are the same cast of ghastly characters who objected to the layoffs last year. This isn’t a group of every day students suddenly enraged at this project. It’s the same tired, cranky,
social justice types that feel they are morally entitled to run Laurier. Every time there’s a controversy here, it’s the same group making the same claims, crying wolf that every action taken by Max Blouw is some weird microaggression aimed at harming students. Don’t let these thin-skinned students bully everyone into submission. It’s important to remember that discussion is the number one priority for these types of situations. This project opens up dialogue between students about the good and the bad actions of past leaders. That’s a creative way to teach students about Canadian history. Please go to Change.org and sign the petition to continue the statue project.
Cats in the cradle The growth of responsibilities and expectations should not take over the grown relationship of fathers and sons
MITCHELL CONSKY OPINION EDITOR
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A few days ago I came across a song on YouTube that I haven’t listened to since I was a kid: “Cats in the Cradle” by Harry Chapin, released in 1974. For those of you who have never heard it, it tells the story of a father watching his son grow up. In all the busyness of daily life, the struggles of his job and the countless expectations of adulthood, the father has separated himself from his son’s life, watching from afar. As Chapin sings during the first verse, “There were planes to catch and bills to pay, he learned to walk when I was away.” Despite all this, the growing boy always looked up to his father, shown through the lyrics, “I’m gonna be like you dad, you know I’m gonna be like you.” This part is repeated as the intro to the chorus. Towards the end of the song, the father encounters his son visiting from college. At this point, the father’s attention shifts entirely: “Son I’m proud of you can you sit for a while?” To which the son replies: “What I’d really like, Dad, is to borrow your car keys. See you later, can I have them please?” The roles have been switched. The son has become like his father. At this point in the song I realized
what I myself am guilty of. My relationship with my father is something I will always cherish. I look up to him, much like the boy in the song does for his own father. Unlike the relationship demonstrated in the lyrics, my father has always made time for me. He has been there for all the big moments in my life, waiting with a shaking camera in hand. He has driven me to the end of the world and back for hockey tournaments, he taught me how to ride a bike, drive a car and how to respect people. He is always ready to drop everything to come see me and has always been a dedicated father. A few days ago he came up to visit me at school and I realized that I sometimes go several days, even full weeks, without talking to him on the phone. In the scurry of schoolwork, friends and my job with The Cord, sometimes I am not able to give my family the attention they deserve. But, sometimes, my father is guilty of this too. For the first 10 minutes of us sitting at a restaurant table for lunch, my father looked down at his phone and shot away emails to his business colleagues. I don’t blame him at all. He’s a busy man and he works hard at his job for his loved ones. I respect his work ethic. But something in our family had recently happened that quickly snapped him out of this state: my cousin, his nephew, welcomed a baby boy born.
While talking about this, my father looked at me with a twinkle in his eye. At one point he jumped out of his seat to call his sister and brotherin-law, the grandparents of the newborn. For the rest of the afternoon, he was done talking to clients and worrying about his job. I put everything aside, too. It was some good old-fashion father and son bonding. We gave each other the attention one another deserved — the attention that makes a father and son relationship so profound. At the end of the song, the father calls his son, who has long since moved out and had started a family of his own. The lyrics go like this: “I said, ‘I’d like to see you if you don’t mind,’ he said ‘I’d love to dad, if I can find the time.’” No matter what the expectations are that seem to consume our lives, it’s mandatory that we make the time to be with the people we care about. Struggles may continue, but we can’t let them stop us from pursuing what matters. A father is a role model that instills values in his children. He teaches his kids about hard work, but more importantly, about being there when it matters most. As a son, it’s my job to return the favour, and eventually carry on those virtues when I have a child of my own. As the end of the chorus goes: “We’ll get together then, son, you know we’ll have a good time then.”
OPINION • 13
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2015
ANDREAS PATSIAOUROS/PHOTO EDITOR
With the constant party dynamic of university, it is common for students to feel pressured into drinking alcohol when they may not want to. They must learn to make their own social decisions.
Drinking is always your choice KANWAR BRAR OPINION COLUMNIST
Some would reply to the headline by saying “You don’t need running shoes to run, but it helps.” It is important to recognize the ability to have fun and the consumption of alcohol are not mutually exclusive things. Coming to university is an exciting time. It’s an opportunity to meet new people, join clubs, explore your interests and start the pursuit of higher education and knowledge with new friends that will hopefully be with you for the rest of your life. There is also more autonomy that comes with the distance and decreased control from parents and guardians. Probably the most noticeable difference though, comes with alcohol and partying. Pre-drinking, going out and wait-
ing in long lineups to go to the bar are common occurrences in the life of an average university student. Before even stepping foot on campus, the thought of drinking and partying is on everyone’s mind. It’s the elephant in the room when prospective first-year students tour this campus. It becomes a part of the university experience almost immediately once they get here. There is direct and indirect peer pressure involved when it comes to drinking at university. For many students who haven’t already had experience with drinking, they feel obligated to indulge in this social norm for the sake of experimenting and fitting in. University is about stepping out of your comfort zone and trying things you haven’t tried before. This being said, it’s important to engage in new experiences because you want to and not because you have to.I am one of those kids: I have never consumed a drop of alcohol in my life. It doesn’t make me a saint or a messiah to look up to, and those who do choose to drink aren’t evil. It is a personal
University isn’t all about drinking. Too often, it tends to be our only conception of having fun.
choice and a lifestyle I abide by with pride because it is who I am. Coming to university, I was very anxious and scared I wouldn’t be accepted or liked because I didn’t drink. I was worried that in order to please others and fit in, I’d have to give up a crucial part of myself. Sometimes, I avoided going to parties or out to the bar because I didn’t want to deal with people rolling their eyes at me or shrugging when I said, “I don’t drink.” There were times when I came really close to drinking and justifying it, “Why not? It’s university. I’m trying something new.”
But it didn’t sit well with my intuition. This is a reality for many other students. Finally, I realized that because I shut myself out entirely, I was losing out on my own experience. I decided I wasn’t going to give up who I was. Instead I would embrace that my choice not to drink is a part of my lifestyle. Fortunately, we are very lucky to go to a school which is known for its accepting environment and inclusive student body. At parties, there were always a few questions on my reasoning for not drinking and after that, no one seemed to actually care a whole lot. People were willing to talk to me regardless of my sobriety, which is all that matters. Positive dialogue is what we all need. To engage or not in drinking is a choice. A decision people should make for themselves rather than being forced into by external influences. Regardless of what you choose to do or not, you shouldn’t be excluded by the other side. It is possible for those who are sober and those who are under the influence to have fun
and enjoy each other’s company, even though that bond may diminish once the latter has had a little too much. It’s about finding a balance with what works for you, not what works for everyone. University isn’t all about drinking. Too often, it tends to be our only conception of having fun. It is okay to stay in and watch Netflix. It is okay to have a board game night with your roommates. It is okay to go to the bar or a club and be sober. I’ve played many games of flip cup and beer pong. Instead of drinking alcohol, you can substitute it with water or pop. Trust me, people will not judge you for that. On the contrary, a lot of people will respect you for choosing not to drink and for still coming out and socializing regardless. Whatever your reason may be for not drinking, it is your choice. Whether it is for religious, cultural or personal reasons, or even if you’re not feeling it that night, any reason is justified. People will respect you for being who you are.
Truths behind Canadian stereotypes Unraveling the truths behind Canadian misconceptions, cultural assimilation and national multiculturalism throughout our history leads to the question: are Canadians really that nice?
It is wrong to paint Canada with one colour — especially one that is outdated and distorting.
HANNAH NARDUZZI OPINION COLUMNIST
As a Canadian, you have probably crossed paths with people outside our country who believe the assumed stereotype. A bunch of hockey-loving, beerguzzling, Tim Horton’s-crazed polar bear riders. In some extreme cases, we are depicted as living in crude, icy conditions and sporting plaid jackets throughout our endless winter. There seems to be one redeeming quality to being Canadian, which is that we are nice as all hell. We are known to continuously open doors for any stranger passing by, purchase a coffee for the fellow behind us in line while actively supporting our local hockey team and taking pride in our universal healthcare. Is it right to assume that stereotypes about Canada are truly representative of our people and history? No. To state that one country strictly fits into one stereotype is disrespectful to its residents because it shares
JESSICA WOOD/GRAPHIC ARTIST
the wrong ideas. It is a proposition which claims that you are more Canadian if these traits apply to you. These stereotypes are not as applicable to Canadians as we would like to assume. Aboriginal people have long suffered from the treatment of the hegemonic powers of the church and government. They continue to be oppressed socially and politically. The worst example of this was the start of residential schools in the 1800’s, where children were taken from their homes and stripped of their heritage and tradition.
Forced assimilation is an act of cruelty and the aftermath is still visible today. Only recently was there a public apology for the immoral actions displayed by the institutions in charge of these schools and the treatment that occurred. This dark history certainly does not entirely fit within the notion of kindness, neighborliness and equality affiliated with Canadians. Also, to say that an ethnic group is the sole identifier of a nation is inaccurate and somewhat ignorant. You are overlooking the people’s traditions, history and culture. Cana-
da, for example, has historically been a country with people of Aboriginal heritage, then post-colonialism — a large demographic of the population migrated from Europe. This lay the building blocks for multiculturalism in Canada. Fast forward to the 20th and 21st centuries and there are visible changes in the population. An influx of immigrants from two world wars and various conflicts around the world have added to the melting pot. Statistics Canada let out a report in 2008 stating, “In 2017, more than one Canadian in five might be foreignborn,” claiming that a possible 20 per cent of the population will be from another country and that the visible minority will make up the same percentage because of, “sustained immigration and the low percentage
of Europeans among newcomers.” Depending on where you live in Canada, there are chances of living in a more diverse area and thus leading to a very intriguing and modern community. The mix of cultural backgrounds and traditions, different ethnic groups residing in the same area create the atmosphere of acceptance and integration. This is a version of Canada that is setting milestones in the way of multiculturalism and a sustained way of living. This is the Canada which should be represented. Certain habitual tendencies may remain the same. These include overdoing the use of “eh,” the national love for our “double double” and wearing toques in the frigid winters. However it is important to remember that other aspects of the Canadian stereotype should be challenged, or at least brought into the light. Canada has a past containing cruelty and unfairness. This counts as proof that we may not be as polite as once thought. The national stereotype really only applies to a certain majority and therefore can be exclusive in nature. It is wrong to paint Canada with one colour — especially one that is outdated and distorting.
14 •
Sports
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015 SPORTS EDITOR DREW YATES dyates@thecord.ca
BASKETBALL
Many mistakes stymie Hawks
Offensive and defensive mistakes lead to two consecutive losses to No. 8 Windsor and Western DREW YATES SPORTS EDITOR
The Wilfrid Laurier University women’s basketball team are going through some growing pains. The Hawks dropped their first two games 85-80 to the No. 8 nationallyranked Windsor Lancers and 80-61 to the Western Mustangs to kick off the 2015-16 season. The Hawks stayed in the game against the defending national champions, staying even with them in every quarter except the second when the Lancers pulled away with a five-point lead. That proved to be the difference maker in the game — on top of being out-rebounded by 20 rebounds and keeping the Hawks outside of the paint. “I thought our compete level was really good. They’re a tough team — the defending national champions and [Windsor]’s a big and strong team. They hurt us inside, especially in rebounding,” head coach Paul Falco said. “But I like the way the girls competed and I think we gained some confidence in that game.”
“They’re a tough team — the defending national champions and [Windsor]’s a big and strong team.” -Paul Falco, women’s basketball head coach
ANDREAS PATSIAOUROS/PHOTO EDITOR
Nicole Morrison battles two Western defenders in the Hawks’ 80-61 defeat.
The Hawks’ defence broke down come their next matchup against the Western Mustangs. The Mustangs grabbed onto a dominant 50-19 lead by halftime. While the Hawks cleaned their game up with a strong third quarter that closed the gap to within 15 points, the Mustangs
battled back and took control of the game, sinking the Hawks into a winless hole. According to Falco, the Hawks were unable to match the same intensity they brought to Windsor last Wednesday evening, and made too many mistakes that Western eventually capitalized on.
“The first half of the Western game in the first quarter we didn’t have that same intensity and Western did a good job of jumping on our mistakes,” he said. “We were able to battle back in the third quarter and started to play like we were capable, but we got some learning to do and we got some growing to do.” Laurier prides themselves in defence, but the breakdown against Western was on all sides of the ball. According to Falco, the Hawks struggled to take care of the basketball, which led to a lot of turnovers on top of not knocking down shots, and on the defensive side were un-
HOCKEY
Power play formula for success Special teams huge component of Hawks’ winning ways over the weekend DREW YATES SPORTS EDITOR
JESSICA DIK/LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER
Laurier got two wins against rivals Waterloo and Ryerson this last week.
If you were to analyze the Wilfrid Laurier University men’s hockey team by their power play numbers, the difference between whether or not the power play is clicking is imperative to how well the Hawks perform. Laurier pulled out with two wins against the Ryerson Rams and the Waterloo Warriors 3-2 and 7-3 respectively, with half of those goals scored with the man-advantage. “Well prior to this game it’s been a points struggle. We got three power play goals [on Thursday night], which obviously were all big goals for us in a 3-2 win. I think we were 3-for-10 on the night,” he said. “We tripled our production in one night. We were coming in with one power play goal and to have three for us in one game, regardless of how many opportunities we have is a big bonus,” said head coach Greg Puhalski. Fourth-year left winger Derek Schoenmakers picked up his sixth goal of the season when he slipped the puck past Ryerson goaltender Taylor Dupuis. Matt Provost scored the game-winning goal with five minutes remaining in the third period. “[The] puck came up to the top which is where we want it on the power play. Actually a nice lane opened up for [Mac] Clutsam I believe who took the shot and he had a great shot, we had some traffic in front. The goalie really couldn’t track it and it popped out pretty high in the slot to me there,” Schoenmakers explained, on opening the scoring for the Hawks. If the Hawks want success, they
must find a way to work their special teams every night. During the Quebec road trip against the Concordia Stingers and Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières Patriotes. Laurier struggled on their penalty kill and allowed three power play goals to UQTR and another to Concordia. During these two tilts, the Hawks power play, was non-existent. Schoenmakers, who also scored another goal and added two assists last weekend, knows how much of an impact a working power play can make to turn the tide in a game. “Tonight it was really good. The first seven games not so much. We would get set but we just couldn’t create the chances or the shots that we wanted. I think we just simplified it today and just got pucks to the net. Obviously Provost scored one at the end — great shot. Picked a spot and we had a good screen on front.” “The first seven games were tough, but we’re starting to turn the corner already.” With the power play and penalty kill units inconsistent at best, Puhalski stresses the importance of both components working to increase production. “Penalty killing is all about outworking the power play guys, so is power play. You got to out-work the other unit regardless if you’re down a man or up a man, you don’t have that component in your arsenal, then everything else is a struggle,” he explained. Next, the Hawks will travel out to Montreal to take on the McGill Redmen on Nov. 14 before returning to Oshawa to take on the University of Ontario Institute of Technology Ridgebacks on Nov. 15. Puck drops at 7 p.m.
able to stop the Mustangs’ drive into the paint. “One of our worst [matches] in a long while. The girls were pretty disappointed, but they did bounce back. We just have to put that one behind us,” he said. The beginning of the season also gives a snapshot on how well the team is doing without some of their key components. The Hawks are without all-star calibre athletes Samantha Jacobs, Whitney Ellenor and Lee Anna Osei who graduated last year. Despite the lineup changes, Falco sees opportunity for the young players to step up. “Anytime you go through something like that you are going to have to figure things out,” Falco said. “You are going to need people to step up in places. There’s a couple positions that are a little bit younger and some growing pains.” The Hawks look to turn their season around when they travel to Sault Ste. Marie to battle the Algoma Thunderbirds. Tip off is at 1 p.m., on Nov. 14 and Nov. 15 at George Leach Centre.
SPORTS • 15
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015 BASKETBALL
Laurier splits weekend After staying in the game against Windsor, the Hawks upset No. 7 Western 76-71 in overtime thriller at home KILLIAN CUPPAGE STAFF WRITER
TRISTAN RENAUD/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Guard Simon Mikre looks for a target to pass to in Laurier’s victory at home.
RUGBY
Season ends in loss to Mustangs DANIEL JOHNSON STAFF WRITER
The Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks men’s rugby team suffered a tough loss when they faced off against Western In the first round of the Ontario University Athletics playoffs. The game resulted in a 67-26 defeat for the Hawks. However one sided the final score, it was a competitive game through to the last push by Western to break it open, according to head coach Ian McLeod. “We started very slowly and Western gets full marks for being ahead at the half with the score 36-5,” McLeod explained. “The first 20 minutes of the second half the boys played very well.” In that 20 minute span, the game came within reach thanks in part to a couple of tries by eight-man Andrew Thompson and a few conversions by Maclain Wakefield. The closest Laurier came to righting the ship was a 10-point difference. But Western came out of the gate fast and the Laurier team lagged their response until the second half. Following this, the game was broken open by Western and the game quickly slipped away. “The last 20 minutes we just ran out of gas, they really ran it up on us in the last 20 minutes. So overall we played a good 20 minutes out of an 80-minute game and that’s not going to do the job,” said coach McLeod. “They inserted their subs at [the second half of the game], so they had eight fresh players on the field,” he said. “That bench is a little stronger than ours, and those guys sort of took the game.” After a dismal four-season drought that ended without a post-season
“The last 20 minutes we just ran out of gas, they really ran it up on us in the last 20 minutes.”
-Ian McLeod, men’s rugby head coach
appearance for the Hawks, this is the second consecutive year Laurier has made the playoffs, which leads to much promise for the program going forward. According to McLeod, Laurier has a lot of promise as the program continues to get older and more mature. “Physically and mentally, we’re going to be a program to be reckoned with,” he said. “We had a lot of young guys on the field and now they’ve got their first taste of OUA playoff experience and now know what it takes to succeed at that level. We have a very good coaching staff and a very good core of young players who are going to be around for the next two or three years.” According to McLeod, the program is still in a building stage and with it being the second year the program has made the playoffs, that is a positive. The Laurier coach touches upon the necessities of recruiting to grow the program and make the final pushes needed to be a top contender. Under the McLeodled coaching regime, playoffs are now a bench mark to be built upon for next season. “We’ll continue to recruit the better ball players and we’ll get to ideally where we want to go which is the gold medal game,” said McLeod.
After dropping an 88-77 decision to the Windsor Lancers last Wednesday, the Wilfrid Laurier men’s basketball team bounced back with a very impressive win in their home opener on Saturday versus the No. 7 nationally-ranked Western Mustangs. In a very entertaining contest, the Hawks outlasted the competition en route to a 76-71 overtime win. Head coach Peter Campbell was very pleased with his team’s performance. “We had a great start and then we hit a little funk in the second quarter, but I thought we bounced back during the end of regulation and through overtime,” he said. “That was a great game for both teams.” The Hawks were going up against a Western offence that is focused on establishing their presence inside and really looked to feed their big guys for post-ups. Campbell made some adjustments to combat Western’s post-heavy offence by inserting third-year forward Vlad Matovic into the starting lineup to use his height at 6’8” to strengthen the Hawks’
defence. “Right off the bat we started two posts instead of our normal one,” Campbell explained. The Hawks were also tasked with trying to stop one of the premier scorers in the Ontario University Athletics conference, Greg Morrow. Morrow was the main source of Western’s attack and finished the game with 32 points, five rebounds and four assists. Campbell decided to double-team Morrow down the stretch to slow him down a bit. “Our goal in the last eight minutes was to double him and take away his right hand,” he said. Another strategy Laurier employed was to put on a 2-2-1 press on defence, designed to give Morrow less time to operate. “It can only go on when they commit to it, we’re trying to use it a little bit and the whole idea there was to give them less time to isolate Morrow,” Campbell explained. A big reason that the Hawks were able to pull off the impressive win was the solid all-around performance by first-year guard Simon Mikre who finished with 16 points, eight rebounds, four assists and three blocks. Fifth-year Will Coulthard also
was integral to the Hawks win on Saturday, putting up 19 points and six rebounds. Mikre is not yet fully adapted to the up-tempo style of the OUA level, but was key in the Hawks’ win on Saturday. “It’s a much faster pace,” said Mikre. Mikre did a good job running the Hawks’ offence throughout the game and into the overtime led the Hawks to shoot a very efficiently, as he shot 4-for-7 from the field in the extra frame. “It was a big win for us against one of the top 10 teams in the country,” Mikre said. With the split performances last weekend that brought the Hawks overall record to 1-1, Campbell hopes his young team can learn from it and build confidence going into the rest of the season. “To come away with a win on that one was a good accomplishment and it should be a good learning experience for our guys,” he said. The Hawks resume game action with back-to-back matchups against the Algoma Thunderbirds this Saturday and Sunday in Sault Ste. Marie. Tip off is at 3p.m. at George Leach Centre.
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16 • SPORTS
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015
SOCCER
ON THE HUNT FOR CIS GOLD SHELBY BLACKLEY/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
SHELBY BLACKLEY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
OTTAWA, Ont. — This very well may be the year for Wilfrid Laurier women’s soccer. They have all the right tools. Striker Emily Brown is in her fifth and final year, now garnished with three provincial silver medals and one gold. Nicole Lyon is healthy and peaking, keeping her composure in high-pressure situations. There’s the quick, swift footwork of Katie Bishop who can control the midfield without a second thought and send a bullet streaking toward the net at any moment. The back four are solid with leadership from Jacky Normandeau and Sarah Farano and quick feet from Julie Karn and Pauline McCordic on the wings. Rookie goalkeeper Ashley Almeida plays like a veteran and doesn’t miss a step for a second. It’s all there for them.
So on the weekend when Laurier dropped the Ontario University Athletics gold medal match to the Queen’s Gaels, it was, of course, disappointing. But it wasn’t the end, and may have potentially been a wake up call that it will take twice as much — if not more — to come home next week with the Canadian Interuniversity Sport national championship banner. “[The OUA final] is done now so we’ll just regroup and worry about what we have to try to accomplish for the next [few] games,” said head coach Barry MacLean. Laurier finished second in the OUA after upsetting the No. 3 nationally-ranked Ottawa Gee-Gees 2-1 in the semifinals. After a 1-0 loss against Queen’s on Sunday, Laurier claimed their fourth medal in five years. Laurier is ranked the eighth seed heading into the CIS championship in Vancouver, British Columbia. They will take on the top seed, the
Laval Rouge et Or, in their quarterfinal match Thursday afternoon. Joining Laurier, Queen’s and Laval are the Sherbrooke Vert et Or, the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds, the Trinity Western Spartans, the Cape Breton Capers and the Calgary Dinos. So, what can we expect from this Laurier squad when they’re on a national platform? “Expectations? Who knows,” MacLean said. “There are going to be eight teams and every one of them is going to be quality. Six of them have a chance to win the thing. We hope we’re one of them and we hope we have a little bit of luck and some good performances and see what happens.” Some good performances will be crucial. Laurier has depth that can walk off the bench during the game at any point — the crafty Maxine Murchie was a huge contributor to Laurier’s come-from-behind victory when she came into the game in the
“I think that’s why we were so successful, because we never got down and it made us work even harder.” -Nicole Lyon, second-year forward
55th minute against the Gee-Gees and was a catalyst in the last-minute push in the final. This was also the first time Laurier scored in the Final Four tournament since Brown scored in the semifinal match against Ottawa in 2011. This could be considered a good sign — the Hawks are finding offence at critical times, but need to find more if they are going to be successful on the national stage. And what’s most important is that Laurier continues to believe they
can do it. Against Ottawa, the Hawks trailed 1-0 after a goal in the 68th minute but never panicked. In the 83rd minute they tied it up off an own goal and scored the game winner in injury time off a hectic corner kick. Against Queen’s, despite a valiant effort to tie the game, that same belief wasn’t fully there. Chances were taken, but the hope began to dwindle. “I think that’s why we were so successful, because we never got down and it made us work even harder,” said Lyon. “To get the girls to believe, ‘let’s keep pushing, let’s think deep, put everything on the line,’ it was a great feeling,” Almeida echoed. And it’ll be important for them to continue to believe as they take on the top-seeded Rouge et Or Thursday in unfamiliar territory at 11 a.m., pacific time, 2 p.m., eastern. “It’s going to be all heart,” Lyon said.
FOOTBALL
Curtain call Hawks come up short in 32-18 despite bringing the battle to No. 2 Mustangs DREW YATES SPORTS EDITOR
From the moment the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks men’s football team stepped onto the field at TD Stadium, the game was a bloodbath. Yes, the Western Mustangs dominated the Hawks in their first meeting on Sept. 12, routing them 59-9 at University Stadium. Yes, the Mustangs put up the most amount of points during the season in the Ontario University Athletics conference. Yes, the Mustangs were 8-0 coming into the OUA semifinal date. None of that mattered when both teams stepped onto the field on Nov. 7. Instantly, the stadium turned into a battlefield. Fifth-year running back Dillon Campbell, who battled injury all season, was taken out of the game due to an injured ankle, and Western star quarterback Will Finch left the game early in the third quarter after he was reamed by the stout Laurier defence. But at the end of the day, the Hawks lost to the Mustangs 32-18 and thus were eliminated from the playoffs. “I feel really bad for our seniors,” head coach Michael Faulds said. “I’m happy that they got a playoff win last week. Guys like Greg Nyhof, Dillon Campbell, tons of these guys that played their last game in the purple and gold.”
“Last game in a Golden Hawk uniform, it’s tough to watch the team battle without me.”
-Dillon Campbell, fifth-year running back
“I really feel for them right now.” The Hawks didn’t go down without a fight, though. For a second, when the Hawks’ defence held the Mustangs to only 15 points in the first half, and to only a field goal in the first, the lowest amount of points Western has put up in a quarter, the possibility of an upset remained in reach.The defence stood on their heads and held the high-octane Mustang offence to only 17 points in the second half. But then the offence sputtered. The Hawks could not get anything going on the offensive side of the ball, with only a field goal and a safety for the defence’s valiant effort. “The defence played unbelievable. They had us in it from the very start. Offence, it just wasn’t our day. Trying to get it going can be frustrating when you can’t string plays together, but we’re proud of the way our offence battled,” second-year pivot Eric Morelli said.
WILL HUANG/PHOTO EDITOR
The Hawks defence was critical in keeping Laurier in the game in the semifinal loss against the Western Mustangs.
“Still always trying to string plays together until the very end, still always battling until the very end.” “Yeah, that’s tough. Dillon had a nice long run, and he’s been battered up all year and that ankle just couldn’t do any more,” Faulds said. Despite not being 100 per cent, the running back continued to turn heads this season. Campbell rushed for a total of 1115 yards and 139.4 yards per game and put up a record 285 yards during the Hawks’ playoff win against McMaster that propelled them to the semifinal. “No, not at all,” Campbell said on
not being 100 per cent healed. “But you know it comes with the sport. I love the sport so, I’ll do anything to get in.” “Last game in a Golden Hawk uniform, it’s tough to watch the team battle without me. They did a great job, it’s just Western was the better team today.” And with that, another few chapters in the Laurier football saga have been written and laid to rest. It’s time to put the pen down and close the book on another storied season for the Hawks. Until next year.
“I feel really bad for our seniors. I’m happy that they got a playoff win last week.”
-Michael Faulds, men’s football head coach