Block Party It’s overpriced but that doesn’t stop the party >> pg. 6
thegazette
TODAY high 23 low 16
Down with Nothing since 1906
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2014
TOMORROW high 24 low 17
WESTERN UNIVERSITY • CANADA’S ONLY DAILY STUDENT NEWSPAPER • FOUNDED 1906
VOLUME 108, ISSUE 5
O-Wet: Orientation Week Recap
One Love one more time Kevin Hurren NEWS EDITOR-AT-LARGE @KevinAtGazette
Taylor Lasota • GAZETTE
Kevin Hurren NEWS EDITOR-AT-LARGE @KevinAtGazette
Orientation week may have been dry when it came to drinking, but everything else was most certainly wet. After a series of unwavering storms, a number of orientation events had to be pushed back or, in the case of Friday night’s concert, completely cancelled. Though the rain was unexpected, orientation leadership tried its best to keep the week’s events on schedule. “Our protocol is always to delay rather than cancel,” orientation
coordinator Sophie Helpard said. While Helpard and her orientation staff were successfully able to reschedule most large events, not everything could be salvaged. “Our contracts with performers have built in certain lines – which is fairly standard when you’re working with this level of performers,” Helpard explained. “With our ceremonies and things that didn’t involve the external performers we were able to ship those around, […] but at times the weather does not cooperate, we are sometimes forced to cancel which is what we had to do Friday.” By purchasing the orientation pass, students had already paid for
the cancelled concert with headliner Down With Webster. University Students’ Council vice-president student events Sam Kilgour assures first-year students that there will eventually be a replacement. “We’re working on something,” Kilgour said. “Obviously with various artists they all have different availabilities, going on tour different times, so we don’t know when or what but we know it’s going to be something.” A large obstacle this O-week was not only dealing with the weather, but communicating the changing schedule to first-year students. “The weather presented us with
SUMMER OF LOV E P I Z ZA
some unique challenges,” Emerson Tithecott, USC vice-president communications, said. “However, our volunteers were able to keep Western’s first-year students informed.” Beyond the traditional soph-tofrosh communication stream, this year’s orientation staff had an additional tool at their disposal. “The orientation program developed its own app we used for events, information and resources all throughout the week but additionally we were able to send push notifications,” Helpard said. When a change in the schedule
The One Love rally had its fourth revival on Saturday night as a closing to this year’s orientation week activities. The program, conceived at Western’s 2011 O-week, preaches a message of acceptance and inclusivity to first-year students. The evening included segments from returning host and television personality Jessi Cruickshank, celebrated poet Shane Koyczan, comedian and producer Trevor Boris, as well as former Barenaked Ladies front man Steven Page. Fresh off production from her newest show Canada’s Smartest Person, Cruickshank returned as host of the One Love rally for the fourth time. Though she’s done the show before, Cruickshank said that hosting an event like this is always a unique opportunity. “Every year you guys are doing different things to contribute to the community and the world,” she said. “I love to bring those achievements out.” In addition to presenting the other guests, Cruickshank spoke on her own experiences with >> see ONE LOVE pg.3
Inside New department chair • P3 O-week in pictures • P4-5 Block Party review • P6 Not impressed with One Love • P7 Women tackling football • P8
>> see O-WEEK pg.3
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thegazette • Tuesday, September 9, 2014
Caught on Camera
Winnie Lu GAZETTE
WESTERN MUSTANGS
FENCING “TRY OUTS!”
NO PREVIOUS FENCING EXPERIENCE NEEDED
GOING CLUBBING. It is the first full week of school and Clubs Week is underway. Students are taking this opportunity to browse through the 200-plus clubs offered at Western in order to find something that fulfills their wildest desires.
News Briefs
T hhuu rs r s Sep Se p t 11 Tue Se p t 1 6 Tu e s Sep r s Sep Se p t 18 T hhuu rs Tu e s Sep Tue Se p t 2233
Mooning at Western
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CROSSWORD By Eugene Sheffer
Western University hosted the International Observe the Moon Night at the Cronyn Observatory this past Saturday. Dr. Gordon Osinski, an assistant professor and the industrial research chair in planetary geology at Western said that the event was to drum up interest in celestial topics. “The goal of the International Observe the Moon Night is to get the public more interested in going back to the moon, as well as space exploration in general,” Osinski said. Osinski attended the event on Saturday and has been involved with the five previous annual evenings
held at Western. He explained that at the event, there were activities to help kids learn and gain interest in space. There were also lecturers and the chance to observe the full moon through a telescope. According to Osinki, there were a couple of rovers from a local company that are used in space exploration at the event. The International Observe the Moon Night is held worldwide and is led by NASA and the Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute. Saturday’s event was the fifth Observe the Moon Night to be held at Western. • Holly Court
@uwogazette • westerngazette.ca
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thegazette • Tuesday, September 9, 2014
Accomplished AIDS researcher joins UWO Hamza Tariq NEWS EDITOR @HamzaAtGazette
Western’s HIV/AIDS research has received a major boost with the arrival of prominent scientist and Western alumnus, Dr. Eric Arts. Arts will be serving as the new chair of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and will also be conducting HIV research along with his team that has followed him to Western. “I returned largely because I saw the expansion in biomedical sciences,” he said. “Most importantly I saw that the university and the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry wanted to invest and develop infectious disease research across the city of London — it gave me a great opportunity.” Arts joins an already illustrious list of AIDS researchers at Western, with leading scientist Dr. Chil-Yong Kang and his team conducting ground-breaking research and clinical trials. “There are three HIV virologists here at Western and he’s adding to it, so we have now four HIV researchers, and this is the largest concentration of HIV researchers in any university in Canada, so we’re very proud,” Kang said. He added that he’ll be collaborating with Arts, pooling together information from both the research groups to work on a vaccine for the different types of HIV. According to Michael Strong, dean of the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Arts’ approach, although entirely different, would compliment and connect with Kang’s viral immunization strategy.
Most people don’t realize but HIV is not just one virus, it’s actually 33 million different viruses. It’s one of the most diverse viruses that infects humans. DOCTOR ERIC ARTS CHAIR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MICROBIOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY
“The important thing about this is that it is not just Eric, this is a whole team that has been recruited of which he is the leader,” Strong said. “It requires a massive redevelopment of our virus and virus vector facilities which will place it in the top three in America.” Arts’ team consists of five researchers who joined him at Western, one of whom is an assistant professor and the others are senior post-doctoral research staff. “Most people don’t realize but HIV is not just one virus, it’s actually 33 million different viruses. It’s one of the most diverse viruses that infects humans,” Arts said. “For my research I look to continue the international focus and our laboratory in Uganda and also interacting with HIV researchers in Canada to establish new clinical studies,” he added. According to Arts, the most promising cure that he and his team are working on is in the toxicity testing stage and if it is deemed safe for humans then trials can likely begin by late 2015.
Rain floods O-week >> continued from pg.1
was made, the approximately 4, 500 students who downloaded the app were immediately notified on their smart devices. This also meant that not as much emphasis had to be placed on the orientation website, which was experiencing glitches throughout the week as events remained “locked” and certain information could not be accessed. But weather wasn’t the only chaotic point of the week. Though students were often rushed inside because of the weather, on Monday afternoon they were rushed outside as the University Community Center was evacuated due to overcrowding violating fire code. This was the result of a line to pick up orientation passes stretching from the Mustang Lounge to Subway, back to the atrium and up to the second floor reaching all the way back to The Wave. The line, explained Kilgour, was an unforeseen consequence of the opening ceremony dance party with the Bingo Players. “In the past, O-passes used to be distributed to the different residences and that would mean upwards of half a million dollars moving around campus on golf karts – so it became a big safety issue,” he said. To ensure O-passes weren’t lost, damaged or stolen, distribution was
centralized in the UCC a few years ago. As such, first-year students could pick up their O-pass casually in the first few days of O-week. However, because of the dance party after opening ceremonies – an event which required the extra level of security – all students needed to pick up their bracelets earlier. “We’re committed to not letting that happen again and we’re looking at options for next year,” said Kilgour, who remained optimistic about what happened. “It was a good problem — to have that many students wanting to attend orientation week.” But not every new component to this year’s O-week was a negative. For instance, the Western’s Orientation Administrative Help, or “WOAH” team, offered more logistical help that sophs couldn’t cover, said Helpard. Additionally, fireworks were launched at the conclusion of the week, a long-time goal for orientation leadership and a side project from the orientation coordinator. But after completing the long week, Helpard realized not everything was about the big bang at the end. “The biggest thing I learned in the past ten months is to trust and rely on the volunteers of this program. They are so active in the community and so positive they really keep this program alive.”
Taylor Lasota • GAZETTE
SMILING AS THE TOWER BURNS. Jessi Cruickshank, host of this year’s One Love rally, poses for the camera as fireworks go off behind her at the finale of Saturday night’s concert. >> continued from pg.1
bullying and sexism. Such anecdotes ranged from her childhood as a red-haired, freckled girl to more contemporary examples of times Cruickshank had to make a career-changing decision to follow what she believed in. But in sharing these intimate stories those in the audience, she explained, feel comfortable enough to reach out. “A couple of people I‘ve connected with on Facebook keep writing me and updating me on how they’re doing. I always say reach out to me […] and of course keep in touch with all the amazing resources they have here at Western, like the Peer Support Centre.” Coordinators from the various support services within the USC, such as PrideWestern and Health and Wellness, also had a moment
on stage to introduce themselves and briefly touch on their missions. It’s these kind of resources comedian Trevor Boris wished he had while in school. “Growing up we would have never had something like this, so it’s really a great testament to the school,” Boris said. Recognized from his work on MuchMusic’s Video On Trial and stand-up appearances on Comedy Now!, Boris infuses much of his sexual orientation into his comedic routine. Approaching issues of sexuality with humour, he hopes, will better engage students. “First and foremost I want to entertain,” Boris said. “To really get the message out you have to be entertaining and fun, otherwise [students] will just zone out.” In addition to his usual stand-up, Boris touched upon his dating and coming out experiences in
unapologetic ways. “If people are a little uncomfortable at times it’s good. I think you want to push the boundaries a little. If you speak down the middle of the road it might just get lost,” he said. Boris was the only new addition to the One Love line-up this year. Poet Shane Koyczan returned to reflect on what it means to be a confident and caring person, while singer Steven Page once again touched on issues of mental health. Theo Fleury was scheduled to speak at the event but fell sick and was absent at Saturday’s rally. As the One Love rallies continue, Cruickshank looks forward to the potential for more new speakers like Boris and Fleury being added to the list. “Anyone who has a story to tell about overcoming an obstacle, about being an ally, would be an amazing speaker here,” she said.
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thegazette • Tuesday, September 9, 2014
Western’s O
thegazette • Tuesday, September 9, 2014
O-Week 2014
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Photos by Taylor Lasota • GAZETTE
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thegazette • Tuesday, September 9, 2014
arts&life
funwithpuns What do you call a bunch of strawberries on the highway? Traffic jam!
Students, DJs rave about Block Party Students don’t mind being gouged to enjoy their beloved Electronic Dance Music
Winnie Lu • GAZETTE
EAT, SLEEP, RAVE, REPEAT. Premier Life hosted its second annual Block Party rave this past weekend. The event expanded this year making it London’s first-ever two-day Electronic Dance Music festival. Clockwise from left: Kaskade closes Saturday’s show, festival costumes, students push closer to the DJ.
Megan Devlin ONLINE EDITOR
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There’s something unique about how much Ontario students like their music festivals. “I’ve played elsewhere in the world and everyone is more chill,” says Giddy, a London DJ who played Block Party this weekend. “But in Ontario everyone just loves to rage at the front non-stop.” And rage they did. Thousands of people attended London Music Hall and Premier Life’s annual Electronic Dance Music show — many of them Western students. Entering the gates was like stepping into a fantasy-land typical of most music festivals. Tutus, rave bras, spirit hoods and muscle tees were the uniform of choice and a body paint artist on-site could bedazzle you further. Any EDM festival will be a good time when you’re decked out in your best costume and raving with your best friends while abusing your substance of choice. Though it brought a couple well-known headliners, Block Party London overcharged for an average lineup and a lacking venue. MAKJ, one of Sunday’s headlining acts, says the energy in London is much like his hometown St. Louis. “It’s one of those random cities that you don’t ever expect to be this good,” he remarks. “It’s one of the finest cities in Canada for partying for sure.” Students in attendance appeared to love the show as much as the DJs. “I think it’s friggin’ hype,” Mike Gabriel, a second-year science student, proclaims. “I’ve never been to a two-day festival before. I saw the Chainsmokers last year but being outside is a whole different game.” The festival atmosphere certainly
translated to Block Party — a unique kind of calm chaos unites ravers as they enjoy union with the music. Second-year BMOS student Fabian Tenorio says he was impressed with the improvements the festival has made since last year. “It’s a bigger stage, bigger names, better atmosphere,” the bandana-clad student said. This year Premier Life put on a two-day event, but the Block Party is nowhere near becoming the next Veld or Digital Dreams. Students paid $120 to gain entrance to the London Music Hall’s parking lot with one main stage, one food truck and zero free water stations. Security at Block Party was also not as tight as other weekend-long shows. While an inebriated young adult would have been ferried out on a stretcher at Osheaga, passed out teenagers were carried out by frantic friends at Block Party. Although international superstars Kaskade and Martin Garrix respectively closed each night’s festivities, until about 7:00 p.m. festival-goers were still listening to local London talent. While this setup provided a valuable platform to expose local talent and develop the Forest City dance music community, it should have come at a lesser price tag. Comperable festivals offer beefier lineups with big-name DJs taking the stage much earlier in the day. For about $80 more, one can purchase a ticket to Digital Dreams. This festival in downtown Toronto features five stages scattered throughout Ontario Place. Still, as concert-goers remarked, this is the best London has to offer. “This is the closest London’s going to get to a Digital Dreams,” Tenorio said. • With files from Conrad Floryan
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thegazette • Tuesday, September 9, 2014
opinions
The best thing one can do when it’s raining is to let it rain.
• Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
O-weak not One Love screws up worth it their one chance Concerts, dances, speakers, variety acts, chants, flags and wild-looking bug-eyed sophs are just some of the things we expect during O-week at Western. We still saw all of that this year, but the “largest” and “best” Orientation Week in Canada was far from it’s best. Part of this was due to things out of anybody’s control — namely the horrible weather. But some of the things within the control of the O-week planning committee were not up to snuff. Let’s start with Monday. Right off the bat, thousands of first-years had to buy their o-pass right away in order to attend that night’s major events. Students and their families waited for hours in a line that snaked around the first and second floors of the University Community Centre. In fact, so many were in the UCC that it had to be evacuated because it exceeded fire code. Then, Monday night’s headliner, Bingo Players, a group known for its association with MDMA, was postponed a few hours while a storm blew through. Bringing a group so tightly associated with drugs onto campus seems like an unwise decision considering students aren’t even supposed to be drinking. That wasn’t the only strange line-up decision. OneLove, which has become a marquee event over the past four years, was severely lacking this year. Not only were the majority of the acts the same, they did not reflect the diversity of this campus. Outside of the short appearance of a group of aboriginal students, the event featured an all-white and almost entirely straight cast, not exactly reflective of the intention of the event or the campus community. Events were also not communicated to those going beforehand. Events were “unlocked” once a certain number of passes were sold, yet there are still today times on the website that are “locked.” When the main way of communicating with students doesn’t even tell you what’s going on, no one can blame students who stay in their rooms and drink. Additionally, some of the event planning was a little cramped. The Saturday of O-week featured one of the most crowded schedules ever seen during Western’s orientation. The morning began with a charity rally, followed by Shinerama fundraising, then a carnival, then closing ceremonies, the One Love Rally, and then — after all that — a dance party. While orientation week will never be perfect, it appeared to go much smoother in past years. Yes, the weather certainly did not help things, but the weather can’t excuse the widespread confusion around o-pass pickups, event locations and communicating alternative programming. O-week may have still been great, but this year, first-year students did not get their $90 worth.
Seven Minutes in Kevin Kevin Hurren NEWS EDITOR-AT-LARGE @KevinAtGazette
I love One Love and I’ve attended each rally since the program’s debut during orientation week in 2011. Yes, I was even one of the handful of students who purchased a ticket for the winter One Love rally last year. So when it came time to cover Saturday’s One Love rally for The Gazette, I jumped at the chance. It’s inspiring to watch the University Students’ Council make such a strong commitment to diversity and acceptance on campus — a declaration that usually leaves many in tears. I say “usually” because this year’s One Love rally unfortunately fell short of expectations, tarnishing what had been a strong series of events. My main concern was the inclusion of Trevor Boris, a Canadian comedian, as one of the speakers. I’ve always been a fan of Boris, becoming familiar with his work through MuchMusic’s Video On Trial and other stand-up performances. A lot of Boris’ comedic style, however, is based on his sexuality. In other words, his career thrives on “gay jokes” — a routine he unsurprisingly relied on at Saturday’s rally. While watching Boris, I continued to hope he would say something insightful to the incoming class about issues of sexuality and identity. Unfortunately, the only things the 3,000 attendants got were blowjob jokes, derogatory puns and an explanation of the app Grindr. To be clear, I don’t blame Boris for any
of what he presented. This is what he’s known for, and he was funny. If he had visited Western later in the year for a performance at the Mustang Lounge, I’m sure the event would be a great time. The problem was that his material was misplaced. In the 2011 and 2012 One Love rallies, former infantry officer Dan Choi shared the story of how his homosexuality affected his ability to serve and urged those in the crowd to be true to themselves. In 2013, Judy Shepard spoke about her son, Matthew, who was tortured and killed because of his sexuality. Shepard and her family have been grieving and spreading a message of love ever since. The fact that this year’s rally dealt with the same issues in such a trivial manner was not only disappointing but somewhat insulting to these speakers. I’m not saying One Love has to be serious. There is room for joy, laughter and comedy. After all, we’re talking about love. But who really benefited from Saturday’s show? A number of students, including myself, have been prompted to come out to their friends and floor mates because of what was said during One Love. I worry that the same message wasn’t delivered this year. Boris may have wanted to normalize homosexuality with Saturday’s routine, but his gayness was never framed as normal — it was a spectacle. “Gay” became the punch line. This stings a little more when considering that Boris took the stage away from other issues that could have really used the spotlight. His time could have been given to speakers to discuss powerful ideas about race, ability, sexual health and more. So to the first year students who were at the One Love rally, I’m sorry you didn’t get the full experience past rallies have provided. But hey, at least you had a few laughs — too bad that isn’t really the point.
In the wake of the Ferguson, Missouri riots against a police officer killing an unarmed teenaged boy, law enforcement everywhere have been having a hard time with the press lately. One officer, however, is in the limelight for a good reason. On August 17, Officer Glenn Branham of the Phoenix Police Department received a phone call about a burglary. When he arrived at the scene, he found that thieves had completely destroyed the home, stealing copper water pipes and leaving the home in ruin. So, on his days off since, Officer Branham has been donating his time and money to restoring the house. After the officer’s boss ousted him and the story became public, America’s Best Furniture donated a $1500 gift card to the cause and the City of Phoenix has stepped up and agreed to finish the house. Here’s one officer who takes protect and serve to a whole new level.
Letters to the Editor
Offense not reason to censor Re: Frosh Issue, August 19, 2014 To the editor: One of the cornerstones of a free society is the right to free speech, which, by its very nature, also means the right to offend. Recent articles in the Gazette relating to drugs, drinking, and sexual harassment obviously offended a number of readers. I would have liked to have determined why but some self-appointed censor had the articles deleted from the Gazette website and had all print copies removed from circulation. It is this action that I find both offensive and deeply disturbing — political correctness has been permitted to take precedence over free speech. I have the right to read these articles. I have the right to form my own opinion about their content. If offended, I have the right to stop reading, or write a letter of complaint, or boycott the Gazette, or share my negative opinion of the Gazette with others – but what I do not have the right to do is to prevent others from reading what I have read simply because I personally find the material offensive. To the self-appointed censor — shame on you. I do not need you to dictate to me what I can or cannot read. I do not need you to protect me from possible offense. You have taken something from me that you have no right to take and your actions are far more objectionable and damaging than any possible article, regardless of content. Freedom of speech comes with a price tag — the freedom to offend. Take this away and freedom itself is put at risk. • Robert Rienzo MBA, Class of 1985 Western University
Use Bike Paths
To the editor: Welcome to Western! Are you walking near UC Hill right now? If so, look down. Is there a bicycle painted there? If the answer is yes, you are walking on the bicycle path! For your convenience, UWO has installed pedestrian sidewalks nearby. Utilize them. Thank you, and enjoy your academic year. • Graham Broad Ph.D. ‘08
Dear Life Your anonymous letters to life Dear Life, The Gazette may have gone too far with certain elements of the frosh issue, but it’s all relative considering the regular shit that goes down on campus. wgaz.ca/dearlife
thegazette
Volume 108, Issue 5 www.westerngazette.ca
Iain Boekhoff Editor-In-Chief Brent Holmes Deputy Editor Richard Raycraft Managing Editor
Contact: www.westerngazette.ca University Community Centre Rm. 263 The University of Western Ontario London, ON, CANADA N6A 3K7 Editorial Offices: (519) 661-3580 Advertising Dept.: (519) 661-3579
The Gazette is owned and published by the University Students’ Council.
Editorials are decided by a majority of the editorial board and are written by a member of the editorial board but are not necessarily the expressed opinion of each editorial board member. All other opinions are strictly those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the USC, The Gazette, its editors or staff. To submit a letter, go to westerngazette.ca and click on “Contact.” All articles, letters, photographs, graphics, illustrations and cartoons published in The Gazette, both in the newspaper and online versions, are the property of The Gazette. By submitting any such material to The Gazette for publication, you grant to The Gazette a non-exclusive, world-wide, royalty-free, irrevocable license to publish such material in perpetuity in any media, including but not limited to, The Gazette‘s hard copy and online archives.
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Gazette Staff 2014-2015 Christine Bonk, Sarah Botelho, Tabitha Chan, Jonathan Dunn, Spencer Fairweather, Conrad Floryan, Sam Frankel, Jennafer Freeman, Janice Fung, Stephanie Grella, Dorothy Kessler, Kevin Heslop, Jenny Jay, Nathan Kanter, Katie Lear, Emory Liu, Haida Liu, Winnie Lu, Cheryl Madliger, Sara Mai Chitty, Soheil Milani, Mackenzie Morrison, Robert Nanni Jr., Amy O’Kruk, Vidhant Pal, Lily Robinson, Morgann Sampson, Alex Seger, Tiffany Shepherd, Hamza Tariq, Tristan Wu, Olivia Zollino
News Amy O’Kruk Hamza Tariq Katie Lear Olivia Zollino
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Online Megan Devlin
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thegazette • Tuesday, September 9, 2014
sports
factattack The Dallas Cowboys hold the best record for season openers in the NFL with 36 wins, 19 losses and one draw. They failed to increase their record, falling to the San Francisco 49ers Sunday night 28-17.
Rundown >> The Guelph Gryphons swooped to victory this past Sunday, snatching the win from the Western Mustangs women’s rugby team > The Mustangs put up a solid effort but ultimately could not seal the deal at Alumni Field, finishing the game defeated by their rivals 11-10.
Women’s football league tackles inequality
Courtesy of CCWFL
FOOTBALL FEMME FATALES. The Central Canada Women’s Football League gives women the opportunity to play tackle football, a formerly male-dominated sport. Previously only available in Western Canada and the Maritimes, the league has expanded into Ontario by creating teams in the GTA.
Robert Nanni SPORTS EDITOR @RobertAtGazette
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2014-08-12 10:49 AM
Successful women’s tackle football leagues exist from Western Canada to the Maritimes, giving countless women the opportunity to partake in this widely male-dominated sport. Ontario, however, has had no such league — until now. Initiated this past February, the Central Canada Women’s Football League opens the gate to a wide range of post-varsity possibilities for Ontario women. Aaron Ellis, president and founder of the CCWFL, found inspiration for this movement through his daughter, who would have otherwise not been able to play football after she graduates high school. “Many women have a mindset that they are not built to be a football player,” said Stephanie Ambs, communications coordinator for the newfound league. “The CCWFL presents football as a sport that allows you to participate in a team that is like a family, regardless of your size, ability or past experiences.” Despite tackle football’s image as a predominantly male sport, Ambs claims that the league is looking to replace this notion with a more feminist one. “The CCWFL wants women to play the same sport as men — same rules, same equipment, same game — the only difference is the gender of the players.” Ambs shares some character-building possibilities that elite tackle football can provide to women — ranging from sportsmanship and respect for others to an increase in one’s confidence and physical fitness.
At a skills camp session on June 28, Ontario’s premier Kathleen Wynne made an appearance and shared some words of encouragement with the women who attended, as well as her thoughts on the league as a whole. Comparing to her high school days when girls were not allowed to participate in triple jump to today, where women are brought another step closer to equality, Wynne believes that this league has the potential to positively impact Ontario women. “Women in contact sports are our daughters, mothers, wives, friends and girlfriends who we rely on for emotional support in tough times,” Ambs said. “When it comes to contact sports, women are no longer seen as strong or independent.” Ambs notes the modifications made to rough contact female sports, as if women are in some way incapable of performing on the same scale as men. This sense of inferiority instilled in women can be dangerous to their self-esteem and personal worth in society. Ambs elaborated on the goals of the league. “The CCWFL aspires to become a province-wide league; the first four teams for our inaugural season will be located within the GTA with a western and eastern division,”Ambs shared. “After our first season we will be adding two to four teams each year until we are at capacity and are province-wide.” The league has already had inquiries from Ottawa, Hamilton and Mississauga to compose teams in their areas. Anyone over the age of 18 can tryout and pursue the contact sport of women’s tackle football. Girls aged 16 and 17 are also welcome to join the team as rookies to gain skills and participate in training. The prospects for women in tackle football hardly end with this league, however. “Being part of the CCWFL also gives players the chance to try out for the Canadian national team and the chance to play internationally,” Ambs claimed.