Saskatchewan Teachers Strike by Yensy Lopez Molina

On Tuesday, November 16th, teachers across Saskatchewan took action in a one-day province-wide strike, in -30C weather. The STF (Saskatchewan Teachers Federation) announced the planned strike on January 11th, giving the government a five-day opportunity to allow negotiations regarding issues impacting students and teachers. It is important to know that the STF needed to legally give a 48-hour notice, but chose to give a five-day notice in hopes of an agreement which the government refused and ignored. Samantha Becotte, the president of the STF stated that teachers DO NOT want to strike, and that the action could have been avoided at any point if the government was willing to discuss long term commitments to address class complexity. “Teachers’ working conditions are students’ learning conditions” (Samantha Becotte). Teachers in Saskatchewan are overworked, underpaid, and taking on responsibilities they should not be required and are not paid to do. Saskatchewan is currently the second lowest-funded province. SK has 7 school divisions, each having a budget of $2.04 billion according to the Provincial Government of Saskatchewan. The STF has gained a lot of support from people across Saskatchewan as well as online, and 3300 letters have also been delivered to the Legislative Building in Regina in support of the cause. The Government of Saskatchewan continues to refuse their bargaining committee a new mandate to negotiate issues, therefore the STF has once again announced another five-day countdown. The next job action, announced January 18th, will be on January 22nd and will be another strike.

Happy Birthday Bailey’s!

Happy Birthday Bailey’s!

Mahé Rabesa

Baileys has been an integral part of student life at the university for a year now. Between cafés, meals and even Socials, Baileys is everywhere. Students are happy to have a café nearby with so many food and drink choices. As well as accompanying them throughout the day, students can enjoy Baileys' delicious concoctions at evening Socials. The café's decor is modern, there's plenty of room to study with friends, and Baileys is often a victim of its popularity. Indeed, time and again at lunchtime, there's a queue to order. Fortunately, to alleviate the wait, a website has been set up where you can order online and collect your order. Students can order in advance, between classes, to avoid queuing and being late. The food is succulent, and the coffee is comforting.

According to general manager Sean Taron, "This last year has been a crazy and enjoyable year; it's hard to believe it's been a year already." 

Here are a few highlights from Baileys over the past year

Spotlight Meals

The concept is to create a new special meal named after one of our varsity athletes. It is to celebrate our teams and their athletes and encourage students to attend our athletes' games. For Sean Taron, these feature the senior athletes from the various teams we have on campus: Rugby Curling, Soccer/Futsal, Volleyball and Basketball. He sits down with every player to plan one of their favourite meals. Then, highlight Bailey's and on social media pages to help put a face with the name and hopefully get more spectators to support them at their games. 

Gift A Meal program

Another of Baileys' strengths is its commitment to helping the student community. In collaboration with BUSU, the program helps students finance their meals during the week. All customers coming to Baileys can add a $7.50 charge to their bill, with the proceeds going to help students. University students can be part of this program by contacting services@busu.ca and will benefit from this financial aid by receiving a biweekly meal free of charge.

This is just the beginning of the Bailey's adventure at Brandon University. We're looking forward to many more great years at Bailey's, with many new projects!

To conclude the article, here's a note from Sean Taron, General Manager :

I would also like to thank BUSU for the fantastic opportunity to bring back an essential part of the campus with Bailey's, my fantastic staff for all their hard work and dedication and the campus community for all of their support with Bailey's; without them, I would not have been able to succeed with this new adventure in my life, I look forward to what the future holds and hosting many more events at Bailey's.

Don't forget to follow them on Instagram and Facebook to stay updated with everything happening at Bailey's.

Instagram: @baileys.cafe.bu

Facebook: Bailey's Cafe

Winter Preparation for International Students By Janine Campbell

As an international student, preparing for winter demands meticulous planning and adaptation, particularly when relocating from a warmer to a colder climate. This essential groundwork ensures a seamless adjustment and fosters a comfortable and secure experience amid the challenges posed by colder temperatures and harsh weather conditions.

Understanding the climatic nuances of your new location proves invaluable. Delving into the region's typical temperatures and weather patterns aids in selecting appropriate attire and essentials. Investing in adequate winter gear such as thermal wear, warm coats, gloves, hats, scarves, and insulated boots, is pivotal to shield oneself from freezing temperatures and maintain warmth.

Similarly crucial is becoming knowledgeable with winter-specific safety measures. Familiarizing yourself with frostbite and hypothermia symptoms and precautions is important. Understanding how to explore cold walkways or streets securely, particularly while driving or utilizing public transportation, forestalls mishaps and guarantees wellbeing. I remember last year when I almost slipped outside of Harvest Hall because I was not paying attention. Take it from me, ALWAYS PAY ATTENTION. 

Ensuring that your accommodation is winter-ready remains pivotal for a comfortable stay. Verifying the functionality of proper heating systems, insulation, and additional items like thermal curtains or draft stoppers ensures a consistently warm indoor environment. Knowledge in operating heating systems and securing access to hot water is relevant for managing the cold.

It's wise to stock up on essentials. Winter storms and cruel circumstances could disturb ordinary shopping trips, so having a stockpile of durable food, drinking water, batteries, electric lamps, and crisis supplies such as flashlights is fundamental to support oneself during unexpected circumstances.

Prioritizing personal health is also crucial. Cold weather poses challenges, especially for those that are not used to it. Emphasizing hydration, consuming nutritious meals, and maintaining physical activity are essential. Additionally, safeguarding against illnesses through flu vaccinations and adhering to good hygiene practices, including regular hand-washing, constitutes vital preventive measures.

Engaging with local resources and international student services at your institution proves highly advantageous. These platforms offer workshops, resources, or support networks tailored to assist international students in adjusting to winter climates. They offer valuable advice, tips, and guidance in navigating the challenges posed by colder weather.

By carefully preparing for winter, international students can ensure a smooth transition and establish a safe and comfortable environment, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in their international experience.

Arson Destroys Brandon Building by Angel Anowuru

On November 20th, in the small hours of the morning, there was an arson charge at 144 12th St. in Brandon.

The building that caught fire was home to two businesses, ABC Taxi and a non-profit called Turning Leaf, as well as a few tenants, including several international students. A 33-year old man broke into the building and started the fire, and someone inside called the police to report the incident. The building was completely destroyed.

The police played a part in assisting in the safe evacuation of the building’s occupants. By effectively managing the incident, the Brandon Emergency Services did not fall short of expectations. The perpetrator was quickly arrested.

The extent of the fire was astounding, and among the losses were valuable resident records and possessions, among other things. Ese Auroror, a Nigerian international student, who was a resident of the building stated, “There are quite a number of things that are sentimental, some of them from my late father, some of them from my wife who’s not here with me in Brandon” (Brandon Sun).

The victims of this fire would require a great deal of care at this time, especially in terms of emotional and mental support. Those who are students will have upcoming final examinations. It could be difficult for them to concentrate on their studies following such an event. I sincerely hope that community members will be able to assist them, because they will require costly necessities like food, clothing, and housing given that all they had was gone in an instant. With the support of family and friends, these students can get their lives back on track. I would encourage everyone in the BU community to make an effort to get in touch with them and let them know that they are not alone through gifts, service or words.

Parents’ Bill of Rights

Parents’ Bill of Rights

Passed in Saskatchewan on October 20th of this year, Bill 137, otherwise known as the Parents’ Bill of Rights, is and will continue to make an impact on those under the age of 16. Not only does the bill advocate for parents’ right to know what is being taught in the classroom, but, as stated by Education Minister Jeremy Cockrill, it is “an inclusionary policy that ensures that parents are at the forefront of every important decision in their child’s life.” At first glance, this may seem harmless, but when looking further into what this means for youth, it could very well have detrimental impacts.

Bill 137 requires that a teacher must inform the parent of any changes the child wishes to clarify about their gender identity (change of name, pronouns, etc.) and requires parental consent prior to seeing out the child’s wishes. Within the bill there is a section stating that no legal action or proceeding shall be brought against the government, school boards, independent schools, or employees of such. This means that if any harm should occur as a result of this bill, they are essentially denying legal responsibility.

For instance, let us say a child who comes from an abusive home discusses with a trusted teacher their wish to go by a different set of pronouns. Even if the teacher suspects abuse in the home, or has any reason as to why asking the child’s parent for consent (to refer to the child via different pronouns) may prove unsafe for the child, they are obligated to ask. This could bring about higher rates of child maltreatment while also creating a less supportive environment for that child as they now have less people to discuss these very personal matters with. Under this bill, given the child wants to keep this information from their parents, they also cannot tell any of their teachers, and must find a way to access someone bound by confidentiality. This could either be a school counsellor or a counsellor not affiliated with the school. In Saskatchewan, the counsellor does not have to inform the parents if they deem it appropriate to do so or if the child request their parents are not informed. As easy as it may be to make an appointment with a school counsellor, it is harder to keep private than just having a talk with your teacher. Especially in small towns, people talk. If a child talks to their teacher and their friend asks what they talked about it is easy to say, “Oh, just the assignment due tomorrow.” If a child makes an appointment with the guidance counsellor they have to walk to the office after possibly being called down on the intercom or being pulled out of class by a school employee, in front of their peers. All this to say, whether or not the counselling appointment is to talk about anything regarding gender identity, word can easily make its way back to the parents. This can then, in turn, cause suspicion and possibly escalate an already uncomfortable or unsafe home situation.

Following the passing of this bill in Saskatchewan the likelihood of a similar bill coming into place in Manitoba is increased. Furthermore, confidentiality between counsellors and their clients under the age of 16 may also be at risk in the future. Currently, if a child requests it, their parent(s) do not need to be informed that they are attending counselling and information about such will not reach the parents. But this could change. Naturally, if this changes for school counsellors, the next step for a child may be to find a private counsellor. However, many families do not have insurance and are not supportive of counselling, leaving their children in a significantly disadvantaged spot.

All of this is not to say that having parents be uninformed about what is happening inside their children’s school is bad, because it isn’t. Having informed parents is a fundamental part of encouraging their engagement in their children’s lives. Especially in these times, many children grow distanced from their parents as a result of different beliefs, parental over- and under-involvement, and a general lack of understanding of issues like mental health and gender identity, which may have been less stressed in the parents’ youth. All of these are reasons why it is currently important for children to have access to people they can talk to comfortably and confidentially. In an ideal world, this would be the parents, but that is not realistic, so there needs to be outside resources available for youths.

Taking all of this into account, what I would like to bring to light is that while it is important to encourage parental involvement, there are situations in which it is unsafe to inform a child’s parents of wishes to express their gender identity in a different way. While the bill does have some positive aspects, it also makes an already anxiety-inducing time in a child’s life more stressful, as they may need to go through more hoops in order to conserve their own mental health and wellbeing. While a parent should be supportive of their child in this time, some may become defensive and overly strict in an attempt to bring the child back to their beliefs. Parents need to be understanding of their children and provide a safe environment for them. It is not their job to agree with everything their children do, but it is their job to take care of them and raise them as best they can. Coming-of-age is a stressful time in itself - children do not know who they are and are desperately trying to find out. Why would anyone want to introduce legislation to complicate this?

References:

The information for this article came from the Saskatchewan government, CBC News, the Regina Leader Post article “Parents' rights bill wording anticipates harm, LGBTQ+ advocate says”, The Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, and saskschoolsprivacy.com.

Photo Contest #1 Winner

The winning photo for the first October Photo Contest can be seen below. It was taken at Pine Creek First Nation by James Waugh, who was helping to excavate a church associated with a residential school.

Photos for the second contest can be submitted anytime before Friday, October 20th. The winning photo from this second contest will be on the cover of our October 25th Halloween Issue, so a spooky theme is highly encouraged!

To submit a photo or for more information, contact us at eic.thequill@gmail.com or DM us on Instagram @buthequill.

What Can We Do To Revitalize Downtown?

There are many great things that can be said for Brandon. Located on the Assiniboine River and within driving distance of numerous campgrounds, hiking paths, and lakes, the land offers many picturesque sights to those living in and around the Wheat City. As if the beauty of the landscape surrounding the city weren’t enough, the region itself is rich with both the history of the Cree, Dakota, Dene, Ojibway, and Oji-Cree peoples, and the various other peoples and cultures that make up the modern city of Brandon. The Wheat City can be best described as ‘working-class’, as it hosts a strong workforce made up of skilled tradesmen, emergency service workers, and educators of all kinds. Those worried for the future of Brandon can comfortably kick their feet up and relax knowing that the youth of Brandon – and by extension the student culture – have worked hard to develop themselves into a community that values acceptance, cooperation, and perhaps most importantly, understanding.

The Wheat City also happens to be the second largest city in Manitoba with an impressive 51,000 people recorded in the 2021 census, an uptick of five percent from the last census held in 2016. It’s safe to say that the city is growing and shows no signs of stopping. Typically a growth rate of this size is reflected by the beating heart of any city, its downtown. But downtown Brandon feels a little too quiet to be truly reflective of a city population of 51,000 and climbing. Most businesses and stores in Brandon close before ten, often making people feel like there isn’t that much to do here and leaving establishments such as Houstons, The 40, and the Great Western Roadhouse to appease the rapidly growing demand for an authentic late-night scene.

It must be stressed that downtown Brandon has everything needed to maintain an attractive and vibrant sense of community. The neighbourhood is walkable, taking maybe twenty minutes to cross the entirety of it. It’s already host to a variety of institutions and public services, and the municipal government has worked hard to create a lively centre for its peoples to use. A question formed one day driving through the neighbourhood, I asked why more businesses don’t take advantage of the commercial lots here. At several points in time I’ve looked at vacant storefronts and wondered what service or store would best be suited for it. What letters would rise to take the place of the Ginger Cat Café or The Cinnamon Tree? Who will turn old Abby Rose into the next café or restaurant that hosts a student body club? As fun as a day-trip into Winnipeg may be, why must the second biggest city in Manitoba rely so heavily on the provincial capital?

What about the businesses that are already there? What can the student body do to help the various public services, restaurants, and shops that have been there for quite some time? To start, we’ll have to follow the buck. Where we spend our money is perhaps the single most important motivator for new businesses wondering where to set up. By directing our money towards buying local as much as possible, we encourage potential-business owners to take the next step knowing that we as a city are ready to support them.

The Wheat City actually has quite a bit to offer to those willing to venture out while the sun is still high in the sky. Those yearning for a night listening to live jazz with a locally made drink should look no further than Section 6. One of our local breweries, Section 6 hosts a weekly Jazz Night for the talented Brandon University Jazz Program, which will be performing the jazz standards Take The “A” Train and Lester Leaps In on October 11th, this Wednesday. If live music doesn’t soothe that itch for culture and community, then perhaps the ‘Big One’, an upcoming arts and crafts fair held at the Keystone Centre might be better. If you find that your schedule for the weekends of the 14th and 21st are open, then bring five dollars to cover the admittance fee and you’ll find yourself browsing through the very best arts, crafts, and culinary treats that over 175 local artists and artisans have to offer. Not only will your attendance give you the opportunity to meet and support local artists and artisans, but part of the admission proceeds will be donated in support of the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation’s drive for cancer care. Those seeking films unlikely to appear in your local cinema or on your social media feed would do well to consider checking out the Evans Theater, which will host screenings of the film ‘Jules’ – starring the critically-acclaimed actor Ben Kingsley, from the 13th – a Friday, to the following Sunday.

Brandon truly has a great deal to offer its people, and it has a great deal more to grow. But frequenting the already-existing establishments such as the bars, boutiques, cafes, clubs, exhibits, museums, restaurants, and stores that litter the city may create a greater interest in the revitalization of downtown.

Interview with Wab Kinew, Manitoba’s NDP Leader

Manitoba is experiencing a political climate full of uncertainty and tension as we quickly approach the Provincial Election on October 3rd. It seems that we have reached a dire situation when it comes to a variety of crucial topics, especially those that are important to young people and university students. I know that many people find themselves in a situation where they feel disillusioned or mis- or under-represented in the political system in Manitoba, and in our country in general. Whether it is because they are a member of a group whose rights are under attack, or simply someone who is tired of not seeing whatever change it is that they want to see, it can be very difficult to get themselves out to the polls. Despite these challenging times and feelings, it is more crucial than ever to exercise your democratic right to indicate who you want to see as the leader of our province. I urge young people to also raise their voice in other important ways. Participate in conversations about political issues, learn more about our political system, participate in groups or clubs that provide you with feelings of belonging or safety, and anything else that gives you some sense of balance amidst a tense political context.

There is a wide range of information available about each of the parties and their leaders that I encourage you to read ahead of voting. In addition, The Quill has been given the opportunity to hear from Wab Kinew, our Manitoba NDP leader. As a fourth year Political Science major, I was asked to formulate questions that I felt would address issues most important to Brandon University students, and I was able to receive answers about his party’s stance on them as we head into the election. I covered the topics of encouraging voter turnout, 2SLGBTQ+ rights, the dire state of our healthcare system, the skyrocketing cost of living, harm reduction and safe consumption sites, and ways to protect public safety and youth. I hope that his words, as well as my words of encouragement about finding safe spaces within this potentially frightening time, will give you the support that you need to share your voice in this election. It may make a significant difference in the election outcome, even if it feels as though your voice on its own is not enough to create change.

Encouraging Voter Turnout

Q: What would you say to encourage young people (or anyone), who feels that they do not have much of an influence and therefore decides not to vote? Why is it important that they get out to vote even if they do not feel that it makes a difference?

A: I know that some people might be disillusioned or turned off from politics in general. But this election is so important because we can make life better in Manitoba. We can elect an NDP government that brings people together to do common sense things like hire more health care staff and cut the monthly bills that people face.

Your vote is always powerful. Voting is a right that people have taken to the streets and flooded the legislature in the hopes of obtaining. And this year, it might be even more powerful, because your vote can change the government.

Q: In relation to encouraging young people to vote, I would also like to address the current climate we have been facing in Manitoba with campaigns to ban LGBTQ+ inclusive content in schools in many of our communities. What would you say to reassure young LGBTQ+ and allies as they are voting in this frightening and uneasy environment?

A: The Manitoba NDP will always support and defend 2SLGBTQ+ Manitobans, including children and youth. Hate and discrimination have no place in our province.

Heather Stefanson is trying use the rise in hatred directed towards 2SLGBTQ+ people across North America to divide Manitobans. Our team knows that’s wrong. Now more than ever we need to come together as Manitobans and work to make a place where every person is valued.

That includes in our schools. We trust teachers, because we know they have the best interests of students in mind. I was proud to call for the repudiation of book ban attempts in Brandon earlier this year, and I will always stand up for 2SLGBTQ+ youth.

Healthcare

Q: Could you give a brief overview of the NDP’s plan towards repairing the healthcare system if elected?

A: Health care is in crisis in our province after seven years of Heather Stefanson’s PCs. Manitobans know it’s time for change. Our plan for fixing health care starts with taking care of the people who take care of us. That means working with health care professionals to staff up the health care system and provide more opportunities to train doctors and nurses here in Manitoba by expanding U of M’s Bannatyne Campus and adding 10 doctor training seats in Brandon. Young people who pursue a career in health care are not just training for a job – they are answering a calling. And we believe in having the training and supports they need to pursue that calling right here in Manitoba. We want to make health care an inspiring field where you can do cutting edge cancer research at a centre of excellence or care for the seniors who raised you at a care home in your community. We know an important part of this is changing the culture in health care by listening to and respecting doctors, nurses, and other health care providers. And that’s what our team is committed to doing.

Once we have filled the vacancies in our health care system, we will work to build up our capacity. In addition to reopening the three ERs in Winnipeg that the PCs shut down, we will build a new Neighbourhood Illness and Injury Clinic and a new Primary Care Team Clinic in Brandon. We will make prescription birth control free for all Manitobans, address the family doctor shortage, and restore health coverage for international post-secondary students.

Cost of Living

Q: Can you address your party’s stance on the issue of rent control, and how you plan to mitigate this issue if elected?

A: The Manitoba NDP will protect renters with stronger rent control. The Manitoba government oversees the Residential Tenancies board. And Heather Stefanson’s PCs have approved every single unfair above-guideline rent increase. This hurts renters during a time when the cost of living keeps going up.

A Manitoba NDP Government will bring in legislation that strengthens rent control by preventing landlords from applying for unnecessary and large rent increases or passing along increases that have not been approved. Our plan will also prevent landlords from revoking or reducing rent discounts within the first year an above-guideline increase is implemented.

Q: On the topic of the cost of living, I know you have discussed your desire to establish a committee to tackle issues of affordability, particularly rising grocery prices. Could you explain what this idea would look like in practice?

A: The rising cost of living is hurting Manitobans. Renters are struggling, and so many young people have told me they don't know if they will ever be able to afford a home. It’s getting harder to find a good job with wages that can cover rent, tuition, groceries, gas, and bills and still have a little extra at the end of the month.

But Heather Stefanson isn’t doing anything about it. She’s been handing out cheques to billionaire corporations like Loblaws while letting them gouge grocery prices. Unlike the PCs, we will always work with communities to tackle the issues we face, such as the affordability crisis. A Manitoba NDP Government will make life more affordable for Manitobans by freezing hydro rates, cutting the gas tax, bringing in stronger rent control and increasing the renter's tax credit to $700. We will also bring in free prescription birth control, provide more grants and student aid for post-secondary students, and restore health coverage for international post-secondary students.

Harm Reduction

Another topic important to young people, especially in Brandon and Winnipeg is harm reduction programs, such as mobile units with safe consumption supplies. Many of these life-saving programs do not receive funding or support.

  • Q: Could you give an overview of your thoughts on these programs, and how the NDP would approach supporting them?

A: The addictions crisis is a public health crisis, and I know that addictions are a major issue in Brandon. We need to listen to the experts and work with community groups to take action. The experts are clear that harm-reduction saves lives, connects people with health care and improves community safety. We need to build the Sobering Centre in Brandon.

A Manitoba NDP Government will create a system where no one is turned away when they are trying to get help. We will work with health and addictions experts to create a supervised consumption site. We will also expand treatment and detox beds to help Manitobans all across the province recover from addiction. We’ll invest in housing and social supports to help people in need. The addictions crisis impacts everyone in every community across the province, and we have to act now.  

  • Q: I know that the NDP has chosen to delay Bill 33 regarding this issue. Could you briefly explain what this bill would do if passed, and why it is important to the efforts of harm reduction that it does not pass?

A: Heather Stefanson has failed to listen to experts and work with communities, and the addictions crisis is getting worse under her watch. This past spring, she tried to pass a bill that would limit access to addictions services and make it nearly impossible to open a supervised consumption site. We listened to harm reduction advocates and frontline workers who said this bill was a bad idea, and we stopped it from passing. And now it’s time for all of us to come together and stop the PC Government so we can bring in real harm reduction for Manitobans.

Public Safety and Youth

Another issue that is important to everyone is public safety and ensuring that everyone feels safe in their communities. You have discussed your intention to develop a strategy that involves law enforcement, community patrols, educators, and families to help reduce youth struggles. 

  • Q: Could you explain what this type of strategy might look like?

A: There are so many groups that are already doing this work across Manitoba, including in Brandon – foot patrols like Bear Clan are a great example. These organizations are such an important part of our public safety strategy and we will work with them to make sure everyone feels safe in our communities. This is one way we will reduce youth crime in Manitoba – by ensuring every young person has the supports and opportunities they need to go down a good path.

A Manitoba NDP government will reduce youth crime by developing a comprehensive public safety strategy that brings together law enforcement, community safety patrols, educators, advocates and families. We will strengthen bail reforms and replace the closed Dauphin Jail with a Centre for Justice. We will address the root causes of crime and improve supports to set kids on the right path with more recreation and opportunities in their communities, like a universal meals program and more funding to local organizations. In Brandon, these community investments include our commitment to rebuild the Park Community Centre.

Another important piece of this is mental health. We know that many youth are struggling with mental health and aren’t able to access the supports they need. A Manitoba NDP Government will hire 100 mental health workers to work alongside law enforcement and respond to non-violent mental health calls. And we are committed to increasing team-based care in Manitoba, which means mental health and social workers will work alongside your family doctor. With this approach, your primary care providers can collaborate to provide the supports you need for your physical and mental health.

  • Q: What are the benefits of this type of program?

A: This approach is a smarter way to be tough on crime and tough on the causes of crime. And it has so many benefits. We know that by helping connect young people who are struggling to the supports they need, we will help set them on a good path and reduce the chances of them getting involved in criminal activity. And reducing youth crime will also make our communities safer.

Fall Career Day 

Fall Career Day 

Wednesday, October 4, 2023

10:00 am – 2:30 pm

Mingling Area, 

Knowles Douglas Building

Employers will be actively recruiting for a variety of positions. 

Come by to find out about employers and look for your next position!

For more information contact BU Career Planning and Placement at 727-9651 or pople@brandonu.ca or visit our website at https://www.brandonu.ca/careerplanning/

Brandon University’s Co-op program finalist in Brandon Chamber Achievement Awards

Brandon University’s Co-op program finalist in Brandon Chamber Achievement Awards

BU NEWS — April 6, 2023

Brandon University’s (BU’s) thriving Co-operative Education program has been recognized as a finalist for the Brandon Chamber of Commerce Business Achievement Awards — Community Impact Business category.

This acknowledgement is a testament to the outstanding contributions the program has made to the community over the last five years. Since its start in 2019, BU Co-op has served more than 100 students across 26 disciplines and worked with 37 local and regional employers. In the first cohort, there were 10 co-op students; now the program now has 60 participating! That’s a 500% growth.

“The numbers keep going up, because employers see the value in the skills, ideas and energy that our BU students bring to the workplace,” said Cora Dupuis, BU Co-op Coordinator. “We’ve had domestic, international and Indigenous students working for small, medium and large businesses, non-profits and provincial and federal government agencies. We’re happy to help find the right match to benefit the students and the employers.

As Canada’s Finest Regional University, BU is committed to responding to community needs and cultivating success in western Manitoba. The University’s strategic plan emphasizes how the connection between the community and BU’s students, faculty and staff builds strength that benefits everyone.

“BU Co-op is an economic driver for our region, contributing to the vitality of our city, and continues to engage talented young people in our workforce and community,” said Dr. Kofi Campbell, BU’s Provost & Vice-President (Academic). “We’re changing lives with these work experiences by launching careers and helping employers to find the talent they are looking for.”

Westman businesses are also pleased that hiring students keeps them in the region between academic terms and develops a skilled and experienced workforce that is more likely to remain here after graduation thanks to the relationships and networks they have established.

“The BU Co-op program is a great initiative for students who are looking for opportunities to gain experience in their field and for the businesses that hire them,” said Andrea Epp, Founder of Epp Law and the person who nominated the BU Co-op program for the Community Impact Award. “I personally have taken advantage of the program for my growing business and was able to hire a student, at an affordable rate, working at my office. The student was a great addition to my team, and now she’s in law school, taking the next step in her career.”

Dupuis and Brandon University are gearing up for another wonderful summer with dozens of students connecting with local and regional employers. “We’re optimistic that all 60 of our co-op students will land relevant and meaningful work experiences this summer,” Dupuis said. “Our students can’t wait to get into the workforce to share their skills, and I’m just as excited to see what they’ll accomplish!”

The recipient in the Community Impact Award will be announced at the 140th Brandon Chamber of Commerce Gala on Thursday, April 13, 2023.

For more information about becoming a part of the BU Co-op program, contact Cora at 204-571-7848 or DupuisC@BrandonU.ca or visit BrandonU.ca/Co-op.

Success is built at Brandon University. Our growing, progressive campus welcomes a diverse and inclusive community that combines proud tradition with shared ambition. Through our excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship, we educate students to make a meaningful difference as engaged citizens and leaders. Join us at BrandonU.ca

BU student delivering talk on Hutterite colony’s sponsorship of Syrian refugee family

BU student delivering talk on Hutterite colony’s sponsorship of Syrian refugee family

BU NEWS — March 6, 2023

BRANDON – Brandon University (BU) student Elaine Hofer will present a public talk and slide show on Thursday, March 9 on her Green Acres Hutterite Colony’s sponsorship of a Syrian refugee family. The talk, which is part of the Creative Writing Literary Exchange, is entitled “Walking Home: Cross-Cultural Exchange in Rural Manitoba.”

Hofer has just self-published a memoir on the life-changing experience that the colony underwent when they sponsored Najwa and Reyad Al Hamoud and their two children during Canada’s 2016 campaign to resettle 25,000 Syrian refugees. By 2021 more than 73,000 Syrians had been resettled in Canada as refugees, according to Natalie Kalata of the CBC.

As part of her talk, Hofer will present a short documentary produced by the United Nations Refugee Agency about the Green Acres colony’s support for the Al Hamoud family.

She will supplement her presentation with a slide show that depicts the rich cultural exchange that took place between members of the Hutterite Christian community and members of the Muslim Al Hamoud family.

“We gained so much more than a family we sponsored,” Hofer says. “Our worldview was widened to meaningful new friendships and cultures, a larger definition of family, and some of the most beautiful, moving encounters we’ve ever experienced.”

Before being forced to flee Syria, Najwa was an elementary school teacher in Hama, Syria, and her husband Reyad worked in construction, according to Leyland Cecco and Annie Sekkab in an article for the UN Refugee Agency.

It was only ten days after the Al Hamouds reached Lebanon that they learned that the home Reyad had built for them in Hama had been demolished in a bomb attack.

They spent the next three years in exile, living in a shack, almost escaping by boat across the Mediterranean, before learning they had been accepted by Canada, say Cecco and Sekkab.

The Al Hamouds lived in Wawanesa before later moving to Brandon. They have since found a home and community in Edmonton.

Hofer is a student in the Education Integrated Program at BU and taking Arts courses at present. In 2019 she was the subject of a CBC podcast about her passion for long distance running. The podcast was featured as part of The Doc Project with Acey Rowe and was re-broadcast in 2022 after being selected as one of the show’s top 10 favourites. Hofer has run in twelve half-marathons and three 25-kilometre runs.

She has been published in the national magazine Broadview, and is currently in discussion with a publisher about the publication of her memoir.

Her talk on Thursday will be held in Room 206 of Clark Hall, from noon to 12:30 pm. The event is free and open to all. There will be a short question-and-answer period after her talk.

The Creative Writing Literary Exchange is a creative arts project supported by the Department of English, Drama, & Creative Writing and the Dean of Arts Office at BU.

For more information, contact Dale Lakevold at Lakevold@BrandonU.ca or 204-727-7413.

Getting Ready to Vote for BUSU! 

Getting Ready to Vote for BUSU! 

By Ronnie Neiman

 After a somewhat short nomination period, it is almost time to head to the polls to vote for BUSU, after the campaigning of course. Voting takes place March 9-10th. The results will be announced later on March 10th. 

By voting, students are participating in the democratic process. The vote for leaders to represent them and their ideas, and the leaders support the citizens' interests. 

It is important for students to vote, so that their voices are head for student matters. Electing someone to become the students voice in certain matters helps voices be heard in a more concentrated manner. 

VOTING INSTRUCTIONS

You will receive an email to your Brandon University Student email address on March 9th and 10th with a link to vote. Once you are ready to vote, click the link and it will take you to a ballot survey. Each question will be for a particular Council position with the candidate’s name, followed by Yes/No options. Community group positions (e.g. Accessibility & International Students Director) will have an additional “Not Applicable” option. The survey should take approximately 2 minutes to complete. Your individual responses will be confidential and you will not be identified in any way. You can only vote only once anytime from 9 AM on Monday, March 9th to 4.30 PM on Tuesday, March 10th wherever you are, as long as you have access to your BU student email! 

The  legend of The Rocky Horror Picture Show hits BU

The  legend of The Rocky Horror Picture Show hits BU                                    

By Mehak ‘May’ Oberoi, Junior Reporter

“Stand up if you’ve never seen The Rocky Horror Picture Show live before.”

Half the auditorium stands up. Three people are picked out from the crowd and brought onto the stage, where they each pop a red balloon. All the Rocky Horror virgins are popping their cherry tonight. 

Released on September 25, 1975, the movie was initially a bust in theaters. Since then, however, it’s amassed a following that’s made it a legend of its time and culture, transcending its status as a cult flick to becoming an iconic film of the 70s. It’s also long been an important work for the LGBTQIA+ community. In the preshow, host and Brandon pride chair Aly Wowchuk talked about the political relevance of the film. "We start with a reminder that the Rocky Horror Picture Show is a product of its time and does contain outdated ideas and poor representation of those in the queer community, especially transgender individuals, gender-queer, and bisexuals,” she said. “It also introduced a generation to gender expression, self-discovery, and sexuality in a time where it was taboo and has played a large part in queer culture and identity years since.” As movie theaters grow increasingly irrelevant, Rocky Horror is a reminder of the importance of theaters as a way for a community to gather together. Since its release, it's been an opportunity for like-minded people to be themselves in a welcoming environment. 

Passion for watching the film live has resulted in an accumulation of traditions. The hosts of the event sold survival kits at the door (which were so popular that they sold out before the show started). Within the kits, you could find a printed copy of the guide to audience interaction, along with a strange assortment of objects. This is one of the few films where you’re actually encouraged to talk and scream loudly as the film plays. Audience members threw objects in the air, heckled the characters and sang along to the music.

As the opening scenes began, the audience threw confetti in the air as the wedding party of the film walked down the church steps. In Rocky Horror tradition, the audience yelled ‘Boring’ as the narrator went on too long. Glow Sticks were waved during ‘Over At the Frankenstein Place’, and the audience started dancing in the aisles during ‘Sweet Transvestite.’  At one point, a roll of toilet paper landed at my feet. Art is not dead. 

The event ended with the costume contest, which was sponsored by Smitten, and judged by Brandon Pride and House of Hex. It’s tradition for a Rocky Horror viewing to end with a costume contest and other audience activities, with the first costume contest for the film happening in 1974, a year before release. Audience members were able to sign up to the contest, then judged on stage. Two finalists were chosen, who battled it out in a lip-synch contest for first place.

The film will celebrate its 48th anniversary this year. If the past is any indication, viewings will be happening for years to come.