VOLUME 50 ISSUE NO. 11 SEPTEMBER 03 2009 - UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY - Jason ...
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UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY
R
VO LLUU ME 5 0 ISS
ISSUE
UE NO. 11 SSEPTEMBER
EPTEMB ER 03 2009
Cover photo and design by Chris Pedersen
editorial SEPTEMBER 3 2009
®
City hall’s short-sighted graffiti gaffe
Editor-in-Chief: Cam Cotton-O’Brien 403-220-7752
editor@thegauntlet.ca
News Editor: Katy Anderson 403-220-4318
news@thegauntlet.ca
Entertainment: Jordyn Marcellus 403-220-4376
entertainment@thegauntlet.ca
T
he City of Calgary
Sports: Jon Roe 403-220-2298
takes a hard-line stance sports@thegauntlet.ca
against graffiti. On at Opinions: Ryan Pike 403-220-2298
least four different web pages, opinions@thegauntlet.ca
the City declares that it is “a Features: Sarelle Azuelos 403-220-4376
features@thegauntlet.ca
crime that affects everybody”
Photography: Chris ‘Doc’ Pedersen 403-220-4376
and that it ruins the “natural and photo@thegauntlet.ca
architectural beauty of a city.” So, Production: Ændrew Rininsland 403-220-2298
when a project was announced production@thegauntlet.ca
to offer young artists the chance Illustrations: Jen Grond 403-220-2298
illustrations@thegauntlet.ca
to tag Shaw Millennium Park,
Academic Probation: Brad Halasz 403-220-2298
it seemed Calgary was getting ap@thegauntlet.ca
interested in helping to promote a Three Lines Free: Vacant 403-220-2298
tlfs@thegauntlet.ca
vital part of youth culture.
Two days later, they shut Business Manager: Evelyn Cone 403-220-7380
business@thegauntlet.ca
it down when graffiti was
Advertising Manager: John Harbidge 403-220-7751
sprayed everywhere, not just sales@thegauntlet.ca
on the designated space. People Graphic Artist: Ken Clarke 403-220-7755
graphics@thegauntlet.ca
reacted, stupidly, by completely
vandalizing Millennium Park, Network Manager: Ben Li
costing the city an estimated $60– Contributors
Laura Bardsley • Brent Constantin • Travis Dandro
80,000 in clean-up fees. What’s Allison Drinnan • Jeff Guanezo • Rhiannon Kirkland
more, the vandals — and that is Eric Mathison • Daniel Pagan • Alastair Starke
Adriana Sveen • Tristan Taylor
what they are, vandals — used Golden Spatula
incredibly disparaging racial and Brent Constantin, the only new volunteer brave enough
to check out production night.
sexual epithets in anger over the
Furor Arma Ministrat
closing of the project. Room 319, MacEwan Students’ Centre
This “payback vandalism” University of Calgary
2500 University Drive NW
was, simply put, the fault of trying to get back at them. wrongly, that there is no point to a city that didn’t want to follow Calgary, AB T2N 1N4
General inquiries: 403-220-7750
all the stakeholders. The City Secondly, fault for the program's in even offering youth additional through on a project that had http://thegauntlet.ca
needed to think this through shutdown belongs to the spaces to try their wares. Graffiti some hiccups to start off with and The Gauntlet is the official student newspaper of the University
of Calgary, published most Thursdays throughout the year by the
a little bit better — instead of program's participants. They were art has been set back by this a group of youths who reacted far Gauntlet Publications Society, an autonomous, incorporated body.
making Dave Brunning (a.k.a the ones who initially felt they vandalism, with images of John too extremely for their own good. Membership in the society is open to undergraduate students at the
U of C, but all members of the university community are encouraged
TheKidBelo) the sole person were allowed to tag everything Mar standing in the ugly, graffiti- to contribute. Opinions contained herein are those of the individual
writers, and do not necessarily represent the views of the entire
responsible for oversight of the and not follow a very simple laden bathrooms in Millennium Jordyn Marcellus Gauntlet staff. Editorials are chosen by the majority of the editorial
board. The Gauntlet is a forum open to all U of C students but may
project. They also shouldn’t have rule — keep it to the designated Park etched into people’s minds. Entertainment Editor refuse any submission judged to be racist, sexist, homophobic,
libelous, or containing attacks of a strictly personal nature. We
immediately reacted by cancelling area. If they had just followed These images associate the reserve the right to edit for brevity. Grievances regarding the Gauntlet
the project only two days into that guideline the City may have art-form as childish vandalism, CORRECTION: follow a three-step process which requires written decisions from
the Editor, the GPS Board of Directors, and the Ombudsboard. The
complete Grievance Policy is online at: http://thegauntlet.ca. The
its implementation. Skaters and decided to keep the program something future artists who In a story last issue [“Solar Power,” Gauntlet is printed on recycled paper and uses new/old editor-based
ink. We urge you to recycle/begin another year at the Gauntlet.
graffiti artists are a group of going longer, offering new spaces attempt to mainstream graffiti art Noah Miller], solar decathalon proj-
ect manager Matt Beck was mistak- Letter Policy
youths who believe themselves up for art graffiti. in Calgary will have to deal with Letters must be typed, double-spaced and received by Monday at
enly identifed as Matt Ulinski. The 4 p.m., and must include the author’s name, student ID number, telephone
to be persecuted by “the man,” Instead, with the vandalism head on. Sadly, mainstreaming number and signature. Letters will not be printed if they include attacks
and the closing was obviously of Millennium Park, city hall graffiti will probably take even Gauntlet apologizes for any inconve- of a strictly personal nature, statements that discriminate on the basis
of race, sex, or sexual orientation, or libelous or defamatory material. All
going to be seen as “the man” and the public will only believe, longer in Calgary now. All thanks nience this may have caused. letters should be addressed to “Editor, the Gauntlet,” and be no longer
than 300 words. The Gauntlet retains the right to edit submissions.
Letters can be delivered or mailed to the Gauntlet office, Room 319
contents
MacEwan Students’ Centre, or sent by email to editor@thegauntlet.ca.
After the fall out from the City of Calgary’s graffiti project, Dave Brunning and
John Mar discuss the fall out and what happens next. Page 22.
news opinions sports ap entertainment
The shiny, new vet school What’s the deal with swine Fresh off a Hardy Cup win Racism uncovered in the Learn all about Sexxxy,
is opening its doors, while flu? Plus, a dissection of last year, the Dinos foot- Mac Hall food court. The the U of C’s orientation
the U of C prepares for modern lit and Calgary ball team prepares for the Academic Probation team week theatrical tradition.
H1N1. Page 4 urban culture. Page 11. season. Page 15. investigages. Page 20. Page 24.
4 SEPTEMBER 03.09 GAUNTLET
Editor: Katy Anderson—news@thegauntlet.ca news
Vet school moves in to new home October 2004
Then Provincial Learning
Minister Lyle Olberg
announces the U of C will
have a veterinary school by
After a year at Foothills, staff, students get comfy in Spy Hill diggs 2006.
August 2005
Daniel Pagan The university announces
the faculty of veterinary
Gauntlet News
medicine will open Sept.
2006.
A
long with 90 head of cattle,
University of Calgary faculty of September 2005
The Alberta govern-
veterinary medicine students ment announces
now have a place to call home. $16 million for the
faculty of veterinary
The Clinical Skills Building opened medicine.
its doors Aug. 24. Located at the Spy Hill
campus, the building offers the vets-in- October 2005
U of C faculty of veterinary
training opportunities to play around medicine dean Dr. Peter Eyre
with state-of-the-art contraptions, such resigns, criticizing the project
as animal ultrasound machines and the for being rife with politics and
pushing ahead without secure
biodigester — a large carcass-disposal funding.
unit. The CSB is designed for teaching The University announces
the project will be pushed
vet students clinical skills and provides back to fall 2007.
hands-on work with animals on-site,
with almost 100 hectares of land. June 2006
Dr. Alastair Cribb hired
The CSB’s opening is the final mile- as the new dean.
stone in a long timeline. In Oct. 2004, American Veterinary
Medical Association
MLA and then Minister of Learning Lyle visits the U of C for a
Olberg unveiled plans for a new vet- consultative visit.
erinary school in Calgary, hailing it as
Chris Pedersen/the Gauntlet October 2006
necessary in the fight against mad cow An announcement is made
and avian flu. Five years later, the CSB’s Spy Hill campus’ Clinical Skills Building and surrounding 100 hectares will offer U of C vets-in-training opportuni- that the opening of the vet
opening has faculty of veterinary medi- ties to play around with state-of-the-art contraptions and work with animals on-site. school will be postponed
until fall 2008. The province
cine dean Dr. Alastair Cribbs “thrilled.” announces an additional
“The building design process was gold Leadership in Energy and Environ- clinical skills of a veterinarian.” hospitals and clinics throughout Alber- $64 million for capital
funding, bringing the total
started in earnest in the summer of mental Design standard, which means it “I feel extremely privileged to be ta during our fourth year,” said Clancy. to $80 million.
2006, during a time of building chal- met certain standards for environmen- studying at Spy Hill,” said Clancy. “The For vet students needing a break from
lenges in Alberta,” explained Cribbs. tally sustainable construction, such as enthusiasm of all the staff and students studying and clinical tests, the CSB has a November 2006
Then Alberta Advanced
“We are happy to have been able to have water conservation. working in the facility is tremendous.” few distracting features, including plans Education Minister Dave
completed this challenging project on “We capture all storm run-off and Vet students will still split their time for a foosball or pool table. Hancock visits the U of C and
announces the province’s
such a tight timeline.” animal waste,” said Cribbs. “The liquid between the satellite campus and the “The foyer of the building is an area commitment to the total $80
The CSB has six separate areas de- waste is processed on-site in a treatment Foothills Hospital, Clancy noted, as filled with tables where students can million, $55 million of this
voted to anatomy, laboratory diagnos- wetland. After percolating through a se- they take non-pratical classes, such as study and spend their free time during going towards a clinical skills
building to be located at the
tics, equine, bovine, livestock and small ries of ponds, we pump the water back human and animal medical research, breaks from class,” said Clancy. “We also Spy Hill campus.
animals and is 80,000 square feet. It into the building. We chlorinate it and and co-operation programs with hu- have a kitchen area where we can make
will serve both new and practicing vet- use the water to flush the toilets and man medical professionals. food and coffee throughout the day.” October 2007
The AMVA announces the
“
He provided a few examples of the Cribb said by bringing together the U of C will receive their first
I feel extremely privileged to be studying new technology at CSB, such as an anat-
omy camera and a touchpad system
“best ideas from veterinary colleges
across the globe,” he hopes to continue
step in full accreditation, the
final step allowing the U of C
to admit their first class for
at Spy Hill. The enthusiasm of all the staff and that can project real time images from
labs onto giant screens in classrooms,
the tradition of Canada’s four other col-
leges and produce outstanding gradu-
fall 2008.
students working in the facility is tremendous. an animal handling system designed to
reduce stress during a bovine physical
ates.
“We have just accepted our second
September 2008
The Foothills vet school
complex opens, admit-
— Eoin Clancy, second-year vet student exam and the pathology department’s class, our next jobs are to ensure a great ting 30 undergraduate
students.
video conferencing abilities. education for our DVM students, expand
erinarians, hosting practical sessions as wash down all the animal areas.” “The advantages to studying in the our graduate program from 70 to 120 August 2009
part of the Canadian Veterinary Medi- Second-year student Eoin Clancy says new facility is that the veterinary faculty students and launch the Distributed The Spy Hill campus Clini-
cal Skills Building opens
cal Association 2010 annual general that compared to the Foothills Hospital has its own space where all of our clini- Veterinary Learning Community pro- its doors.
meeting. site there is “a great deal more space and cal and professional skills can be de- grams that will support our final practi- Timeline by Katy Anderson
He added the CSB has been built to equipment for practicing the necessary veloped before we begin practicums at cum year of education,” said Cribbs. and Brent Constantin
What do you think will be the next animal based pandemic? campus quips
“Halibut.” “I think it will be “Fish — salmon spe- “Sheep or dogs. The
– Brenden Davis, horse-based. Some cifically. It will affect only symptom will
fourth-year bach- sort of digestive the bowels.” be a horrible cough.”
elor of commerce issue.” – Julia Tran, – Annabelle
– Stephanie Olsen, fourth-year bach- Andrews, first-year
first-year biological elor of commerce biological science
science
Interviews: Ryan May, Photographs: Ryan May
GAUNTLET NEWS SEPTEMBER 03.09 5
University braces for H1N1 virus
Daniel Pagan Agency of Canada to ensure actions are co-
Gauntlet News ordinated and appropriate steps are being
taken to deal with the H1N1 issue.”
T
he University of Calgary is hoping Campus Security director Lanny Fritz ex-
to foil a potential H1N1 breakout on plained they are working with the Depart-
campus by stressing personal hygiene ment of Risk Management on preparation
and education as students return for classes. plans, while the university as a whole con-
Under the Canadian Pandemic Influenza tinues to follow AHS and the Public Health
Plan, all large institutions, including univer- Agency of Canada’s recommendations.
sities, are encouraged to have pandemic pre- “H1N1 is a new phenomenon, we are con-
paredness plans. stantly reviewing and enhancing our plan to
The first H1N1 case in Calgary occurred last reflect the latest possible scientific and medi-
April. To help prevent the virus’ spread the cal information that emerges,” said Fritz. “The
U of C installed hand sanitizers and unveiled emphasis right now is on prevention of the
a poster awareness campaign emphasizing transmission of the virus as it is already in the
the importance of hand washing and using Calgary community.”
hand sanitizer. Students and staff are also Residence Services is preparing for a
urged to practice additional personal hygiene breakout in the residence buildings by edu-
Chris Pedersen/the Gauntlet
measures such as covering their mouth and cating new students and community advi-
nose while coughing or sneezing. In one of the U of C’s precautionary measures against the H1N1 virus, the Health sors. Residence Services associate director
The U of C’s Public Health First Response and Wellness Centre is warning students with H1N1 symptoms not to visit. Randy Maus explained they are not pre-
has been tracking H1N1 developments. The emptivley closing down residence halls, but
university is also discussing plans for admin- advising students to avoid shaking hands, emergency preparedness plan to deal with the added it is a possibility in the case of a seri-
istering vaccines to students and staff with hugging or kissing and to hold meetings over changing H1N1 situation. ous infection.
Alberta Health Services. the phone instead of in person. “The university is in contact with Alberta “As we conduct our staff training sessions,
Across the country, universities are pre- U of C communications director Colleen Health Services to discuss the ongoing risks we are providing them with information on
paring for a possible H1N1 breakout, includ- Turner said the university wants students, related to H1N1, including issues surrounding H1N1 prevention, symptoms and response,”
ing the University of Toronto, which has faculty and staff to be aware of how to avoid the beginning of the fall semester,” she said. said Maus. “Additionally, we will be giving
not ruled out campus closures or usage of the H1N1 virus, through health informa- “U of C Health and Wellness experts students this information in their check-in
residence buildings as “health centres” for tion sessions during orientation week and are working closely with their counter- packages.
affected students. In Nova Scotia, Dalhousie communication activities before the start of parts in the provincial government and “Furthermore, we are stockpiling various
University released information in late July classes. The university is updating the overall monitor directions of the Public Health See H1N1, page 8
Dalai Lama’s visit intended to inspire compassion, collaboration
Laura Bardsley The visit, the first in 30 years, as- ing previously about his visit, and The conference contains some like warm clothing collections or
Gauntlet News pires to “reinforce the U of C’s I automatically said ‘The Dalai challenges for interested parties; classrooms making sandwiches for
commitment to international en- Lama’s coming? Who would miss actNOW is the conference’s “Day of the Drop-In & Rehab Centre would
One of the most influential voices gagement and social responsibility.” that!’ I see this as a once-in-a-life- Action,” held Oct. 2. This day is be- be very beneficial.
in the world is being hosted by the The first day of the conference, the time opportunity and am so glad ing called the “catalyst to increase Tickets are still available and reg-
University of Calgary starting Sept. Dalai Lama will be addressing the that I have this chance.” community engagement in Calgary istration can be completed on the
30. His Holiness, the Fourteenth Saddledome and on the second an The conference showcases not . . . a springboard for a movement website dalailamacalgary.com. En-
Dalai Lama, will be speaking as part audience on campus. These keynote one, but two Nobel Peace Prize of inspired people who will create gageYOUTH is featured on the web-
of the university’s event NOW. sessions with His Holiness have at- winners, as well as celebrity hosts significant [and] positive change in site, which offers lower ticket prices
According to the U of C web- tracted the interests of young and Sandra Oh and Mark Tewkesbury. our communities.” Held at various and bursaries for students who wish
site, the two day event/conference old. Tessa O’Byrne, an 18-year-old Focusing on speakers fluent in locations, the participants should to represent their high schools as
was inspired by His Holiness, as it U of C student, is excited for her peace and education, the event is expect to engage in activities pro- leaders. Also featured are speaker
“draws on values of compassion, chance to participate. being used to drive home responsi- moting compassion and peace. bios and schedules for the keynote
connectedness and collaboration.” “I was offered a ticket, not know- bilities and moral values. ActNOW suggests simple things sessions and events.
6 SEPTEMBER 03.09 GAUNTLET NEWS
While you were camping: summer news review
Eric Mathison pus Calgary Digital Library. With Washington, D.C., for the compe- Thirsk is researching the long-term to provide financial statements for
Gauntlet News hopes of being open by fall 2010, the tition, which begins Oct. 8. effects of low gravity on himself 2008 to Elections Alberta.
CCDL will offer workspaces for stu- The SolAbode, as the house is and the other crew members. Significant finger pointing took
200 jobs cut on campus dents, including an expanded learn- called, is sponsored by ENMAX, Two other U of C alumni will also place by the new leadership, who al-
A loss of endowments combined ing commons to replace the Infor- which will get the house once the be playing important roles in the leged the outgoing members didn’t
with the province’s decision not mation Commons in the McKimmie competition is over. mission. Laura Lucier, a BSc grad pass on the required information.
to add any additional funds to the Library, advanced audio/visual re- from 1999, is the flight-controller The old leadership stated that they
university’s operating budget led sources and both digital and printed Hard rock goes to the country and Dr. Doug Hamilton, who fin- did, but that the information was
the University of Calgary’s presi- resources for research material. More than 1,000 pieces were re- ished his PhD and MD in 1991, will mishandled by the new leadership.
dent Dr. Harvey Weingarten to an- A joint federal-provincial fund- covered of the meteorite that land- act as the deputy flight surgeon. Currently, the Alberta Greens’
nounce that up to 200 jobs would website states that “de-registration
be cut in the fall. of the party is an administrative
Along with the job losses —
Solar Scienc opportunity to re-organize and re-
8 1 , 9 ( 5 6 , 7 < 2 ) & $ / * $ 5 < 8 1 , 9 ( 5 6 , 7 < 2 ) & $ / * $ 5 <
The ques es vs. L
C
algary post-secondary schools are working togeth-
er to design, build and operate a highly energy-
efficient and completely solar-powered house.
Students from the University of Calgary, the
which will mostly be to support build the party into a viable politi-
t for gove iber
Power
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology , the Alberta Col-
lege of Art & Design and Mount Royal College comprise one
of 20 college and university teams from around the world
9 2 / 8 0 ( _ , 6 6 8 ( 1 2 _ - 8 / < _ invited to compete in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar
9 2 / 8 0 ( _ , 6 6 8 ( 1 2 _ 0 $ < _
rnment f al A
going
Decathlon, a competition to create the most attractive and
energy-efficient solar-powered house.
“It’s a small home (800 square feet), just enough for one
Job loss shakes rts
bedroom, an open kitchen/living area, bathroom, laundry fa-
staff positions — all faculties will be cal organization.”
cilities and a full complement of appliances, you name it we’ve
got it all,” said project manager Matt Ulinski. “Our home is
unding
built with products that are on the market now, some of the
applications that we’ve done with them are new to the residen-
tial market and are commercial products. It’s a smart home as
greener
well as a very energy-efficient home. It’s all powered by our
solar system on the roof.”
see Solar, page 3
reducing their budgets by three per
campus Story by Noah Miller, graphic provided by Alberta Solar Decathlon Team
8R
I&%
cent for the coming year. university to cut greenhouse gas emissions
Student cash buys library books
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Students’ Union president Char- Story by katy Anderson, Cover by chris Pedersen
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only slash greenhouse gas emissions by
80,000 tonnes per year, the university would
“wonderful thing” and something the univer-
sity has been working on for a number of years.
Editorial page, 2 The Students’ Union donated
I 3
n what many are calling a “sad day” for the Univer- “Today, I would say, this is a very clear indication of what crease enrollment to try and balance the budget. Next year, switch from purchasing energy to produc- “It’s an amazing scale of change to see for
T
sity of Calgary community, an internal memo was happens when the province fails post-secondary education.” the university is allotted to grow by 1,500 full-time-equivalent
lotte Kingston expressed concern Story page,
nearly $85,000 to the university
he University of Calgary is ing it themselves, said U of C president the campus,” said Wright. “Kyoto commits
circulated Tuesday announcing the university will Alberta Advanced Education Minister Doug Horner de- students in areas that already see high demand, like health sci- set to cut its emissions by Dr. Harvey Weingarten. The move will save us to six per cent below 1990 levels by 2012
cut 200 positions by fall, with further cuts “likely.” fended the province, pointing to the annual increase in the ences and business. approximately 43 per cent the university anywhere from $3.2 to $5 whereas this would give us on the order of
Faced with the loss of $78 million in endow- base operating budget over the last five years, saying the in- Kingston, however, cautioned what the impact of a reduced from 1990 levels — a move million per year on their operating budget. 40 per cent by 2011.”
ments and investments announced in January, creases add up to 34 per cent. number of services, paired with a growing number of enroll- that will save up to $5 mil- “The facilities that we have for heating and Calgary-Montrose MLA Manmeet Singh
coupled with the provincial government’s decision that the “I recognize that whenever you’re going to have this kind ments, would mean. lion a year once implement- cooling for our buildings are 40 to 45 years Bhullar said the co-generation plant is an
U of C will receive a zero per cent increase in their base oper- of human resource adjustment it sounds very negative, and “I think we’ll probably see our class sizes grow, I think we’ll
ed in 2011. old,” said Weingarten. “We needed to expand example of government and post-second-
ating budget next year, the university has a see the number of teaching assistants drop
The federal and provincial governments and upgrade that facility and we decided to ary institutions working together to find
that the effects of the cost cutting library this year on behalf of stu-
$14.3 million deficit for 2008/09. and, certainly, there’s going to be lower ac-
gave the U of C $113 million as part of its do it in an environmentally responsible way.” innovative solutions to the province’s most
Provincial legislation dating back to the
Klein era forbids Alberta universities from
running an operating deficit.
University of Calgary to cut 200 cess to administrators and support staff,
which is never good,” said Kingston.
Anticipating the budget shortfalls, the
infrastructure plan Friday, May 15. Half will
go to a co-generation plant and a campus
wide energy performance program — refit-
Co-generation means that instead of
just heating or chilling water and sending
it through tunnels into campus buildings,
pressing challenges.
“It’s actually quite exciting to see how the
new project, with respect to co-generation,
In the memo, university president Har- university embarked on the IS2 project, an
ting buildings — while half will go to mak- a natural gas run turbine — essentially a will contribute financially to the institu-
vey Weingarten wrote that 60 per cent of
the U of C’s budget goes to employee sala-
ries and benefits.
positions to battle $14.3 million deficit administrative review evaluating the busi-
ness practices of university services, earlier
this year, said vice-president of external re-
ing sure the Taylor Family Digital Library
will have state of the art equipment when
big jet engine — produces electricity, ex-
plained Weingarten.
tion’s well being, as well as leave a much
smaller carbon footprint once fully devel-
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it opens. Office of Sustainability co-ordinator Jo oped,” said Bhullar.
will be dramatic. She noted the staff dents. Full time students pay $5 a
“I anticipate that we will need to reduce lations Colleen Turner. 8 1 , 9 ( 5 6 , 7 < 2 ) & $ / * $ 5 <
our staff complement by up to 200 people by the fall of this year. it is negative to those involved and we hope for the best for Most of the cuts will affect support staff, said Turner, but 8 1 , 9 ( 5 6 , 7 < 2 ) & $ / * $ 5 < The heating and cooling plant would not Wright said the co-generation project is a see Going Greener, page 3
There is likely to be additional staff and faculty reductions in the them, but I think to say that we’re not supporting our post- noted cuts to faculty may come in the form of attrition. The
future,” said Weingarten. secondaries, when you compare us to any other jurisdiction university already imposed limits on hiring earlier in the year,
Although disappointed with the university’s announcement, in the world right now, those numbers speak for themselves,” mandating that all new hires be approved by the vice-provost.
Students’ Union president Charlotte Kingston said the institution he said. As faculty leave, new staff will likely not be hired to replace
is stuck between a “rock and a hard place,” stressing she believes Horner also said the cuts could be done without sacrificing them.
the root cause is the zero per cent increase from the province. quality or spaces. “These are individuals and these are individual lives that are
cuts, combined with the university’s semester, while part time students
“As far as I’m concerned it is the province who is not prop- “This is about using technology better, it’s about [making] going to be affected and it’s not a decision that the university
erly recognizing that post-secondary education is going to human resources management better,” he said. takes lightly,” said Turner. 9 2 / 8 0 ( _ , 6 6 8 ( 1 2 _ - 8 1 ( _
receive more students during the recession,” said Kingston. In the memo, Weingarten said the university would in- see university cuts, page 3 9 2 / 8 0 ( _ , 6 6 8 ( 1 2 _ $ 8 * 8 6 7 _
strategy to increase enrollment to contribute $3, which goes to buying
offset costs, would surely be detri- books and software, and pays for
mental to students and faculty alike. ing announcement of $113 million ed southeast of Lloydminster, Sask., Technology boosts safety on staff during the exam time 24 hour
The memo released by Weingar- made the CCDL possible. Addition- in November, 2008. Dr. Alan Hil- campus operation. Over the 10 years the SU
ten suggested that more job losses ally, the money will go towards a debrand, U of C associate professor An attempt to increase security has levied the fee the library has re-
may be necessary to reduce the co-generation plant that will pro- and Canada Research Chair holder on campus without a major rise in ceived over $1.1 million.
$14.3 million deficit the university vide more efficient power to the in Planetary Science, was the first to cost led the U of C to implement the
ran in 2008/09. Because of pro- campus, set to open in 2011. locate pieces, eventually collecting Working Alone system. Registration fee comes from no-
vincial legislation, universities are over 400 specimens. The software, which all students where, goes to tuition
prohibited from running a deficit in Students rush to harness the The record-setting find has been can access through their myUofC An announcement that all stu-
their operating budget. sun’s power in house form an important tool in determining main page, alerts Campus Security dents would have to pay a $200 reg-
The zero per cent increase in this In a quest to win the U.S. Depart- the size of the meteorite, as well as if the student or staff member does istration fee by July 3 caught many
year’s provincial funding, combined ment of Energy’s Solar Decath- many of the characteristics of its not logout by the time originally students off guard this summer. To
with a $78 million loss in endow- lon, four Calgary post-secondary origin. identified. Because the location one make up for the lack of communi-
ments and investments last year, schools teamed up to build an en- is working is required during the cation provided, the university ex-
led the university to cut wage costs, ergy-efficient solar powered house Three alumni involved in space login, security can go to that area tended the deadline to July 17.
which make up 60 per cent of its that also has aesthetic appeal. mission and check up on the person. According to Enrollment and
operating budget. Students and faculty from the Canadian astronaut and U of C Registrar associate vice-provost
U of C, ACAD, SAIT, and Mount alumnus Robert Thirsk is more No Greens in next provincial David Johnston, the fee is a way to
Digital Library aims for fall Royal College are working on the than halfway through his Canadian election more accurately assess how many
2010 completion house. It must be completed by record-setting 181 days in space. After a shift of power in the lead- students will be attending in the
The most obvious construction the end of September, so it can Playing the double role of medi- ership of the Green Party of Alberta fall, which will allow the university
work on campus has been the Cam- be disassembled and shipped to cal officer and robotics specialist, last year, the new leadership failed to plan for class sizes.
GAUNTLET NEWS SEPTEMBER 03.09 7
Tradespeople take on WorldSkills
Chefs, welders, florists flock to Calgary for biannual international competition
Rhiannon Kirkland trades “actually in action.”
Gauntlet News “They can actually try to do
something and work with their
I
f you ask kids what they want to hands. If they end up doing that for
be when they grow up, typical a living, it’s a good thing.”
answers include doctor, lawyer “The idea with Skills Canada
or astronaut. WorldSkills Calgary competitions is that students get
2009 showcases some career alter- that opportunity to see them, to
natives and gives those who have talk with experts who also have an
chosen those careers the chance to intense passion for their trade and
show off their skills. to be able to make that connection
“There are 900 different com- between what they thought . . . an
petitors that will compete in 45 Brent Constantin/the Gauntlet electrician did and what the possi-
different trade areas. Canada is Tradespeople from Luxemburg to the United Arab Emirates are going for gold in WorldSkills 2009. bilities of a career in that field could
represented with 38 members and take them to,” said Bourke. “We’re
they’ll compete in 35 different different countries that have their nationals, that’s how they would hone those skills,” said Bourke. here to change some perceptions.”
trade areas,” said Skills Canada Al- contestants there basically get to- get onto Team Canada.” Crook explained the competition The competition started Wednes-
berta communications co-ordina- gether and set a judging team and Once a student has been selected gives the tradespeople-in-training day at Stampede Park and ends Fri-
tor Shawna Bourke. they set out parameters and mark- as a member of Team Canada, they an opportunity to see different day. Admission is free.
At the WorldSkills there will be ing schemes prior to the competi- train for about a year and a half
eight competitors from Alberta tion to judge the competitors,” said before competing in WorldSkills.
and five from Calgary. Those repre- workshop supervisor assistant Joel They are paired with a trainer who
senting Calgary will be competing Crook. lives in their area and is an expert in
in IT PC/network support, painting “In Canada, or in Alberta specif- their field, explained Bourke.
and decorating, car painting, auto ically, they are selected to compete “Just as an athlete might demon-
body repair and sheet metal tech- at the post-secondary level by their strate some natural ability and be at
nology. training provider and so they enter the top of their class, once they’re
Categories range from aircraft into the provincial skills competi- selected for a team or are really fo-
maintenance to graphic design to tion,” said Bourke. “Once they win cused and training, their skills are
web design, said Bourke. gold at provincials, they go onto highlighted that much more and
“The experts from each of the nationals and if they win gold at they are really able to focus and
BUILDING A CALGARY CAMPUS
The cranes that dot the university skyline have been productive over the summer. The International House, top
right, already has some rooms rented out; the Campus Calgary Digital Library, left, will fill with students in fall
2010; and the Energy Environment Experiential Learning building is scheduled to open late 2010 or early 2011.
Photos, Chris Pedersen/the Gauntlet
8 SEPTEMBER 03.09 GAUNTLET NEWS
Fall federal election on the brink
Summer Shenanigans A fall federal election seems immanent
as Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff proposes
triggering an election at the earliest possible
Ignatieff criticized Harper for not dealing
with the recession properly.
“We cannot support this government any
Cam Cotton-O’Brien date this fall. further,” Ignatieff said Tuesday. “After four
Editor-in-Chief Ignatieff spoke to a crowd of supporters years of drift, four years of denial, four years
Tuesday in Sudbury, Ont. of division, four years of discord, Mr. Harper,
I
t’s been a wet and cold summer “You’ve failed to protect the most vulner- your time is up.”
and Campus Security knows able, you’ve failed to create jobs, you’ve failed In retaliation, Harper spoke out saying
it — in July they were called to to defend our health care, you’ve failed to that Canadians do not want another election.
deal with a garbage can fire at the restore our public finances,” he said, refer- Throughout the summer’s parliamen-
university train station. Who knew ring to Conservative Prime Minister Stephen tary break, there was much speculation on
there would be need for heating this Harper’s government’s performance over the whether or not there would be a fall election.
summer? past four years, according to the CBC. Such speculation was dismissed, however,
Campus Security director Lanny MP Bob Rae said that they would present Aug. 19 by Ignatieff ’s spokesperson Jill Fair-
Fritz explained that this was not the confidence motion at the first available brother.
wholly surprising for them. Each opportunity, Oct. 1. ..Tristan Taylor
year CS encounters roughly five or
six such garbage can fires. Hipster King to fight for alderman throne
“Most cases it’s accidental, where
someone will flick in a cigarette,” Chris Pedersen/the Gauntlet Zak Pashak: owner of inner-city bar Bro- velopers have been allowed to “get rich as
said Fritz. “Or someone may have Be good frosh, Campus Security has their eye on YOU. ken City Social Club, founder and festival ‘new communities’ proliferate,” stating the
started a fire.” director of Sled Island music festival and . . disproportionately higher taxes paid by
The fire was not the only semi- cation Tower was vandalized with of the request — what he needed the . politician? downtown residents result in “roadways to
regular occurrence that CS dealt Post-it notes. Demonstrating the seal for, the one-time-student said Pashak declared his candidacy in early the suburbs.”
with this summer. They also re- quality of mental effort that likely he needed it for use at the Gauntlet. August for Ward 8 alderman. While the mu- Pashak is well-known in Calgary’s arts
ceived the relativley-frequent chlo- led to the angry reaction towards Staff at the Outdoor Centre re- nicipal writ doesn’t drop until October 2010, community for founding the critically-
rine alarm call — three times. One the professor, the notes read “Fuck quired CS assistance when a pa- Pashak said in his Aug. 5 address that he acclaimed Sled Island music festival, which
of the alarms was accidentally acti- Face.” tron became belligerent when intends to use social media to help build featured over 170 bands in its third year.
vated by a life safety technician do- In one of the most craven told he had to pay late charges for grassroots support against incumbent John The 28-year-old also owns Broken City
ing maintenance, another was set schemes to come to CS attention in the equipment he returned after it Mar. Social Club, a four time winner of FFWD
off by a pool staff member while recent memory, a man attempted to was due. Unfortunately for people Citing concerns ranging from tax rates to Weekly’s Best of Calgary “Best Live Music
cleaning the facility’s chlorine sys- acquire the university’s corporate working on campus, this is no iso- public transit and road planning, Pashak’s Venue” award, which he opened when he
tem and the final alarm was trig- seal to make his own certificate. He lated incident. platform runs a gamut of issues designed to was 23.
gered by pool staff changing the had been registered in one continu- “We do get unhappy customers highlight the importance of the downtown Pashak’s father, Barry Pashak, is a former
aquatic center’s caustic soda. The ing education computer program- from time to time who hadn’t antic- core to the city’s cultural and economic de- NDP MLA and his mother, Jackie Flanagan, is
Calgary Fire Department attended ming class three years ago, but had ipated what the true costs would be velopment. the founding editor of Alberta Views.
all three instances. failed to complete the course, so and get frustrated and vocal about He takes particular issue with how de- ..Ændrew Rininsland
The summer was also witness to decided to try and manufacture his having to pay,” said Fritz.
some less common concerns, how- own certificate. Fritz warned that new and re- H1N1, continued from page 5
ever. “In order to produce this fraudu- turning students both should be
CS officers found two boys shoot- lent document, the university seal cautious with their belongings, en- basic supplies in order to prepare “I feel very safe in both the pre-
ing bow and arrows in the West was required,” said Fritz. “He at- suring that they do not leave them for a potential outbreak, including cautions taken by the Mexican Gov-
Campus area. They did not pose a tempted to purchase a corporate unattended, even when taking a gloves, masks and sanitizer.” ernment as well as by our university
serious threat to the campus’ deer seal through a printing company. brief study break or going to the Fourth-year psychology student in its preparation for the predicted
and rabbit populations, though. Subsequently his scheme became bathroom. Nicole Pesta cut her family vacation fall outbreak,” said Pesta.
“They were bows and arrows that known to Campus Security.” There were 92 incidents in June in Mexico short last May following Turner urged students and staff
kids would use, they were not a When asked by the printing com- accounting for $6,259 total losses the first breakout. Pesta said she with influenza symptoms to stay
hunting bow and arrow,” said Fritz. pany — who were aware that the U and 114 resulting in a total loss of suspects the expected fall outbreak home and seek medical help if
A professor’s office in the Edu- of C has a seal and were suspicious $14,795 in July. is being blown out of proportion. symptoms worsen.
10 SEPTEMBER 3.09 GAUNTLET PHOTO
opinions GAUNTLET SEPTEMBER 03.09 11
Editor: Ryan Pike—opinions@thegauntlet.ca
This little piggy caused a pandemic
But whose responsibility is it to prepare for its spread?
that wasn’t or at many more deaths
than a normal flu strain. No mat-
ter the outcome, the facts of swine
Eric Mathison flu mean that Canada needs to
Fighting Words carefully consider its response to
the outbreak as it unfolds. Ulti-
mately, the worldwide problem
S
ince the World Health Orga- demands a solution that goes
nization declared a worldwide beyond our borders.
pandemic in early June for the There can be little doubt that fac-
first time in 41 years, news about tory farms are culpable for the swine
swine flu has slowly lost momen- flu outbreak. The elephant in the
tum. Now, with students going back room turned out to be 20,000 pigs
to school in the northern hemi- placed in a small pen and, despite the
sphere, and with fall on the way, ex- best efforts of many to brand swine
perts are preparing for the worst as flu as H1N1 to avoid the obvious, the
scientists try to predict exactly how former name has stuck.
bad it will be. Nothing particular about Mexico
The response so far is that no made the outbreak inevitable, and
one can answer the most important countries that didn’t place trade
questions regarding swine flu, such bans on Mexico were in the right. strict their efforts to within their the European Union should also — many of whom typically shrug
as the number of people likely to be The bigger point is that meat pro- own borders. There is little good commit to donating vaccines if de- off flu symptoms and avoid vac-
infected and the number that will duction in this manner has long in developing a costly vaccine if it mand requires it; if anything like cines. Inevitably, the balance will
die because of it. Also, while vac- been known as an epidemiological will soon become ineffective due the worst case scenarios predicted be between giving the first vaccines
cines are being created — Austra- nightmare: swine flu just so hap- to mutations occurring elsewhere. do occur, the financial costs will to those most at risk before flu sea-
lia is set to be the first to start wide pens to harm humans more severe- It is an ethical and pragmatic im- be much less than what the health son hits without causing alarm that
scale vaccinations next month — it ly than mad cow disease and others. perative, then, to help supply de- systems will incur, to say nothing will burden the healthcare system
isn’t clear who should be vaccinated Another obvious fact about dis- veloping nations that can’t afford of the loss of lives. even more. Canada’s supply isn’t
and how many vaccinations are re- ease prevention is that diseases vaccines with the money to buy The New York Times reports that set to arrive until mid-November,
quired for each person. tend not to restrict themselves to them. The pharmaceutical com- swine flu infections are 20 times so this balance will be paramount
All of these unknowns make political borders. The rate of trans- panies SanofiAventis and Glaxo- more common in people 5-to-24- to limiting problems. By keeping
it difficult to determine the best mission of swine flu, which fol- SmithKline Inc. have both agreed years-old than those 65 years of age. the focus on those with the most
course of action for governments. lows a speed similar to the SARS to donate at least 150 million doses This means that there are real risks need, the ethically untenable po-
Hindsight will either have us look- outbreak, means it is not sufficient of the vaccine to developing coun- to those who attend primary, sec- sition of letting those with more
ing at money spent on the disease for developed countries to re- tries. Canada, the United States and ondary or post-secondary schools money survive can be avoided.
Where have all the “great authors” gone?
“Infinite Summer” book club rekindles debate
Summer,” a group of four friends and that Naipaul’s editor, Diana eral body of literature that was in which they are working and
undertook to read 75 pages of Athill, had decried the modern produced during the period in its experiences, fixations and
the novel per week to finish by world’s dearth of writers of ti- which Tolstoy and Dickens and crises, there will continue to be
Cam Cotton-O’Brien September 21. Infinite Summer tanic genius, in the vain of Tol- Proust were writing. Yet, she is an object for literature so long
Pidgeon Talk has, thanks to the ease of com- stoy, Dickens and Proust, in her holding those exemplars against as there are issues to be dealt
munication through the inter- recent autobiography. Handily the mass of literature from the with. And a cursory knowledge
net, come to include thousands unraveling her own point, Nai- present. The binocular vision of the present day should clearly
It is curious to see how easily around the world. paul’s editor then identifies Wal- with which we see the past limits indicate there is much to write
even the incredibly lucid can de- Around halfway through the lace, specifically Infinite Jest, as out contemporary view of those about. Indeed, this may prove
ceive themselves. This is a com- Globe article, while describing an exception to the general mire older literary periods to the mas- to be one of western literature’s
mon enough phenomenon, but his prime motive for reading of modern fiction. terworks, which obviously tower most penetrating periods; as the
it pops up in a embarrassingly Infinite Jest, John Barber drew It doesn’t take the sort of ex- over the great bulk of recently unquestioned supremacy of the
conceited way when dealing with upon a theme which unfortu- ceptional mind Athill lauds to published fictions. But this is west fades new cultures and their
art, notably literature. nately crops up fairly steadily immediately recognize the in- merely a trick of the historical ideas must be dealt with.
In mid-July the Globe and Mail concerning literature: that con- congruence of this belief. The imagination. Foster Wallace, ex- It is hard to imagine that the
ran an article detailing a book temporary fiction simply does fact that she uses the word “ex- empted by Athill as he is, demon- concerns that led to the fiction of
club that has grown up around not stand up to work from the traordinary” in her elaboration strates in his very exception that Austen and Bronte could perpet-
the late David Foster Wallace’s past. He notes that Noble Laure- of what holds those old giants our literature remains vibrant. ually eclipse literature’s future.
thousand page plus masterwork ate V.S. Naipaul had stated the apart has clear implication here. As a writer’s work reflects and But perhaps that is why Foster
Infinite Jest. Dubbed “Infinite novel was “over” some years back She is not comparing the gen- encounters the historical period Wallace chose to exit as he did.12 SEPTEMBER 03.09 GAUNTLET OPINIONS
Going downtown in two big cities
Examining urban culture in Calgary and Seattle
down streets for festivals. try that only in an accessibil-
While Calgary was wrestling ity sense. The Stampede Parade
with its urban identity, I was in Se- is well-attended seemingly every
Ryan Pike attle. In many ways, Seattle is the year because of its uniqueness
From the Cheap Seats polar opposite of Calgary. Calgary — only Calgarians get to experi-
is a marvel of urban sprawl, while ence the Stampede Parade, mak-
Seattle is rather dense and com- ing the event markedly different
F
or many, summer is a time pact. Calgary is politically conser- from those held in other cities.
to experiment. Some grow vative, while Seattle voters skewed However, its placement and tim-
beards. Some shave their 80 per cent Democrat. Calgary’s ing maximize its local accessibil-
heads or dye their hair. Some go downtown is largely deserted dur- ity, allowing the event to become
on vacations to strange places. All ing non-business hours, while Se- hugely popular and a yearly staple.
of these experiments ultimately attle’s is full of people seemingly Designing future events in a simi-
reveal lessons to be learned. In all the time. lar manner, creating the illusion
Calgary, summer is a time for The differences between the two of exclusivity while maximizing
municipal government to experi- cities may explain the differences how many Calgarians have access,
ment, this time revealing lessons in urban culture, as well the less- could similarly draw citizens to
regarding urban culture. than-stellar results Calgary has in the core on a regular basis.
Last weekend, the city shut drawing people to the core with Given its political stance and
down two lanes over a section of gimmicks. One of the reasons be sporting or political in nature, manner, isn’t just a 10-day cowboy geography, Calgary isn’t an ideal
Memorial Drive for Bow River that Seattle is so vibrant is that seemingly always revolve around festival — it’s an indicator of so- place for collectiveness — which
Flow. The event aimed to get Cal- the majority of its cultural draws, scarcity — events are important cio-economic standing. Only the may explain why downtown is usu-
garians to trek from their subur- both for tourists and residents, because not everyone can attend truly elite can take enough time ally deserted. However, the events
ban homes down to the river to are located in the core of the city them, either due to limited ca- off work to party it up for the du- that succeed in the city reveal a
enjoy the splendour of a sunny and have been for years. The Pike pacity or the expenses involved, ration, just as only the truly elite great deal about what Calgarians
Sunday afternoon. The event itself Place Market was established in so those who manage to go must can get Flames box seats in the will trek downtown to experience.
was characterized by media outlets 1907 and remains a staple. Mean- be important. Attendance at Cal- playoffs or the red carpet treat- The answer to building a vibrant
such as the CBC as a moderate suc- while, Calgary’s trademark event gary Flames games, once a hall- ment at the film festival. The ex- core isn’t shutting down traffic to
cess, reporting that crowds were — the Stampede — is almost as mark of Calgary’s snowmobile- pense of getting downtown itself get people to gawk at the river —
below the 10,000 estimated by longstanding, and events like the jacket-wearing working class in represents a barrier — between it’s giving them opportunities to
organizers. It was noted that area Calgary International Film Fes- the mid-’80s, now are reserved for paying for parking or spending experience things that others can’t.
residents and vendors complained tival and the Calgary Folk Music Calgary’s aspiring social climbers hours on transit, not everyone can Seattle’s downtown succeeds be-
that the Memorial Drive lane re- Festival grow every year, in part to see and be seen. In this sense, manage. cause it’s tailored to the city — ad-
strictions weren’t needed given because of their novelty and the the Memorial Drive shutdown The city’s approach to planning justing events to Calgary’s unique
the event’s popularity. Alderman fact that not everyone can afford and promotion of Bow River Flow events, given the city’s circum- characteristics would do a better
Druh Farrell and others deemed to enjoy them. was unnecessary because anyone stances, could use a slight tweak. job in building urban culture than
the event a success, though, not- Events which garner the most could go. The Calgary Stampede Instead of tailoring events for doing things just because they
ing that other cities regularly shut buzz around town, whether they and associated revelry, seen in this the masses, they should perhaps work in other cities.
Welcome Back!
you were brave you’d walk right into the first out there and tackle it. Meet those people, you want some 80s for Lunch, so come
day of school all by yourself. No Mom, just enjoy those nights out, learn the lessons, live watch some classic 80s flicks and chase away
your flashy sneakers and first day of school life. Be cool. the homework blues every Thursday. That
Kat Lord outfit. You were just so cool. You’d walk Don’t think I’m telling you to do this all Empty Space is always an option, free music
VP Events down those big bright hallways and find your on your own. You don’t have to. There are so and comfy couches being one of the best
R emember the first day of school cubby-hole, stuff your lunch kit in it, and go many places to make into homes on campus. ways to spend a Friday afternoon and end a
in Elementary School? Your Mom right through your classroom door. You’d I’m offering you some space in my home, the week of school. All I’m saying, is the SU’s
would take you shopping the week meet your new teacher; you’d find your desk SU. We’ve got so much going on for everyone got you covered, all week, all year. So lace-up
beforehand to get necessary school supplies. and put all your pencils in the slidey drawer this year; we decided to hold a house-warming those shoes, put on that new outfit and come
You’d even get a shiny new lunchbox with underneath it. Then it’d begin—another party. It’s called Welcome Week. Check it out out and play!
your favourite cartoon characters on it. whole year of school. Things to learn! People at http://www.su.ucalgary.ca Now all you
Maybe you’d get those new velcro shoes to meet! Recesses to enjoy! Life to be lived! have to do is make it out. Welcome back everyone.
with the little lights that flash when you walk. Awesomeness. Don’t worry though. It doesn’t end there.
And, if you pouted enough you might even Coming to university isn’t a whole lot There’s a tonne of other events happening
get new clothes and avoid older sibling hand- different. Sure, the cubby-holes are now throughout the year. There’s a little bit of
so me!
me-downs. Then it came, the big day—the called lockers, the velcro has been replaced something something for everyone. You
first day of school! You’d wake up in the by shoe-laces. You get here on your own, but might want to catch a movie at Cinemania
morning excited and eager to meet your the hallways are still just as big and bright. on Monday night. Maybe you’ll need a little
new teacher and see all your friends. Your The new teacher is still waiting for you and ‘zen’ in your life and come stretch it out at
Mom would drop you off at school, and if there is still another year of school ahead. Go Yoga in the Space on Wednesdays. Maybe
www.su.ucalgary.ca
So SU Me is provided by the Students’ Union and published without Gauntlet editorial revision.You can also read
