Bad Luck Plagues Bad Luck Plagues Wesmen Spacemen Page 18 Page 14 Volume 58, Issue 11 november 13, 2003 THE Uniter T HE O FFICIAL W EEKLY S TUDENT N EWSPAPER OF THE U NIVERSITY OF W INNIPEG Pop Culture - Page 6 page 2 november 13, 2003 the uniter the uniter news Volume 58,Issue 11 November 13, 2003 S T A F F Jonathan Tan Editor In Chief Capital Region Report [email protected] Michelle Kuly Managing Editor [email protected] Debuts to Mixed Reviews A. P. (Ben) Benton BY SCOTT DE GROOT capital region must be reduced by: decreasing something going here, now that we’re in this News Editor competition to attract new homeowners and capital region process. Someday, maybe, the [email protected] anitoba’s Capital Region, an area businesses, sharing local services such as province will decide what its policy is, and that includes Winnipeg and neigh- water and waste-treatment facilities, and hopefully sooner rather than later. It’s a col- Cheryl Gudz Mbouring municipalities such as East coordinated riverbank management to protect laborative process and we’d like to know Features Editor St. Paul and Headingly, is considered the water quality. what they’re going to do.” [email protected] province’s economic engine, cultural heart, Paul Thomas, currently the Duff Roblin Mayor Glen Murray also shares these and home to over 64% of its total population. Professor of Government at the University of sentiments; he’s disappointed that the Jeff Robson It should come as no surprise then that Manitoba, is the chair of RPAC. He believes province hasn’t announced its policy and that A&E Editor Manitoba’s vitality depends on a functional the report will have a positive impact. “Such the report only proposes ideas without clear [email protected] and cohesive capital region. However, at intergovernmental co-operation will enable action. Murray also disagrees with the times, the relationship between Winnipeg and the region to compete more effectively. It will report’s recommendation of a five-year mora- Leighton Klassen its surrounding communities is anything but. address social-economic environmental torium on the kind of municipal amalgama- Sports Editor Finally, after much anticipation, a report that issues that spill over the boundaries of indi- tion seen in major centres such as Toronto [email protected] designs more effective regional relations and vidual municipalities and in a smaller, less and Montreal. “I think there are some areas in management has been released to the provin- affluent province with limited resources, it the region that are nothing but extensions of Stu Reid cial government. will also stretch scarce tax dollars to enable bedroom communities where you can’t tell Production Manager On October 24, 2003, after a lengthy governments to do things on behalf of citi- where the city of Winnipeg ends and the sub- [email protected] period of research and consultation, “A zens.” Thomas has taught at the U of M since urbs begin—I mean they’re just a blend,” Partnership for the Future: Putting the Pieces 1969. RPAC, which is funded by the depart- said Murray. “We should look at boundary Julie Horbal Together in the Manitoba Capital Region” ment of inter-governmental affairs, has a adjustments. I realize that creates some anxi- Listings Editor was received by Intergovernmental Affairs mandate to gain public input on potential ety for some of the rural municipalities, [but] [email protected] Minister Rosann Wowchuk. The Regional planning policies that address management talking about service-sharing without that Planning Council (RPAC) produced the issues facing the Capital Region. raises some anxiety, legitimately, for city Chandra Mayor report to advise the Manitoba government on Despite praise from the provincial gov- council.” Copy Editor drafting a Capital Region policy plan. “This ernment, the report has had a lukewarm Some of the other recommendations in report helps identify partnership opportuni- reception from city hall; city Councillor Jae the report include ensuring better: integration ties for municipalities to further strengthen Eadie was not impressed. He says the city and co-ordination of municipal land use; Ted Turner regional collaboration,” said Wowchuk. and other municipal governments have been planning decisions on water management, Advertising Manager “While municipalities retain primary respon- putting off working on joint projects because environmental protection and sustainable [email protected] sibility for development planning at the local they were waiting to hear the report’s recom- development; management improvement to level we must continue to explore possibili- mendations. Now that it has been released, protect water quality, and enhance stability, Scott deGroot ties for joint undertakings in the Capital he’s disappointed that it doesn’t set out a spe- biodiversity and the aesthetic appeal of Beat Reporter Region.” cific plan of action. “We’ve talked long waterways; and a more effective partnership The report suggests that friction enough,” said Eadie. “We’re trying to do to strengthen Winnipeg and the region’s com- Kent Davies between various levels of government in the things within our own jurisdictions to get petitive advantage nationally. Diversions Coordinator M.D.Cohen Diversions Coordinator Making History: The Women’s THIS WEEK’S CONTRIBUTORS Shannon Martin, Gerald Enns, Advisory Council Appoints Mike Pyl, Brett Hopper, Sachin Kumar, Joel Boyce, Dan Huyghebaert, James Paskaruk, First Aboriginal Chair Julie Horbal, Sheri Lamb, Jeanne Fronda, Jon Symons, BY SHANNON MARTIN negotiation for the community, females Vandal says that Laborero will help present Paula Medeiros, Joshua Gaudry, tend to go for the regards of family. Child various aspects of the community. “I think Sara Loftson, Sarah Hauch n and off campus, Aboriginal peo- abuse, overrepresentation of young Native she’ll be very good. She offers diversity ple are celebrating the new chair- females in jail, and drug/ alcohol depend- and an alternative opinion to the main- The Uniter is the official student newspaper of the University of woman on the Manitoba’s ency issues need to be looked at,” says stream,” says Vandal. Winnipeg and is published by the University of Winnipeg Students' O Association. The Uniter is editorially autonomous and the opinions Women’s Advisory Council. Ratcliffe. Laborero has served in a variety of expressed within do not necessarily reflect those of the UWSA. Crystal Laborero is the first Although he’s happy for Laborero’s positions, both in business and in the com- The Uniter is a member of the Canadian University Press and Aboriginal appointed to the council. With new position, Ratcliffe says he’s not sur- munity. For the past three years at the Campus Plus Media Services. Submission of articles, letters, pho- up to 18 members, the Woman’s Advisory prised that it has taken this long for an Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, tos and graphics are welcome. Articles should be submitted in text Council voices women’s issues to the Aboriginal person to become a key player Laborero has served as the director for the or Microsoft Word format to [email protected]. Deadline for submissions is noon Friday (contact the section's editor for more provincial government, presenting issues on the council. “Female Natives didn’t even Aboriginal Employment Initiative, pro- information). Deadline for advertisements is noon Friday, six days from varying cultures and communities. have the ability to vote until the 1960s. moting partnerships between business and prior to publication. The Uniter reserves the right to refuse to print Laborero says her Aboriginal heritage will Society is patriarchal and although there the Aboriginal community. In the commu- submitted material. The Uniter will not print submissions that are bring a new dynamic to the council. “As a was a decrease in racism in the 80s, there nity, Laborero has served as a board mem- homophobic, misogynistic, racist or libelous. We also reserve the First Nations woman and single mother, I was resurgence in the early 90s that’s con- ber of the Manitoba’s Women’s Advisory right to edit for length or style. look forward to working toward address- tinued. Being an Aboriginal woman makes Council, the Helen Betty Osborne Cover Photo by: Jackie Hebert ing the needs of all women in our diverse it even more difficult,” says Ratcliffe. Memorial Foundation, Tribal Whi-Chi- community,” says Laborero. Similarly, Metis and city councillor Way-Win Capital Corp., and the United Contact Us Vice-president of the Aboriginal Dan Vandal says it’s not uncommon for Way, among others. General Inquiries: 204.786.9790 Student Association, Joseph Ratcliffe, 28, there to be little Aboriginal representation Diane McGifford, minister responsi- Advertising: 204.786.9779 says that Laborero’s appointment is a pos- in government areas surrounding public ble for the status of women, says Editors: 204.786.9497 itive step for the Aboriginal community. policy. “We’re dealing with a mainstream Laborero’s combination of her Aboriginal Fax: 204.783.7080 “It’s a step in the right direction. Often, institution where people feel comfortable heritage and work experience guarantees Email: [email protected] Aboriginal people are not seen as individ- surrounded by their own,” says Vandal, success. “Laborero has proven leadership uals of great knowledge,” says Ratcliffe. who helped develop the Municipal abilities that will serve her well in this new The Uniter The sociology and history student Aboriginal Pathways, a strategic initiative position,” says McGifford, also the MLA Room ORM14 says he hopes Laborero will target several targeting the improvement of urban for Lord Roberts. “She has the experience University of Winnipeg key issues facing Aboriginal women. Aboriginal life. and understanding that certainly makes her 515 Portage Avenue “Traditionally, when it comes to matters of Recently named deputy mayor, well-qualified to address these issues.” Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 2E9 november 13, 2003 page 3 the uniter news Chemical Warfare at the UWSA Photo Club removed until she discovered that the 20L A.P.