TheSTUDENT PUBLICATIONMeliorist OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE VOLUME 52 ISSUE 04 DECEMBER 2018 The Meliorist Student Publication of e University of Lethbridge Volume 52 Issue 04 December 2018
Editor’s Note 4
Women in Leadership in Lethbridge 6
e Darkest Day 11
Fotos 12
CKXU’s Earitable 18
Alberta Student Aid Funding 20
Humans of ULETH 24
Staff Union Mediation 27
is Month in History 31
Cover, view by Paradise Canyon Right, same view but looking North Rear cover, Courtney
Editor in Chief Monica Lockett Designer Brandon Wynnychuk Business Manager Michelle Robertson Assistant Editor Rose-Marie Nyberg Arts Editor Courtney Faulkner Regular Contributer Sean Warkentine Contributers Sorcha DeHeer Printing by University of Lethbridge Printing Services Published by e Meliorist Publishing Society
SU172-4401 University Dr W Lethbridge AB T1K 3M4
Editor’s Note
By Monica Lockett
December is here!
As we all gear up for the semester break, I hope you are Here’s a tweet from Irene Gentle, the Editor of the taking time for your own wellness - physical, mental, Toronto Star that sums up my feelings on this. Sent on emotional, spiritual - we’re in the home stretch now. November 16, 2018, it went (semi) viral:
I have a note to make from our November issue. In our “When something bad happens, and media report on it, story about the Golden Key Honour Society, there were the media did not cause the bad thing to happen. ey a couple of errors that I need to clarify. ere was a typo report on it to keep it from being ignored or avoided, in one of the financial figures cited, and an incorrect covered up or repeated. A world in which bad things are statement was removed and replaced with the correct ignored, avoided, covered and repeated is not a good one. You can view the updated version of the article on one.” our website - themeliorist.ca. We sincerely apologize for the error. So. If you’re interested in creating content (stories, photography, art, illustrations, design etc.) for the It is difficult to believe that we’re halfway through the Meliorist, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We pay for year at the Meliorist - I am so proud of the work we have contract work! Send us an email at [email protected]. done since September, and I am really looking forward to the work we have yet to do in the new year. We are also looking for a couple of SCiP interns - basically it’s a set amount of work, and at the end you are is issue, in particular, features a number of stories and paid $1,000 from the Alberta Government. We are commentaries from Assistant Editor Rose-Marie, as well hiring for an HR/Business intern, as well as a Graphic as the return of Arts Editor Courtney’s astrology column. Design intern! Check out joinscip.ca and click on the Courtney also did a wonderful feature on the “Humans “browse internships” tab - you will see a few from the of ULeth” page that has been gaining popularity online. Meliorist, and can apply through the website! Check it out! We also have the debut of a history column from Sorcha, which I think is fantastic. Have a great semester break, and we’ll see you in 2019!
Coming up in the new year, we have some great things. Best, Look for our return in January, when we will be releasing our second 3D issue! We did this last year, and it was such a hit that we are bringing it back. I hope this becomes a yearly thing - it is truly amazing, and our Designer, Brandon, works hard to make this issue a stand out.
I want to say something that I know not all of you are going to agree with. With increasing distrust in the media, and attacks on press freedom by the state, I think it’s important to emphasize our role in society. e media is not the enemy of the people - we are here for the people. We ARE people. Read that sentence again. We are human too, and we make mistakes like humans do, and we have feelings - like humans do. We are not responsible for all the shitty things that go on in the world - we are, however, responsible for reporting on it. I understand this is a blanket statement on a very intricate and complex profession, and that we are not blameless for society’s faults - but we are also not the sole cause. News is inherently subjective, and just because you don’t agree with the way something is reported on does not make it illegitimate (but it’s key to note legitimacy does not guarantee accuracy, or fairness).
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Women in Leadership in Lethbridge: Who are they? By Rose-Marie Nyberg
As you may recall in last month’s November edition, there by meeting with them one-on-one and attending commu- was a request for questions from our U of L student body nity functions. When I travel to other parts of the country for e Meliorist to ask four of our elected representatives: I do so in order to expand my understanding of what matters to Canadians from coast to coast so I can be as -Member of Parliament (MP) for Lethbridge, Rachael effective as possible in my role as a Parliamentarian. Harder; How do you keep on top of all the information that you need -Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for to know in order to make decisions? Lethbridge West, Shannon Phillips; ere’s definitely a ton of information I need to keep on -Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for top of at all times. I wouldn’t be able to do my job Lethbridge East, Maria Fitzpatrick, and, effectively without my amazing staff team! ey help me by doing research, preparing briefing notes, and present- - e University of Lethbridge Students’ Union ing me with the materials I need to study in order to make President, Laura Bryan. informed decisions.
Eight questions were submitted to each person, and their Do you find your work challenging and interesting? respective answers are presented without edit. Each of these elected representatives expressed that they find their I absolutely love what I do! It is both challenging and work in politics and government to be challenging and rewarding. I feel incredibly honoured to serve as the interesting. I thank them for their respective responses and Member of Parliament for Lethbridge. hope that you will enjoy reading them too. What is the process that allows you to assess what is a priority Rachael Harder is Member of Parliament for Lethbridge vs. one that is not? and the elected official who represents the constituents in Lethbridge at a federal level. Listening to the concerns and perspectives of my constitu- ents is of primary importance to me. I love taking time to When did you first develop an interest to serve in public life? sit down with people one-on-one, talking with them at their houses when I go door-knocking, chatting with them I’ve always had a passion for building community, imple- at community functions, and listening to the concerns menting systems, and understanding effective representa- brought forward at town hall meetings and round table tion. When I was seven years old I started a neighbour- discussions that I host throughout the year. I also seek hood kids’ club by inviting all of the children I met at the feedback from the residents of Lethbridge by sending neighbourhood park. e initiative grew quickly and I newsletters with surveys, and I write a monthly column in felt we needed a leadership team so I invited five other the Lethbridge Herald, where I consistently invite readers children to be part of my “board.” Weplanned neighbour- to respond. Social media also serves as an important tool hood activities for children, knocked on doors to deliver for constituent engagement. I prioritize issues and make invitations, and made sure as many people as possible were legislative decisions based on the feedback I receive and included. My passion for reaching out and building the legislative research I do. community continued to grow throughout my years in high school and university. During this time, I volun- Do you find that it is complicated to govern while also teered for not-for-profit organizations and community representing your elected party? initiatives, served on boards, and participated in four humanitarian missions. Fast forward to today, and I find As the Member of Parliament for Lethbridge, it is my myselfincredibly blessed to serve as Lethbridge’s Member objective to listen to constituents and take action on their of Parliament. behalf. Overwhelmingly, what I hear is that people want to keep as much of their paycheque as possible, they want What is an average day like for you with your duties and their rights and freedoms protected, they want to find responsibilities? meaningful employment, they want to be able to buy a house, and they want to live a life that is free from govern- Every single one of my days is unique! But there are some ment interference. Since these things are all part of the similarities. I spend my weekdays in Ottawa working in Conservative platform, it’s fairly easy to adhere to my the House of Commons, and my weekends in Lethbridge party’s values AND represent the majority (albeit, not all) or traveling to other parts of the country. When I’m in of my constituents. Ottawa, my days are filled with meetings, debates, speech- es, committee work, studying legislation, and responding Do you have any advice for aspiring student politicians? to correspondence from constituents. When I’m in Lethbridge I spend my time listening to constituents Do it! If you care about your community, you’re passionate
6 about good governance, and you love serving others, you Do you find that it is complicated to govern while also should run! Canada needs you. As you prepare for representing your elected party? political life, I would encourage you to reach out to as many people as possible, glean from the wisdom of those Not at all. Our government is value-driven and we under- who have gone before you and build a team of dedicated stand the work we need to do because it is the work that people who will support you in your the party has wanted to do for many decades. e only endeavour. challenge is that everything takes a long time so sometimes people want to run but first we have to put on Is it ever hard to be away from your home in Lethbridge when our shoes. work requires so much travelling? Do you have any advice for aspiring student politicians? e hardest part of my role is the amount of time I’m required to be in Ottawa or traveling. I miss a ton of Get involved. Join a party and do the work of the party birthdays, anniversaries, family get-togethers, and BBQ’s from the bottom up and learn from everyone you work with friends. Leadership can be a lonely place. BUT, if it’s with. e work of building a better world is the best work where you’re meant to be there’s a ton of grace for the you will ever do. challenges. I wouldn’t choose to do anything else! Is it ever hard to be away from your home in Lethbridge when Shannon Phillips is the Member of the Legislative work requires so much Assembly for Lethbridge West and is the elected official travelling? who represents the constituents in Lethbridge West at a provincial level. Of course. But I am not the only parent out there who has to travel great distances to work so I know that there are When did you first develop an interest to serve in public life? many other families, just like mine, who struggle with the time away from one another. As a young person I became politically interested and joined the NDP. I cut my teeth in the party, working Maria Fitzpatrick is the Member of the Legislative alongside hundreds of dedicated people who wanted to Assembly for Lethbridge East and is the elected official make life better for their neighbours and friends. It who represents the constituents in Lethbridge East at a profoundly shaped my life because it propelled me to take provincial level. a BA and MA in Political Science, to volunteer, and then work for the party, and eventually to run as a candidate. When did you first develop an interest to serve in public life? ose formative years were key to helping me learn the hard and honorable work of public life. I believe my interest in serving in public life probably dates back to my childhood when I was a member of the What is an average day like for you with your duties and Brownies, Girl Guides and Rangers. I learned about responsibilities? service to my community. at interest grew throughout my adult years. I was very involved in sports and coached I get up very early in the morning to travel to Edmonton a number of teams including two provincial/territorial on Mondays and then I tend to spend about 12-14 hours track and field teams one as a paid coach and one as a a day in meetings, committees, and the Legislature as we volunteer. My career spanned 32+ years where I served the consider bills that will impact people’s lives. On ursdays I do it all in reverse and get home after 9pm so that I can public in the field of federal corrections. roughout my be in the Constituency all day on Fridays. My main job, career I volunteered with a number of different groups whether I am in Lethbridge or Edmonton, is to never and with the Public Service Alliance of Canada, my forget the people of Lethbridge West who elected me to be union. their voice in those meetings and proceedings. Political conversation happened nightly at the supper How do you keep on top of all the information that you need table with my family. When any of us complained about to know in order to make anything my father often said – don’t complain about decisions? things if you are not going to step up to the plate and do something about it. When I returned to Alberta in 2012, I read a LOT. And I have a great team of staff who help me I was not pleased with a number of things that were to have the right information at my fingertips when I need happening so rather than complaining (perhaps I did a it. But, really, I read a lot of reports and I talk to a lot of little complaining) I decided I needed to step up and do people, from experts to concerned people in order to something and that is why I ran in 2015. I believe there is gather the information I need to form decisions. Do you more work to be done and that is why I am running again find your work challenging and interesting? Very much so. in 2019. Every day brings new challenges, new people to meet, and new hurdles to clear. I cannot say that I have ever felt What is an average day like for you with your duties and bored of this work! responsibilities?
What is the process that allows you to assess what is a priority I don’t know that I have an average day but my day usually vs. one that is not? goes like this. Awake at 6 am and review my email; have some breakfast; get ready for work; head to the office/leg- Make no mistake, every person who speaks to me about an islature; review upcoming legislation, statements, issue thinks that their issue is the priority one. So, I listen commentary for bills or questions; meet with constituents and I gather information. You have to respect the fact that or stakeholders; write my comments to support or oppose whomever is speaking to you is using that time to tell you legislation; in the legislature – listen to others comments the most important thing that they are concerned about. on bills or motions and prepare a response if needed. When we listen to people and hear them out we learn Attend events with stakeholders such as Team Lethbridge what they value and what makes them tick. and encourage my colleagues to also attend.
7 Some days if I am flying to Edmonton or back to Laura Bryan is the President of University of Lethbridge, I am out at the airport at 4:40 AM or arriving Lethbridge Students' Union for the 2018-2019 home shortly after midnight. I may be called upon to host Academic Year and represents undergraduate students. a minister who may be here in Lethbridge to meet with different groups of stakeholders. Or I may be asked to do When did you first develop an interest to serve in public life? an announcement for a minister either in the city or in the Southern Alberta Region. I spend some time liaising I think I first had an interest in running for elected office with different groups to find out what is needed to move at some point when I was in grade ten. I had a really a business to the next level or to provide support in a amazing Civics/History teacher who sparked my interest community. in history, politics and government. is teacher believed in the importance of experiential learning, and so I I spend a fair bit of time reviewing documentation became a Page at the Alberta Legislature. at experience provided by different groups which may address an issue inspired me to run for office: I saw every part of the or an idea that is pertinent in our community. legislative process, and I loved every second of it. I didn't think I would run for the Students' Union, nor did I How do you keep on top of all the information that you need think I would run in university, but I'm happy I did! to know in order to make decisions? What is an average day like for you with your duties and I try to keep on top of information that is pertinent for responsibilities? the activities. For example, if I know that we are debating a bill or a couple of bills on a particular day, I focus on To put it bluntly, there is no "average day". I come in to those only. If I am going to an event, I try to do a little the office, check my voicemails and email, and then get to research or my staff may provide me with the information work. is can look different depending on the day. For about the event and I focus on that issue. I try to act on example, on a day where I have a lot of meetings, I spend requests as quickly as possible so that I can put it away a lot of time looking over committee agendas, previous until the response is needed. In our office we try to have a minutes, supplementary materials, etc. Other days, I have two week turn around with the different ministries on meetings with students and so my day can change based issues brought to our attention. on how those meetings go, and what they want me to work on. We also run a lot of events, and so sometimes Do you find your work challenging and interesting? my day is spent blowing up balloons. Every day is different, but I always try to ensure that I'm keeping on top of my communication, no matter what the day Yes I find my work very interesting and sometimes quite brings. challenging. I think that these are a couple of reasons I love this job. How do you keep on top of all the information that you need to know in order to make decisions? What is the process that allows you to assess what is a priority vs. one that is not? I have a lot of wonderful help. I always listen and take notes related to any sort of proposal that comes across my How does one prioritize? I look at every situation or event desk. en, I talk to the relevant people. is almost and ask myself some questions. If it is casework: I ask if always involves the rest of my executive team, and some someone’s life is at risk; is their quality of life compro- of our permanent staff members who have been here for a mised by some circumstance? If it is about our communi- long period of time. I listen to as many informed opinions ty: I ask myself is this something that will support the as I can, pair it with the the information and my opinion, community or our citizens; are there consequences that and then I go from there. I've learned that it is impossible might be unforeseen; if there is how can those conse- to know everything about one particular issue, so it's quences be mitigated? about choosing a decision that you're comfortable with based on the information you had at your disposal at the Do you find that it is complicated to govern while also time. representing your elected party? Do you find your work challenging and interesting? I don’t think it is necessarily complicated to govern while also representing an elected party. I use the questions in Yes, absolutely. I love that every day is different; it takes the last response to see if what is being done is for the the monotony out of work. I've encountered issues and overall good of citizens and of the province. choices that I never thought I would have to consider at the age of twenty-two. is job gives me the opportunity Do you have any advice for aspiring student politicians? to break out of my comfort zone and see what I am capable of doing. e fact that I'm passionate about the My advice for an aspiring student politicians would be: work is a wonderful, amazing bonus. understand your position and be committed to it; you are there to represent all of your constituents and understand What is the process that allows you to assess what is a priority how you can do that with sometimes differing positions; vs. one that is not? be prepared to give your heart and soul to do the best you possibly can for your constituents. I try to assess everything by the size of impact it will have on the student body. If it's an initiative or an issue that Is it ever hard to be away from your home in Lethbridge would be good for students, but isn't crucial, that tends when work requires so much travelling? to be lower on my list than something that would imme- diately impact students, such as the development of the Yes, it is hard to be away from home and family in cannabis policy. Lethbridge. For me I think it is a little easier as I have family in Edmonton as well and I get to see them Do you find that it is complicated to govern while also occasionally. presenting your elected party?
8 Student politics are non-partisan.
Do you have any advice for aspiring student politicians?
My advice is to go for it. A year ago, I never would have dreamed that I would be sitting in an executive role of the ULSU, let alone president. I think it's important to take the time to understand why you're doing it, and what you want to accomplish. Decide what position fits your goals the best, and then run the best campaign you can. Always campaign like you're ten votes behind, and never, ever give up. If you don't win, mourn the loss, but volunteer and join committees so that you're in a better position to run the next year if you wish.
Is it ever hard to be away from your home in Lethbridge when work requires so much travelling?
Yes, absolutely. I think I'm at home in Lethbridge for about half the month of November. It's hard to consis- tently live out of a suitcase. Sometimes it's hard and half the time I forgot some toiletry, but I always try to see the bright side and appreciate the privilege I have to be able to travel comfortably for work. I also am very fortunate as I have family in and around Edmonton, so I can often combine family visits with work. At the end of the day, though, there's nothing better than your own bed.
9 10 The Darkest Day and Mercury Retrograde By Courtney Faulkner
We are entering the peak of winter, the darkest day of the year in Winter Solstice is one day before the Full Moon in Gemini, so our northern hemisphere; Winter Solstice on December 21. We this energy has a strong influence. Gemini is an air sign represent- may find ourselves waking in the darkness - if you rise before 8:25 ed by the twins. ey are a multi-faceted personality that is able am in Lethbridge - and huddling home in much the same way, as to see all angles of a situation. Quick witted and constantly the sun sets at 4:33 pm. e psychological effects of this phenome- searching for knowledge and excitement this archetype can be a na mirror the metaphorical. bit dramatic, yet in a carefree and playful, fun way.
We enter a time of hibernation in winter. You may be feeling your e energy is light, and connecting with others may be what you body retreating and needing extra rest. Offer yourself this grace. want this solstice, as Gemini is very social, enjoying mental e cold reminds us of our mortality, and the darkness of our stimulation and conversation. Find a balance to your solstice: you dependence on the sun and in turn the environment we are so may want alone time to set your intentions, or you may feel intricately interwoven with. Allow yourself to slow down; a great compelled to do so surrounded by friends and loved ones. Both challenge in our culture where being busy can be incorrectly are healing. correlated with your worth. We will also be on the tail end of a Mercury Retrograde for the Slow down. Walk more slowly, carefully, and with intention. What first week of December. is transit often gets a bad rap, however do you notice when you move more consciously? Tune into your it is a really potent opportunity for growth. Mercury, the ruler of breathing. Count your breaths. communication, enters a reflective period during retrograde. What began on November 16, and lasts for around six weeks, is a Inhale. reevaluation of your thought process.
Exhale. e way that you think affects the ways in which you interact with the world. e cliché 'your thoughts become your actions, How does the pace of the air you exchange affect the pumping of your actions become your character' is really what Mercury the blood through your body? Can you find a place quiet enough, Retrograde wants us to be aware of. What is your internal and be still enough, to listen to your heart beat? Try to. Search for dialogue telling you? Is it helpful? Is it healing? Supportive? Find silence this solstice season. ways to work with yourself as your own best friend. is is a partnership you can foster that will never fade. Winter Solstice can be seen as the 'Witches’ New Year', a time when the cycles of the sun reach their most extreme point, and in Retrogrades are hard if you're not ready and willing to do the turn reset. With the darkest day comes the welcoming of more work that is necessary. Growth is not enjoyable. It's uncomfort- light, as each day grows longer following solstice. is is a potent able. It's painful. You have to be willing to see all the embarrass- time for self-reflection and intention setting. ing, hurtful, thoughtless ways you've been navigating the world, own up to them, and most importantly forgive yourself for them. When we set intentions during a lunar cycle it is for a much It's not easy, but it's worth it. shorter period of time, typically two weeks, from a new to a full moon. On the New Moon we plant seeds of intention to care for is Mercury Retrograde has been in Sagittarius, a fire sign as they grow with the waxing moon. Winter Solstice can be seen represented by the archer, symbolizing expansion and explora- similarly to a New Moon in its power, with the build up to its tion. is energy wants you to stop hiding in fear. Be brave in culmination on Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year, on your assertions of what you want. You are worthy. You deserve June 21, 2019. happiness, safety and freedom. e first place to start achieving this is within your own mind. What are your desires for six months from now? You may have some ideas and plans, however don't grasp them too tightly. We is December acknowledge the cycles of the seasons, and the are constantly shifting so give space for the unexpected. An cycles of yourself. Give yourself space and time to rest. Be patient intention is a guiding force, not be a rigid framework. e path is and forgiving, with yourself and others. And remain curious. flexible. If you feel that imagining far ahead is overwhelming ere is always more to uncover. release those notions of needing to know. It's okay for your intention to simple be presence in the current moment.
Intention setting may take many forms. It's dependent on how you connect with yourself. Words may be a powerful entry point for you, so writing can be helpful. Or you may find more meaning through other mediums: drawing, dancing, music, cooking, rearranging your living space, or going for a walk. Express yourself honestly. Engage in an activity that connects you to your internal happenings.
11 12 Coulee Walk My brother came to visit from BC, so we went hiking in the coulees all along the river. It’s a nice trek, check it out before it snows, unless it already has (or it gets bulldozed for suburbs).
-Brandon Wynnychuk
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16 17 CKXU’s Earitable By Sean Warkentine
Yooooo! You’ve done it, survived the semester. I’m assuming you have one more set of testing to battle through in the upcoming weeks, proving to your profs that you got what it takes to join the ranks of everyone else who’s ever slogged through the grind before you. Well, I’m also assuming that you’ve got what it takes! Follow- ing below is a bunch of standout albums to accompany your study sessions, exam-finished crashes, and year-end partying, all of which have arrived in the CKXU mailbox recently, and which you can catch by tuning in online or over the airwaves.
Also, CKXU’s always sloppy fun Holiday Extravaganza, is happen- ing once again on December 14th at e Slice! Don’t miss this party --tickets $10 at Street Legal Records or $15 at the door.
Despite this regular Meliorist edition, CKXU is not just music and radio broadcasts --there are many other ways to get involved! If you’re interested in getting involved at the radio station in any of the many various ways we have available, get in touch with us by stopping in or emailing [email protected] . A big shout-out to the student community for another great year at CKXU. Huge steps coming in the new year for your campus/community radio station, so keep your ears peeled!
Caracol Symbolism Indica Montreal, QC
Very peppy and well-crafted songs by this electro-pop artist. Ascending synth lines atop wide-ranging beats that take influence from trap, synthwave, and more avant pop as well.
Awards Warm Computers Animal Street London, ON
Lo-fi bedroom hip-hop indie pop on synths and drum machines. Endearing like a 6-year old’s explanation of their messy painting --in a good way!
We Are the City At Night Light Organ Vancouver, BC Apparently the tracks on this album are scraps of unused material from an album to be released in 2019, but these self-recorded throwaway bits and pieces make up a diverse palette of indie rock, art rock, and psych that could rival most band’s proper studio recordings.
18 Rob Mitchelson Mich Cota Knightlaser: 2042 Kija/Care Independent Tin Angel Calgary, AB Montreal, QC
e year is 2042 and the androbots have threatened the So much happens on this album, featuring amazing existence of the human race. Many 80s culture references sound design that fades and swirls into synth pop songs later, this album refers to all that and more for a purported to match any of the trendiest electronic music available film with a working title, Epic Spacelaserface . Pairs nicely with any of the other 80s fetishisation filmsavailable on right now (looking at you Oneohtrix Point Never and Netflix right now. Yves Tumor!).
Danger Grove Single Mothers Want, for Nothing rough a Wall Coax Dine Alone Loveland, CO, USA/Ottawa, ON London, ON
Alright, get your pajamas on, cuz this one has a bunch of Dipping ever so slightly into the melodic hardcore I used to goofiness that resembles some sort of indie hip-hop pillow swim in, it wades a little more deeply in the punk and noise fight with hilariously fun and all too real lyrics about mental rock waters where METZ and Idles bathe. A solid album to health struggles, poverty, and more rage about your final assignments and exams to.
Orkestar Kriminal Shad Ryobra A Short Story about a War Coax Secret City Montreal, QC London, ON
is is a sort of language and world music supergroup, here Stretching from the trends of trap music, through more performs a collection of songs that tell stories of life in the experimental beats, and onward to the more classic 90s underworld in a variety of styles. e title of the album itself sounds of hip-hop on another very cool album by the refers to prohibited records cut into xrays in Soviet Russia progressive Canadian rapper. --“ribs” as they were called.
Jesse and the Dandelions Graham van Pelt Give up the Gold Time Travel Independent Arbutus Edmonton, AB Toronto, ON Lethbridge emigrant, Jesse Northey returns with his band for It’s got a feel of 1990s electronica à la Underworld, with another set of dreamy psych-pop songs, on their best the clear minimal production and vibing of 2000s era produced album so far. A gold mine (clever title reference in electronic pop, like Junior Boys. Cross those two, and case you missed it!) of tuneful and catchy songs that bop you’ll have a good idea of how this killer dancey pop along with enough dreamy tones to fill a treasure chest (one release sounds. more for good measure).
Fucked Up Kirsten Ludwig Dose your Dreams We Get it Now Merge Oscar St. Toronto, ON Calgary, AB
A double album’s worth of the band’s signature indie Warm and summery or cold and wintery, this is a dreamy pop/hardcore punk dichotomy to match the double disc album of atmospheric songs recorded with long reverb format here. Catchy as always, another winner with a big tails that drift on under her steady voice that alludes to kitchy happy face cover… Not sure about that part of the country and folk rock genres. album.
Ian William Craig Jushua Van Tassel resholder Crosswords 130701 Backward Vancouver, BC Toronto, ON One of the most beautiful releases of 2018! Another amazing e instrumental score to accompany a 9-chapter collabora- collection of ambient droning soundscapes by the opera tively written book. Like any good soundtrack, it moves from singer and his reel to reel tape machine loops. lush ambient pads to fully orchestrated swells to delicately textured pop balladry.
19 Report Calls For Change in Alberta Student Aid Funding By Rose-Marie Nyberg
Are you one of the many students at the University of Affordability and Accessibility of Post-Secondary Educa- Lethbridge who relies on government student loans in tion) is the first step towards addressing the crisis of order to obtain a post-secondary education? is year, student debt in Alberta, as it makes tuition and fees the Council of Alberta University Students (CAUS) affordable and predictable. published a report, “Reconstructing Student Aid in Alberta,” wherein it offers well researched and much “Although it does not directly relate to student financial needed information needed to understand the financial aid, it does allow students to plan out how much they reality that faces most post-secondary students in Alber- will pay for their degree and allowing students more ta. e Report focuses “on the current student financial certainty when they budget for tuition, fees, and the cost aid system in Alberta, student debt in the province, and of living,” says Bieman. [provides] an analysis of the positives and negatives of student financial aid systems from across the country.” “Unfortunately, Bill 19 does not specifically address the cost of living like upfront grants and bursaries can do, CAUS is an organization that serves an advocacy role but it does allow us to focus our advocacy on student and represents undergraduate students in Albertan financial aid,” he adds. universities to the public, government and other post-secondary education stakeholders. e organization CAUS states that they are dedicated to ensuring students focuses on the challenge that faces most post-secondary are given the “most holistic” experience during universi- students in Alberta: How to finance the education that ty, adding that their advocacy goals are not just aimed at you’re pursuing? tuition and fees and student financial aid, but other areas such as student wellness and experiential learning. CAUS recommends that the Government of Alberta adopt the four recommendations based upon the discus- “In other words they are aimed at numerous facets of the sions and evidence provided in this research project in student life that come together to ensure students gradu- order to create better futures for all Albertans who ate with a quality educational experience that provides require funding to experience improved employment them with the knowledge and skills to be productive options and a more stable future. members of society,” says Bieman.
Based on the Report, the four recommendations include: As it relates to Bill 19, Bieman says the capping of tuition increases to match inflation is one of the bigger 1. e reallocation of all tax credits into up-front grants wins CAUS has experienced over the past decade. for low-income and middle-income students; “ is is done in Bill 19 - An Act to Improve the Affordabil- 2.Increased investment into non-repayable student aid ity and Accessibility of Post-secondary Education, which through scholarships, bursaries, and grants; amends the Post Secondary Learning Act (PSLA). It also increases student representation at the Board of Gover- 3.Ensuring that all assessments for future up-front grants nors at MacEwan and Mount Royal University to make are based on the personal income of the student, and not it equal to undergraduate representation at U of A, U of household or family income; and, C, and U of L. Overall in my term as Chair of CAUS, we have been extremely successful because CAUS in its 4.Increases to the repayment threshold in light of entirety has worked tirelessly to ensure students had a increases to the cost of living and minimum wage. long term stable plan for tuition, and representation that is in law,” he says. It is clear that CAUS believes that Alberta should have “a post-secondary education system that is accessible and I asked Andrew how he would describe the current affordable for all.” When about half of your allotted discussion around the reconstruction and modernization student loan funds each semester are designated towards of student aid in Alberta. “What’s exciting about having tuition and fees, the remaining part of the student tuition and fees regulated in law is it frees us up to focus loan(s) must pay for housing, food, bills, etc. and, for the more of our effort at improving student financial aid in most part, requires that a student take on at least one Alberta. Anytime our advocacy priorities are fulfilled, part-time job in order to make ends meet. While taking like they were in Bill 19, it gives us the opportunity to on debt to attend university full-time, we as students focus more in depth on other advocacy priorities when know just how limited our time and resources can be meeting with external stakeholders in post secondary within the short time span that we have to finish all our education, and has happened in our meetings since the assignments, do well, and still have time to try to stay introduction of Bill 19,” he says. healthy by eating well, exercising, and living within a tight budget.
Andrew Bieman, Chair of the Council of Alberta University Students, says the recent introduction of Bill 19 in Alberta’s Legislature (An Act to Improve the
20 Here at the U of L, Victoria Schindler, VP External of “ e reallocation of tax credits into up-front grants is a the ULSU, is our advocate for these issues. She also cost-neutral ask. is is simply taking the approximately serves as a Director-at-Large in Policy for the Canadian $200 million already allocated to tax credits, and moving Alliance of Student Associations. When asked if she that funding into up-front grants for low to middle-in- believes that insufficient financial support and rapid come students. is would ensure that individuals that tuition increases have created a student debt crisis in need financial support to get into the door of a post-sec- Alberta, she says yes. ondary institution, will get that opportunity to with an initial grant, which is non-repayable financial aid,” she “Just in the past decade, we have seen the cost of says. post-secondary in Alberta rise over 40%. ese increas- ing costs, coupled with everything else a student may “When a student begins earning an annual income of need during their studies, have put a burden on students over $25 000, they are required to begin making full and put up significant barriers to the accessibility of payments towards their student loans. In Alberta, with post-secondary education. In 2010, the Government of the $15 minimum wage, an individual working full-time Alberta chose to reduce the amount of funding in areas for a full year would exceed this threshold, and would such as grants and bursaries, which is non-repayable not be eligible for repayment assistance. e threshold student aid and decided to focus more on a repayable also does not take into consideration the cost of living in model, commonly known as student loans,” says Schin- particular areas, which can dramatically impact the cost dler. of living for an individual,” adds Schindler.
“Currently, undergraduate students in Alberta complete As Vice-President External, Schindler says she has seen a their education with an average of $26,680 worth of lot of wins for students. student debt. Statistics also show that a majority of these students come from underrepresented communities such “I have met with MLAs from all parties currently in the as rural Alberta, students with disabilities, and those Legislature and they are always willing to listen, give from a low socioeconomic background,” she adds. feedback, and have fruitful discussions about Post-Sec- I asked Victoria how the limitations of student aid in ondary in Alberta. A quality education for Albertans isn’t Alberta prevent vulnerable students from seeking a a partisan issue, and that’s clear from all of the great post-secondary education. discussions I have had.” “For me, the biggest win has been the introduction of Bill 19: an Act to Improve the “I genuinely believe that an individual should have the Affordability and Accessibility of Post-Secondary Education. opportunity to access a post-secondary education, is Bill is in response to years of advocacy by the Coun- regardless if it is in a university, a college, or a polytech- cil of Alberta University students and other student nic institution. A lot of the time, the financial situation groups in Alberta,” adds Schindler. of a student will determine their academic pursuits. ere are pretty strict criteria in place for individuals In the end, Schindler is explicit in saying the discussion looking to access student loans to pay for their educa- around student financial aid in Alberta is important. tion. e criteria also does not consider that students are “We are seeing the Government of Alberta committing coming from all different walks of life to access funding, to a long-term plan for tuition and fees in the province which is a barrier all in itself,” she says. to improve the accessibility and affordability of post-sec- ondary. I think the natural next step is to continue “In Alberta, we also have a tax credit system. Upon advocating for changes to the student financial aid graduation, students can receive a tax credit based on the program in Alberta to really engrain accessible and amount of tuition paid and the applicable tax bracket an affordable education into what makes Alberta such a individual falls within. However, these tax credits are an great province,” she says. out of date system that does not increase the accessibility of post-secondary for students. We need to get more I really appreciate that Andrew and Victoria each provid- students in the door and support them up front,” adds ed such thorough answers and work with other dedicated Schindler. professionals to advocate for post-secondary students in Alberta. We, as students, at the University of Lethbridge As for the report’s recommendations, Schindler was all benefit when our Province creates opportunities for asked to comment on each one. all eager learners who want to make valuable contribu- tions during our working years with knowledge and experience from our education as a guiding posts. As at November 7, 2018, Bill 19: an Act to Improve the Afford- ability and Accessibility of Post-Secondary Education is in the stage of third reading in the Legislative Assembly of Alberta.
21 22 Sudoku Annual Student Publication 7 5 Conference: NASH81 3 1 4 8 Call for applications! 4 3 7 9 4 8 What is NASH81? 5 NASH is the annual gathering of Canada’s student journalists, held at Calgary's beautiful Hotel Arts from 9 3 6 January 3–6, 2019. Hosted by e Gauntlet, e University of Calgary’s independent student publication, NASH81 will celebrate and continue the 80-plus-year 6 1 3 tradition of the Canadian University Press. 7 8 5 3 NASH81 will be host to over two dozen workshops, panels and discussions headed by industry leaders, in 2 1 addition to evening keynotes held throughout the conference. Attendees will also have the opportunity to schedule one-on-one meetings with their favourite editors. Come for your opportunity to listen, learn and meet the pros! 4 6 2 5 7
e Meliorist has one spot available for an interested 7 5 student. Accommodation, travel, ticket, and some meals included! e student must be available from January 2 8 3-6, 2019 to attend the conference. You will be joining 5 other Meliorist Staff and writers! 4 5 Please email a statement of interest to [email protected] by December 15. 3 2 7 1 6 2 8 3 6 4 8 4 1 7 9 2
3 5 2 7 8 2 4 9 7 9 1 8 2 4 4 6 5 4 2 9 1 6 3 5 1
23 Humans of ULeth: The project, and the face behind the project By Courtney Faulkner
We met with Richard Lee- ai to talk about his new project ‘Humans of ULeth’. Lee- ai wants to connect the university campus and give back to the community. Here’s a few highlights: You can find more photos and stories on the Humans of ULeth Facebook and Instagram pages.
Holly Kletke
“How are you today? How are you really feeling? ese are the two questions that I asked Grade 1-12 students at my school to create a video on mental health awareness. Most of the time, people will respond that they’re feeling ‘good’. For the younger kids, I noticed that they were Richard Lee- ai usually being honest and that their answers didn’t change. But for teenagers they were often less honest “ is idea started with Humans of New York. e reason when initially asked how they were feeling, and only that's been so popular is just because it's inherent within opened up after the second time. Teenagers said they us to be storytellers and to connect with other people. I were feeling tired and stressed. It goes to show that you believe that everyone has a story to tell. can’t assume things about people, because they’re going through things that we don’t know. Even if they say I feel like it's kind of hard to make those human connec- they’re okay, we can’t assume that they’re okay. tions if you're always just in class, you maybe have small talk but you don't really go into deeper topics of what a Before I came to university, my personal mental health person's life is like, what they've been through, what didn’t really affect me before. But university has been a they value. e first person I interviewed was one of my big adjustment for me. I started to feel a bit of anxiety, music classmates, and even though I had known her but I didn’t recognize this until just a few weeks ago. before, I didn't really know her on a deeper level, so that Every day is either a great day or pretty bad day. ere’s interview opened things up for me. no just good days. It’s tough being away from my family and I know adjusting to university has been hard for at's what I really enjoy, having that genuine human other people too. connection, and being able to connect on a deeper level. It gives me more perspective on my own life. I feel that At the same time, I would say that university is a really I've been very privileged to have very fortunate upbring- good opportunity to get involved in the school and ing and lots of opportunities, but I know not everyone events. But even if you’re not involved, there’s no has had that, and they're going through their own problem with that. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, there’s struggles as a student, and balancing home life, or ways to find help for that. I feel like I’m going through whatever else they're dealing with. what other first year students are going through and I want to be there to support them. If you want to come I feel like if other people are able to read those stories up and talk to me and ask how I’m doing, just do so. I and realize that these are things other people have gone love meeting new people!” through and overcome, hopefully it gives them some sense of reassurance.”
24 Marissa Hsu
“I always wanted to join the military since I was a little Yuta Imai kid. At that time, the military was going into Afghani- stan. My teachers knew people going into that mission, “Home is a place where people can accept me. Being so it was a common topic in my school. It made me around family and friends is also part of being at home. realize that I wanted a career that was for a greater cause. Canada and Japan are both my homes. I came here as an As I got older, I did more research into joining the exchange student studying International Management. It Canadian Forces. I knew I still wanted a university makes me happy when I have a nice conversation with degree, so I applied to be a Nursing Officer while people. When I was in Japan, I mainly stayed with the completing my Bachelor of Nursing. After graduating, same friend group. But here, I have been meeting people I’ll be posted at a military base around Canada and everyday. It’s fun to talk to people. I am here for more serving at their hospital. than taking classes. During my two semesters here, I want to make more friends. At first, my parents were shocked and concerned that I wanted to join the military. But I’ve been doing this for I feel comfortable living in Canada. I find that in Japan, the last year and a half and they’ve accepted it. I spent people care a lot about what other people think of them. my last summer in Québec for basic training, while We judge people and sometimes we stop talking to them. other summers will be on more specific job training. e But here, everyone talks to everyone. People don’t care military is paying for my entire tuition and I have health about judging me here. In other countries that I have and dental benefits. I’m one of the few members of the been in, they sometimes look at Asian people in a weird Canadian Forces who attend the University of way. It’s not a big issue, but it’s kinda racist. Canada is a Lethbridge as well as balancing a military career. very international country, so they don’t have a problem with talking to people of other races. People are very nice It’s not common for women to be in the military. But here. I’ve never had someone doubt my abilities just because I’m a female. I have had other women in the military To have an international business, you need to have who are my role models. I always think that if she can do English because it is a world language. I do want to start it, why can’t I do it? I hope that one day after I’ve talked my own business one day. As a hobby, I started a store on to someone, that person thinks to themselves: if Amazon where I sell Japanese games, toys, and clothing. someone like me can do it, why can’t they do it too? ese are things that are commonly found in Japanese stores, but they’re not sold worldwide. If I buy items in e way I see it, it’s just like any other job. We’re still Japan and export it to other countries, I realized I can normal people. We’re your fellow students. We’re not all make money. I feel like being employed by someone is big, rough, and tough. I know it’s hard for people to to stressful if I can make money myself. But now that I’m in know if someone is in the military, because we obviously Canada, I am fine if I work in a business. Because I want don’t wear our uniforms to school. So there’s a lot of to work here. I feel accepted.” misconceptions about what being in the military is like. I want to dispel those myths. I’m more than happy to have a conversation with you!”
25 Bente Hansen, BMus, MMus Keeley Gillespie
“Teaching is 90% instinct and 10% book learning. You “One of the things I’m most passionate about, camp need to gauge students individually and adjust accord- counseling, and just working with kids in general. e ingly. You can’t just teach on a script and expect that to most important thing in my opinion is showing the kids work for all the students. Mary Wennerstrom at Indiana you genuinely care about them. An example of this, University was the first academic professor that looked which happens a lot at camp, is if a kid were to get their beyond the surface of me and saw how I ticked and toy stolen by camper for the 30th time… it might seem learned. She then adjusted her teaching to me in a trivial to most people, and not a big deal as the kid could manner that made sense to me. I apply these same “just get another one,” but to the camper it’s a huge deal! organizational skills and perspective on my teaching It’s their world and their perception is their reality! now. You’re their role model and guardian for that week and if you just brush them off as insignificant, then they’ll start My goal as a professor is to impart my knowledge to my to believe that they are just that. students as painlessly as possible. at’s important when it comes to teaching music theory because I need to be Lots of kids at camp come from rough upbringings and crystal clear, especially for first year students. I want home life, and for some that week of camp is their only them to have a solid foundation before they go onto week to really escape and let loose. I want to make it the more complicated things. I know that music theory is best experience possible! Kids deserve an excited adult, dry. So why do students come to class? Because I’m a nut. who’s ready to be silly and make memories with them! I can do stupid human tricks like write backwards and Encourage them and lift their spirits, and find and create upside down. And if I can do something like that on the those magical moments. board, I’ll have their attention for another 10 minutes. If I can fit in life lessons into my teaching as well, that’s Over this summer I had a camper open up to me about great. her rough upbringing and current difficulties she was experiencing in her life. Despite everything she was e most satisfying thing for me is watching my students going through she had the most beautiful outlook on grow as musicians and people. e most magical life. She was one of the strongest and sweetest twelve year moment is when the light comes on for a student. I have olds I’ve ever met! She was always looking for ways to so many students that struggle coming in, that actually help me out and make my job easier. For example I’d be fear music theory. But then there’s that moment when dealing with a couple campers who were fighting while I they catch on and their confidence grows – and suddenly, was trying to set up a game, and she’d go ahead and set theory becomes something cool instead of something up the game for me. Or I would be clearing the table scary. I keep in contact with lots of my former students. from a meal and she’d take the dishes from my hand and It’s so gratifying to see them progress with their lives and say “Oh Squiggles” (my camp name) “let me take that careers and I hope that I played some small, positive role from you, you’ve done enough for us today.” She was so in helping them to achieve their accomplishments and sweet. realize their dreams. I told her that she was an amazing person and that her I feel so incredibly blessed that I get to do what I love to acts of kindness were definitely not going unnoticed, to do. It’s my ideal job. I love the people I work with and I which she responded, “Squiggles I’m learning from you, love the amazing young people I meet. e greatest you’re my role model.” I think that’s one of the best source of my education is my students – they push me to compliments I’ve ever received.” become a better teacher. A good deal of hard work and a generous dollop of luck have landed me in my current position – one I wouldn’t change for the world. Perhaps my life has been a crazy adventure at times – but I’m still here and I’m still talking about it, so I must be doing something right!”
26 Support Staff Union enters Mediation with University By Rose-Marie Nyberg
e union representing nearly 500 support staff at the “...We are going into mediation with the employer, but University of Lethbridge has entered into mediation with we also feel that the employer needs to realize that this their employer in the hopes of negotiating a new contract staff here are willing to stand up for a fair and equitable that is fair, decent, and equitable to employees. contract, which is something that they haven’t been able to achieve at the bargaining table,” says Slade. On November 7, 2018, Members of the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) in Local 053 (which “We’re hoping through mediation that the employer will represents support staff at the University of Lethbridge) look at the proposals that have been proposed, as well held an information rally on University Drive, with the was the ones the employer has proposed, and the media- goal of raising awareness of AUPE’s frustration with the tor will see that they aren’t asking for too much, they’re bargaining process between them and the U of L. just asking for a fair contract,” she adds.
What does this mean, anyway? In order to gain an under- When AUPE decided to apply for mediation in Septem- standing of this process, it is important to first know that ber 2018, they cited an accumulated $206 million support staff at the University of Lethbridge function as surplus for the university, pointing out at the time that part of a union. e union, in this case, is called Local this money could be used for supporting staff. e 053. University of Lethbridge released a statement countering AUPE’s claim, saying that figure didn’t reflect funds that Each union is recognized by the name of its associated are used for ongoing operating expenses, such as staff local; to be clear, a local is defined as a local branch (or salary and benefits. chapter) of a usually national trade union. In order for a workplace to become unionized, there is a process “ e number cited refers to the net assets of the universi- involved that requires the organization of the employees ty and includes restricted funds such as endowment of an employer into a labor union which will act as an funds that are used mostly in support of student scholar- intermediary between the employees and company ships and bursaries and are legally required to be management. If a union becomes established, then the maintained in perpetuity, investment in capital which is employees become represented by a Collective Bargain- the value of university-owned capital and not cash, and ing Agreement. A collective bargaining agreement means other restricted funds,” reads the statement. an agreement in writing, or writings, between an employ- er and a trade union agreeing to all the terms and condi- “A $206 million surplus and none of it is earmarked for tions of employment or containing provisions in regard the staff, I find that a little bit hard to believe,” says Slade. to all the working conditions. However when issues arise “We realize that there are projects and grants and various in an unionized setting, as evidenced in the perceived other things that is earmarked for that. But nobody’s need for third-party negotiation by Local 53 of the asking for the moon here, they are just asking to be paid AUPE, it is then that observers witness collective a little bit fairly.” bargaining as the negotiation process that takes place between an employer and a group of employees Slade adds that what the union is looking for from the represented by a union. When an agreement is reached, community is support, noting that most of the 500 the resulting “Collective Bargaining Agreement,” or support staff members at the U of L are also taxpaying “CBA,” becomes the contract that binds employment Lethbridge residents. issues. Mark Sabo, a Materials Handling Worker, says he partici- e current Collective Agreement for Local 53 expired in pated as a way to support fellow union members and June 2017. Since then, efforts to sign a new agreement ensure they get a fair collective agreement. Another with the U of L have been unsuccessful, with AUPE support staff member, who asked to remain anonymous, claiming that the University of Lethbridge has stalled the said they were there to make sure they were fairly bargaining process. After several unsuccessful bargaining represented. meetings, AUPE filed for mediation in September 2018. Mediation provides a neutral third party to assist the Even some faculty members came to show their support union and the employer to reach an agreement, a at the rally. compromise, and increases the likelihood that an agreement can be reached. Dr. Dan O’Donnell, who is also the Chief Spokesperson for the University of Lethbridge Faculty Association, says e picket that took place on November 7, 2018 was the it’s really important to hear concerns from staff about pay Union’s attempt to bring to light the issues surrounding and benefits. their contract negotiations. AUPE Vice President, Susan Slade, was present at the rally and commented on the prospect of mediation.
27 ‘It is important that they know that we acknowledge and “ e employer is in a position to do what’s right by their support them. Sometimes the support staff have complet- front-line workers,” said Slade. “It is disappointing that ed their work day before we, the professors, even get to they chose not to.” work,” says O’Donnell. e workers are also looking to see improvements to ‘ e Faculty Association here, all employee groups, are contracting out language, job classifications, flex spend- facing same problems. e University of Lethbridge has ing accounts, and working hours for security staff. internally allocated funds that are not being used while the U of L is facing budget crunches that are affecting Based upon my attendance at the Rally, listening to the student experiences,” he adds. opinions expressed by both sides of this negotiation process, and thinking through how complicated the Shortly after the rally was held, the U of L released a prevailing issues seem to be, I have only to consider how statement regarding mediation and the cited surplus. In challenging it must be to act as a neutral third party it, they refute AUPE’s claim that the university has been negotiator in these matters. As for me today, I will likely unwilling to discuss its surplus. advance my education by learning from my clever professors, then I may need to ask support staff for some “It is important to know that the accumulated surplus help, use one of the clean bathrooms on campus, all AUPE refers to is actually the total net assets of the while enjoying functioning electricity and hot water in University and almost all of it is not accessible or the buildings on our fine campus. As a student at the available cash for ongoing operating expenses like University of Lethbridge, I am grateful for all the salaries,” reads the statement. hard-working and talented professors, support staff, and administrators who together create an academic environ- “Net assets of the University includes the equity that the ment in which I gain knowledge and skills with each University owns of its buildings, land, and equipment course I take. (Investment in Capital Assets). Investment in capital assets is similar to your personal ownership of your home, which is not money in your bank account that you can spend. Also included in the net assets are externally restricted endowment funds and internally restricted funds.”
A graphic, found on the next page, details the allocation of the U of L’s surplus.
e unrestricted surplus, according to the U of L, truly represents the available funds they have at year’s end.
“It represents the accumulated value of revenue over expenses since the inception of the University. ese are funds that generally come from the savings realized when an employee leaves their position and the vacancy doesn’t get refilled immediately, from higher than expected investment earnings in one year, or from reducing expen- ditures in a particular year,” officials say.
e balance in the unrestricted fund is $465,000 out of a roughly $200 million total budget.
“To put this in perspective, it would be like having $140 left at the end of the year on a salary of $60,000/year after you paid all your bills and put aside any savings for the future. Unfortunately, these funds are “one-time" which means that they may not be realized or “earned” again the following year. For this reason, the University cannot use this surplus to support ongoing expenses such as salaries.”
28 29
This Month in History By Sorcha DeHeer
December 1945 and 1946 both held notable events relating to POWs in WWII. Canada was chosen to hold large numbers of prisoners due to its remote location and because of increasingly limited space in Britain. By the end of the war there were 37,934 German prisoners in camps across Canada. Alberta itself had four main POW camps; each housing different types and numbers of prisoners. e last to open was camp no. 135 in Wainwright, AB in December of 1945, although it stayed empty until the following month. Unlike other camps, Wainwright held German officers as well as lower ranks soldiers.
POWs were protected under the Geneva Convention, making camps in Canada far better than in other parts of the world. Prisoners enjoyed proper meals and daily activities including sports and crafts. Camps also had impressive numbers of library books and textbooks. Work included landscaping to improve the camp but also labour- ing for local farmers. As many as 1,200 men from around Alberta worked out of camp by the end of the war, due largely to the dwindling local labour force. While it was strongly discouraged, many POWs and employers developed lasting platonic and romantic relationships. Many sought Canadian citizenship after the war, either staying in Canada or returning later.
e following year, Lethbridge saw the largest hanging in Alberta’s history, and second largest in Canada’s. Four POWs from the Medicine Hat camp were tried and hung for the murder of a fellow inmate. Camp no. 132 in Medicine Hat was used to house soldiers determined to hold hardcore Nazi values or fascist sympathies. Willi Mueller, Heinrich Busch, Bruno Perzonowski and Walter Wolf framed the death of Karl Lehmann as a suicide, accusing him of supporting communist uprisings in the camp. Together with war veteran Donald Staley, whose crime was unrelated to the camp murders, a total of five men were hung. Protests were abundant for the mercy of the four men, mainly in respect to Christian and humanitarian empathies while some argued that fascist indoctrination was responsible for the crime, rather than the characters of the four men. Despite this the Canadian government refused to intervene. Capital punishment in Canada wasn’t officially illegal until 1976 under Bill C-84, with the last execution occurring in 1962.
31 “ e employer is in a position to do what’s right by their front-line workers,” said Slade. “It is disappointing that they chose not to.”
e workers are also looking to see improvements to contracting out language, job classifications, flex spend- ing accounts, and working hours for security staff.
Based upon my attendance at the Rally, listening to the opinions expressed by both sides of this negotiation process, and thinking through how complicated the prevailing issues seem to be, I have only to consider how challenging it must be to act as a neutral third party negotiator in these matters. As for me today, I will likely advance my education by learning from my clever professors, then I may need to ask support staff for some help, use one of the clean bathrooms on campus, all while enjoying functioning electricity and hot water in the buildings on our fine campus. As a student at the University of Lethbridge, I am grateful for all the hard-working and talented professors, support staff, and administrators who together create an academic environ- ment in which I gain knowledge and skills with each course I take.