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What Grinds Our Gears: Tim Hortons pizza is a danger to society

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Peak Web
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Photo of a box with an ovular flatbread inside. On top are pepperoni and a small amount of unmelted cheese
PHOTO: ProblemLongjumping12 / Reddit

By: Zobia Khalid, SFU Student

Sorry for the jump scare. But, $8 for half of a glorified frozen pizza is a problem. Tim Hortons’ slogan is “Always Fresh,” but we all know it’s Never Fresh. Their drinks are from concentrate and they reheat all their food. The coffee is literally flavoured milk, and we know calling it cold brew doesn’t change anything. And just when things couldn’t get worse — Timbits are a lost cause, too. And at the peak of all this chaos, there’s a new release: flatbread pizza.

Honestly, they should have just called it flatbread and stopped at that. It somehow looks worse than street pizza left overnight on the side of a public swimming pool. The pizza is dry, and the toppings aren’t properly placed. I have a lot of empathy for pizza makers since I play Good Pizza, Great Pizza. I can’t blame the workers for what this corporation forces them to do, but this is a whole new level. I had 14 customers lined up in that game and was still able to make better pizza than Tim Hortons on its best day. And honestly, that’s impressive for Tim Hortons. Pizza and coffee are probably the hardest things to mess up, but somehow Tim Hortons is able to do it.

Even the box looks low effort. In fact, Tim Hortons shapeshifts so much I forgot what it was originally for — coffee and donuts. I feel like one day we’re going to be looking for donuts and instead just find apples because Tim Hortons’ brand identity is now a grocery store.

I just cannot fathom that somebody would spend $8 to publicly humiliate themselves like that. It’s really concerning to see Tim Hortons trying to be something they’re not. So much self-hate I’m sensing here. And honestly, I’m so tired. Just bring back proper coffee, proper Timbits, and cheese melts. 

Get in girl, we’re serotoninmaxxing

By
Peak Web
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0
Woman sitting in a dark room. Her face is illuminated by the light coming from her phone.
PHOTO: Inspa Makers / Unsplash

By: C Icart, Humour Editor

Dear diary, 

Today, I watched a reel of a mother telling her daughters to go outside via a parody of Jojo Siwa’s “Karma.” Although I’d like to flatter myself and say that sentence would give a Victorian child a stroke, I know they consumed opium when they weren’t busy working 13-hour days. I get to thank Mina Le’s 32-minute video essay for that. 

Back to “Karma” . . . Diary, girl, I have ants in my apartment and as a vegan I’m legally obligated to name them. I have chosen to name each one Teddy, Freddy, or Eddy. Just need to get a temporary tattoo of them on my arm to complete the fantasy. No wait, I was trying to tell you I think I should go outside. I’m not like a brain doctor or anything but not going outside for three days in a row is probably why I was elected mayor of SadTown (not to be confused with SadVille or SadCounty). 

But diary, there’s no Internet outside. I mean there could be, but my phone is on 2%. When you’re walking outside, Barbra Streisand does not come up to you and say: “Give him my regards, did you take Ozempic?” Which would be an offensive thing to say, but definitely something I could make a TikTok about. 

Anyway, I’m already doing so many other things for my mental health like taking my Prozac and it’s not causing me to sweat as much as it used to #IYKYK. So I’ve changed my mind. Going outside sucks! I don’t understand how going outside more could make me happier if no one outside gets my references. For example, no one outside is getting @communist_veggietales content recommended to them. It is so incredibly cringe for me to say that I’m not like other girls so I won’t . . . I’ll imply it.  

Ugh, I knew writing down my thoughts would help. I’ve basically figured my whole life out in these past few sentences. The key steps to taking my happiness to the next level aka serotoninmaxxing are: 1. Locking in. More specifically, locking the fuck in. 2. Yapping. Oversharing is so in this summer. Gen Z loves it. Also, people on the bus need to know that vegetables don’t exist. 3. Comment “amen” under an AI generated image on Facebook. 

TTYL diary (see what I did there? a little Y2K hommage).

P.S. @whoever is reading my diary right now, you’re welcome. It’s a lot better than Caroline Calloway’s book. I’d tell you to read it to fact check me, but if you buy it, you may never receive it, I fear. It’s called Scammer for a reason! (Yes, I watched D’Angelo Wallace’s two and a half hour video essay on it). 

Food for Thought: The transformations of adobo

By
Peak Web
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ILLUSTRATION: Sandra Cao / The Peak

By: Marie Jen Galilo, SFU Student

As a second-generation Filipino Canadian, I grew up eating adobo. My favourite version of adobo is my mom’s “adobong manok,” or “chicken adobo,” which consists of chicken and chicken liver simmered in a savoury and tangy mixture of soy sauce and vinegar. After learning that adobo is also a part of Spanish and Latin American cuisines, I was intrigued. In Spain, the Caribbean, and Mexico, adobo is a seasoning or marinade rather than a dish. This prompted a question: why are there different versions of adobo, and how are they different? 

In Spain, adobo consists of vinegar, spices, pimentón (peppers), fresh garlic, bay leaves, olive oil, and wine. The process of using vinegar for marinating and food preservation was used by Indigenous peoples in the Philippines “to preserve proteins,” before refrigeration, so the concept wasn’t necessarily new there, but it changed over time. 

In the Philippines, adobo refers to a dish of meats or seafood in vinegar rather than a seasoning or marinade. The first version of Filipino adobo is said to be “adobong puti,” or “white adobo,” which mainly uses vinegar and salt. Soy sauce was added after Chinese traders introduced it to the Philippines. The most common version of Filipino adobo consists of vinegar, soy sauce, bay leaves, garlic, and black pepper. Different regions in the Philippines have their respective takes on adobo, with some adding turmeric to make “adobong dilaw” or “yellow adobo,” or coconut milk to make “adobo sa gata.” Adobo is a dish loved by many Filipinos and is considered the unofficial national dish of the Philippines.

“Food is more than a daily necessity or something that satisfies a craving — we turn to food for comfort and connection.”

The process of marination comes from the Spanish word, “adobar” or “to marinade,” from which “adobo” was later derived. As the Spanish colonized different parts of the world, this method of food preservation spread to the Carribean and Mexico.

When the Spanish arrived in the Caribbean in the 1490s, they introduced adobo to Puerto Rico, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic. Some ingredients such as garlic, olive oil, and wine were not readily available. This is how the dry brine version of adobo came to be. Adobo seasoning in the Caribbean consists of garlic powder, paprika, oregano, cumin, onion powder, and turmeric — sometimes vinegar or orange juice is added for a sour kick.        

The Spanish also brought adobo to Mexico in 1519. Mexican adobo is also vinegar-based but uses local ancho and guajillo, which are variants of chilis, instead of pimentón.  

The version of adobo I grew up eating is Filipino adobo. I ate my mom’s adobo, adobo from restaurants, adobo cooked by my relatives, you name it — but each version was uniquely its own. Different versions of adobo don’t just reflect regional taste preferences — they also illustrate a history of resourcefulness and the strengthening of cultural identity through food. As an important part of daily life, food is interwoven into culture and identity, just as adobo has become an important part of cuisines around the world.

Creative Corner: Learning to sew let me reclaim my sense of style

By
Peak Web
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ILLUSTRATION: Angelina Tran / The Peak

By: Sahej Kaur Bhalla, SFU Student

Imagine going to the mall and seeing an amazing outfit on one of the mannequins, but when you go to try it on, there is something slightly off about the way it fits. You buy it anyways, but whenever you wear it you find yourself tugging at the sleeves self-consciously, making hapless efforts to keep them in place. 

As a tall girl, I have far too often found myself in this position. The constant adjusting and compromising with clothing produced according to standard measurements has not only impacted my confidence in the way I look, but also my enthusiasm to go buy new clothing. This made family trips to India all the more exciting, as travelling meant we could go shopping for fabric for custom-made kurtis. Finally, I had the opportunity to let my style reflect my personality, choosing bright colours, prints, and patterns according to measurements that I felt confident wearing. The sharp scent of fabric became closely associated with thumbing through prints at the local Indian markets and listening to the stories behind each richly embroidered saree in my grandmother’s closet.  

While my internal designer always existed, the opportunity of learning how to sew my own clothes came in an eighth-grade textiles class. I started out with small projects, like learning how to sew seams and different types of stitches, which built foundational skills. After learning how to operate the machine — a reliable Singer Prelude — I was able to move onto projects where I could apply more creative thinking, such as quilting squares and customising clothing measurements for garments. 

“Relaxing the constraint to complete each project ‘perfectly’ has let me become creative with my approaches to fixing mistakes and visualising what ‘end result’ I desire from the project.”

Quilting squares or paper-piecing is the sewing equivalent of “paint by numbers.” For these projects, I started by searching for patterns that I liked on Pinterest and printed them out on a piece of paper. Then, I would go through my supply of fabric scraps in search of stronger cotton to use for the project. I would then lay them on the paper, sewing along the lines of the page to make seams on the fabric. After this step, I would iron down each seam, watching as the image slowly began to form as I repeated the steps. For these types of projects, I enjoyed the ability to incorporate fabrics with the shimmering and intertwining flower patterns present on the Indian suits and sarees that captivated my attention from a young age. 

One of the best parts about some of the sewing projects I have made is the meaning attached to them. I love the process of selecting fabric at the store with my mom and debating which print would look best for the project I have in mind. Watching the look of pride on my mom’s face as she marvelled at a blue sweatshirt I made for her in a fabric that she chose was one of the highlights of my life — I treasure being able to share a passion of mine with her in this way. Another meaningful project of mine was a blue and gold summer dress that I made. When I first started sewing, I always dreamt of making a dress for myself. As I began to construct the garment, I experimented with the standard sizing on the pattern, cutting out some of the fabric pieces in the largest size to later take them in according to my own measurements or add fabric for a longer skirt length. The end result had a couple flaws, requiring a bit of hand-sewing to fix some details, but I’m still proud to have achieved my goal of making a summer dress customized to my size!

The greatest gift from the art of sewing, however, has been the ability to look past small mistakes and focus on the bigger picture and the process to get there. Sometimes I have to redo the work I do, while other times, I have learned from it and moved to the next step of the project. Relaxing the constraint to complete each project “perfectly” let me become creative with my approaches to fixing mistakes and visualising what “end result” I desire from the project. It engages me with the entire process, from choosing the fabrics to wearing the garment. 

Summer study oases; they’re not mirages!

By
Peak Web
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PHOTO: Manmeet Sagri / The Peak

By: Yasmin Hassan, staff writer

Ambit Cafe
6552 Hastings St, Burnaby
Everyday, 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. 

Nestled in Kensington Square, just down the mountain from the Burnaby campus, sits Ambit Cafe. Quaint, unassuming, but filled with wonders to excite. I recommend their assortment of dacquoises if you’re in the mood for a decadent French pastry. From sandwiches to salad bowls, there’s something here for everyone! Their freshly-made drinks suit any palate, whether you’d like something fresh and tart like tea or something smooth and creamy like a latte. You’ll find a place in Ambit’s orbit with ample seating inside and outside. 

Little Cafe on Robson
1258 Robson St, Vancouver
Monday–Saturday, 8:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Sunday, 8:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. 

Love croissants? Mosey on down to Little Cafe on Robson. Their Supreme Croissants come in a few different flavours such as their chestnutty Mont Blanc. Feeling bold? Try one of their specialty drinks like the Pineapple Oat Latte. Their cafe is small and has seating, but I don’t think you’d want to be cooped up indoors when it’s blistering hot out. It is about a 10-minute walk, but Coal Harbour and Harbour Green Park are just down the way. Grab a seat, study, and enjoy a Supreme Croissant.

Peaked Pies (Burnaby Location)
4114 Hastings St, Burnaby
Sunday–Wednesday, 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. 
Thursday–Saturday, 8:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. 

If you haven’t already discovered this Australian bakery, what’s keeping you? Peaked pies are, by definition, meat pies with creamy mashed potatoes, mushy green peas, and gravy all stacked in one. Their wide variety of savoury options include the traditional Aussie or even the daring Hopper (that’s ground kangaroo meat in a cabernet merlot balsamic reduction). Don’t skip out on their sponge-y lamington cake (my favourite) or lemon meringue tarts. If you’re doing some early morning studying, you can grab their breakfast combo with your choice of breakfast pie/quiche served with a Milano coffee or Silk Road Tea. There’s lots of seating indoors and a cute little patio outside!

Papparoti
1196 Pinetree Wy #100, Coquitlam
Monday–Friday 7:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
Saturday–Sunday 8:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.

This popular Malaysian coffee chain has made its way to Coquitlam bearing tasty gifts! This place is known for its hot-out-the-oven coffee caramel buns, coming in a variety of flavours such as Strawberry Fields, Nutty Bun, and Rise & Shine. Since it’s summer, you probably want to cool down. Papparoti has just the thing: ice cream buns! This location has lots of indoor seating, but Lafarge Lake is just a short walk away if you want to sit outdoors and get that fresh summer air!

Kaffi
2624B St Johns St, Port Moody
Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. 
Saturday–Sunday, 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. 

The name “Kaffi” originates from the northern Icelandic word for “coffee,” emphasizing how seriously they take coffee here. With a selection of high-quality coffee and non-coffee drinks, they promise to “brew for coffee lovers and convert those who are not.” Try out their mushroom and brie croissant or a freshly made shakshuka to start your day’s study session. Desserts are perpetually changing, so why don’t you go in and discover for yourself? Kaffi offers lots of comfy seating inside the cafe and lots of outdoor seating. If you want a more scenic view, take a short walk down to Rocky Point and smell the crisp salt of the ocean.

C Market Coffee (Coquitlam Location)
#111-100 Schoolhouse St, Coquitlam
Everyday, 8:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. 

When I think of a modern cafe, I see C Market Coffee. It is the perfect blend of everything you could possibly need: drinks, food, desserts, and ambience to accommodate. I could go on about their delicious blends of coffee, all high-quality and unique in their own way, or their enticing array of desserts and pastries. They have many different food options, from brunch, to wraps, to pasta, and more. 

Indigo Cafe
3388 Rosemary Heights Crescent #148, Surrey
Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Saturday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. 
Sunday, 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.  

Feeling breakfast, brunch, or baked pastries? Indigo Cafe is the place for you. It offers a great selection of drinks, pastries, bennies, and many other delights to fuel your studies. Something that caught my eye was the South Surrey Special Bacon Benny; you could say it’s dedicated to our hard-working Surrey campus students! If you’re not keen on getting coffee, try one of their smoothies or milkshakes to keep cool in the heat. This place offers cozy seating inside and relaxing outdoor seating for those who want to get some sun.

“Something that caught my eye was the South Surrey Special Bacon Benny; you could say it’s dedicated to our hard-working Surrey campus students!”

Flourist Bakery
3433 Commercial St, Vancouver
Saturday–Wednesday, 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. 
Thursday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. 

This unique bakery mills its own flour sourced from Canadian family farms to create a variety of baked goods, all made fresh in-house. There’s no shortage of savoury kicks, from pizza to savoury pastries. Don’t even get me started on the sweet options; do yourself a favour and try a hazelnut jam cookie. Not your thing? Try their blueberry lemon muffins or one of their parfaits. Wash your choice of goodies down with high-quality coffee, tea, or (if you need a buzz to get studious) their Hibiscus Gin Fizz! They have cozy seating indoors and out as well as a selection of baking needs on sale (in case you feel inspired to bake after cramming for your finals)! 

Find the full list on our website. 

A spoilers-free review of The Inventor

By
Peak Web
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Three clay dolls standing in front of a large map speckled with coloured arrows. On a table in front of them are small figurines including pirate ships, individuals riding on horses, a cannon, and a person sitting on a wooden throne-like chair.
PHOTO: Courtesy of Route 54 PR

By: Jin Song, SFU Student

Sometimes, you watch a movie and you can feel how much fun the creators had making it. The Inventor is one of these movies.

This movie follows Leonardo da Vinci, the titular inventor, and his time serving King Francis I, the King of France at the time. Da Vinci is most widely known for his paintings today, but as you’d expect from the title, The Inventor focuses on his scientific developments instead. Without giving anything away, I would perhaps rename it The Explorer or The Investigator instead, as the core of the film is not his inventions — at least, not in my interpretation — but his discoveries.

I watched the movie not thirty minutes ago and I already want to rewatch it. To be frank, this is entirely due to the animation. Fun and ceaselessly dynamic, it combines stop-motion with cloth dolls and 2D animation in a way I have never seen before. This was a bold decision: 2D and 3D often do not mesh well, but the two here added a layer of whimsical, silly joy that made me feel like a kid again. Every scene is gorgeous, with creative and thoughtful cinematography. It’s clear the creators poured their hearts and souls into this independently made project, and it’s so refreshing to see something born of such love and passion.

In a nutshell, the movie feels like a giant TED-Ed video — and I mean this in the best way possible. The playful storytelling and plot is full of soul. It’s all rather straightforward; no intricate narratives or complex schemes here. Easily understood and accessible, there’s a quality of sincerity to it that is very endearing. Indeed, it’s not grand or sweeping, and therefore not extraordinary . . . but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

“It’s clear that the creators poured their hearts and souls into this independently funded project, and it’s so refreshing to see something born of love and passion.” 

Our protagonist, da Vinci, is driven, passionate, and brilliant. The movie does a great job of showing us his vast intelligence instead of telling us. I left this movie feeling a deep appreciation for the real-life da Vinci, who really is incredible! The Inventor has inspired me to look deeper into his life, and I’m sure I’m not the only one.

This movie is, of course, a biographical film (biopic). It’s hard to discuss any biopic without bringing up historical accuracy. My preliminary research told me that the setting and circumstances depicted did, in fact, exist in history. Of course, no movie can be perfect and it’s perfectly acceptable — and preferable, really — to value narrative over getting each historical fact accurate. But for those who are curious, The Inventor has a hopeful ending, whereas real-life da Vinci’s last words are, “I have offended God and mankind because my work did not reach the quality it should have.” This doesn’t impact my enjoyment or positive opinion of the film at all. It just makes me sad, actually, because da Vinci is one of the greatest minds of all time, yet he says this about his life? Ouch!

In all, The Inventor is a movie that I’m really happy exists. It frames science as something fun and dynamic and creative, with one of humanity’s great thinkers at its core.

BC islands to explore

By
Peak Web
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PHOTO: Victoria Xi / The Peak

By: Zobia Khalid

We can already feel the warmth of the summer days ahead of us, and while the climate of the Pacific Northwest might not be the tropical heat some want, we can still enjoy the summer. Whether you’re in pursuit of adventure, relaxation, or the chance to meet new people, BC’s islands are diverse and offer the perfect setting for a weekend escapade. Here are a few choices for island trips!

Salt Spring Island 

This island has been home to Coast Salish First Nations, the Saanich, and the Cowichan First Nations for generations, with the earliest human activity recorded from over 4,000 years ago. A small island located on the coast of the Southern Gulf islands, it’s only 185 square km and has a total population of roughly 12,000 people. As is the case with most of the islands on this list, you can get there via BC Ferries. There are plenty of ways to move within the island: biking is a common method, but there are also buses. Salt Spring Island has a couple of villages. The more popular are: Ganges, Fulford Harbour, and Tiny Vesuvius Bay. 

Ganges Village is the central hub of Salt Spring, hosting the majority of shops, markets, art galleries, and much more. There are two markets: the first one is a Saturday market featuring farmers, artists, and other small-owned island businesses ranging from seafood to jewelry. The second one is solely a farmer’s market which takes place on Tuesdays, but shopping is not all to be done here. Ganges hosts a wide variety of artistic, cultural, and physical activities — museums and art events, golf courses, hiking trails, camping grounds, and beaches. Beddis Beach is a popular spot to snorkel and relax. Related to the name, if you are looking for salt springs there are a total of 14. Most of them are in the Mineral Springs Resort, so you can enjoy the springs while you decompress from the day, but be sure to book now since they get filled up fast for the summer. To sum up, this island is best if you are looking to revitalize and unwind in nature.

Tofino

Located in Vancouver Island, Tofino is situated in the traditional territory of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation of the Nuu-chah-nulth peoples. Much like all of Vancouver, Tofino displays a diverse plethora of natural beauty, from sandy beaches to hot springs. The area is best known for physical activities like surfing, biking, kayaking, ziplining, and hiking, but there are plenty of options if you’re looking for a less active escapade; there are saunas, spas, meditation centers, and yoga studios for you to enjoy. If you’re looking for a weekend of nature, you can birdwatch or explore the marine life; after all, Tofino has over 200 “resident” gray whales that feed from March through October in the neighbouring waters — a bird or whale watching tour might be the perfect activity for the weekend! Tofino’s Village Green is the main center to meet people and during summertime, go to markets. 

While it’s best to book a trip from June to August to fully experience the beauty, you can still enjoy the town at any other time of the year. Storm watching is the most fun from Chesterman Beach where there is Wickaninnish Inn, which has amenities specifically to enjoy the storm season. The Himwitsa Gallery displays authentic carvings, jade jewelry, Cowichan knitting pieces, paintings, prints, and other gifts open for purchase. General art is displayed in the Mark Hobson Gallery, the Roy Henry Vickers Gallery, and the Tofino Gallery of Contemporary Art. One last stop in Tofino is the Ucluelet Aquarium, which showcases beautiful marine life. In short, this island is best if you are looking for a getaway to re-energize yourself.

Skidegate Village

Located on Graham Island and the farthest away island on our list, is primarily home to the Haida Nation, as it is located on Haida Gwaii. This is a small town of about 700 people. This village is perfect for harmonizing with nature, birdwatching, fishing, camping, boating, sailing, swimming, hiking, and wildlife touring, truly a one-stop place for the nature lover. Balance Rock, is a trail to enjoy the beach scenery and local fauna, watch the nearby waterfall, or take some photos with the titular rock. If you’re interested in seeing marine wildlife up close, you can rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the Skidegate inlet — this area is amazing for finding a wide variety of fish, king salmon, coho, and halibut are very common here. 

There’s more than nature, the Haida Heritage Center in Ḵay ‘Llnagaay, offers cultural tours, including a weaving tour and canoe tour.

Mayne Island 

Another little hidden gem. Just a short ferry ride from the Tsawwassen ferry terminal, Mayne Island offers a tranquil environment to enjoy the beaches, trails, and local businesses. There are a couple of campgrounds, a cottage, and even a resort by the beach, all perfect options to have a little weekend getaway with friends or family, plus, you don’t even have to worry about dangerous encounters with the fauna, as this is a bear, cougar, and coyote-free island. Cycling around the island is a great way to move around, but you’ll also have the option to take a community bus, a donation-based bus that can take you anywhere within the island, though you’ll have to give them at least a 24-hour notice. 

If by this point you are a bit tired of nature, you’ll be glad to know that, while small, the Mayne Island community has events around the year. Finally, just as Salt Spring, Mayne alongside Galiano, Pender, and Saturna islands form the five Southern Gulf Islands, meaning they all host the annual Tour Des Iles, a two-day festival. This tour offers plenty of events and activities to take part in, all unique to each island’s attractions and culture; music, food, and outdoor activities, the Tour des Iles is a perfect opportunity for a weekend adventure.

Finally, one of The Peak’s honorary mentions go to San Josef Bay. Rated the best beach in BC, located on Vancouver Island, it has beautiful sandy shores, and scenic trails to enjoy. Our other mention goes to the Octopus Islands, part of the Discovery Islands nested in the north of the Salish Sea. This park offers beautiful landscapes, a great place to explore Quadra Island’s shoreline on a kayak, and even set camp in one of the campsites on one of the islets, just be respectful and careful of the local fauna.

It’s okay to cheer: let fans be fans

By
Peak Web
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PHOTO: Josh Appel / Unsplash

By: Kaja Antic, Staff Writer

The 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs have just begun. For the first time in what feels like an eternity, the Vancouver Canucks have made it to the postseason. Blue car flags have been parading through the streets to celebrate this feat. But despite the Canucks’ stellar performance this past year, fans still can’t seem to catch a break when it comes to celebrating their favourite team. Although banter is common among NHL fans, the shame directed toward Canucks fans feels unique

In the 2020 National Hockey League (NHL) postseason, the Canucks beat the Minnesota Wild, and the reigning Stanley Cup winners, the St. Louis Blues, before their championship aspirations were dashed in the semifinals after losing to the Vegas Golden Knights in seven games. The team was written off by many across the league before the 2019–20 season even began, though the fans were excited about this run nonetheless.

Without any achievements worthy of hanging a banner in Rogers Arena, and notably without the Stanley Cup itself, it seemed like nothing to truly celebrate. Sure, the team had made the playoffs without being expected to in an equally unexpected season, but they had fallen short of the ultimate goal, meaning any celebrations were seen as premature and childish by the larger hockey sphere.

The Canucks are one of 11 teams that have never taken home the Stanley Cup, and it feels like the sports world is yet to move past memories of the 1994 and 2011 riots. While what happened is beyond inexcusable, the entire community of fans is not to blame and should not have to pay the price whenever their team celebrates a win. Still, social media users are quick to attack Canucks fans whenever their team sees success. Popular X accounts have made countless anti-Canucks posts, including one proclaiming “some cities just can’t handle the playoffs,” after the mayor of Vancouver said the city would exercise caution when planning future outdoor watch parties. 

It’s not a new concept to be shamed for celebrating a team’s achievement. In the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Tampa Bay Lightning won the elusive trophy for the second consecutive year, defeating the Montreal Canadiens in game five of the best-of-seven series. Tampa had high expectations being the reigning champions, but the Canadiens had barely snuck into the playoffs — earning the last spot in the postseason for the all-Canadian North Division. 

Others have mocked Canucks fans for celebrating their game one win “like they won the Stanley Cup,” as if celebration should be reserved for the end of the playoffs. This running narrative that you’re only allowed to celebrate once you have the Stanley Cup is dismissive of the overall passion fans are supposed to have year-round. While the Canucks did earn the highest spot in their division before the 2024 Stanley Cup campaign, the previous years of chaos make this run even more special.

Before the 2020 “bubble” playoffs, the last time the Canucks had hosted a playoff game inside their Rogers Arena home was on April 23, 2015, a 2–1 win to force a game six against the Calgary Flames, who would defeat and eliminate them in Calgary two days later. Canucks fans were disappointed in this result, though the ache would only grow throughout the years as the city suffered a nine-year hiatus for playoff hockey.

“Canucks fans are finally able to celebrate the success of their team, rather than stir in anguish over the team’s failures.”

When the Canucks roared into this past December holiday break at the top of the league, it was quite the achievement. Hockey in Vancouver was fun again, after years of disappointment, agony, and heartbreak. Canucks fans are finally able to celebrate the success of their team, rather than stir in anguish over the team’s failures. BC’s team led the NHL’s Pacific Division, set to play the Nashville Predators in the Stanley Cup quarterfinals. 

After a comeback 4–2 win in Game One — which saw two Canucks goals scored in a record-breaking twelve seconds — Canucks fans young and old were positively buzzing. Outside Rogers Arena, excited fans gathered around the statue of former Canucks head coach Roger Neilson — the man credited with the invention of “towel power” at playoff games after a 1982 show in which he waved a makeshift towel on a stick in defiance against game officials. 

Some especially excited fans climbed the statue, with one able to place a Canucks 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs towel on top of the statue’s bronze towel. Videos of this celebration went viral in the hockey sphere, with NHL fans across the continent commenting on the spontaneous festivities. There were also fans parading through the intersection of Scott Road/120th Street and 72nd Avenue in Surrey, waving flags and one fan even carrying a creative replica of the Stanley Cup. 

Even though it was only the first game of the postseason for the Canucks, it was a monumental occasion for fans. The first playoff game in four years? The first playoff game at home for nine years? This was the moment fans had been waiting for for nearly a decade. They were going to celebrate hard.

Unfortunately, the rest of the hockey world did not take it as kindly. I woke up the next morning to find my X feed flooded with accounts making fun of the celebratory feeling spread throughout Metro Vancouver. “A guy is raising a replica Stanley Cup after winning game 1 of the first round. This is how you know these people are not used to witnessing playoff hockey,” echoed one of many posts. 

Most of the comments online were mocking the fact that Canucks fans were this passionate after only winning one game, with numerous jokes from other fanbases about the Stanley Cup riots. The vast majority of us just want to celebrate in peace, and don’t want to be associated with a loud minority. Many of these social media cynics were also dismissive of the years leading up to this season’s playoff appearance, and pointed out that the Canucks had to win many more games to claim the city’s first Stanley Cup since the Vancouver Millionaires won it in 1915 — before the NHL existed. 

Yes, the Canucks need to win more than just one game to win the Stanley Cup. Yes, they don’t have the playoff successes of most other teams in the 2024 postseason. Yes, the celebrations can be eccentric. But that’s the point. Being a passionate Canucks fan has been hard for so many in this past decade of darkness. It’s okay to cheer, celebrate, and revel in the team’s first postseason win in years. It’s the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Enjoy the ride.

SFU study highlights need for Long COVID awareness

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Peak Web
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0
A closeup of a person standing outside wearing a blue N-95 mask covering their nose and mouth.
PHOTO: Gudrun Wai-Gunnarsson / The Peak

By: Yashita Dhillon, News Writer

A report published in April by SFU’s newly-founded Pacific Institute on Pathogens, Pandemics and Society (PIPPS) emphasizes the need for broader awareness and understanding of Long COVID among healthcare professionals and the general public in Canada. 

Long COVID, as defined by the Government of Canada, represents a range of symptoms that can last months after the initial COVID-19 infection. These symptoms can vary widely but commonly include severe fatigue, brain fog, body weakness, persistent cough, and breathlessness. The condition can also impact the cardiovascular and neurological systems, leading to heart palpitations, chest pain, memory loss, and tinnitus. 

The report underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing persistent health issues following COVID-19, to support affected individuals in managing their symptoms. The report consolidates findings from focus groups that included unpaid caregivers, healthcare providers, and individuals experiencing Long COVID. It highlights the prevailing stigma and disbelief surrounding the condition. Kayli Jamieson, who has had Long COVID symptoms since 2021, co-led the focus groups and shared her experiences with SFU News, noting the societal and medical oversight of the condition. “It’s an invisible and new condition,” she said, adding that “many people don’t believe that Long COVID is real or exists.” 

Long COVID also affects healthy and vaccinated individuals, and the risk of Long COVID rises with each infection. The condition disproportionately affects women, racialized people, people with disabilities, and the 2SLGBTQIAS+ community. Jamieson spoke on the report at a panel host by SFU and said, “I implore you to examine your principles of community care and how this virus disproportoinately impacts those most marginalized. This is a feminist issue, this is a queer issue, this is a race, class, and disability justice issue.”

Statistics Canada reports that over 3.5 million Canadians have experienced Long COVID symptoms, with significant challenges in accessing necessary healthcare. Despite numerous studies, no definitive treatments have been recognized, leaving many to face symptoms without adequate care. The PIPPS report notes “existing symptom management tools for similar chronic illnesses like ME/CFS are under-utilized and could be leveraged for Long COVID care and diagnosis.”

“It’s an invisible condition that many still don’t believe exists, affecting every aspect of our society.” — Kayli Jamieson, study co-leader

It also recommends several actions to improve care and support for those affected by Long COVID. These include enhancing public and professional recognition of the condition as a legitimate health issue and integrating comprehensive care approaches that address both physical and mental health aspects.  

This includes education on Long COVID, health system navigators to aid in acquiring help for COVID and Long COVID symptoms and treatment, and overall recognition of Long COVID. The report also emphasised a prevention-based approach to education, teaching safety and responsibility surrounding COVID-19 and Long COVID. This includes “mask-wearing, regular vaccinations, increasing paid sick days, or improving indoor air ventilation.”

Kaylee Byers, an assistant professor in SFU’s Faculty of Health Sciences and the principal investigator of the study, emphasized, that the condition challenges our healthcare systems and highlights the need for stronger supports, not just for individuals but for entire communities affected by it. 

2024 provincial university budget not cutting it, says CUFA BC

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Peak Web
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BC Parliament building
PHOTO: Michal Klajban / Wikimedia Commons

By: Hailey Miller, Staff Writer

The Confederation of University Faculty Associations of British Columbia (CUFA BC) released a statement regarding the 2024/25 provincial budget and its impact on students, universities, and their resources. The Peak spoke to Annabree Fairweather, executive director of CUFA BC, about the issues brought forward by the confines of this year’s budget and ways to overcome them.

The budget allocated $3.89 billion to post-secondary institutions. According to Fairweather, this isn’t enough. She said CUFA BC “had hoped for more money to come into the sector,” to account for the growth and needs of university students in BC. 

Fairweather explained that “the post-secondary budget does not take into consideration the implications from the international student cap that was announced from the federal government, ”which will put a limit on the amount of international students coming to Canada. She said they need to work to “soften the blow of what will be a change in that revenue stream.” The decision will reduce the intake of international students by 35% for the next two years, with variations between provinces. 

CUFA BC is an association that represents faculty members at universities across the province. They aim to inform the public of post-secondary education, advocate for students and faculty, and promote interests in the intersection between education and government-related matters. In their statement, they noted international students “are more than an economic commodity.” They added, “There are people’s livelihoods at stake, and these changes erode the credibility of our universities to attract and retain students.” 

She mentioned the need to address the province’s “job skills deficit,” which occurs when there is a shortage of employees who have the required skills for a job. Despite this, she said the budget is upholding the “status quo,” noting she is still “grateful that it’s not an austerity budget,” which is when a budget stays steady while providing minimal funding to support students and university needs.

While Fairweather said CUFA BC “welcomes the certainty of stable, reliable income,” she maintains the budget doesn’t anticipate that student enrolment has grown while faculty numbers remain stagnant. 

 “International students [ . . . ] are more than an economic commodity.” — Confederation of University Faculty Associations of British Columbia 

She also said the government needs to build a strategy to address financial shortfall across institutions. “It can’t just be throwing money at the system,” she noted. “There is a lot of need for resources to spread around in all sectors of our province.”

Fairweather stressed the importance of institutions providing support for students, such as accessibility services and accommodations, mental health supports, and any tools required to support students’ needs in full capacity. “This is an area that’s going to have a huge collapse within our sector that’s going to deter students from continuing or finishing their studies,” she stated.

Fairweather said the province is working with the federal government “to minimize the impact of the budget and to figure out the next steps,” but she doesn’t “know what that looks like.” The question of “how will the government support institutions?” and whether or not the provincial government will provide compensation during a financial deficit remains.

In order to provide adequate resources and work around the challenges of the budget now and in the future, Fairweather emphasized the importance of vocalizing students’ needs and concerns so the budget can shift to reflect a more supportive environment.

To read more about the CUFA BC’s statement visit their website at cufa.bc.ca/cufabc-statement-provincial-budget-2024/. 

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Simon Fraser University’s independent student newspaper since 1965.

Contact us: [email protected]

© The Peak Publications Society 1965-2024

Simon Fraser University’s independent student newspaper since 1965.

Contact us:
[email protected]

© The Peak Publications Society 1965-2024