This week at SFU

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Peak Web

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September 26, 2023

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photo of an SFU softball player running the bases. — PHOTO: Paul Yates / SFU Athletics

By: Isabella Urbani, Sports Editor

Home

Saturday, September 30: softball vs. Douglas College at 11:00 a.m. (Beedie Field)

First exhibition game of the season

Saturday, September 30: softball vs. UBC at 3:00 p.m. (Beedie Field)

Game of two of the first exhibition game’s doubleheader

Saturday, September 30: men’s soccer vs. Saint Martin’s (Washington) at 6:00 p.m. (SFU Stadium)

2–0 against Saint Martin’s last season

Saturday, September 30: volleyball vs. Western Washington at 7:00 p.m. (West Gym)

Winless against nationally ranked Western Washington last season

Away

Monday, September 25–Tuesday, September 26: men’s golf at Western Washington University

Finished fourth at the invitational last year

Thursday, September 28: men’s soccer vs. Western Oregon at 12:00 p.m.

First out of two meetings vs. Western Oregon this season

Thursday, September 28: women’s soccer vs. Western Oregon at 3:00 p.m.

1–0–1 against Western Oregon last season

Saturday, September 30: women’s soccer vs. Saint Martin’s (Washington) at 1:00 p.m.

1–0–1 against Saint Martin’s last season

The Rundown

Women’s golf

Monday, September 18–Tuesday, September 19: women’s team finished fourth at their first golf invitational of the season, after previously finishing first and second at the same invitational last year.
Sophomore, Meera Minhas, led SFU, finishing the two-day event tied for third out of 60 individual golfers. The remaining members of the team all finished in the top half of the tournament with a 19th, 22nd, and 30th place finish.

Men’s soccer

Thursday, September 14: won 1–0 against Fort Lewis (Colorado) at home. The lone goal of the game was scored by freshman forward, Koji Poon, in the first half of the game on a pass by junior midfielder, Hamish Ogden. Meanwhile, goalkeeper, Justyn Sandhu, held down the fort for SFU with an incredible seven-save shutout performance.
SFU plays Colorado Mesa to a 0–0 draw at home, finishing 1–2–1 during the brief four-game home stand.

Record: 3–2–1

Volleyball

Thursday, September 14: lost 0–3 to Northwest Nazarene (Idaho) on the road.
Saturday, September 16: won 3–0 to No.13 Central Washington on the road. Junior, Brooke Dexter, led SFU in hits with 15, while junior, Jocelyn Sherman, had 17 digs and served two out of SFU’s three aces of the match.

Record: 6–4

Paige Smith explores unknown insides in Black Box Investigations

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Peak Web

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September 26, 2023

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A black and white photo of Paige Smith with a disposable camera halfway in her mouth, with the flash going off. — PHOTO: Courtesy of Paige Smith

By: Petra Chase, Arts & Culture Editor

Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) is an exciting time of year. From September 28–October 8, the latest exceptional films all over Vancouver, showcasing local and global talent. Among the selection of 140 films stands SFU alum Paige Smith’s Black Box Investigations.

Smith works primarily with lens-based mediums, interrogating their function in her films and visual art. Previous projects like “Watching You Watching Me” have pointed out how the lens mediates queer identity. Her latest short film is an instinctive exploration of the inner workings of a disposable camera and her own body, or what Smith calls the “human-camera body.” In it, she attempts to document inside her body with a disposable camera, and then the inside of the camera itself.

According to her, the film explores the “excitement of the game between photographer and camera — and that makes the viewer aware of how these apparatus influence how we imagine and see the world.” The Peak spoke to Smith about her venture inside these “black boxes,” what brought her here, and what’s next.

The Peak: What is the “embodied art-making” practice and what drew you to explore this in your work?

Smith: For me, embodied art-making really is just about trying to be in tune with my body during the creation process, and connecting that within the work I’m creating. I try to notice my senses just as much as my thoughts while creating.

What sort of questions do you want viewers of this film to ask themselves?

I want them to wonder about an everyday tool they use a little bit more and how that tool functions. So many of us are working with these highly advanced pieces of technology everyday, be that a smartphone, a computer inside a car, mapping software, medical devices . . . and I just want people to wonder how these objects shape how we see and function in the world. Some designer, company, person created that tool with a specific purpose in mind. Maybe there is a way you can creatively misuse it?

What was the best part of SFU’s School of Contemporary Arts (SCA) film program?

I learned an incredible amount studying in the SCA film program. I appreciate the skills I learned in my undergrad more and more with every passing year. The SFU film program is an amazing mix of theory and hands-on experiences, and the professors I learned from helped push me to refine my creative voice. You also truly learn how to work collaboratively with a team, and how to creatively problem solve. I’ve made lifelong friendships with classmates, and I even met my partner while in film school, so I can’t not say that the people were the best part of the SCA Film program.

What does it mean to have your film screened at VIFF?

It is immensely satisfying to have my own work, especially a work I created from start to finish on my own, now have the opportunity to be seen through such a large platform. I truly do believe in artists creating their own spaces, venues, and modes of exhibiting their work, I believe wholeheartedly in artist-run centres and DIY spaces, but it’s also gratifying to have the backing and support of a larger entity like VIFF. More people know what VIFF is, and more people go to VIFF screenings. The opportunity to have my work seen by more people, and hear what more people think of the film, means the world to me.

What are your plans for the future of your filmmaking?

I’m actually currently a master of fine arts candidate at the University of Waterloo out in Ontario (I just started in September). So, I’m going to be creating lots of new work during the next two years of this new program. I don’t only make moving-image work, but I think it’s always going to be a part of my artmaking. Filmmaking is just a language that makes intuitive sense to my brain, and it is an insanely satisfying medium to work within. Film, and especially films viewed in cinemas, have this magic ability to hold people’s attention and teach a viewer the “rules” of viewing this particular film. I don’t know exactly where my artmaking is going to take me in the long term, but I know I’ll always be making films in some way or another.

Black Box Investigations is screening in a program alongside eight other short films about “struggle and perseverance.” Buy tickets on the VIFF website for October 1, 8:30 p.m. at Vancity Theatre or October 2, 12:15 p.m. at International Village Theatre. Find out more about Smith’s work at her website.

We need to redefine objectivity

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Peak Web

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September 26, 2023

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A newspaper, the headline reads “the comrades and their divergent perspectives” — PHOTO: Ashni / Unspash

By: Sude Guvendik, Staff Writer

In journalism, objectivity has long been regarded as a guiding principle — a compass to navigate the turbulent sea of information. It’s often thought of as balancing two perspectives in a news story, and striving to provide a fair, unbiased account of events. However, as our relationship with media develops, it becomes evident that the notion of objectivity requires a critical re-examination, especially through the lens of decolonial thinking.

The decolonial lens teaches us that history is a living force that shapes the present. Consider the coverage of Indigenous rights. Indigenous communities have been grappling with centuries of colonization, dispossession, and cultural erasure. To report on their struggles without acknowledging this is not objective journalism but a perpetuation of injustice. It is necessary to understand that Indigenous voices are intrinsically valuable and have historically been silenced by institutions including media publications. Their experience and expertise should be honoured, rather than labelled as “biased.” Upholding white, colonial perspectives contributes to the marginalization and discrimination faced by Indigenous communities. This has not only hindered their efforts to secure land rights and cultural preservation, but has also deepened the divide between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, perpetuating a cycle of mistrust and misunderstanding.

News publications have increasingly become platforms for opinions and information that are not firmly rooted in factual reality, but rather driven by a misguided desire to present multiple sides or opinions to the story. This inclination, however well-intentioned, often results in what is known as the balance fallacy. This occurs when two opposing positions are treated as equally valid, even when one is supported by an abundance of evidence, while the other lacks any substantial factual basis.

This plagues journalism and media coverage. To truly redefine objectivity in journalism, we must acknowledge that objectivity should not merely rest on the superficial appearance of balance, but on a more profound commitment to truth, equity, and historical context.

When reporting upholds the balance fallacy, information falls through the cracks. This prevents readers from fully understanding context, because Indigenous rights are sometimes presented as a narrative of Indigenous folks versus “others” — versus the police, versus the government, but their full stories aren’t being told from their perspectives. Their experiences are the most important because they are the ones living through these issues.

As another example, some news outlets have been criticized for perpetuating the balance fallacy in their coverage of climate change. Despite an overwhelming consensus among scientists that human activities are contributing to climate change, some news publications have given airtime to climate change skeptics, creating a false sense of balance in the “debate.” This also fails to give the full picture of an issue, because publications are wrongly focused on “debating the facts.” The facts are there — journalism should build on them.

Reporting should be grounded in verifiable facts, and statements should be rigorously fact-checked before they are presented to the public. Media publications should not state quotes without further explaining their relevance or inaccuracy. Pointing fingers at interviewees, parroting what they said in an attempt to clear themselves of any responsibility is not enough. The fundamental commitment to truth should transcend the obsession with providing “both sides of the story” when one side is glaringly deficient in evidence. Objectivity should not be mistaken for false equivalency.

True objectivity demands an understanding of the historical injustices that continue to impact the present. Any news coverage, particularly coverage that impacts marginalized communities, must provide the historical context necessary for a comprehensive understanding of the issue at hand. Failing to do so not only perpetuates ignorance but also reinforces existing power imbalances. Neutrality, in its most simplistic form, often serves to uphold the status quo. In a world where power dynamics are skewed by various intersecting factors, such as patriarchy, capitalism, and colonialism, this means neutrality favours those who hold power within these systems and perpetuate systemic inequalities.

Instead of neutrality, journalism should aspire to be equitable. This doesn’t mean giving equal time to every viewpoint, regardless of its credibility. It means recognizing the disparities in power and privilege, and striving to provide a voice to those who have historically been silenced. Fair journalism actively challenges the narratives of oppression and highlights voices that have been marginalized.

This is necessary for the collective well-being of society. It is a commitment to dismantling the structures of power and privilege that have long shaped our understanding of the world. In embracing this decolonial perspective, we can pave the way for a more just and equitable form of journalism.

VPL writer in residence discusses identity, culture, and representation

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Peak Web

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September 26, 2023

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This is a photo of Aren Tulchinsky. He is leaning up against a wall and smiling at the camera. There is also a photo here of the outside of the Vancouver Public Library. — PHOTO: Coen Devlin / The Peak

By: Olivia Sherman, News Writer

Content warning: This article contains mentions of Nazism and violence.

Aren X. Tulchinsky is a novelist, screenwriter, and the Vancouver Public Library’s (VPL) 2023 writer in residence. As a queer, Jewish, and trans writer, Tulchinsky draws inspiration for his work from many different backgrounds and aims to help marginalized writers break into the industry. The Peak sat down with Tulchinsky to learn more.

“I’ve always been a creative soul,” Tulchinsky explained. “I was the kid who was writing stories in math class.” After graduating from York University and the Canadian Film Centre, Tulchinsky went on to be a writer and script editor for television and has written several feature-length screenplays. However, his calling has always been toward writing novels, and his several published novels centre around the queer community and Jewish identities. “I’ve always been interested in giving voice to communities that have been underrepresented,” he said.

As this year’s writer in residence, Tulchinsky has been tasked with a full-time position: half of his residency will be allocated toward developing his newest novel, while the other half will go toward program development within the VPL. “This is a real treat for me to be in this residency,” he noted. “What better thing to do all day for a writer than to come and hang out in a library?”

Throughout this fall, Tulchinsky will host several writing workshops for emerging writers. On September 21, Tulchinsky hosted a workshop aimed to “cure writer’s block.” Throughout his residency, he will host several related workshops at the VPL Britannia branch on the Downtown Eastside, an area often neglected from events such as this. “I live in East Van, in the Commercial Drive area, so I really wanted one of the programs to be at the Britannia branch, that’s sort of my neighbourhood,” Tulchinsky explained. “I wanted to make it really accessible for people in the neighbourhood.”

On October 4, Tulchinsky’s official launch for his residency will take place. Generally, writers will read part of their work to their guests or host Q&A panels. However, Tulchinsky wanted something new. “For my launch, we’re bringing in a klezmer band,” which Tulchinsky described as “Jewish jazz.” Once a popular art form among Jewish communities in Europe, klezmer music was banned during the Nazi occupation, and many of the knowledge-keepers of this art form were killed. “That music died off, like a lot of things did,” Tulchinsky said, noting that modern klezmer music is seen as a revival of the culture.

Many of Tulchinsky’s published works take place in Jewish communities, such as The Five Books of Moses Lapinsky, which is set in a Jewish community in Toronto during the rise of the Second World War. “There’s a lot of Jewish mothers in my books that are loosely based on my mother, and she doesn’t mind, actually.” At a private launch of his first novel, Love Ruins Everything, Tulchinsky joked, “Instead of just me reading all of it, there was a scene with the mother and her kid, so my mother actually read the mother role. She nailed it, of course she did! Because the character was based on her!”

Tulchinsky also writes from a queer perspective, which still has its struggles being recognized in both literature and film today. “Things are getting better, in the last several years, around what I would call underrepresented voices getting more airtime,” he said. However, he noted, “It’s the same old writers that have always been given the opportunities.”

Because of the difficulty in queer representation, Tulchinsky hosted a teens-only creative writing workshop on September 23. “I came out as a teen myself, and I know there are a lot of challenges, so my idea for this workshop, since I’m a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, I wanted to offer this to young people.”

Tulchinsky also offered advice for new writers: “The biggest advice is keep writing,” he stated, noting the two most important qualities in a writer are discipline and tenacity. “You need the discipline to sit down every day and write, or as many days as you can.” He noted tenacity is vital for the eventual rejections a writer will face from publishers. Tulchinsky said to keep trying and knocking on doors. “I’m still knocking on doors, but I’m not giving up.”

To learn more about Tulchinsky’s residency and workshops, visit the VPL website at www.vpl.ca.

The ABCs of Hiking Safety

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Features

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September 25, 2023

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by: Izzy Cheung, Staff Writer

With summer ending, rain coming, and the sun setting earlier, hiking is bound to become an activity that’s done less and less — some may refer to this as “shoulder season.” Hiking during this time might not be as popular, but regardless of whether you’re hiking now or at a different time of year, there are always a few things you should keep in mind when heading on an outdoor adventure. Here are some of the ABCs of hiking to keep yourself and our environment safe.

A: Always follow “Leave No Trace” principles.

The “Leave No Trace” principles are seven steps you should be taking when embarking on an adventure into the wilderness. These principles were designed to keep hikers and the environments they explore safe. I’ll be going through these as we go down the list, but want to emphasize the importance of adhering to these principles. Sticking by them could potentially save your life in a dangerous situation.

B: Be bear-y mindful of other creatures.

It’s important to keep in mind that the places we hike or adventure in are the homes of other creatures as well. Make sure to treat wildlife with respect when venturing into the wilderness. Preserving nature for others as well as those who inhabit it lets the earth thrive. Living in British Columbia means that bear encounters are pretty common. Here are some things to consider in the event of encountering a bear.

You most likely can’t outrun or out-climb a bear, so refrain from running away or attempting to escape by climbing a tree (before you ask, yes, some people may do this). Back away slowly.
Make loud noises or speak loudly.
Make yourself look bigger by standing on a rock or log.

In the rare case of a bear attack, if you encounter a brown or grizzly bear, you should play dead and protect your neck. Black bears are more prone to aggression, so if you find yourself confronting one, escape into a safe space — if escape is inevitable or the bear’s attack persists, fight back and concentrate on the bear’s face. You should also bring bear spray and know how to use it on your backcountry hikes for the very unlikely chance that a bear attacks.

Learn more about bear encounters here.

C: Constantly check your hiking conditions.

Making sure you’re prepared and checking the conditions of the area you’ll be hiking in is a very important aspect of adventuring. Trust me, you don’t want to get caught in a rainstorm while halfway up a mountain, but in the event that it does happen, make sure you’re prepared for it. Ensure that you’re ready for any hiking conditions by planning ahead and being prepared for the conditions you’re expecting. Make sure you know the trails you’ll be navigating, or have access to a cellular service-optional map of them. It may be useful to communicate what trails you are embarking on and your expected time frame to a loved one. You may also consider taking a satellite phone with you. Knowing the terrain (rocky, flat, marshy, etc.) helps as well. Don’t venture above treeline in the snow, unless you have avalanche safety training. Prepare for any weather by dressing in layers and bringing a backpack that you can tuck any jackets or sweaters in if you find yourself warming up. I like to bring along a rain layer, sweatshirt, and a shirt underneath, then put the sweatshirt in my bag if I get warm.

D: Dispose of waste properly.

Another “Leave No Trace” Principle: disposing of your waste properly ensures that the wilderness we hike within maintains the beauty and peace that draws people to it. To do this, you can package your trail snacks or meals in reusable containers and keep them in your backpack. If you’re bringing anything else that will result in waste onto a trail, be sure to bring it back with you and dispose of it properly when near the proper bins. Yes, this also means you should pack out your toilet paper in things like doggie bags. For food, I’ve started making my own snacks (oat bars, granola, etc.). Placing these in plastic containers instead of store-bought granola bars helps minimize the chance of waste.

E: Everyone gets to enjoy.

Be courteous to others on the trails, much like how you would on public transportation or while walking on the street. This includes, but is not limited to:

Letting uphill walkers go first on a narrow trail.
Stopping and making room for those with mobility aids on a trail.
If listening to music, use earbuds or headphones instead of playing it out loud.
Adhering to any warning signs.
Travelling on frequented or durable paths to minimize the impact on nature and the environment.

If you’re planning on having a campfire, review the restrictions of the area you’re exploring. Many provincial parks ban open-air fires during certain times of the year, so ensure that you’re adhering to their guidelines. If you’re permitted to do so, minimize the impacts of the fire by keeping it in a fire ring or on top of a mound, but, if possible, consider taking a small backpacking stove to minimize the risk of starting a fire.

F: Find something cool? Leave it for others.

Keeping the environment the way that it was when you arrived is an important step in preserving it. Leave behind what you find — including fun looking flowers, cool rocks, or any other parts of the wildlife that may be enticing to keep. Leaving these items will allow others to see and enjoy them on their hikes as well, and keep the environment undisturbed.

Another principle that falls under this umbrella is respecting wildlife. Realistically, this should go without saying — don’t disturb or feed the wildlife, as it can disrupt their homes and instincts. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t look. As long as you’re watching from a distance and not interfering with the wildlife, feel free to observe or take photos. Remember to watch out for any sudden changes in the behaviour of these animals, though, as this could signal discomfort or distress.

H: Hike with a mindful attitude.

Don’t overlook the Indigenous histories or significance behind specific places. Instead of mindlessly hiking through trails you found online or were recommended through social media, make an effort to learn about the significance of the land. Follow Indigenous advice and guides, or even consider taking an Indigenous-led tour. What to you might be a beautiful stroll through nature and a nice swimming lake, could actually be sacred Indigenous territory.

Bill C-18 needs to go

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Opinions

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September 24, 2023

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A laptop with an error and exclamation point

Written by: Karissa Ketter, News Editor

Canada’s Bill C-18 was tabled in the House of Commons on June 21, 2022. Since then, those living in Canada have had their access to Canadian media restricted by Meta and Google. Obviously, this is an issue for Canadians trying to find important information about their own communities. This has already left smaller publications in the shadows, propelled misinformation, and it might even push us to turn to US-centred news to stay informed. But why is this happening?

The Bill, also known as the Online News Act, was intended to protect and support the Canadian news industry from the global market. Supposedly, it would “sustain local journalism, support innovation in news, and ensure diversity in the news industry.” The way it would protect our media industry is by forcing technology corporations to pay Canadian news companies to showcase their media. In other words, companies like Google and Meta would have to pay Canadian news companies for hosting news accounts like CTV, Global News, and even The Peak. Rather than pay up, Meta and Google decided to entirely eliminate our ability to see Canadian content.

Sure, Canadian news industries deserve to be compensated for the traffic they bring to Meta and Google. According to a professor from Carleton University, up to 50% of Canadians get their news from Google and social media, which brings attention to these platforms. Rather than news industries benefitting from that online traffic, Meta and Google profit more. So, they should be held accountable for the profit they earn off of Canadian journalists’ work. However, the Bill has made it possible for Google and Meta to block us from our news entirely. Meta has already started banning Canadian news for those in Canada on Instagram and Facebook. Google hasn’t yet started their process of blocking our news, but that’s expected to begin soon as well.

Based on Canada’s calculations, if Google or Meta had not opted to block our news, they would have had to pay the news industry around $172 million CAD and $60 million CAD per year respectively. Which, in terms of how much money Google and Meta make, is barely a drop. Last year, Meta made roughly $320 million CAD per day. Google’s profits last year were roughly $379 billion CAD.

The way the Online News Act will affect Canadians is significant. In the most common way, we won’t be able to see daily news updates on Facebook, Instagram, or Google. Social media has become an important part of the political sphere, social sphere, and the health of our democracy. Canadians will struggle to get up-to-date information on politics, economic well-being, community updates, and more. The far-reaching effects of this block are yet to be fully understood. In the most severe way, it will become increasingly difficult to share life-saving information. Most recently, folks evacuating Yellowknife from wildfires were stuck in an information “local media vacuum,” as they struggled to see news from credible sources telling them where to go.

The good news is that Canada isn’t the only country thinking about ways to protect news industries from big technology corporations. Our Online News Act is actually modeled after Australia’s 2021 law. In that case, Google and Meta threatened to block their content too, but they eventually started paying some Australian news organizations. The United States is also considering their own bill, called the Journalism Competition and Preservation Act. This would allow American news companies to negotiate with platforms for monetary compensation.

It’s certainly time for large technology companies like Google and Meta to compensate the creators that bring them so much profit. If enough countries decide to demand fair payment for their news companies, maybe Google and Meta will be forced to comply. Until then, it’s going to be difficult for Canadians to get access to important news about their communities, complicating their emergency responses.

Find your perfect fall studying spot

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Peak Web

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September 22, 2023

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An coffee mug held in front of someone’s desk with laptop and study material laid out on it. — PHOTO: Manmeet Sagri / The Peak

By: Izzy Cheung, Staff Writer

Guess what? It’s officially pumpkin spice latte season! Bust out your reusable mug and bundle yourself up in a knit sweater and thick scarf, because it’s time to check out some cute new cafés across the Lower Mainland.

Wicked Cafe

Come for the cute café, stay for the wide selection of pastries, drinks, and plants (yes, plants). Wicked Cafe has inventive menu items such as a spicy ramen wrap, pizza croissant, and slices of cheesecake shaped like blocks of swiss cheese. Most notably, their Point Grey location houses a variety of potted plants, allowing visitors to enjoy a tranquil coffee-consuming experience.

Find them at:
1399 W 7th Ave, Vancouver
Monday–Wednesday 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., Thursday–Sunday 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

3605 W 16th Ave, Vancouver
Monday–Sunday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Creekside Coffee Factory

Creekside Coffee Factory may not be a new roastery, but their newer location near Westwood in Coquitlam is certainly one to check out. Once you walk through the doors, be prepared for the smell of strong, roasted coffee beans and greetings from life-size teddy bears sitting at wooden tables. At the Westwood location, you’ll be able to grab a scoop of ice cream to accompany your shots of espresso or matcha.

Find them at:
2773 Barnet Highway Suite 19, Coquitlam
Monday–Friday 7:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m., Saturday–Sunday 8:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.

3000 Lougheed Hwy. #103, Coquitlam
Monday–Saturday 8:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m., Sunday 8:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.

20202 66 Ave #1c, Langley
Monday–Friday 7:30 a.m.–7:00 p.m., Saturday–Sunday 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Cafe Monet

If you’re studying at Harbour Centre and are looking for a café with yummy treats (desserts included), hop on over to Cafe Monet. Here, you’ll find puffy, powdered-sugar donuts with earl grey cream, marble castella, and macarons filled with large layers of buttercream. The simplistic decor with neutral and light gray tones makes for the perfect environment to sip on an oat milk latte.

Find them at:
568 Robson St, Vancouver
Monday–Friday 7:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m., Saturday–Sunday 9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.

Mukasi Coffee & Co.

If you’re looking for a quaint spot to snack and study in New Westminster or Abbotsford, you’re bound to find delight in Mukasi Coffee & Company. This small coffee roastery started as a pandemic-born idea from owners Henry Aboagye and Michelle Song, who became tired of never-ending Netflix binges in lockdown. Striving to be “busier than this” brought their first café to life, based out of Abbotsford’s Sevenoaks Shopping Centre. They’ve also opened a new location on New West’s Front Street. Buy a bag of their bold and beautiful coffee beans online or enjoy their iced salted caramel mocha.

Find them at:
417 Front Street Mews, New Westminster
Monday–Sunday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

32900 South Fraser Way #303, Abbotsford
Monday–Wednesday + Saturday 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., Thursday–Friday 9:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m., Sunday 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

Just Another

Known formerly as Cafe Brightside (and “Just Another Coffee Shop” prior to that), Just Another is an all-day café that serves up coffee, pastries, and brunch food. True to its offerings, Just Another’s dining space is a mix of café and restaurant, providing organized tables with cutlery and napkins in addition to counter space and relaxed seating. Come for a study session or bring some friends for brunch.

Find them at:
3040 W Broadway, Vancouver
Monday–Sunday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

ARCHR Coffee + Bakery

For some café classics in the Langley area, be sure to check out ARCHR Coffee and Bakery. You’ll be able to enjoy staples such as lattes and cappuccinos, or you can try their pineapple mango smoothie bowl. Their four-ounce cookies are perfect pick-me-up treats to indulge in after a long day of reading.

Find them at:
20161 86 Ave A150, Langley Twp
Monday–Sunday, 7:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

Outpost

Port Moody is home to some of the best cafés for studying in the Tri-Cities, and Outpost is no exception. Not only will you enjoy Timbertrain Coffee here, you can also start your Christmas shopping early or pick up some goodies for yourself. All vendors and goods suppliers are small, local businesses, such as Canvas Candle Company, Fable, and 33Yet Prints. Come for the coffee, stay for the beer and cocktails!

Find them at:
3001 St Johns St, Port Moody
Sunday–Thursday 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m., Friday–Saturday 8:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.

Evolve E-Bikes make their way to SFU Burnaby campus

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Peak Web

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September 22, 2023

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This is a photo of the blue Evolve E-Bikes outside of the SFU Burnaby campus. A row of Bikes are lined up. The bikes have baskets in the front where helmets and safety information sit. — PHOTO: Afsaneh Keivanshekouh / The Peak

By: Eden Chipperfield, News Writer

On August 28, a new transportation option rolled its way onto the SFU Burnaby campus. 30 new electric pedal Evolve E-Bikes are now available in various spots across the mountain for the SFU community to enjoy. The bikes will be available 24/7 for pick-up and drop-off, from the Dining Commons Patio to University High Street.

The Peak connected with David Agosti, Parking and Sustainability Mobility Services director at SFU, to discuss the conception of the Evolve E-Bike program.

The program’s purpose is to encourage a “zero-emissions mobility option” for all who find themselves around SFU Burnaby, said Agosti. “It was an idea spurred from SFU’s 2025 sustainability goals related to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transportation.”

As part of SFU’s Strategic Sustainability and Climate Action Plan, the introduction of the bikes is a way for SFU to reach their goal to reduce Scope 3 emissions by 2025. Scope 3 emissions are the emissions that are not produced by SFU directly, but rather emissions that occur from their business activities. A key example of this is the student club SFU350’s call on SFU to divest their money from Scotiabank, which is the second-largest funder of fossil fuel projects in Canada.

The hope is that having the E-Bikes available will aid in accomplishing the goal “to reduce Scope 3 emissions from 2019 levels by 25 percent.” Agosti added, “The bike share program can help us meet that target.”

The Evolve E-Bike initiative is a conception of BCAA, which owns and operates Evo Cars. Their car share program has been in place around SFU since 2016. The Evo app will include the Evolve E-Bike locations to enjoy around Lhuḵw’lhuḵw’áyten (Burnaby Mountain) with its various bike lanes and paths.

The E-Bikes include helmets for riders and “access to safety information, riding tips, and advice on the [Evo] app.” The helmet and information are included on the front of the bikes. Pricing ranges from “$0.35 per minute, or $12.99 per hour, plus an additional $1.25 unlocking fee per trip.” Alternatively, the bikes can be accessed through a subscription for $9.99 monthly.

The bike pick-up and drop-off stations are located at the northeast transportation centre, southwest transportation centre, town & gown square, University High street, Fraser International College, Dining Commons entrance, Dinning Commons patio, Courtyard Residences, and water tower. “The location of the nine designated parking zones was chosen in consultation with various SFU departments looking at proximity to start-of-trip destinations, proximity to end-of-trip destinations such as Nesters grocery store and Fraser International College, and proximity to existing approved cycling pathways and infrastructure,” explained Agosti.

To celebrate the establishment of the Evolve E-Bikes on campus, the SFU community can register for a “free Evolve E-Bike Share membership” using the code HELLOSFU for 15-minutes of free riding, exclusive to new members.

For more information on the Evo E-Bikes, download the Evo app on the App Store or Google Play.

The AI revolution in sports

By

Peak Web

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September 21, 2023

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chatgpt-sports — PHOTO: Amirul Anirban / The Peak

By: Sude Guvendik, Staff Writer

Athletes, coaches, and fans are witnessing the fusion of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) usher in a new era of innovation in the realm of sports. From precision analytics to virtual reality training, AI is making its mark across the sporting world.

Performance Enhancement through Data-Driven Insights

AI is revolutionizing the way athletes prepare and perform in their respective sports. One of AI’s most significant contributions in sports is its ability to analyze vast amounts of data and provide actionable insights. Athletes now have access to in-depth performance analytics that were once unimaginable.

Take, for instance, professional basketball. SportsVisio, a sports analytics start-up, is funding AI-powered cameras and sensors to track every move on the court, collecting data on player positioning, ball movement, and shot accuracy. This data is then analyzed to identify patterns and trends, enabling players to make necessary adjustments during the game itself.

In tennis, AI is helping players fine-tune their strategies. AI algorithms analyze historical data to predict an opponent’s playing style and weaknesses, providing valuable insights for match preparation. With the ability to simulate different game scenarios, players can practice more effectively and strategically.

Coaching Strategies Reinvented

Coaches are also reaping the benefits of AI. They can now access a wealth of information to optimize training regimens and game plans. AI systems can process video footage to dissect player techniques, offering coaches an in-depth view of their strengths and weaknesses.

Athletes can immerse themselves in virtual training environments that replicate game situations. This allows them to practice and refine their skills in a risk-free setting. Coaches can monitor progress and provide real-time feedback, ultimately accelerating the learning process. Furthermore, AI is contributing to injury prevention. By monitoring player movement and biomechanics, AI can detect signs of overexertion or improper form, helping coaches tailor training programs to minimize the risk of injuries.

Revolutionizing the Fan Experience

AI is not limited to benefitting athletes and coaches — it’s also enhancing the fan experience. In stadiums, AI-driven cameras and sensors provide spectators with unprecedented insights into the game. Augmented reality overlays can display player stats, highlight key plays, and offer interactive experiences through mobile apps.

For viewers at home, AI-powered broadcasting is transforming the way we watch sports. Automated cameras with AI algorithms can track the action and select the best angles in real time, creating a dynamic and engaging viewing experience. AI-driven commentary systems also provide instant analysis and insights, adding depth to the commentary.

Fantasy sports have seen a surge in popularity thanks to AI. Algorithms help players draft the best possible teams, analyze player performance, and make in-game decisions. This adds a new layer of strategy and excitement for fans.

While AI is revolutionizing sports in countless ways, it also presents challenges and ethical considerations. Privacy concerns arise as AI collects and analyzes personal data. There are questions about fairness when AI is used to gain a competitive advantage. Transparency and responsible data usage are essential to address these concerns.

AI is changing how athletes and players can engage in data statistics, but it has always been an area of interest in sports. Prior to AI, teams of data analysts were running programs and simulations, crunching numbers to relay to athletes and teams. None of these processes have entirely gone away with the implementation of AI. What has changed is the degree of what can be analyzed. At the end of the day, stats are rendered useless if you make a decision outside of the algorithm. Data analysts are necessary to decide if what the data is proposing is the best course of action.

As AI continues to evolve, its impact on sports will only grow, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the pursuit of excellence on and off the field. However, it’s essential to navigate the ethical considerations and challenges that accompany this AI revolution to ensure that it benefits athletes, coaches, and fans alike while preserving the spirit of sportsmanship and fairness.

Canada’s agricultural worker program violates migrants’ rights

By

Peak Web

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September 21, 2023

0

This is an image of a worker in a field of vegetables. They are carrying a box over their shoulder filled with the goods they have gathered, as they walk away from the camera. There are other workers in the distance who are also gathering vegetables. — PHOTO: Tim Mossholder / Unsplash

By: Andreea Barbu

On September 8, The Peak attended a talk discussing Canada’s Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program (SAWP). The panel was hosted by the SFU School of International Studies. The talk was moderated by professor Gerardo Otero and joined by a panel of experts, including David Fairey, from Labour Consulting Services; Evelyn Encalada, from the SFU Labour Studies program; and Ana Berenice Díaz Ceballos, Consul General of Mexico in Vancouver. Their aim was to address the program’s impact on workers’ health and labour relations, as well as on workers’ families in Mexico.

The talk began by presenting an overview of the labour environment for food and agriculture workers. There are roughly 11,830 foreign workers in BC, with 6,000 being SAWP workers. The program was adopted by BC in 2004, although SAWP in Canada has been bringing in Mexican workers since 1974. It is a program that responds to Canada’s role in being the world’s fifth largest exporter of agrifood and seafood products worldwide. Within the SAWP program, “Canadian farm employers [can] hire workers from Mexico and the Caribbean on temporary visas when employers are unable to hire local workers to fulfill their labour demands.” Due to the temporary nature of the positions, workers are in precarious working conditions where they have no protections.

Over the course of the last seven years she has been in BC, Berenice has visited 350 farms out of 550 that have SAWP workers. “Around 60–70% of the conditions of the housing were substandard. That creates a lot of problems,” as precarious housing can increase the workers’ vulnerability, Berenice said, recalling her visits to these farms.

“The government needs to be much more involved in the process. I always try to stress what is really [ . . . ] the problem: monitoring.” Berenice explained how monitoring, supervising, and having preventive inspections is “one of the most important things.” She pointed out employers need to get approval from the Labour Market Impact Assessment, and one of the requisites is that they need to provide all the right conditions for their workers. Monitoring and conducting inspections into the working conditions workers face is a key part of enforcing healthy working conditions.

Fairey echoed Berenice’s critique of these working conditions: “The SAWP program is a program that permits a high degree [ . . . ] of exploitation and discrimination of migrant workers.” In Fairey’s opinion, the program “should therefore be abolished, or at the very least, radically changed. The SAWP violates the rights of migrant workers in several ways according to the United Nations International Convention on the protection of the Rights of Migrant Workers.”

Fairey listed some of the ways employers’ are able to exploit and mistreat their workers: lack of ability to choose housing, the lack of flexible work hours of work, lack of overtime provisions, the exclusion of statutory holiday pay, and the ability for employers to summarily terminate the employment of migrant workers without calls or the right of appeal, to name a few. “Migrant workers in Canada should have the same rights of employment as Canadian workers do, and the reality is that temporary foreign workers do not have the same rights as domestic Canadian workers. This is a fundamental problem.”

Encalada added more nuance to the discussion by calling attention to the role of climate change in exacerbating working conditions, and the increased vulnerability of women in particular. “This program not only discriminates against workers in terms of their status as temporary foreign workers [ . . . ] but also there’s gender inequity [and] racial inequity,” she said. “Of course, women need to feed their children too.” While there are a very small number of women workers who are part of SAWP, they face increased hostility from employers.

Despite the criticism surrounding SAWP, Berenice clarified that many Mexicans have expressed to her appreciation of the program. “This has helped them to create their own business, [and] to send their children to university,” Berenice said. “That’s a game changer for them.” However, she stresses that this has been the experience for Mexicans with good employers and with good practices.

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