Festival fever
Festivals to hit up this summer
It’s summertime, and that means one thing as far as you’re concerned: festival season. It kicked off in April with Coachella, and you were either too broke or have too much respect for yourself to go to that. But hey! Western Canada is home to a BUNCH of music festivals, and here are some to hit up this summer, from right here in the Lower Mainland to Alberta.
Vancouver
Price: $125 student weekend pass until June 9
When: July 13–16
There’s nothing better, as far as I’m concerned, than a good folk fest. Truly, these should be called singer-songwriter festivals, as folk music only encompasses a bit of what you get to hear down at the Vancouver Folk Music Festival, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Early bird tickets are still on sale, which means it’s a bargain (especially for students) if you want to catch the Barenaked Ladies, Kathleen Edwards, Billy Bragg, and more.
Price: free
When: July 8
A lovely little festival that takes place down in — you guessed it — Kitsilano, this West 4th Avenue street party returns this July. Taking place all day from Burrard to MacDonald, Khatsahlano just announced its lineup, headlined by hometown heartthrobs the Zolas. It’s all about showcasing the best of Vancouver, and there are lots of food options and beer gardens!
Price: current cost is $199.50 for weekend general admission
When: July 7–8
If you’re looking for something on the other side of the scale as Khatsahlano both musically and geographically, you can spend the weekend in Surrey getting FVDED In The Park. Hailed as “more than just a standard music festival” by The Peak before, FVDED In The Park returns for its third summer with potentially its strongest lineup yet. Not only do they have the Chainsmokers and Wiz Khalifa, but artists like BADBADNOTGOOD and the Funk Hunters really round out the lineup.
Adventures in your own backyard
You really want to tour British Columbia and find out what makes it so beautiful, but Squamish got squashed recently and Pemberton just collapsed under the weight of capitalism. Don’t sweat it! There are still a ton of festivals you can hit up in BC this summer, and here are four to get you started.
Monster Energy Center of Gravity
Price: $189.95 + service fees for weekend general admission
When: July 28–30
Where: Kelowna
The Monster Energy Center of Gravity festival has been the biggest summer party in the Okanagan for the past decade, and that was solidified when it absorbed the Keloha festival back in 2014 (RIP Keloha, you were my first big road trip festival. You were too pure for Kelowna). This year, they’re back at it again, boasting a lineup featuring Marshmello, Peking Duk, and Snoop Dogg, who is a treat live whether you’re a fan or not.
Price: $315 for extra early bird tickets
When: August 11–14
Where: Salmo River Ranch
If you’ve ever done drugs, you’re likely familiar with Shambhala. The electronic music taking place at a 500-acre cattle ranch near Nelson has been going at it for over two decades, and have earned their reputation as one of Canada’s largest electronic music festivals. This year, they’re showcasing Datsik, Adventure Club, the hilariously named Black Tiger Sex Machine, and more.
Price: $100 + service charges for early bird super pass
When: September 14–17
Where: Victoria
There are tons of reasons to put up with BC Ferries’ absurd prices and head over to Vancouver Island — and Rifflandia is definitely one of them. It’s a little later in the summer, so this is definitely your goodbye to festival season should you hit it up. While the lineup hasn’t been announced yet, you have to imagine that they are going all out for their 10th anniversary.
Price: $89 student price until May 31, $99 afterwards
When: August 17–20
Where: Salmon Arm
What’s unquestionably the best thing happening in Salmon Arm? If you guessed the Roots and Blues fest, you are absolutely correct. Ignoring how low of a bar that is, the Roots and Blues fest is a hidden gem of festivals, with some serious talents performing for very little money, like Frazey Ford, DJ Shub (formerly part of A Tribe Called Red), Five Alarm Funk, and Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne, among others.
Alberta
British Columbia is beautiful, but you really want to hit the open road this summer and go travelling for your festival experience . . . except gas is expensive, you’re a student, midterms are always lurking around the corner, and you have to make this quick. Here are some of the best options you can find just a tad to the east.
Price: $214 for their discovery pass until June 18
When: June 21–25
Where: Calgary
Sled Island is way more than just a music festival, as it is five days’ worth of music, film, comedy, art, and more. It’s essentially SXSW, except it’s in Calgary and way more affordable. The guest curator this year is Flying Lotus, and they have handpicked a whole bunch of great acts to play beside. Beyond those, there are over 250 bands playing in-city, as well as comedians such as Aparna Nancherla (who recently appeared in Master of None) and Brent Weinbach.
Interstellar Rodeo — Edmonton
Price: $215 for weekend non-transferable pass
When: July 21–23
Where: Edmonton
I promised myself a cap of just two folk fests this year, so I won’t be highlighting the Edmonton Folk Fest (which you should go to on August 10–13). Instead, if you’re going to head to Edmonton and not just for its absurd mall, a great festival to hit up is the Interstellar Rodeo! At the gorgeous Heritage Amphitheatre in Hawrelak Park, this festival features some pretty big hitters, including Broken Social Scene promoting their first album in seven years. If that doesn’t call to you, maybe Aloe Blacc or Serena Ryder will. And if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, there is also a similar lineup at the Interstellar Rodeo in Winnipeg from August 18–20.
Price: $130 for student weekend pass
When: July 27–30
Where: Calgary
This is perhaps the best festival on this list, and while I’m totally biased as I’m part of the staff at Calgary Folk Fest, there is a reason I’ve been a dedicated patron/volunteer/staff member throughout the years. Located in the middle of downtown Calgary and spread out on beautiful Prince’s Island Park across seven (!!!) stages, this festival is a true joy. Taking place in late July, it will feature City and Colour, Holy Fuck, Tanya Tagaq, Dawes, John K. Samson & The Winter Wheat, Couer de Pirate, Barney Bentall, and many of the other names I’ve already mentioned appearing at other festivals. It’s the most magical thing that will happen this year, and if you are only going to travel to Calgary once this year, here is your reason.
Music festival tips and tricks
DO keep hydrated: Make sure to bring a refillable water bottle with you. It has to be empty upon arrival, but there are watering stations at most music festivals, so fill it up at every chance you get to avoid dehydration. You don’t want to have to leave a peak spot because you’re thirsty or not feeling well because you haven’t been drinking enough. . . it could really DAMPEN the experience (bad pun, sorry).
DON’T get completely wasted: Pace yourself. If you start drinking the moment you set foot on the festival grounds, you’re risking becoming that sloppy hot mess. Try one water for every one beer or shot (again, back to my point about hydration.) Also, if you see someone who isn’t doing well or appears to have had too much, don’t be afraid to step in and help.
DO dress for the weather, such as raincoats, sunscreen, sunglasses, etc.: The weather in BC can be unpredictable, even in the summer, so make sure you have something for high temperatures and sun as well as for rain. That way, potentially bad weather won’t interfere with your festival experience. If you’re leaving BC, check the weather in advance, and congrats on being able to escape this rainy, cold wasteland.
DON’T take drugs from strangers: This is not Ibiza and you might not know what’s in that pill (yes, I’m lame, I know). If you’re going to take drugs at a music festival, take precautions to keep yourself safe: be knowledgeable on where it’s from, what’s in it, and what to do if you feel like you’re having a bad trip.
DO organize who you want to see most, where they will be, and when: Sometimes shows will conflict and you won’t be able to see two artists you really like or you’ll lose track of time and panic about missing your favourite act. A schedule and a device that tells time can make sure you don’t leave the festival feeling like you missed out on something. Keep in mind that sometimes there are delays and sometimes plans change for performers.
DON’T bring large, bulky signs or props to the front: There’s almost nothing more entertaining than a clever sign or a fun prop . . . unless you’re right behind one. If you’re lucky enough to get near the front, keep in mind that those behind you want to enjoy the show, too!
DO remember to be polite: Try saying “excuse me” and “sorry” to maneuver through crowds without hitting someone or pushing — it’s surprisingly effective and no one gets elbowed in the face.
DON’T expect that there will be outlets: You’re front row to see your favourite artist and you’re filming a Boomerang to put on your Instagram feed when suddenly, your phone dies. Now, you’re left crawling around for an outlet, missing tons of like-worthy shots. A portable charger could prevent this.
DO have a plan in case there’s no service: You lose track of your friends in the crowd and realize you don’t have cell service. It’s a good idea to make a clear, visible meeting place with your friends upon arrival, in case you get separated.
DON’T loudly criticize the festival or the performer on stage: People like different types of music, and sometimes you won’t like what’s being played on stage. You’re allowed to have your opinion, but your bad vibes are going to affect the people around you and hurt feelings. If you really feel the need to complain — but, like, why though? — wait until afterwards and don’t be too rude about it.
DO have fun with your makeup, hair, and outfit: Wear what makes you feel comfortable and confident. You want to rock a neon pink fanny pack? Sounds good! You want to douse yourself in glitter? Have fun! You’re feeling a black lacy bralette or Superman body paint? You do you, honey. You can’t go wrong with comfortable and practical shoes, though.
DON’T culturally appropriate: Cultural appropriation is the use or adoption of the style, fashion, religious symbols, slang, etc. of one culture by someone who isn’t of that culture. An example would be a Caucasian female wearing a Native American headdress or styling her hair in cornrows. Usually, it’s a dominant group “borrowing” something from a minority, that the minority has been criticized, stereotyped, or harassed over. Just because Kendall Jenner, Miley Cyrus, and Katy Perry have done it doesn’t make it OK. There are many informative and well-explained sources online if you’d like to learn more about this topic.
DO wear deodorant: No one wants to smell your BO as you’re raising the roof. Enough said. Dry shampoo, hand sanitizer, and wet wipes can also be useful.
DON’T bring expensive cameras, purses, shoes, etc: Losing a $20 pair of sunglasses sucks, but losing your favourite, $200 since-discontinued purse sucks really bad. See if you can replace an expensive item with a cheaper substitute. For example, disposable cameras instead of your Nikon D5.
DO talk to other people: Meeting new friends and breaking the ice with strangers can be hard, it’s an undisputed fact. But, what’s a better environment to try then when everyone is vibing to good music? You might make some long-time festival friends!
DON’T leave garbage or a mess everywhere you go: Festival grounds are not your trash cans and your mom isn’t here to clean up after you — unless your mom is at the festival with you, in which case your mom is TOO COOL to spend her time cleaning up after your filthy self.
DO ask for permission before you dance with or touch somebody: Dancing is a must at music festivals. Dancing with other people can create mutual good vibes and help you connect. Maybe you’re at the festival to meet a special somebody — that’s OK! But consent is key and you don’t want to turn into that story the other person tells their friends: “This one time I was at a music festival and this total WEIRDO . . .”
DON’T bring cards or large bills: If you’re like me, you love food so much that you get excited about the food at the event or place you’re going. There’s food for sale at most festivals, but opt out of bringing your plastic. Go for multiple small bills instead and keep them in different places. If someone snitches a ten out of your back pocket, you’ll be relieved that there are tens in your front pocket, in your bag, and in your belt. Small bills also make transactions faster when food vendors are crowded.
Coast Capital Savings commits $1 million to SFU entrepreneurship program
A non-curricular university program that supports student entrepreneurs received a big boost this month with a $1 million donation from Coast Capital Savings.
SFU’s Venture Connection program, now renamed to include Coast Capital Savings in its title, accepted the massive investment at a ceremony at the Surrey campus earlier this month. Coast Capital Savings previously contributed $125,000 in seed funding to the program in 2008 and a further $750,000 in 2011.
The donation provides significant operational support for the program that does not receive core university funding, according to associate director Janice OBriain.
“[Coast Capital Savings] wants to continue supporting youth entrepreneurship and innovation,” OBriain said of the donation which will be realized over a five-year period.
“They’ve seen the successes that have come out of this program and they believe in what we are doing.”
Coast Capital Savings spokesperson Julienne Hills called the partnership “a great fit” given that the Surrey-based company focuses on supporting youth initiatives.
“When youth have a richer future the whole community benefits,” Hills said. “Our staff have really enjoyed engaging with this program, we have provided financial expertise and mentorship to the young entrepreneurs.”
OBriain emphasised that neither sponsors nor the program take equity from the business start-ups. “Our services are free, and part of our partnership with [Coast Capital Savings] allows us to provide the services for free to students,” she added.
“If a student, staff, or faculty have a business idea that they want to get vetted and get feedback on, we can provide that kind of resource to them,” she said. “If they want to pursue [the idea] then they can apply to our business incubator program.”
There are approximately 30 teams that the incubator program is working with at any given time from any industry, with any kind of business model. The program provides to the budding entrepreneurial teams by giving in-residence mentoring from industry professionals.
“They’re experienced entrepreneurs who work directly with the teams to provide advice and support for building their businesses, and then we connect [the teams] with other business development services,” OBriain explained.
The program also works with faculties to encourage entrepreneurship activities in classrooms and provides workshops, speaker events, competitions, and drop-in mentoring on all campuses throughout the year, leading up to the incubator program supporting the business development of start-ups.
In addition, program staff can help their entrepreneurial clients secure office space on SFU campuses.
Since it was established as a pilot program in 2008, Venture Connection has mentored over 500 student teams and included over 6,000 program participants.
SPARK, the newest edition to the program, is a pre-venture tool to help entrepreneurs evaluate their business ideas that was launched last month.
Protesters rally against the Trans Mountain pipeline in Burnaby
Westridge Park at the base of Burnaby Mountain saw the conclusion of a pilgrimage of protesters against the expansion of the Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain pipeline on May 28.
The Walk for the Salish Sea started in Victoria, with hundreds of protesters marching 75 km over four days to the Kinder Morgan Westridge Marine Terminal in Burnaby to rally against what they believe is a disastrous project that will severely damage the environment.
Kinder Morgan has received federal and provincial government approval to expand the existing Trans Mountain pipeline that terminates in Burnaby. Sunday’s walk is the latest in a long history of protests against the proposed pipeline expansion.
“This has been pretty heartening,” SFU English professor Stephen Collis told The Peak in between his announcer duties at the protest. Over the background of a band playing for the 300 protesters at the event, he commented on the size of the crowd, noting that “there are a lot of people here that I’ve never seen before.”
In 2014, Collis and other protesters were sued by Kinder Morgan for obstructing a worksite. For his political activism he was awarded the Nora and Ted Sterling Prize in Support of Controversy alongside fellow SFU professor Lynne Quarmby the following year.
Audrey Siegl, of Musqueam First Nation, explained that the attendance at the protest showed that “there is an interest in the public to know about this [issue].” She elaborated that events like the Walk for the Salish Sea were about “people [being] awakened in the most gentle, harmless way” and finding a solution for extractive industries that still provides jobs and economic stability.
The Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project would nearly triple its capacity, allowing it to transport up to 890,000 barrels of oil sands products from Edmonton to the Westridge Marine Terminal. Reports on the expansion show that tanker traffic in the Burrard Inlet will increase sevenfold, and Indigenous, environmental, and community groups have repeatedly voiced concerns about its safety and environmental risk.
Of particular concern to the SFU community is the proposed expansion of the tank farm currently at the base of Burnaby Mountain. The Burnaby Fire Department released a comprehensive report in 2015 outlining extreme challenges they would face if they had to control a fire at the tank farm.
SFU President Andrew Petter has called this an “unacceptable” safety risk to students, and student groups like the Simon Fraser Student Society and Graduate Student Society have also opposed the project over safety concerns.
The finale of the Walk for the Salish Sea comes just ahead of a major fundraising initiative by Kinder Morgan. After failing to find a partner to share the cost of constructing the pipeline, the company has filed a public offering to sell off shares at low prices. The goal is to raise $1.75 billion ahead of construction, which is set to begin this September.
“The fact that they’re selling so many shares at a relatively low price indicates we’re making headway,” Siegl noted.
The results of the recent provincial election also cast some uncertainty on the fate of the project, as both the BC NDP and the BC Green Party campaigned on their opposition to the expansion. The parties announced on Monday that they have agreed to work together to form a government.
“I don’t think it will [make a difference] at all,” said Siegl about the effect of a change in government on the pipeline. She was emphatic that communities needed to decide the fate of the project for themselves, explaining that she doesn’t believe that “this government is going to do anything in the best interests of First Nations as a whole.”
Collis was also skeptical of putting his hope in the political system. However, both maintained that there was a strong possibility for change. Siegl said that while politics are heavily influenced by corporate money, “it doesn’t mean in the future that it can’t be something different.”
“My hope is [that] the community will raise the funds and that will bring the voices and bodies that will support what the Indigenous communities are going to do,” Collis noted.
Letter to the Editor: Women in Computing Science
Re: “Gender disparities in engineering and computing science at SFU and its effects on female students“, March 13, 2017
To the Editor:
As the Women in Computing Science (WiCS) group at SFU, we do face the issues presented in the recently published feature article. However, when we spoke about these difficulties, we expressed them within the context of the encouragement and support that we give and receive. With our comments taken out of context, the article is overly bleak and not reflective of the whole story. The community within the Faculty of Applied Sciences (FAS) has been working to address all aspects of the diversity problem discussed in the feature.
Some of the strongest WiCS supporters are faculty members. Both the Dean of FAS and the Director of the School of Computing Science (CS) spoke at our International Women’s Day celebration. One of our dedicated faculty members successfully advocated for a WiCS common room. The School of Computing Science has a productive Diversity Committee consisting of faculty, staff, and WiCS representatives. FAS has a dedicated staff member to run its elementary and high school outreach programs, including four initiatives which are specifically for young girls.
The Faculty and the School are our primary benefactors for our events, scholarships, and programs. In 2016, the School of Computing Science offered sponsorships to seven female students to attend the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing Science, an inspiring conference attended by some 14,000 women. Many companies also express encouragement for bringing more women into CS with personnel and financial contributions to WiCS events.
We have introduced female role models for both high school and university students. WiCS and the Women in Engineering (WiE) groups organize an annual event, Try/CATCH, for high school girls with a keynote speaker, programming and robotics workshops, and a Women in Tech panel discussion. WiCS and WiE run mentorship programs for new female students to SFU. Every semester, WiCS holds a mentor lunch to connect female CS students with a female faculty member. Together with WiE, we annually host a networking night, attended by students of all genders, featuring a panel and mentoring sessions with women from industry.
WiCS is actively building a stronger rapport with other FAS student groups. The majority of our events are open to FAS students, faculty, and staff of all genders. We have encouraged WiCS members to run for Computing Science Student Society (CSSS) executive positions, established a WiCS-CSSS Liaison, and coordinated joint social events with the CSSS.
The underrepresentation of females in tech-related fields stems from longstanding cultural and social stereotypes that discourage young girls from considering these careers. While closing the gender gap will be a generational challenge, it is important to take small steps in the right direction. As the Women in Computing Science group at SFU, we truly appreciate the dedication of FAS and CS to outreach events and their ongoing support for female students. Although being a female student studying Applied Sciences has its pitfalls, we are proud to be a part of the the School of Computing Science and the Faculty of Applied Sciences at SFU.
Sincerely,
WiCS Executives
Former SFU basketball star to play for WNBA team
A former SFU women’s basketball star has made it to the big league.
It was recently announced that Nayo Raincock-Ekunwe, who last played for SFU in the 2012–13 season, was named to the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) team New York Liberty. She was part of the team’s roster at the season tipoff on May 13.
Raincock-Ekunwe, who stands at 6’2”, is no stranger to playing at the professional level. After leaving SFU, Raincock-Ekunwe’s resume includes playing in Switzerland, Germany, Australia, and France. She represented Canada at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto, and played on Team Canada for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio.
During her time with the SFU Clan, she averaged 17.1 points per game and 10.4 rebounds, landing her as one of the all-time best at the school. Raincock-Ekunwe also holds countless Great Northwest Athletic Conference all-time records such as most rebounds in a game at 24.
Her jersey also hangs in the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in Knoxville, Tennessee, after she led SFU to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)’s second division Sweet 16 tournament.
Bruce Langford, who coached Raincock-Ekunwe while she was playing for SFU, praised her for her skill and talent, saying, “She can rebound like a demon” and “doesn’t back down from any physicality.”
Langford also praised her for continuing to work on her game and elevating it to its current level.
“While here [at SFU], she had to work hard to get better and she has continued to do that after leaving,” Langford said in a statement to The Peak. “Our league is the best [second division] league in the NCAA and the challenge that provides allows players to maximize their potential.”
“She is a great young lady,” he said.
The New York Liberty won their season opener on with a score of 73–64 over the San Antonio Stars. Raincock-Ekunwe has signed a training camp contract with the team.
With files from SFU Athletics.
By: Sera Akdogan, Edna Batengas
“There for You” – Martin Garrix, Troye Sivan
Sera Akdogan: “This is so millennial,” according to my little sister. Apparently this is not a good thing.
Edna Batengas: From the get-go, I already know that this song will be a hit. The bass and the EDM beats just make this song what it is . . . AWESOME! Summer 2017, we’ve found our summer anthem.
“Self-Made” – Bryson Tiller
SA: I’m not a fan of this unoriginal rap song. Is there anything else to make music about other than money and Gucci? It just seems so generic.
EB: It’s so upbeat. Bryson Tiller is taking back R&B to what it used to be.
“Your Song” – Rita Ora
SA: This sounds like it’s aiming to make pop music that has already come out in the last few years. Rita Ora is a cheesy adult making songs for 17-year-olds. I don’t want to hear her songs anymore.
EB: Welcome back, Ms.Ora. She never disappoints, this is a perfect summery pop song. I love how it promotes positive vibes, that’s all we need. Please keep it coming, Rita!
“Remember I Told You” – Nick Jonas , Anne-Marie, Mike Posner
SA: Was it really necessary to have three different voices in one lacklustre song? This track couldn’t be saved if it had 50 people on it. Just horrible.
EB: Wow, didn’t see this collaboration coming. Props to the house music in this track, but it’s so catchy that you start to forget that it’s a break-up song.
“Adeline” – Alt-J
SA: Oh, Alt-J, stealing my heart again with this lovely little number. I laughed at the “YA YA” part, though. Why did you have to disrupt my peaceful listening with the nonsense chanting?
EB: It was too slow and dreary for me. It’s a six-minute song, not my cup of tea.
“RAF” – A$AP Mob, A$AP Rocky, Playboi Carti, Quavo, Lil Uzi Vert, Frank Ocean
SA: Trap music is not my thing, but at least he’s being polite. Also, where was Frank Ocean in this?
EB: Two A$APs on the same track and Frank Ocean, too. What a collab! So pleased that A$AP Rocky took the lead on this one.
“Another Week” – Eric Saade
SA: It’s like someone borrowed the vocals from any pop song in 2012 ever and re-mastered it terribly. Eric Saade is an awful singer too — he’s not even karaoke-level. Oops, there go another three minutes and 39 seconds of my life I’ll never get back, thanks to this song.
EB: Is it wrong that as soon as I heard this song I thought of shopping in a Forever 21? ‘Nuff said.
“Scary” – Hawkon
SA: He has an interesting voice, but the lyrics are pretty basic, and I feel like the overall beat of the song ruins it for me. There’s definitely some potential here, though. Maybe it will grow on me.
EB: Scary indeed . . . The weird stuff that gets played on Spotify. Their voice was pretty mediocre.
“Symphony” [Cash Cash Remix] – Clean Bandit, Zara Larsson
SA: This track sounds like it’s trying to pick up where Cascada left off, despite the fact that no one asked for it back. I mean, there’s a clear reason why this was left in the early 2000s. It’s nothing but tacky, recycled material, which never ends when you want it to.
EB: I was so excited to see that a remix of this song was done. I mean, who doesn’t love Cash Cash? OK, maybe I spoke too soon . . . I liked the original better because I could sing along to the whole song, but with the EDM beats, I can only just head bop to it now.
“Habibi” – Ghali
SA: I like the way he says “habibi.” I’m not Arabic, so I don’t understand him, but I do know that “habibi” means “my beloved” (thanks, Google). Is this a modern Arabian love song? If so, it sounds pretty sexy.
EB: I may not understand what he’s saying, but from what I understand about Arabic, it’s a love song.
“Mask Off (remix) – Future, Kendrick Lamar
SA: I definitely like this better than Tobey Rosen’s acoustic cover. Although the remix is decent, I do like Future’s original best — it just sounds better in my opinion. Kendrick is very talented though, and I like his addition to this.
EB: The last remix of this left me utterly disappointed, but adding Kendrick and Future to this track may have even made this song better! This collaboration was a match made in heaven.
“Shake It Up” – G-Eazy, E-40, MadeinTYO, 24hrs
SA: This is kind of boring. Even with all of the different voices on the track, there’s no way I can listen to the full four minutes and 50 seconds without wanting to turn it off. I feel like my brother would probably listen to this in his car, though.
EB: This song didn’t even come close to shaking anything up.
SFSS considers leasing Highland Pub, Higher Grounds Coffee Shop space
The Simon Fraser Student Society (SFSS) announced today that it is exploring options for the space that houses the Highland Pub and the Higher Grounds Coffee Shop. The society’s first priority is to see if they can lease the space to another food and beverage operator, according to SFSS President Hangue Kim.
“We will be reaching out to members of the food and beverage industry who have successful experience in providing the type of food and entertainment experience that students are looking for,” said Kim, in a statement. “We are planning to show the space in May and June.”
In April, the SFSS notified students that it would be permanently shutting down all of its food and beverage options effective June 15 due to ongoing financial losses. Food and beverage operations ran a deficit of nearly $350,000 last year.
The Highland Pub and the Ladle were closed for summer at the end of April with little warning to students.
In the statement, the SFSS noted that if a new operator is not in place by the end of the summer, then members “will reconnect with students to discuss other possible uses.”
“We know that this is great space on our Burnaby campus,” Kim stated. “We would like to keep it as a social hub for students.”
SFU union referendum on Israel boycott fails
The membership of an SFU union has rejected a policy to support the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel.
The Teaching Support Staff Union (TSSU), which represents teaching assistants, tutor markers, and sessional instructors at the university, held a membership-wide referendum on whether to adopt the goals of the BDS movement by electronic vote May 15–19.
With the results now in, over half of voters (51%) voted to reject the policy, 42% voted in favour, and 7% of voters abstained.
“We put a lot of effort in; it was disappointing to not see the referendum pass, but there were also some encouraging things,” said TSSU chief steward Derek Sahota. “We really started a conversation.”
The BDS movement was launched by Palestinian organizations to call for nonviolent pressure on the state of Israel to comply with international human rights.
The TSSU proposed introducing a policy that would see the union refuse Israeli products, divest from Israeli companies, demand that the federal government introduce sanctions against Israel, and encourage other associations to address the issue.
“People very strongly believe that something needs to be done and the BDS was a very sensible approach to putting pressure on the state of Israel to end those violations of human rights,” explained Sahota.
However, critics voiced their opposition to the policy and circulated an open letter urging TSSU members to vote ‘no’ in the referendum. They argued that a boycott threatened academic freedoms, limited opportunities for dialogue, and unfairly singled out the state of Israel.
According to Sahota, the debate is rooted in the best way to address Palestinian human rights issues.
“There was really agreement from people on both sides that the violation of human rights that is ongoing is abhorrent and needs to stop,” he said. “We knew going into this that this is a contentious issue.”
“There’s not an agreement, certainly, among the membership that BDS is the right approach to take for the TSSU at this time.”
The policy was proposed by the union’s solidarity and social justice wing last year. A motion to launch the referendum was approved, with two opposed, at a general membership meeting in January.
According to TSSU bylaws, the policy did not have to be put to a referendum. The Solidarity and Social Justice Committee decided that it was best to send the question to a referendum to raise awareness about the issue and allow maximum participation on what was anticipated to be a contentious topic, explained Sahota.
Approximately a quarter of the union membership participated in the referendum.
With the decision by the membership the final conclusion on the matter, the Solidarity and Social Justice Committee is considering new initiatives to campaign around, according to commissioner Lillian Deeb.
“Part of the basic principles of a union is about solidarity. Adding our voice to a global solidarity movement was important,” Deeb said.
