COVID-19 Restrictions to End March 15

COVID-19 Restrictions to End March 15

By: Maria Garcia Manzano, AEIC of The Quill

On Friday Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson and Dr. Brent Roussin announced the province will be speeding up the removal of public health orders in the province, with a plan to have all orders in the province, including proof of vaccination requirements and the mask mandate, removed by March 15. The first stage of lifting restrictions will take place on February 15th 2022.

“Manitobans have put their lives on hold, and it’s time that we give them their lives back,” she said. Roussin said based on provincial data, Omicron has peaked in the province and is beginning to subside.

“Just like many times in this pandemic, we’ve had to shift our response based on what we’re seeing with the virus,” he said. “As a result of what we’re seeing now, with the trends and the modeling, we are in a very important transitional phase for the COVID-19 response here.”

While provincial data was not provided during the press conference, it was later uploaded online on Friday. 

UPCOMING CHANGES

Starting Feb. 15, the province will move to the yellow, or caution level, on the pandemic response system. This will eliminate capacity limits in venues such as restaurants, licensed premises, entertainment venues, indoor and outdoor sporting events and gatherings at private residences. The province said capacity limits will be removed for outdoor public gatherings, but will be limited to 50 people indoors unless proof of vaccination is required.

In addition, young people ages 12 to 17 participating in indoor sports and recreation will no longer be required to provide proof of vaccination or recent testing. Close contacts of a person who tests positive for COVID-19 will no longer be required to self-isolate starting on Feb. 15. While self-isolation will be recommended for people who live in a household with others who have symptoms or tested positive for COVID-19, it will no longer be required. However, people who test positive will still need to self-isolate.

VACCINE VERIFICATION & MASK MANDATES ENDING IN MARCH

The province also released a timeline for removing proof of vaccination requirements for places. According to a release, requirements will be removed March 1 in most settings. Mask requirements will be lifted effective March 15. Dr. Roussin said people should still consider wearing a mask indoors when they cannot physically distance themselves, but it will no longer be required after March 15.

When asked if the decision was political or a response to a protest against mandates that has been outside the Manitoba Legislature for one week, Stefanson said, “Not at all.”

“This has been ongoing,” she said. “Dr. Roussin said  that we were looking at probably the spring where we would be removing all of the restrictions, and that was before protesters were out in front of the Legislature.”

BRANDON UNIVERSITY CHANGES

Brandon University students may be wondering if these changes will be affecting how the semester will unfold. On Friday Dr. David Docherty emailed BU students and staff and said the university will remain as is. Meaning that vaccine requirements, masking requirements and physical distancing procedures will remain in effect. Furthermore, all classes will remain online unless they have less than 25 students enrolled. 

Dr. Docherty also said that the university will continue to assess the Covid strategy but that no major changes to the university’s policies will take place this academic term.

An Explanation of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics Diplomatic Boycott

An Explanation of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics Diplomatic Boycott

By: Mallory Johnson

If you are like me and watched the Winter Olympics, you might have heard about the diplomatic boycott. Before I go any further, this article mentions and discusses human rights violations, including genocide and crimes against humanity, COVID-19, racism, and says sexual assault. The boycott is happening because world leaders (including Canadian leaders) are horrified about the human rights abuses currently going on in China, including the “ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity being perpetrated by the regime against the Uyghur ethnic group in the Xinjiang region,” perpetrated by the Chinese Communist Party. Even though this is happening, you probably will not notice a change because due to COVID-19, there is no audience at the games at all.

The boycott involves world leaders not attending the games. The United States announced their boycott in December 2021. According to axios.com, their announcement came “on the heels of the Women’s Tennis Association suspending all tournaments in China and Hong Kong over the treatment of Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai, who accused China’s former vice-premier of sexual assault and was not seen for weeks after speaking out.” Other countries participating are Australia, the United Kingdom, Lithuania, Denmark, Canada, and Estonia. After the United States announced their boycott, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian claimed that the United States is, according to axios.com, “attempting to interfere with the games ‘out of ideological prejudice and based on lies and rumours.’” 

This is not the first Olympic boycott: boycotts in the 1970s and 1980s. Even though there is a boycott, the participating countries are still fully supporting their athletes. White House press secretary Jen Psaki said, “The athletes on Team USA have our full support. We’ll be behind them 100% as we cheer them on from home.” So, you do not have to feel guilty about watching and enjoying the games!

SAFETY TALK BULLETIN DECEMBER 2021 WINTER WALK LIKE A PENGUIN

SAFETY TALK BULLETIN DECEMBER 2021

WINTER WALK LIKE A PENGUIN

HELP AVOID SLIPS OR FALLS AND POSSIBLE INJURIES WHILE ON CAMPUS

Winter brings the snow and ice, falling down does not feel nice. So in this safety bulletin,
learn to walk like a penguin.

Classes to Resume In-Person

Classes to Resume In-Person

By: Maria Garcia Manzano, AEIC, The Quill

Photo Credits: google images

Last week, Brandon University announced that students would go back to in-person classes after reading week. Meaning students could expect to return to in-person learning February 28th, 2022. However, last week many students who are in the science faculty received a message from their professors saying that in-person learning could return as quickly as the first week of February if they had less than 25 people in their class. 

As a Bachelor of Science Student, I did receive notice from two of my professors that in-person learning would resume this upcoming week. As the university had originally planned prior to making their school wide announcement two weeks ago. The decision to go back to in-person was made by the Dean of science who believes that in-person learning can be safely resumed. 

Both of my professors asked for the students' input as they knew that the short notice given would require many students to make quick living decisions. They asked if we were okay to move back in person as early as next week and said that if most of the class wanted to stay online, they would try to convince the dean of science that staying online until February 28th would be best. One of my professors managed to convince the dean and for that particular class I will return to in-person after the break. As for my other class, my professor is still discussing it with the dean, and we should be updated early this week.

This goes to show that student opinions do matter to professors and to the dean of science and I encourage you all to reach out to your professors and see what can be done about returning to in-person learning later in February, as both professors and deans are understanding of the fact that everyone needs more time to prepare their living, child-care, and transport situations during these unprecedented times.

Semester to Continue Online

Semester to Continue Online

By: Maria Garcia Manzano, AEIC of The Quill

Photo Credits: Google Images

On Friday January 21, 2022 Brandon University came out with an announcement saying that the semester would continue online. In their email to all students, faculty and staff the university said that they would continue a cautious approach to the Winter Term. Noting that classes will begin transitioning back to in-person learning, a phase-in process that will last through February. They highlighted the importance of striking a careful balance of learning needs and the health and safety of the community during the Omicron surge. Previously, the university delayed the start of Winter Term, and moved most classes online through January, with the hope that the Omicron variant would have peaked by the end of the month. Unfortunately, the variant’s surge has not yet declined to point where the university feels that we can fully resume in-person learning immediately. 

As per their email the following updates were made:

WINTER TERM UPDATES:

• Some classes, where the need for in-person instruction is highest, will transition back to in-person. This phase-in process will differ from class to class.

• Other classes will continue to be held online until after the Winter Study Break, or Reading Week (Feb. 22–25). Those classes will resume in-person instruction as of Monday, Feb. 28.

• There is no change to administrative deadlines, like add/drop and voluntary withdrawal.

• In each faculty, Deans will determine which classes and other instruction will transition back and on what schedule, after discussion and consultation with faculty.

• Students will hear from their professors directly with the date and specifics of their classes’ transitions.

• Returning to in-person learning after the break means that approximately half of a class’s instructional hours will be offered in person, with an even greater percentage for those classes returning earlier.

National Test Now Community Distribution Project Aims to Make HIV Testing Access Easier During Fifth Wave of COVID

Press Release

Jan. 6, 2022

National Test Now Community Distribution Project Aims to Make HIV Testing Access Easier During Fifth Wave of COVID

Vancouver, British Columbia — Amid a new wave of COVID infections across Canada, Community-Based Research Centre (CBRC) and 20 community organizations across the country are providing 1,500 free HIV self-test kits to the public. 

The goal of this pilot project is to evaluate the efficacy and uptake of new HIV testing technologies while increasing access among gay, bi, trans, and queer men and Two-Spirit and non-binary (GBT2Q) people. GBT2Q people often experience barriers when it comes to testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted and blood borne infections (STBBI) – with a low barrier option for their testing needs.

With rises in COVID cases across Canada, HIV self-testing allows people to get tested for HIV without needing to attend a clinic or engage with health care providers, who are currently being deployed again to support the mass vaccination efforts. “One benefit of the HIV self-test is that you can limit the time spent in close physical contact with people who need testing,” says Chris Draenos, CBRC’s Test Now Research Manager and a registered nurse in Ontario.

 “This past year, the pandemic has revealed what many of us already knew – when it comes to sexual health, it can be difficult to get direct access to testing and care,” says Brook Biggin, CBRC’s Program Development Director. “HIV testing dropped significantly in Canada as clinics closed due to the pandemic. But this says nothing about folks who have had trouble accessing testing for years – whether it be because they live in rural areas, do not have adequate resources in the cities where they live, or experience stigma when they navigate the health care system.”

 Through the Test Now Community Distribution Project, GBT2Q people in Canada have the option to procure a free INSTI HIV Self-Test kit through a local participating community organization. The INSTI HIV Self-Test kit is a rapid, single-use device that detects HIV antibodies in minutes using a drop of blood (watch a demonstration here). Each project partner distributes kits in a way that works best for their local community, with kit access options ranging from walking into a pharmacy or having a kit hand delivered to your door. 

Estimates suggest that there are over 8,000 people living with HIV in Canada who aren't aware of their status (13% of people living with HIV), and don’t have access to treatment. “Although HIV self-testing technology is not for everyone, it has the potential to reach those who experience barriers within a traditional health care setting where they may be subject to intrusive or discriminatory behaviour or practices,” says Draenos. With the introduction of HIV self-testing, Canadians have a new option to help manage their sexual health on their own terms. 

“These are people who are going under the radar and we need to empower them to take their own health into their hands and encourage people to get tested for HIV, know their status, and get linked to care and treatment.”

 All kits are provided by CBRC with the support of REACH Nexus.

ABOUT CBRC

Community-Based Research Centre promotes the health of people of diverse sexualities and genders through research and intervention development. CBRC’s core pillars – community-led research, knowledge exchange, network building, and leadership development – position the organization as a thought leader, transforming ideas into actions that make a difference in our communities. CBRC was incorporated in 1999 and is a non-profit charitable organization. Our main office is located in Vancouver, British Columbia; we also have satellite offices located in Edmonton, Toronto, and Halifax.

 For more information, please visit https://www.cbrc.net/test_now.

For interviews, please contact:

Michael Kwag

CBRC’s Knowledge Exchange and Policy Development Director

michael.kwag@cbrc.net 

Michael Ianni
CBRC’s Media Relations Officer

michael@praid.ca

604.345.7689

Brandon University: Phase Gray What Does it Mean?

Brandon University: Phase Gray

What Does it Mean?

By Ronnie Kayla Neiman

After taking online classes for two years, it seemed that we were making progress in steadily going back to an in-person learning and teaching environment. The pandemic and the government of Canada put a stop to that. 

For the past year, Brandon University has been in phase blue. Which meant that there were very strict restrictions in place, but students were able to study at the library, go to the bookstore and access some in-person university resources. Though a vast majority was still online but with a better system in place to help staff and students. 

Now, the university has moved to phase gray.  In Phase Grey, Brandon University delivers a blended learning experience that includes online and in-person delivery. With sufficient protective equipment, like barriers and masks, the campus can safely welcome increasing numbers of people in person. At least that was what was intended. Then the Omicron surge of the COVID-19 pandemic hit during December. 

Within each phase, BU has the ability to fine-tune our response to meet specific needs. For example, students may require more on-campus supports during the regular session than during spring and summer, while in the same phase. Considerations will also Covid diagnosis rates and trends in our community, public health and provincial guidance, and protective measures in place on campus.

Phased reopening will move from the most cautious Phase Blue to increasingly more open phases of Phase Grey and Phase Gold. Brandon University continues to have regular dialogue with the Province of Manitoba, especially through the Department of Economic Development and Training, to ensure that the plans continue to meet provincial and federal requirements. Following public health guidance and tracking the evolving nature of the pandemic, the university looks forward to fully lifting all restrictions at some future date.

Due to the significant challenges of pivoting from in-person to online education, there are plans to proceed with an abundance of caution, ideally so that we  move through each phase only once. We encourage all members of the BU community to also monitor federal health guidance and the provincial RestartMB Pandemic Response System, which can also provide important context and information about economic openness, community risk, travel and other restrictions, and preventive measures like masks.

So, in summary, everything is constantly changing, and it can go from bad to good to bad. It can be difficult to adjust to. Remember, this is done for the safety of everyone within the university and our community.

Brandon University awards more than $10,000 in vaccine incentives to students, profs, and staff

BU NEWS — November 30, 2021

(News from Brandon University Website)

Brandon University awards more than $10,000 in vaccine incentives to students, profs, and staff

BRANDON – “I can’t believe it. It doesn’t seem real!” Erin Murray was visibly excited and beaming through her mask as she picked up a cheque to cover $5,000 in tuition yesterday.

Murray was the grand-prize winner in Brandon University’s Winning Shot incentive, which offered more than $10,000 in prizes to encourage students, faculty, and staff to get vaccinated.

“It felt surreal, I thought ‘What if it’s a trick?’ but it’s not, it’s real!” exclaimed the third-year nursing student from Carberry.

“This was the best part of my day,” said BU President David Docherty, who spent a few minutes chatting with Murray before presenting her with the grand prize.

Murray is currently working a clinical placement in Neepawa and says she wants to continue nursing in a rural setting when she graduates.

“I love it, I love rural nursing. They love their people so much. They’re so kind and team-oriented,” she said, although nursing through a pandemic has posed challenges. “When patients can have fewer, or even no visitors, it’s heartbreaking. The nurses are the visitors. And I hate it that patients can’t see my face.”

She says that vaccination offers a welcome ray of hope.

“It’s a privilege to get vaccinated, it makes such a difference,” she said.

“We’re thrilled by the enthusiasm and eagerness shown by students like Erin, and all our community, who by and large raced to get their shots,” Docherty said, adding that, for himself being able to go out and dine knowing that everyone in the restaurant is fully vaccinated feels like a relief. “We know that the vaccines are safe, effective, and offer considerable protection against even emerging variants. If you’re vaccinated, you know: every shot is a Winning Shot.”

The BU Winning Shot incentive ran through the summer and fall, and was designed to boost vaccine uptake in general, and full vaccination in particular. Students who got vaccinated and entered their names were eligible for prizes worth approximately $50 or $400 as well as the $5,000 grand prize. Employees were eligible for prizes worth approximately $50, $100, or $400.

"From a bookstore or Harvest Hall gift card to an HLC membership or a parking pass, all the way up to covering your tuition, every prize is also a showcase of the wide variety of services and facilities here at BU,” Docherty noted. “This helped keep the direct costs to the university somewhat lower, so we could offer more value to the winners from the same budget. And to encourage more vaccination overall, it’s money very well spent!”

All prize winners have been contacted. A full list of prize winners is available at BrandonU.ca/Winning-Shot.

Upcoming Winter Semester at BU

Upcoming Winter Semester at BU

By: Maria Garcia Manzano, AEIC of The Quill

Photo Credits: brandonu.ca 

As we approach the end of the first term, many students are wondering how next term will look like. On November 4th 2021, Brandon University confirmed that the winter term will look a lot like the current term. The university has decided to continue with its strong precautions to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and keep students, faculty, and staff as safe as possible.

Therefore, the Winter 2022 Term, which begins in January 2022, will continue enforcing existing restrictions and mandates. These mandates have proven effective so far, and now BU faculty, staff and students have had a whole semester to become accustomed to them. 

As quoted on the Brandon University Website: “We’re on the more cautious side, and we are not apologetic about that. We have seen a successful Fall Term, we know this has been working, and we believe this is a roadmap for a successful Winter Term,” said BU President Dr. David Docherty, who announced the plan at this week’s General Faculty Council and has shared it with the entire campus. “We are continuing in the mid-range ‘Phase Grey’ of our campus re-opening plan, which balances campus safety for everyone with the benefits of in-person learning and working where possible.”

This means that classes of 25 or fewer will continue to be held in person, where possible, and where space and scheduling considerations permit, while most larger classes will continue to be held online. The university will also continue to require physical distancing, continue to require masks be worn indoors, and continue to require vaccination in order to be on campus. The university is also continuing enhanced ventilation and sanitization.

Brandon university have also made a commitment to students: They will ensure that a class finishes the term in the same manner that it begins, with no mid-term pivot unless required by public health order. Although the general measures in Winter 2022 Term will be largely the same as the existing ones, the University is tweaking a few small elements. For example, some classes of more than 25 students may be held in person, if the professor requests it, and if physical distancing can be reasonably maintained. Professors have been encouraged to talk to their Deans to discuss possibilities. Furthermore, another slight change that BU members can look forward to include some more public events may be held on campus, for example, meetings for community groups that the university has traditionally hosted. These events will be permitted so long as all attendees can follow BU’s Covid precautions and all public health orders.

MEDIA RELEASE - UMFA, students march through Tuxedo to demand end to government interference

MEDIA RELEASE - UMFA, students march through Tuxedo to demand end to government interference 

UMFA members will walk through the streets of Tuxedo, calling on Premier Stefanson to rescind the mandate

Winnipeg -- University of Manitoba Faculty Association members, students, and supporters will march through Premier Heather Stefanson’s Tuxedo constituency today at 5:30pm to demand that she lift the wage mandate that restricts the university administration’s ability to bargain with UMFA. The march will wind through the riding and draw attention to Stefanson’s continued interference in UMFA negotiations, as she follows Brian Pallister’s failed wage-freeze policy. UMFA wrote to Stefanson on October 31st, asking her to meet and to prevent a strike, and did not receive a response.

“Our members are taking our fight to Stefanson’s riding, to make sure her voters know that she has refused to use her power to stop the strike. Her refusal is putting the competitiveness of the university at risk and prolonging our job action,” said Orvie Dingwall, UMFA President. “Premier Stefanson said that her door was open and that she was ready to listen to all Manitobans. She could end her silence and get students back into classrooms by immediately dropping the restrictive Pallister wage mandate imposed on the university’s administration. This continued interference leads to faculty recruitment and retention issues and decreased opportunities for students and puts the future of our university at risk.”

Marchers will bang pots and pans, make noise, and hold a “search party” to look for Stefanson, who has rarely spoken publicly since becoming Premier. 

“We will march through Tuxedo looking for Stefanson and searching for some real leadership to end this strike,” said Mark Libin, a professor of English and an UMFA member. “All we’re asking is for her to allow the university to bargain in good faith and allow us to return to our classrooms”.

“Our educators have been on the picket lines and students have been out of classes for two weeks, and Premier Stefanson has not made herself available to discuss this with any of us,” said Olivia Macdonald Mager, an organizer with Students Supporting UMFA. “The premier can play a major part in ending this strike, yet she is missing in action. 

The march will begin at 5:30pm at Assiniboine Park’s main gate at Corydon and Park Blvd N. 

Last week, the university’s administration rejected an offer from UMFA that would have addressed recruitment and retention issues by making compensation more competitive. Currently, UMFA salaries rank second-lowest among the 15 largest Canadian research universities. UMFA represents over 1,200 professors, instructors, and librarians at the University of Manitoba.

Manitoba Crop Alliance commits to $100k sponsorship of Assiniboine’s Prairie Innovation Centre

Media Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Manitoba Crop Alliance commits to $100k sponsorship of Assiniboine’s Prairie Innovation Centre

BRANDON, Man. (November 15, 2021)—The Manitoba Crop Alliance (MCA) has committed $100,000 to the

Collaboration Zone within Assiniboine Community College’s Prairie Innovation Centre for Sustainable

Agriculture. The Collaboration Zone is an integral piece of the Centre, where education and industry

connection will meet.

MCA is an important organization in Manitoba’s agricultural landscape, representing five key commodities in the province: spring and winter wheat, sunflowers, corn, barley and flax.

“The birth of MCA unified multiple organizations—a great example of evolving with industry needs, much like the college is looking to do with the Prairie Innovation Centre,” said Tim Hore, Dean, School of Agriculture and Environment. “The Prairie Innovation Centre is an important piece of tomorrow’s ag landscape and we are grateful for support from partners like MCA, who are crucial to the success of the Centre.”

Assiniboine has a long and successful history of delivering agricultural programming that is responsive to the need for highly trained workers across the province. The Prairie Innovation Centre is the college’s next step as a national leader in agricultural training, and will aim to meet the growing labour demands in this important sector.

“Students are the future of agriculture,” says Fred Greig, Chair of MCA. “MCA is proud to support the Prairie Innovation Centre Collaboration Zone at Assiniboine Community College as it will enable students to form strong connections within the agriculture industry. The new facility will greatly expand the College’s programming capabilities to educate more students, and will provide new opportunities to learn, connect and collaborate with each other and with industry professionals.”

The Centre will combine indoor and outdoor learning spaces for seamless hands-on learning experiences. It will be a hub for agricultural innovation and collaboration, and stand as the academic heart of agricultural and environmental education in Manitoba.

About the Manitoba Crop Alliance

Manitoba Crop Alliance is a non-profit organization established August 1, 2020 representing over 9,000 farmer-members. Manitoba Crop Alliance puts their farmer-members first and strives to continuously improve the competitiveness and profitability of all crops represented by the organization by focusing on four main areas: research, agronomy, market access and development, and communications. It is through investment in these key areas that Manitoba Crop Alliance can ensure wheat, barley, corn, sunflower and flax are sustainable production choices for Manitoba farmers. For more information, visit mbcropalliance.ca.

About Assiniboine Community College

Assiniboine Community College has been providing exceptional learning experiences for more than 55 years and offers certificate, diploma and post-graduate programs across a variety of disciplines including culinary arts and hospitality, business, agriculture and environment, health and human services, and trades and technology. The college also delivers apprenticeship programming in a range of skilled trades disciplines.

With more than 3,600 students, and campuses in Brandon, Dauphin and Winnipeg, Assiniboine provides comprehensive educational opportunities throughout Manitoba. The college also partners with many communities and organizations across the province to deliver customized education and training. Assiniboine’s annual provincial economic impact is $612 million.

Assiniboine Community College campuses are located on the traditional territories of Treaty No. 1 and Treaty No. 2, the shared traditional lands of Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, Dene and Anishinabek/Ojibwe peoples, and the homeland of the Métis Nation. We acknowledge their welcome to the students who seek knowledge here.

For more information, please contact:

Anya McNabb

Communications Specialist

Assiniboine Community College

204.868.5453

mcnabba@assiniboine.net

Large majority of Assiniboine grads have jobs, stay in Manitoba

Media Release

www.assiniboine.net

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Large majority of Assiniboine grads have jobs, stay in Manitoba

Annual graduate satisfaction & employment survey demonstrates opportunities for grads

BRANDON, Man. (November 5, 2021)—The overwhelming majority of recent Assiniboine Community College graduates are living and working in Manitoba, according to the college’s annual graduate satisfaction & employment survey results.

The 2021 survey shows that 92 per cent of graduates have jobs within nine months of graduation, with 95 per cent working full-time four years after graduation. Eighty per cent of graduates say they are working in a career related to their field of study after nine months.

“Providing exceptional experiences extends beyond their graduation. It’s our goal to ensure there are clear pathways to related careers for our graduates,” said Assiniboine president, Mark Frison. “Seeing Assiniboine graduates secure employment while meeting industry and community needs is a crucial part of what we are continually working toward at the college.”

“And Assiniboine is not only setting graduates up for success, it’s infusing these newly skilled workers into the provincial workforce, helping Manitoba’s economy reach its full potential.”

This year’s survey showed that 93 per cent of graduates stayed in Manitoba after graduation.

“An important aspect of our province’s Skills, Talent and Knowledge Strategy is working with post-secondary to ensure that we are building a labour pool that will meet the current and future labour market needs,” said Hon. Wayne Ewasko, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Immigration. “We know we are heading in the right direction when we see that the vast majority of this new local talent is staying put in Manitoba, advancing the economic prosperity of our communities.”

The graduate employment survey also revealed that the average Assiniboine graduate makes an annual salary of more than $45,000 just nine months after graduating. For survey respondents who were four years postgraduation, this increases to more than $58,000. Nine out of 10 graduates would recommend Assiniboine to a friend or family member.

The survey was conducted in spring 2021 by Insightrix Research.

About Assiniboine Community College

Assiniboine Community College has been providing exceptional learning experiences for more than 55 years and offers certificate, diploma and post-graduate programs across a variety of disciplines including culinary arts and hospitality, business, agriculture and environment, health and human services, and trades and technology. The college also delivers apprenticeship programming in a range of skilled trades disciplines.

With more than 3,600 full-time students and campuses in Brandon, Dauphin and Winnipeg, Assiniboine provides comprehensive educational opportunities throughout Manitoba. The college also partners with many communities and organizations across the province to deliver customized education and training. Assiniboine’s annual provincial economic impact is $612 million.

Assiniboine Community College campuses are located on the traditional territories of Treaty No. 1 and Treaty No. 2, the shared traditional lands of Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, Dene and Anishinabek/Ojibwe peoples, and the homeland of the Métis Nation. We acknowledge their welcome to the students who seek knowledge here.

For more information, please contact:

Anya McNabb

Communications Specialist

Assiniboine Community College

mcnabba@assiniboine.net

204.868.5453 (mobile)

Brandon University mourns passing of longtime Music Professor William Gordon

Brandon University mourns passing of longtime Music Professor William Gordon

BU NEWS — October 21, 2021

BRANDON – It is with profound sadness that the School of Music at Brandon University (BU) announces the death of William Gordon, who passed away peacefully while surrounded by his loving family, on the evening of October 14th.

Professor Gordon, known to so many of us as “Bill”, joined BU’s faculty in September 1970, retired from the full-time faculty at the end of 2013, and continued to teach university courses until 2020.  His career was remarkable for its duration, its depth, and its breadth, and the School of Music is a significantly richer place because of him. 

Of his innumerable contributions, his most permanent is surely his enormous input to the design and construction of the world-class Queen Elizabeth II Music Building. In the early 1980s, Prof. Gordon led a team of project managers and was ultimately appointed by Gordon MacPherson, then Dean of Music, to serve as Project Co-ordinator for the design and construction of the building. An enormous, multi-year effort, his work in this capacity is celebrated to this day: the Queen Elizabeth II Music Building School continues to be heralded as one of the finest purpose-designed and built facilities of its kind. So much of how we do our work is a result of the careful planning, incredible insight, and hard work that Bill did on behalf of us all.  Architect Glen Cockburn, reflecting on this project many years later, wrote that the building shows Prof. Gordon’s “methodical research, attention to detail, and commitment to incorporating the practical needs of the Music Faculty into the building’s design and concept. … He has demonstrated and achieved his love for Music through his careful thoughts [and] provided a state-of-the-art environment that will last for many generations to come.”  

Originally from Dorset, in the United Kingdom, Bill graduated from the Royal College of Music in London and immediately won a chair in the acclaimed Ulster Orchestra, based in Belfast, Ireland.  This position was an early sign of his great skill as a French Horn performer — perhaps an earlier sign was his being hired to play in the recording sessions that led to one of the Beatles’ most acclaimed albums: Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band!

Moving to Canada in 1967 to work with the CBC Orchestra based in Winnipeg, Bill’s skills as an educator were immediately recognized, and he found himself teaching at Gordon Bell High School for one year and at Sisler for two. We continue to encounter former public school students of “Mr. Gordon” who remember with fondness the great impact he had on their musicianship and their overall development. 

William Gordon’s contributions to our University are too many to list. He was enormously accomplished as a horn teacher, drawing students to the School of Music from across Canada and leading a thriving and nationally renowned studio. His horn students have gone on to wonderfully accomplished and varied careers, many of them staying in close touch with their mentor. As a contributor to the School of Music, Prof. Gordon taught almost every course in the Calendar at one time or another. Enormously flexible, intelligent, and committed to student success, he took on teaching assignments — at both the graduate and undergraduate levels — in music theory, music history, music appreciation, conducting, instrumental techniques, aural skills, orchestral literature, and music education.  Of course, Prof. Gordon was deeply engaged in the design of the School’s curricula from a student-success perspective, making him a faculty member upon whom students relied for advice and advising. Prof. Gordon’s musicianship and impressive skill set also made him an ideal candidate to lead ensembles. He directed the very first Brandon University Concert Band and went on to conduct the School of Music’s Wind Band, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Orchestra, Percussion Ensemble, and Brass ensemble on many occasions; most recently, Prof. Gordon, covering a sabbatical leave in 2020, successfully directed the School of Music’s Orchestra.

Not surprisingly, Prof. Gordon was enormously engaged in the life of our School of Music, University, and community.  As an admired, trusted, and respected colleague, Prof. Gordon was appointed to serve as Acting Dean of Music on three occasions (2005, 2008, and 2013) as well as Interim Associate Registrar for the University (2005—2008).  His c.v. shows that he chaired the Music Education committee from 1970 to 1981, then immediately chaired the Applied committee from 1981 to 1986 and again from 1989 to 1994.  He went on to chair the History and Theory Department from 2000 to 2006, in addition to many other leadership roles on our campus.  An incredibly intelligent and adaptable person, Prof. Gordon became an accomplished audio engineer, developing a highly functional recording studio in the School of Music and engineering two recordings (Brandon University CD1 and CD2) that beautifully showcased student and faculty performers. His musical and leadership skills led to many distinguished contributions and recognitions. These include Prof. Gordon serving as the President of the Brandon Festival of the Arts and the Associated Manitoba Arts Festivals, conducting the Mennonite Community Orchestra, and being recognized with a Distinguished Service Award by the Manitoba Band Association. 

Dean Emeritus Lawrence Jones wrote of William Gordon that “There are few members of the University Faculty who could match the quantity and quality of Bill’s contributions to the campus, city, region, and province.”  Another dearly departed and long-time colleague of Prof. Gordon wrote (all the way back in 1994) that he was a colleague who could “bring to any situation a broad knowledge and receptiveness to new knowledge which enables effective and innovative action. … His service to Brandon University is surely unsurpassed.”

Current Dean of Music, Greg Gatien, says “We are saddened and shocked by this news. Bill Gordon, who remained so involved with the School and community, holds a special place for me and so many of my colleagues. He was enormously generous in welcoming new colleagues, gently showing us the ropes, and being incredibly open to new ideas.  He was a role model in so many ways and taught so much to so many of us.  His legacy holds a special place in the School of Music:  on top of an unmatchable record of service and longevity, Bill’s contributions to our beautiful building are all around us always. We will miss him a great deal and always be grateful to have had him on our faculty.”

Heartfelt condolences are extended to Bill’s wonderful partner of 39 years, School of Music alumna Kathie Gordon, and his two incredible children, Emma and Patrick, who are also proud and distinguished alumni of our University, and their respective partners, John and Andrea. A celebration of Prof. Gordon’s life is planned for the Summer of 2022.

A new scholarship is being created in Prof. Gordon’s honour. Gifts in his memory may be made to the William Gordon Memorial Scholarship Fund at Brandon University Foundation by mail to 270 18th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 6A9, online at BrandonU.ca/Give, or by phone to 204-727-7374.

The BU flag is being lowered to half-mast in Prof. Gordon’s honour.

Thank-you to Greg Gatien, Dr. Sheelagh Chadwick, Dr. Andrée Dagenais, Dean Emeritus Dr. Lawrence Jones and Kathie Gordon for their contributions to this announcement.

Success is built at Brandon University. Our growing, progressive campus welcomes a diverse and inclusive community that combines proud tradition with shared ambition. Through our excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship, we educate students to make a meaningful difference as engaged citizens and leaders. Join us at BrandonU.ca.

CONTACT US:

Grant Hamilton

Director, Marketing and Communications

204.571.8542
HamiltonG@BrandonU.ca

Rob Henderson

Marketing Communications Officer

204.727.9762
HendersonR@BrandonU.ca

To receive any BU publication in an alternate format: Communications@BrandonU.ca

Charter Rights Vs Public Health Restrictions Ruling

Charter Rights Vs Public Health Restrictions Ruling

By: Maria Garcia Manzano, AEIC of The Quill 

Photo Credits: CTV News Winnipeg

Last December, a group of seven rural churches and three individuals brought a court challenge against the restrictions being imposed due to the pandemic as a violation of their charter rights.  On October 21, 2021, a Manitoba judge ruled that the restrictions were not violating Manitoban's Charter rights. 

The seven rural churches argued that the measures were an unjustified violation of their charter-protected freedoms of conscience, religion, expression, and peaceful assembly. However, Chief Justice Glenn Joyal of the Court of Queen's Bench said that he found the public health orders were a reasonable limitation on individuals' charter rights within the pandemic scope. Justice Joyal noted that Manitoba's chief public health officers did have the authority to execute the public health orders imposed. Furthermore, he said that fundamental freedoms should not disappear in a pandemic but that the Manitoba government had to make quick and decisive decisions to control the virus and save lives. 

He further elaborated on the testimony given by those who were able to exercise the necessary authority in Manitoba public health, saying he viewed the witnesses as credible and reliable and accepted that the restrictions were based on well-accepted public health consensus. On the other hand, the opposing side failed to make a convincing argument that there was insufficient proof to justify the restrictions calling their evidence at best "a contrary if not contrarian scientific point of view." (Justice Joyal)

In conclusion, Thursday's court decision confirms the provincial government's position that the public health orders issued during the pandemic do not violate the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and that the chief provincial public health officer does have the authority to issue them.

For more information about this court decision go to: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/manitoba-churches-charter-challenge-covid-decision-1.6217925

Children’s Hospital Book Market remains on hold due to COVID-19

October 14, 2021

For Immediate Release

For more information 

sshyiak@hsc.mb.ca 

Children’s Hospital Book Market remains on hold due to COVID-19 

Volunteers not able to collect book donations 

Winnipeg, MB – The Children’s Hospital Book Market remains on hold due to COVID-19. The health and safety of volunteers and the public is the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba’s top priority. No books are being collected and the public is reminded NOT to drop off donations at firehalls or Dufresne Furniture and Appliances stores, as they will not be accepted. 

As COVID-19 continues to challenge the healthcare system, Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba is grateful for supporters who #ContinueCaringForKids by donating online at goodbear.ca. 

The Book Market has been on hold since spring, 2020 due to the pandemic. The sale typically raises over $300,000 of the $500,000 needed to fund important programs that comfort children in hospital. These include: 

- Children’s Hospital TV (CHTV), the in-house TV station that provides free programming for all patients and broadcasts a live, daily show to engage and entertain kids in hospital 

- Music Therapy 

- The Book Corner and Family Information Library 

- Therapeutic clowning 

- The playroom, that has not only toys but a mini hospital environment where kids can learn about procedures they will experience in hospital (Child Life specialists also bring the playroom experience to kids who can’t leave their rooms, which has been very important with COVID-19 restrictions) 

If you would like to support kids in hospital with the gift of play, please consider making a donation similar to the amount you would have spent on a book at goodbear.ca. 

WINNING Shot Contest Deadline Extension

WINNING Shot Contest Deadline Extension

By Maria Garcia Manzano, AEIC of The Quill

Photo Credits: Brandonu.ca

Before the fall semester started, Brandon University announced a "Winning Shot" contest to encourage students, staff, and faculty to vaccinate against COVID-19. In order to enter, students, staff, and faculty had to be double vaccinated by September 10, 2021. Since then, the University has implemented a vaccine policy in which students, faculty, and staff will be required to show proof of complete vaccination against covid-19 or apply for an exemption. If individuals fail to showcase proof of full vaccination, they will not be allowed on campus. 

           All doors to the Brandon University campus will be closed as of October 31, 2021, and everyone who needs to come in will need to swipe their Brandon University ID. In order to claim your access to Brandon University campus after October 31, students, staff, and faculty will need to upload vaccine verification to: https://vaccination.brandonu.ca/ Furthermore, door access will be granted to those who have approved exemptions as well as those who are partially vaccinated and are expected to be fully vaccinated by November 15, 2021. 

           Brandon University felt that in order for students, faculty, and staff to meet the vaccine policy requirements, it would be best to extend the deadline for ht Winning Shot contest. You must enter by October 31, 2021, to qualify for the draw, and you must be fully vaccinated to enter. Let's all get vaccinated!

The full list of prizes includes (taken from Brandonu.ca):

Student Prizes:

GRAND PRIZE — $5,000 value

One lucky vaccinated student will win a credit of up to $5,000 towards your tuition and fees. You can also apply this credit to BU parking passes, purchases at the BU Bookstore, or to any BU Residence or Meal Plan.

5x SECOND PRIZES — $400 value

Five vaccinated students will each win a credit of up to $400 towards your choice of a BU parking pass, purchases at the BU Bookstore, or any BU Residence or Meal Plan.

10x THIRD PRIZES — $50 value

Ten vaccinated students will each win a $50 gift card for your choice of the BU Bookstore or Harvest Hall.

Staff/Faculty prizes

5x FIRST PRIZES — approx. $400 value

Five vaccinated BU employees will win your choice of a one-year BU parking pass or a one-year HLC membership.

5x SECOND PRIZES — approx. $100 value

Five vaccinated BU employees will each win an individual Bobcats season tickets package.

10x THIRD PRIZES — $50 value

Ten vaccinated BU employees will each win a $50 gift card for your choice of the BU Bookstore, Harvest Hall, or the Healthy Living Centre.

**For more information please go to: https://www.brandonu.ca/winning-shot/prizes/

Truth and Reconciliation: A Day, or Week, Its Not Enough But Its a Start

Truth and Reconciliation: 

A Day, or Week, Its Not Enough But Its a Start

by Ronnie Kayla Neiman

(Image Credit: Brandon Urban Aboriginal Peoples' Council Facebook Page)

From September 27th until October 1st had a number of events at Brandon University and the Riverbank Discovery Centre related to the Truth and Reconciliation towards Indigenous peoples.In the early morning hours of Monday, September 27, Knowledge Keeper Frank Tacan marked the beginning of Truth and Reconciliation Week with a sunrise ceremony, offering gratitude and prayers of blessing for the land and the events that have taken place there over the course of the week. Tim Bone lit the ceremonial fire and Firekeepers tended to the fire throughout the week until October 1st. Shortly after the sunrise ceremony at 9 a.m., Mayor Rick Chrest officiated over the raising of an orange flag on the guest pole at city hall. The flag was held up until Monday, October 4, when the annual Sisters in Spirit vigil and walk will take place. September 30th was also the first National Day of Truth and Reconciliation recognized by the Federal government. Prior to that, the 30th of September was known as Orange Shirt Day to honour those affected by Residential Schools. On the 30th of September all flags were lowered to half-mast as a symbol of mourning for the thousands of children whose lives were stolen by Canada’s residential school system, their families, and to honour survivors.

BUAPC and the organizing committee for Truth and Reconciliation Week (The organizing committee, along with BUAPC, is made up of the Brandon Friendship Centre, Assiniboine Community College, Brandon University and the Manitoba Métis Federation Southwestern Region) expressed their  gratitude to all the sponsors who have committed to ensuring that the week had been a meaningful experience for all, which included Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in and around Brandon: City of Brandon, Westoba Credit Union, Compass Credit Union, Sunrise Credit Union, and Natural Elements Wellness Centre. The organizing committee also gratefully acknowledged the Riverbank Discovery Centre (Brandon Riverbank Inc.) for hosting Truth and Reconciliation Week at its site on the Assiniboine River.

The week had been educational and helped to provide some healing to those affected by these recent parts of our history. It is being acknowledged and that is a very important step. However, a single day that allows banks and schools to close seem to go against the entire idea of educating people about these atrocities that have happened. To have a time set aside to honour them is good, but so is educating those who don’t know or don’t understand what the idea behind Truth and Reconciliation really means. Extending the education to a full week also helps, but it will take far longer for healing, if the wounds can even be healed a small amount. 

It is important to lean and educate yourself about what the day means to Indigenous people. It will take more than a day but it is a start. 

Truth and Reconciliation: A National Day of Remembrance

Truth and Reconciliation: A National Day of Remembrance

By Ronnie Kayla Neiman

September 30th, 2021 marks the first national day for Truth and Reconciliation.The day honours the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process. The creation of this federal statutory holiday was through legislative amendments made by Parliament. On June 3, 2021, Bill C-5, An Act to amend the Bills of Exchange Act, the Interpretation Act and the Canada Labour Code (National Day for Truth and Reconciliation) received Royal Assent. As a result of this, Brandon University and all schools within the Brandon School Division will be closed to bring recognition to this day. 

The day was initially commemorated by wearing Orange shirts. It honours the children who survived Indian Residential Schools and remembers those who did not. This day relates to the experience of Phyllis Webstad, a Northern Secwpemc (Shuswap) from the Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation, on her first day of school, where she arrived dressed in a new orange shirt, which was taken from her. It is now a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations. On September 30, it is encouraged that Canadians to wear orange to raise awareness of the very tragic legacy of residential schools, and to honour the thousands of Survivors.

Survivors and relatives of survivors have advocated for truth and reconciliation for decades.The Truth and Reconciliation Commission ran from 2008 to 2015 and provided those directly or indirectly affected by the legacy of the Indian Residential Schools policy with an opportunity to share their stories and experiences. There were 140 federally run Indian Residential Schools which operated in Canada between 1831 and 1998. The last school closed only 23 years ago. Survivors advocated for recognition and reparations and demanded accountability for the lasting legacy of harms caused.  The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation has become the permanent archive for the statements, documents and other materials the Commission gathered, and its library and collections are the foundation for ongoing learning and research.The Commission released its final report detailing 94 calls to action. 

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a direct response to Call to Action 80, which called for a federal statutory day of commemoration. The efforts of the Truth and Reconciliation Committee resulted in: 

• the Indian residential schools settlement agreement

• Apologies by the government

• the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission

• the creation of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

Now there is the creation of a National Day, it does seem inappropriate to call it a holiday but it is now a day that is marked on Calendars and closes down schools in order to educate the country about the atrocities the Indigenous people have encountered in Canada and in the United States. 

It will take more than a single day to repair the damage  of the past. It will take more than a single day to educate others. It will take more than one day to understand it. It will take more than a single day but a single day is a way to start healing. 

Wear an orange shirt to commemorate the day. Remember that every child matters. Remember that the trauma has affected each person differently. The main thing to do is listen and learn. 

Building Fire Displaces Numerous BU Students

Building Fire Displaces Numerous BU Students

by Ronnie Kayla Neiman

(Photo Credit: Brandon Sun/Winnipeg Free Press)

On Tuesday, September 21 2021, a fire broke out at 1400 Pacific avenue at a 48 unit condominium. Everyone got out, and there were no injuries reported but the building is heavily damaged. A number of those living in that building are Brandon University students as well as staff and faculty. More than 100 people were left affected from the fire and had to leave with little more than the clothes on their backs. 

The building itself was only 10 years old and the fire resulted in at least 11 million dollars worth of damage.The Office of the Fire Commissioner has concluded that the cause of the fire that tore through Valley View Condominiums at 1400 Pacific Avenue on Tuesday, was accidental and caused by careless disposal of smoking materials. While many pets were reunited with their owners, at least one cat died as a result of the fire. 

Some of the units of the building were completely destroyed by fire. Others were destroyed by heavy water damage from the firefighters intense efforts to control and extinguish the fire. There is also heavy smoke damage throughout the building. The residents have lost nearly everything. 

There are numerous businesses across Brandon and the surrounding area that have found ways to help support those who were affected by this fire. Brandon University is included in that. BUSU sent out a letter to student emails. They are accepting donations of food, clothes, household items, school supplies and cash. Other donations are also accepted. These donations can be brought to the BUSU office Monday-to-Friday during office hours. 

There is also a way to reach out if you need help and are affected by this drastic event. An advocate can be reached at advocate@busu,ca or (204) 571 7843. If you need access to the student food bank outside of its regular hours, contact Maggie at (204) 727 977 or by email at foodbank@busu.ca.

There is help too give, and help to be received.

Manitoba Collaboration Pulls Together and Launches Regionally-Specific Indigenization Foundational Guide

Media Release

www.assiniboine.net

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Manitoba Collaboration Pulls Together and Launches

Regionally-Specific Indigenization Foundational Guide

BRANDON, Man. (September 15, 2021)— Elders, Knowledge Keepers, community members, and

Indigenous organizations across Manitoba have ‘pulled together’ to work alongside Assiniboine

Community College (ACC), Brandon University (BU), and Campus Manitoba (CMB) to adapt the Pulling

Together Foundations Guide for Manitoba.

Originally created in British Columbia as part of a larger Indigenization project, the Pulling Together:

Manitoba Foundations Guide (Brandon Edition) will provide a starting point for those who want to learn

more about Indigenous Peoples in the Prairie region of Canada and those who wish to begin their journey

of understanding Canada’s colonial legacy.

In 2019, the stars aligned for this unprecedented community collaboration when Assiniboine’s Vice

President Academic, Dr. Deanna Rexe, brought the original B.C. resource to the attention of the

Assiniboine community for consideration of adopting for the college’s cultural diversity training

objectives. Not long thereafter, Assiniboine was approached by BU and CMB, who were looking at

adapting the foundation guide for Manitoba.

“We all need to pull the load together. The time has come to recognize differences, acknowledge them

and accept that we are stronger together. We are a blend. We have heard it so many ways. Think of the

blades of sweetgrass braided together and how strong it becomes. We want to share our stories and get

everyone thinking about how we live, how we interact and how we could strengthen our communities if

we are all pulling the load. We can do better,” said Leah LaPlante, Vice President at Manitoba Metis

Federation.

One recurring theme throughout is that this guide is not a definitive resource, as First Nations, Metis, and

Inuit perspectives, stories, and approaches are diverse across Turtle Island. This is meant to be a starting

place where people can continue their learning off the page and into the communities in Manitoba and

beyond.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to work with community partners, Brandon University, and Campus

Manitoba in adapting this resource,” said Kris Desjarlais, Director of Indigenous Education at Assiniboine.

“The guidance we received from Elders, Knowledge Keepers and Indigenous organizations authenticated

the process. We look forward to sharing the resource with staff, students and the broader community.”

The Pulling Together: Manitoba Foundations Guide (Brandon edition) is an open educational resource.

The resource can be found at pressbooks.openedmb.ca/pullingtogethermanitoba. For more information

about open education in Manitoba, visit openedmb.ca.

-30-

About Assiniboine Community College

Assiniboine Community College has been providing exceptional learning experiences for more than 55

years and offers certificate, diploma and post-graduate programs across a variety of disciplines including

culinary arts and hospitality, business, agriculture and environment, health and human services, and

trades and technology. The college also delivers apprenticeship programming in a range of skilled trades

disciplines.

With more than 3,600 full-time students and campuses in Brandon, Dauphin and Winnipeg, Assiniboine

provides comprehensive educational opportunities throughout Manitoba. The college also partners with

many communities and organizations across the province to deliver customized education and training.

Assiniboine’s annual provincial economic impact is $612 million.

Assiniboine Community College campuses are located on the traditional territories of Treaty No. 1 and

Treaty No. 2, the shared traditional lands of Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, Dene and Anishinabek/Ojibwe

peoples, and the homeland of the Métis Nation. We acknowledge their welcome to the students who

seek knowledge here.

For more information, please contact:

Kris Desjarlais

Director, Indigenous Education

Assiniboine Community College

desjarlaisk4@assiniboine.net

204.725.8700, ext. 6045