I was walking out of GPA’s on campus the other day, having just purchased some chips and an energy drink — healthy guy that I am — when I noticed a man buying some cigarettes. Clearly I am not the most aware individual, since this was the first time I had seen someone purchasing cigarettes [...]
The Manitoban
The Students' Newspaper of the University of Manitoba
Author Archive for Spencer Fernando
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Your world, your voice
This is the second year of the Manitoban’s International Comment section. Last year was a great success, as many diverse voices were heard, lively debates occurred and students from across our university were able to share their views on international issues. In our second year, we will build upon that success and seek out an [...]
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A refusal to face reality
As the world recovers from the global financial crises, governments are beginning to realize that there is a deeper flaw in our systems of social services. As the average age of the population in many western countries increases, due both to medical advancements and low birthrates, the proportion of workers to those receiving benefits is [...]
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Renewing our campus democracy
The 2010 student election has come and gone. To call it a disappointment would be an understatement. We collectively witnessed our democratic process degenerate into alleged assaults, accusations of criminal wrongdoing and irrational displays of anger on both sides. Voter turnout was just over 10 per cent of eligible students, approximately half of last year’s [...]
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Who will rescue the rescuer?
For anyone who questions the inherent goodness at the core of the human spirit, the story of Faron Hall should quiet their doubts. This man, without a home, without a family, without a sense of belonging, has saved the lives of two people who would otherwise have drowned. This courageous man, however, is now in [...]
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Why our generation must support Israel
This is an issue that brings up strong emotions in people on all sides. In my view, this is not about the people of Israel versus the Palestinians. I believe in a two-state solution. I believe the Palestinian people have a right to their own homeland and I hope to see the day when Israel [...]
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Protecting our environment and our prosperity
On December 16, I had the chance to support Stephen Harper and our Conservative government’s reasonable and measured approach to climate change. Standing outside the office of Conservative MP Rod Bruinooge in the freezing cold, with my fellow Conservatives, we demonstrated our support for the approach taken by our government. Opposite to us were supporters [...]