6 THE VOICE, THURSDAY, MARCH 10,2016 EDITOR SCOTT DRAKE lewpoints Prioritize gender equity ecause it’s 2015. B Unstated behind Justin Trudeaw’s glib response to creating equal gender representa- tion in his cabinet lies the assump- tion that we don’t need to talk about gender equality. Maybe he’s right. The real discussion should centre around equity rather than equality or even diversity. Equity begins from the idea that not everyone’s needs are the same. That is to say, it acknowl- edges difference. Take Langara as an example. Our Voice reporter this week noted that 45 per cent of executive positions are occupied by women. Let’s dig a little deeper. Langara’s own executive compensation disclosure state- ment for 2014-2015, which includes the president and four vice-presidents has only a single woman. If Langara wants to knock down barriers that OPINION SCOTT DRAKE create unrepresen- tative gender r4 4 imbalances, they need to provide institutional A good solutions. A good Start start would be a campus wide would be hiring policy that acampus makes their wide hir- commitment to . . equity explicit. ing policy Canada’s that makes Employment ; ° quity Act states their COM that employers mitment _ shall institute . “positive policies to equity and practices and explicit mak[e] such reasonable accommodations as will ensure that persons in designated groups achieve a degree of representation in each occupational group in the employer’s workforce.” Why hasn’t this been done? I can hear the meritocrats clamouring about “the most skilled person,” and “having our hands tied.” Two questions. One: if you can’t find a qualified woman for an executive position, then you're not looking hard enough. Two: what is wrong with your workplace that you can’t attract qualified women who want to take on top-level positions? After all it’s 2016 and the clock is still ticking. Anonymous tipsters We love getting those envelopes slipped under our doors with tips about issues that need to be exposed! To the individual who gave us an impor- tant tip at the start of the semester, we need to speak with you! We promise to keep your anonymity. Guaranteed. You can reach the faculty editor Erica Bulman at: ebulman@langara.be.ca or come by the newsroom at A226. Death too heavy for tea Death Cafe in Vancouver? Now that’s something to die for. At first when I heard of the “Death Cafe,” I pictured a poorly lit, evil looking room with a bunch of sad people in dark clothing. Vancouver is the latest city to join a growing trend where people gather together, drink tea, eat cake and discuss death—the total opposite of my initial thoughts. The Death Cafe is a recent global trend. Deathcafe.com states on their website that the new trend, which began in Europe and has spread to North America and Australasia, has offered 2842 death cafes since 2011. According to their website, these gatherings are meant to bring awareness about death and to assist people in making the most of their lives. If what they’re saying about helping people make the most of their lives is true, then in some ways, I don’t have anything against it. Death is an important, but sensitive subject. Losing loved ones, good friends and people with whom we share long lasting memories is hard to bear. It can sometimes cause health problems and traumatic experiences. I wouldn’t involve myself with this OPINION REUBEN DONGALEN JR. because death is just a Debbie Downer of a topic. I certainly don’t want to talk about my own death. I’m having a hard time of living as it is. Not to mention, it’s weird. Sit down, drink tea and have sweets while talking death? I just can’t grasp the concept of sitting merrily with others, likely strangers, and discussing death. It’s such an uncomfortable topic, and while they do hope to accomplish bettering our lives on this planet as much as possible, I’m already trying to figure out how to live without the thought of ending up in a coffin. While participants see interest and comfort in what they can attain from Death Cafes, you can count on me not showing up. SEAN LEE comic Drinks revive marine life fun s a millennial, I often feel Peeesaice about adolescent fun. There is nothing like the thrill and excitement you felt as a kid after finding out that you were attending a field trip to the Vancou- ver Aquarium. Going to the aquarium as an adult is not nearly as fun as when you were young; however, I think it is a great idea that the Vancouver Aquarium hosts After Hours nights for adults only. The event offers adults the opportunity to learn about marine mating habits while mingling and having some drinks. This is a phenomenal marketing strategy because it is going to expand the clientele beyond chil- dren. After Hours is the perfect escape from the typical dinner date and it is fun for those who need a break from the club scene. This event is something different to do on a night out because it is a relaxed evening that does not lose its cool factor. Although I read reviews complaining that the event should end later than 10 p.m., I think it is OPINION SIMRAN GILL understandable. Even though many of us love to stay up late, the aquatic animals must return to their natural habitat to rest. The most appealing part of After Hours events is that they are affordable. Tickets are $29 for non-members of the aquarium, a price which does not include the food, beer, and wine which are available for purchase at the event. The concept of these events is fun because along with reliving some favourite childhood memories, you get to learn about the unique mating habits of marine life in addition to viewing a4-D film. After all what is better than learning and having fun at the same time. The Voice is published by Langara College's journalism department. Editorial opinions are those of the staff and are independent of views of the student government and administration. We welcome letters to the editor. They may be edited for brevity. Your letter must include your name and phone number. HOW TO REACH US PHONE 604-323-5396 E-MAIL thevoice@langara.bc.ca DROP-IN Room A226 Langara College SNAIL MAIL The Voice 100 West 49th Ave. Vancouver, B.C. V5Y 226 WEBSITE wwwiangaravoice.ca EDITORIAL STAFF MANAGING EDITOR Tessa Vikander PAGE EDITORS PAGE 1 Rosemary Newton PAGE 2 Nancy Plechaty PAGE 3 Kevin Underhill PAGE 4 Ben Bengtson PAGE 5 Jake Costello PAGE 7 Rumana Dsouza PAGE 8 Kathryn Wu MANAGING WEB EDITOR Mark Stuart WEB EDITORS Vincent Matak Seyedmostafa Raziei Kate Richardson Bridgette Watson Sean Lee Murray B. Hunt COPY/WEB EDITOR Serena Pattar REPORTERS Daniel Dadi-Cantarino Chantelle Deacon Reuben Dongalen Ji. 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