KEVIN MENZ
Associate News Editor

Supporting the province in blocking hostile takeover of PotashCorp

Last week the University of Saskatchewan Students’ Union sent a letter to federal industry minister Tony Clement stating their support for Brad Wall’s attempts to stop the BHP hostile takeover of PotashCorp.

Councillor Reid Nystuen pointed out that if the USSU refuses to take a stand on the proposed water park in the city because it is not a direct student issue, it should not take a stand on the PotashCorp bid. He said it wasn’t thoroughly discussed in council and that it doesn’t necessarily represent all of the councillors’ views.

VP external affairs Brad Shumlich stated that the hostile bid would lose the province money and affect student income. Considering the Nov. 3 deadline for Clement to make a decision, he said that the USSU “felt it was an issue that had to be acted upon quickly.” He also pointed out that they are not supporting any specific bidder. Rather, they are simply supporting the province’s recommendations on the issue.

USSU decides to support water park
Considering the university is looking into new academic programs — like engineering and kinesiology programs, for example — centred around the proposed water park, the USSU reconsidered their previous decision to not publicly support the park.

Council voted and the USSU now publicly supports the city in the water park project.

Place Riel update
General manager Caroline Cottrell was pleased to announce that Umi Sushi opened on Oct. 28 and gave away 17,000 free packages of sushi to celebrate the opening. She said it would be two weeks until Extreme Pita opens up.

She also stated that the previous concern about installing fire-rated windows into the Murray (Art History) building without disrupting classes has been solved as the windows will now be put in during the Christmas break. This will allow classes to continue as scheduled, will provide the building with the needed city approval and will allow the project to stay on pace.

She confessed that the project is behind schedule — because of the flood on June 29 — but not over budget.

She challenged the skepticism the project has been receiving by welcoming anyone who desired information, budget records, plans or other project related materials to visit her office in the Memorial Union Building anytime.

Movember
On Nov. 1 the USSU and Louis’ started taking donations for prostate cancer to kick off the month of Movember. In case you’ve been home-schooled, that’s the month formerly known as November. This new month creates awareness and funds for prostate cancer by having men grow moustaches. If you, my presumable man, are growing a moustache but don’t know where to donate the pledges you receive, Louis’ and the USSU are handling donations.