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BC BUDGET 2024 DOES NOT PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR A ...
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STUDENTS CONCERNED BY COMMENTS MADE BY MINISTER ...

BC students are very concerned by the hurtful comments made by the Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills regarding pre-1948 Palestine, and alleged interference by the Minister into the employment relationship of an individual faculty member at Langara College. The Alliance of BC Students is calling for an investigation into the matter to preserve the integrity of the post-secondary education system

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AFTER FUNDING POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION FOR ...

UNCEDED SQUAMISH, TSLEIL-WAUTUTH, AND MUSQUEAM TERRITORIES/VANCOUVER, BC - BC students are once again calling for the provincial government to properly fund the post-secondary education system to stop the reliance on and exploitation of international students.

“International students are being used as a scapegoat for the housing crisis and the actions of predatory post-secondary institutions,” said Manpreet, Chairperson of the Alliance of BC Students (ABCS). “This visa cap is not going to solve the important issues we are facing. If governments really want to address these issues, they need to increase public funding to B.C.’s post-secondary education system, build more student housing, cap international student tuition increases to the same rate as domestic students, and mandate that post-secondary institutions provide adequate support for international students.”

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Joint Statement from the Alliance of BC ...

The Alliance of BC Students and the BC Federation of Students are heartbroken to hear about the recent attack on a gender studies class at the University of Waterloo. It is extremely alarming to see such hateful violence towards gender identity and gender expression target a place of learning. This violent incident targeted one gender studies class, but has added to the ongoing harm being caused to 2SLGBTQIA+ folks, women, and everyone challenging patriarchal norms everywhere. The Alliance of BC Students and the BC Federation of Students stand with everyone directly and indirectly affected by this act of hate-fuelled violence.

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BUDGET 2023 MISSES THE MARK ON SUPPORTING ...

Covid-19

Emergency Funds For Students Sees Dramatic Increase

VICTORIA, BC - The Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training has announced an injection of $3.5 million into emergency funds for students at post-secondary institutions to assist students in uncertain financial positions due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are living in unprecedented times and we need to use every tool in the box to make it through,” said Gurvir Gill, the Chairperson of the ABCS. “This isn’t easy for anyone, and we are happy to see students being supported by the government at a time when any help is incredibly appreciated.” 

Some of the Alliance’s member student societies have been making donations to their institution’s emergency funds in the hopes of shoring up financial support for students during this crisis, but this investment provides welcome assurance that more students than ever will be taken care of as they balance affording their tuition and basic needs. 

"Many students are in dire financial straits due to layoffs or self-isolation, and are finding themselves suddenly struggling with food and housing security, as well as to pay their tuition." said Grace Dupasquier, Director of Research and Campaigns for the Alliance. “This is a much needed investment at an incredibly stressful time, as students battle academic concerns as well as financial instability. We appreciate the government’s commitment to helping us weather the storm."

This announcement comes shortly after the decision to suspend repayment on student loans until September 30th, another welcome support for students and former students during the public health crisis.

The ABCS is looking forward to continuing to liaise with the government and ensuring that student needs are met during this difficult time.