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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

statement, press release
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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 ...

needs-based grants

Students Welcome Announcement of Additional Supports

VANCOUVER, BC -  The Alliance of BC Students (ABCS) was excited to see today’s announcement of new and continued support from the province for post-secondary students to address the impact the public health crisis has had on the BC post-secondary community. 

“We know that right now, it is absolutely critical that students have access to additional supports that will allow them to continue their studies in the Fall,” said Grace Dupasquier, Chairperson of the Alliance. “with unemployment so high in younger age brackets, whatever can be done to help students return to their studies is greatly appreciated.”

Applications are now open for the BC Access Grant, a non-repayable needs-based grant for low- and middle-income students. The Ministry has also announced $2.175 million in dedicated funding to create institutional supports for students with cognitive, mental health or physical disabilities. In addition to this, $275,000 has been provided to BCCampus to develop online resources for the post-secondary community as they address new mental health and wellbeing concerns that the pandemic has exacerbated, as well as an investment of $400,000 to support BCCampus in developing open educational resources (OERs).

“Research has consistently shown that expanding access to education greatly contributes to economic advancement and stability” continued Dupasquier, “As BC looks to chart a path forward after the public health emergency, we applaud approaches which seek to strengthen BC’s post-secondary sector,"

The Alliance looks forward to continuing to work with government to ensure students are supported in these uncertain times.

Massive Win: Students Celebrate BC Access Grant

VICTORIA, BC - The Alliance of BC Students (ABCS) is celebrating a massive victory for students as the province of British Columbia joins the rest of Canada in offering up-front, needs-based grants to post-secondary learners.

“We were thrilled to hear that the government has taken our advocacy into consideration and concluded that needs-based grants are the way forward for students in BC,” said Gurvir Gill, the Chairperson of the ABCS. “Our organization has advocated for this to become a reality for nearly 7 years. It was the basis for students to join together and form the ABCS in 2013. All of our hard work has paid off today.”

The investment of $24 million over 3 years will provide up to $4,000 in funding to over 40,000 eligible students per year. There is particular focus on programs of 2 years or less in length as an attempt to address skilled labour shortages in the province.

"The ability to access needs-based grants removes a massive barrier to prospective students," said Grace Dupasquier, Director of Research and Campaigns for the ABCS. “Giving students access to non-repayable options is the best way to increase equitable access to education. These grants are essential to ensuring many students can access post-secondary education in the first place, complete their programs, and graduate in better financial shape than they are currently."

In 2004, needs-based grants were cut from the financial aid options provided by the provincial government. In 2013, the Alliance was formed and launched a provincial campaign entitled “Where’s The Funding?” which called on the province to reinstate needs-based grants and provide more core-funding to institutions.