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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 ...

transit

Students Support Mayor’s Council in 10 Year Vision for Transit

VANCOUVER, BC - The Alliance of BC Students is proud to support the Mayor’s Council in their advocacy to secure further federal funding for transit in the Metro Vancouver region. 

“With transit demand rising as fast as it is in Metro Vancouver, our members in the region are more dependent than ever on the continuation of the service upgrades outlined in the 10-Year Vision,” said Gurvir Gill, the Chairperson of the ABCS. “Our members and their communities can’t afford any delays in the implementation of the projects outlined in the Vision. We wish the Mayors every success in Ottawa, and are hopeful that the needs of Vancouverites will be addressed.” 

The Alliance has over 65,000 members in the Metro Vancouver region, and more than 78% of them are active transit users. With Vancouver’s unique trend of exploding transit ridership, that number is only going to increase. The establishment of a permanent transit fund, as well as transition funding to bridge any shortfalls before the permanent fund is established are critical to ensuring service improvements keep pace with this demand, and are essential for the economic and social wellbeing of the Lower Mainland. Increased service and capacity would directly benefit students in the region.

The Alliance hopes to see continued investments in public transit in Metro Vancouver and across BC. Accessible, reliable transit is key to student success, building more accessible and affordable communities, solving the region’s traffic flow issues, and combating the climate crisis. With a clearly defined blueprint of projects ready to break ground, broad public support, and invested provincial and municipal government partners, the Alliance is optimistic that the federal government will see the merits in continuing to invest in the region’s transit network.

Five Year U-Pass Agreement a Win For Students

VANCOUVER, BC - The Alliance of BC Students (ABCS) was pleased by the government's announcement today of the ratification of the U-Pass BC Agreement, which will see $86.1 million invested over 5 years in giving Metro Vancouver post-secondary students affordable access to transit.

“Students will benefit from the hard work of all sides, which has ensured that the longest U-Pass Agreement in BC history was ratified.” said Gurvir Gill, the Chairperson of the ABCS. “The advocacy of student leaders plays a crucial role in the creation of programs such as the U-Pass, and we're so proud of our community for the effort they put into this.” 

The Alliance has over 65,000 members in the Metro Vancouver region and this gives all of them access to an affordable method of transportation.

"Students from all backgrounds already face many barriers to financial wellness," noted Grace Dupasquier, Director of Research and Campaigns for the Alliance. “Students in the Metro Vancouver region are already battling housing affordability, and over 20% of students in BC access public financial aid. Affordable access to transit is essential for student wellbeing, and we are so happy to see this investment from the government today."

Ensuring students have access to transit is key in addressing the region's traffic issues. It is also extremely important in regards to working towards the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's goals for reducing carbon emissions worldwide, which are imperative for the mitigation of the current Climate Emergency.