ALLIANCE OF BC STUDENTS EXCITED TO WELCOME ROYAL ROADS UNIVERSITY STUDENT ASSOCIATION AS NEWEST MEMBER

Unceded Coast Salish Territories/Vancouver, BC - The Alliance of BC Students is thrilled to welcome the Royal Roads University Student Association as our newest member!

The Royal Roads University Student Association (RRUSA) represents undergraduate students at Royal Roads University, advocating for their unique needs and delivering services both in-person at their Colwood campus and digitally to members who attend school online.

“We’re very excited to be joining the Alliance of BC Students,” said RRUSA President Riley Huntley. “The Alliance does a lot of amazing work advocating for student-focused mental health resources, sexualized violence prevention on campus, open education resources, and the general removal of barriers to post-secondary education in BC.”

“In addition to the common problems facing all students, like sky-high tuition and living expenses, RRUSA has distinct challenges as the only student society in BC that is not protected by the University Act,” Huntley continued. “The Alliance is a strong advocate for students in BC, and joining the Alliance will help RRUSA advocate for its students for years to come. Our priorities are very much in alignment, and RRUSA is excited to get to work as a member of the Alliance of BC Students.”

“We’re incredibly delighted to have the Royal Roads University Student Association joining the Alliance of BC Students,” said ABCS Chairperson Aryanna Chartrand. “RRUSA has a strong record of advocating for the unique needs of its members, and we can’t wait to get to work with RRUSA in addressing the challenges facing its members and all students in BC.”

Students Support Budget Recommendations

VANCOUVER, BC - The Alliance of BC Students welcomed the recommendations released today by the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services, which included a number of key recommendations for strengthening post-secondary education in BC.

“We were heartened to see the concerns of the post-secondary community taken into account in this year’s recommendations,” said Grace Dupasquier, the Chairperson of the ABCS. “COVID-19 has starkly exposed many gaps in support and areas of concern throughout the post-secondary landscape, and we hope to see these recommendations reflected in the next budget.” 

The recommendations from the committee which impact the post-secondary sector include:

• Providing stable, multi-year funding for community literacy across BC.

• Increasing resources to adult education to provide a broader range of course offerings and ensure equity in the funding of adult students and school-age students.

• Investing in upgrading existing post-secondary infrastructure, including encouraging and leveraging opportunities to expand satellite campuses in rural, remote and underserved communities.

• Supporting post-secondary institutions in advancing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and the Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls by ensuring post-secondary education is accessible to Indigenous learners and honours and recognizes Indigenous culture.

• Creating a provincial international student education strategy, in consultation with students, post-secondary institutions and other key stakeholders, which examines the business model, the cultural, academic and economic integration of international students, and intended goals and outcomes of post-secondary education.

• Providing sufficient support to post-secondary institutions for teaching and learning tools, infrastructure and technology, and training to facilitate professional development for the online delivery of courses.

• Exploring mechanisms, such as allowing the use of accumulated surpluses, to provide post-secondary institutions with short-term flexibility to navigate the financial impacts of the pandemic.

• Investing in post-secondary education and expanding the number of seats available to students as a means to facilitate economic recovery and address immediate and projected gaps in the labour market, including ensuring local training and reskilling opportunities and reducing barriers for underrepresented groups.

• Providing flexible reskilling and upskilling opportunities in online and in-person formats with a lens to equity, reconciliation and accessibility, and recognize skills acquired through prior and experiential learning, to support workers displaced due to automation, shifts to digital technology and the pandemic, including promoting and expanding technology and trades-related training and careers.

• Providing a multi-year extension to the BC Graduate Scholarship and expand its eligibility to graduate students in non-STEM disciplines.

• Facilitating access to education by addressing financial barriers related to the direct and indirect costs of education, including child care and transportation.

"We are particularly excited about the recommendations regarding decolonization of the post-secondary system, the international education strategy, further investment into post-secondary in light of the pandemic, the extension of the BC Graduate Student Scholarship, and the commitment to addressing financial barriers to education.” continued Dupasquier, “COVID-19 has given us the opportunity to re-examine our post-secondary system overall, and we look forward to working with the government to ensure these recommendations help students in the most meaningful way possible.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

Student Advocates Support 24/7 Mental Health Service

VICTORIA, BC - The Alliance of BC Students (ABCS) was pleased by the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training’s announcement today regarding their development of a 24/7 mental health counselling and referral service, in partnership with Morneau-Shapell. 

“We are very happy to hear that the concerns student advocates have been bringing forward are being validated by the provincial government.” said Gurvir Gill, the Chairperson of the ABCS. “The ABCS has been pushing for the mental health of students to be a primary focus for our post-secondary institutions and the Ministry, and it’s great to see the issue being addressed.” 

An estimated half of all students living with a mental illness will experience the onset of their illness during their time at post-secondary. Suicide is also the second leading cause of death for this age group, after accidents.

“There is a mental health crisis on our campuses,” noted Grace Dupasquier, Director of Research and Campaigns for the Alliance. “Recent surveys show that both depression and anxiety are reaching record levels in students, and we are glad to see action being taken.”

The ABCS looks forward to working with the government to help further develop this service and ensure it meets the diverse needs of BC’s student population. With the full launch of this program in Spring 2020, the government will be making it easier for students to receive the help they need and further destigmatize addressing mental health concerns.

Post-Secondary Student Organizations Across BC Join Global Climate Strike

VANCOUVER, BC - Student organizations all across British Columbia have been participating in the Week for the Future and Climate Justice campaign. The campaign started on September 20th, 2019 with a youth-led strike, continued through the week with additional actions and awareness campaigns, and will culminate in the first ever General Strike for the Climate on September 27th, 2019.

All of the member organizations that the Alliance of BC Students (ABCS) represents have joined the movement, and it’s clear that this is an issue that students across the province are demanding action on. “Our membership is united in the opinion that climate change requires immediate action,” said Gurvir Gill, chairperson of the ABCS. “We stand proudly with our members and with students across the province as they advocate for real and urgent change. For students, climate change is a huge concern, because we are the ones who will be grappling with the consequences down the line if nothing is done now. This is more important than going to class. This is our future.”

ABCS member organizations will be joining strikes in their respective jurisdictions, with most members joining the rally happening in front of Vancouver City Hall at 1:00 p.m. today. The ABCS will continue to support its members and collectively advocate for global climate justice and the rights of students and citizens everywhere to enjoy a safe and secure future.

Students Disappointed in Provincial Budget

Vancouver, BC - Students in British Columbia are disappointed by the lack of relief to the financial burdens they face in their post-secondary career. “Today’s budget leaves students behind,” Sacha Fabry, Chairperson of the Alliance of BC Students (ABCS) stated. “B.C. is the only province that does not provide needs based grants, an even greater burden for students when combined with the fact that B.C. charges the highest interest rates on its student loans.”

The issues faced by students go beyond student debt. Student housing is in high demand throughout British Columbia, with long waitlists for residences at universities across the province. The provincial government will not allow most post-secondary institutions to build more student housing as this would be considered debt – despite the fact that student housing is self-financed through residence fees, and is not tax- payer supported. Each year, over ten thousand students are left on waitlists between UBC, SFU and UVic alone. “We frankly do not understand why universities aren’t allowed to build housing,” continued Fabry. “On campus student housing would open up the rental housing market for others, without costing the taxpayer.” On-campus housing has long been requested by students in British Columbia, and the provincial select committee on government services and finance recommended enabling universities to build more student residence spaces in 2016.

While tuition increases are capped at 2%, student wages are stagnant, housing is growing well beyond inflation, and post-secondary institutions are finding ways to levy additional fees on students beyond the tuition cap. Students continue to be saddled with debt throughout their education. Said Fabry: “In the end, we look at this budget as a lost opportunity for the government to help set British Columbia youth on the path to success.”

• Read the full press release here

Students Look to Throne Speech for Housing Solutions

The Alliance of British Columbia Students will be watching the throne speech closely in hopes that students stretched budgets will see some relief. When asked, housing is regularly given as one of the primary struggles for students in British Columbia, and the ABCS would like to see the government take a proactive role to help students.

“Over the past few years we have been asking the government to enable Universities and College’s to build on-campus housing” said Sacha Fabry, ABCS Chairperson, “Putting students in on-campus housing is a no brainer. Right now, Universities are not allowed to take on debt to build housing, but we know that that is a self-financing debt, creating no cost to the Universities or the government, paid for by students housing fees. All we want is for the government to let universities build business plans and execute them.”

With over 10,000 students on housing waitlists in BC each year, and with most regional universities unable to even offer housing, the demand for on campus housing is likely more than enough to fill Rogers Arena. Building student housing on campus only requires the province’s blessing and encouragement, and could go a long way to easing the heavy demands for market rental housing and public transit to campus’s across BC, while enriching the University experience of those that attend.

Student housing fees, set below market rates, can fully finance the building of housing. UBC is in the process of completing payment on several housing buildings where the mortgages were fully funded through affordably priced student housing fees. With vacancy rates in some parts of BC below 1% and housing affordability a constant topic of conversation, the ABCS would like to see the province allow University’s to do their part, pulling students out of the housing market, and onto campus.

“It is evident that students would value housing, but more importantly, it would be good for everyone in the wider community” remarked Mr. Fabry.

• Read the full press release here