Statement on BC Government Investigation into the Kwantlen Student Association

The British Columbia Federation of Students (BCFS) welcomes the Minister of Finance’s investigation into the Kwantlen Student Association (KSA) to address the serious allegations of misuse of students’ money.

Students’ union fees are paid by students to fund services and supports that improve their lives on and off campus. In cases like this where there are serious concerns about the misuse of students’ funds, protecting the student membership must be the priority.

If the investigation finds that wrongdoing occurred, those responsible should be held accountable and meaningful corrective measures within the KSA should be taken so the trust of students at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) can be restored.

While this investigation is necessary, it is important not to lose sight of the essential role that students’ unions play on campuses across British Columbia.

Students’ unions administer essential services including health and dental plans, U-pass, food banks, and grants that support students facing financial hardship. They also provide a voice for students within their institution and with all levels of government – which is especially valuable at a time when public post-secondary institutions are facing significant financial pressures.

The allegations of financial mismanagement within the KSA are deeply concerning; however, situations like this are extremely rare in British Columbia. The vast majority of students’ unions operate with strong democratic practices and financial safeguards in place to ensure fees are managed responsibly. Elected student representatives are accountable to their members, and if students have questions about how their fees are spent, they should hold them accountable through democratic participation in the society. Government intervention should remain rare but may be warranted in exceptional circumstances.  

Conduct that undermines democratic accountability, responsible governance, transparency, and service to members weakens the trust in student organisations. It stands in stark contrast to the values upheld by the BCFS and its member local students’ unions. We will always stand firmly for the responsible stewardship of students’ money.

The students at KPU deserve a students’ union that operates with integrity and uses their fees to provide the services, supports, and advocacy they rely on.