We made it — it’s September and a new school year is here! This past year has been interesting to say the least… time has somehow felt like it’s been in slow motion and on fast forward all at once. The COVID–19 pandemic means this school year will be very different: returning students will continue to adapt to studying online, new students have had their vision of their first semester at college or university turned upside down. As we move through the coming months, we will all undoubtedly have more ups and downs to navigate.

The BC Federation of Students condemns the violence perpetrated by the RCMP officer against a UBC Okanagan student during a “wellness check” in early 2020. The willful ignorance and use of force against the student, which recently became public, is inexcusable.

The whole world is watching the most recent events of police brutality, with George Floyd as one of the most recent victims, being murdered by Minnesota Police Officers. As protests have broken out across the United States we have all been a witness to police violence against protestors.

May 1, 2020, marks the 115th anniversary of May Day, also known as International Workers’ Day, an annual event that draws attention to the importance of workers’ needs, struggles, and accomplishments. This May Day is unique as the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all workers in our communities.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a severe lack of jobs for students, who typically rely on summer employment to save up for the high expenses of next year’s tuition fees and other costs. Even if they can access the Canada Emergency Response Benefit or the Canada Emergency Student Benefit, the amount they receive is only enough to sustain them on an immediate timeframe (money for food, rent, and little else).

Menstrual products are a basic necessity, but for disadvantaged people or those living in poverty, it can be difficult to find products that are both affordable and sanitary. For students, this issue impedes our day-to-day functioning, and can often put us in undignified situations.

Whether it’s getting to or from school, work, or a night out with friends, safety and reliability of transportation options is a key issue for students and young people. That’s why the prospect of ridesharing services is so popular. I’m not just talking about people in urban areas like Metro Vancouver or Victoria, but also those in Terrace, Quesnel, and other places around the province.

The BC Federation of Students has officially launched its newest campaign, titled Knock Out Interest, which calls on the Trudeau government to eliminate interest on federal student loans. Education-related costs such as tuition fees, textbooks, and other expenses continue to increase rapidly, forcing half of all students to take on debt in order to access post-secondary education.

Following province-wide consultations, the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services reported funding, access, and affordability as key themes discussed throughout Committee submissions.