The Federal government’s recent decision to extend the moratorium on student loan repayment is being applauded as an important action to support Canadians. While technically non-binding, the resolution passed in the House of Commons by unanimous consent which means it has the support of all parties – including the governing Liberal Party.

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.

BC is in the midst of an economic downturn resulting from the COVID–19 global pandemic. Entire sectors of the economy have shut down or minimized operations, and it could be some time before they are running at their pre-February 2020 capacity. In times like these, education is a crucial tool that governments have used to spur economic recovery by training or re-training those who lost their jobs and are seeking new employment.

Students across British Columbia have been hit hard by the COVID–19 pandemic. A swift, chaotic shift to online classes paired with the virtual disappearance of summer employment has left many feeling anxious about their future. Lost or forgotten in the mix of emergency responses from provincial and federal governments are international students.

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.