International Students and COVID–19

BC Federation of Students
BC Federation of Students
May 24, 2020 2 min read
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.
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International Workers’ Day

BC Federation of Students
BC Federation of Students
May 01, 2020 2 min read
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.
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Letter to Finance Minister regarding BC Access Grant

BC Federation of Students
BC Federation of Students
Apr 29, 2020 4 min read
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).
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An Earth Day Unlike Any Other

BC Federation of Students
BC Federation of Students
Apr 22, 2020 2 min read
April 22, 2020 marks the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day, an annual event that draws attention to the ongoing need for great environmental protections on our planet. The current COVID-19 crisis has given us the unique opportunity to see what our world could look like if we step up and combat climate change.
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Canada Emergency Student Benefit continues to leave Canadians behind

BC Federation of Students
BC Federation of Students
Apr 22, 2020 2 min read
The Federal Government has announced the Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB), a program that will provide some relief to those students who do not qualify for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). While this new program addresses some of the gaps in eligibility for the CERB, it provides markedly less financial support to students.
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Letter to Prime Minister Trudeau regarding Canada Emergency Response Benefit

BC Federation of Students
BC Federation of Students
Apr 21, 2020 4 min read
The Federal Government has implemented a number of programs to assist individuals and businesses who are struggling due to COVID-19. Among these programs, Employment Insurance (EI) and the new Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) attempt to assist individuals cope with a loss of income.
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BC Government launches free 24/7 mental health service for students

BC Federation of Students
BC Federation of Students
Apr 16, 2020 2 min read
The BC Government has announced an early launch of its mental health counselling and referral service for post-secondary students. The service, called Here2Talk, is a welcome aid for those currently struggling with the uncertainty brought about by COVID-19.
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A Message from the BCFS Chairperson

BC Federation of Students
BC Federation of Students
Apr 08, 2020 2 min read
With the sudden move to online classes, physical isolation, and loss or reduction of employment, this is a really hard time for students. I get it. But we are all in this together. Staying home and not hanging out with others is incredibly important to slowing the spread of COVID-19 and together we are making an impact.
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Grants Not Loans

BC Federation of Students
BC Federation of Students
Mar 30, 2020 6 min read
The BC government’s 2020 Budget has students and educators celebrating the introduction of an up-front, needs-based student grant program. The BC Access Grant is the first of its kind in BC in nearly two decades, and will help reduce student loan debt for thousands of British Columbians every year.
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COVID-19 Update: What does this mean for students?

BC Federation of Students
BC Federation of Students
Mar 20, 2020 6 min read
COVID-19, or the Coronavirus, has affected every aspect of our daily lives. In this time of uncertainty and rapidly changing circumstances, we want to help keep you in the loop of announcements, changes, and issues impacting students and young adults.
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