New school year means more student loan debt

BC Federation of Students
BC Federation of Students
Sep 02, 2019 2 min read
As students across the province head to college and university campuses today, many of them will be thinking hard about their student loans. Without a student grant program in BC, debt is the only way half of all students and their families can afford to attend post-secondary education.

Students Aim to Combat Period Poverty

BC Federation of Students
BC Federation of Students
Jul 16, 2019 3 min read
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.

California announces two years free college; meanwhile, BC tuition fees continue to rise

BC Federation of Students
BC Federation of Students
Jul 10, 2019 2 min read
The Government of California has announced that it is providing two years of tuition fee free college for students graduating from California high schools. The initiative was approved with the recent passing of the state budget. Meanwhile in British Columbia, tuition fees continue to rise to historic levels, further strapping students with debt and closing the doors to those without the means to pay high up-front costs.

Recommendations to 2020 BC Budget Consultation

BC Federation of Students
BC Federation of Students
Jun 28, 2019 1 min read
Making post-secondary education affordable and accessible to all falls directly in line with the three key commitments the current government has made to British Columbians: to make life more affordable; to deliver services that people count on; and to build a strong, sustainable, innovative economy that works for everyone. Enacting students' priorities for Budget 2020 will help the government keep its commitments to British Columbians.

Statement on National Indigenous Peoples Day

BC Federation of Students
BC Federation of Students
Jun 21, 2019 < 1 min read
On National Indigenous Peoples Day, the British Columbia Federation of Students would like to acknowledge the great injustices faced by Indigenous people across this country as a result of its colonial past and the present colonial laws and policies that continue to undermine the rights and freedoms of the first people of this land. We would also like to acknowledge the great contributions that Indigenous people make to British Columbia, one of the most diverse provinces in terms of Indigenous culture and heritage.

Submission to the Fair Wages Commission

BC Federation of Students
BC Federation of Students
May 29, 2019 1 min read
The Federation has advocated for the rise of the minimum wage to $15, has submitted recommendations for changes to the Employment Standards Act, and has now also provided recommendations on ways to begin addressing the discrepancy between the minimum wage and a living wage in BC.

Campaign Update: Open Textbooks Now!

BC Federation of Students
BC Federation of Students
Apr 30, 2019 < 1 min read
In June 2018, the provincial government provided BCcampus with $250,000 to create or adapt open textbooks for all course levels in the BC Adult Dogwood diploma (adult basic education), including math, English, science, social science, computer studies, education, and career planning.

Students Applaud Open Education Resource Funding

BC Federation of Students
BC Federation of Students
Apr 17, 2019 2 min read
Students are applauding the BC government’s announced funding infusion for the development of open education resources (OERs). The $3.26 million in additional funding for BCcampus will enable the agency to create and enhance open resources such as textbooks, online assignments, and practice exams that will be available free for students and instructors at BC post-secondary institutions.

Ridesharing in BC is good for students

BC Federation of Students
BC Federation of Students
Apr 11, 2019 2 min read
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.

Reviewing the 2019 Federal Budget

BC Federation of Students
BC Federation of Students
Apr 02, 2019 7 min read
Budget 2019, entitled Investing in the Middle Class, was released by the Federal Government on March 19, 2019. The Budget makes a series of targeted, relatively small investments in a series of post-secondary related targets, such as workers in training, Indigenous education, research funding, and reducing interest on student loans. Overall there are several items for students to celebrate, as the investments bring some relief to several demographics of students.