The Strand: Can you outline the responsibilities of the VPSO and how you see your role within the wider context of VUSAC?
Basically, the responsibilities of the VPSO position focus [on] liaising between VUSAC and our clubs and levies. The VPSO traditionally brings clubs forward for ratification and generally provides support to clubs and levies. However, given Doug Ford’s recent move to make student fees optional, I think that this year’s VPSO will have to take a more advocacy-focused approach. Clubs and levies will be relying on VUSAC to provide them with the support, financial or not, they need to continue to provide amazing programming.
How long have you been involved in student politics, and what draws you to the position?
I’ve been involved in student politics since October 2017, when I was elected as a VUSAC Councillor. I was later elected as VUSAC Academic Commissioner in April of 2018. Throughout my time on VUSAC, I’ve seen the benefit which our student fees bring to the people at Vic. Doug Ford’s changes to student fees have endangered our clubs and levies so much that I knew I couldn’t stay on the sidelines. I’m running for VPSO because I’m optimistic about the future of student life at Vic, [and I] believe that I have the experience to make this optimism warranted!
If elected, what will be the focus of your time in office?
In one word: advocacy. I aim to renegotiate Vic Events’ Exclusive Catering Agreement to provide an exception for small events and to grant clubs, levies, and VUSAC internal catering status, as the Alumni Office, the Dean’s Office, and others currently enjoy. This will allow us to host great events for a fraction of the price. Additionally, I plan to advocate for and promote our clubs and levies at Orientation. Doing so may make the difference between whether or not people fund our essential organizations. Finally, I believe in advocating for more scholarships for student leaders and low-income students. This is crucial, since Doug Ford is slashing OSAP.
What previous experience do you believe qualifies you for the role of VPSO?
I’ve worked with VUSAC as a voting member for the past two years. I have a deep understanding of how to get goals and priorities through the Council. I will be able to be an effective advocate for our clubs and levies, many of whom I have worked with to some extent already. Additionally, I’ve been a part-time tutor for two and a half years. I’ve learned how to listen to people and how to get them what they need. Also, I’ve had the honour of serving as the chair for COSS (Council on Student Services) this past year and learned a lot about treating people with neutrality.
The office of the VPSO seems like it will be uniquely affected by the province’s recent decision to make student union fees “opt-in.” Facing the prospect of a lack of available funding, how do you think this will affect clubs and levies?
That’s a large part of why I’m running for the role. I think that this [opt-in fees] will affect clubs and levies, but it’s hard to tell what the exact effects will be. I’m pretty sure Doug Ford knows virtually nothing about the policy. His government has passed less information down to anyone else. There are avenues which will allow our clubs and levies to continue their operations into next year. Gaining $11,000 in additional funding through dissolving The Victoriad, offloading more of our costs onto Vic admin, or collaborating more with other groups with budgets. Additionally, I’ve committed to maintaining or increasing the clubs portion of the VUSAC budget, so that the Council doesn’t crush clubs to get money for itself.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
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