The Strand: Can you describe the positions you’re running for? How do you see your responsibilities?
The Victoria University Senate is responsible for honorary degrees, educational programming at Vic, and awards. Having served in the position already for a term, the responsibilities are those which I know clearly—to advocate on behalf of Vic students at the senate in order to make academic programming and awards more accessible. I’m disappointed that the senate cancelled this year’s meetings, however I still plan to pursue my plans in the coming year.
The University of Toronto Students’ Union, Victoria College Director, is Vic’s representation at the Board of Directors. They are responsible to report to VUSAC, hold office hours, and attend [UTSU] committee and board meetings. It is the responsibility of the Vic Director to be constantly in contact with VCU members. I plan on doing that by attending as many VUSAC meetings as possible. In my first year Jayde, who is now the sitting VUSAC President, played a role in forming idea of what a Vic director should be. In terms of accountability and transparency she set a high standard to VCU members. I’ll hold myself to this standard and hold any member of the UTSU Board of Directors [as well].
What will be the focus of your tenure in each position?
I still stand firmly committed to renaming the Ryerson stream of Vic One, and thanks to the sitting VPE, the issue has been made apparent to senate members. I would like to see changes to the Jackman Humanities Program because it is currently not accessible nor equitable to low-income students. I’d also like to see bursaries made available to non-Ontarian and international students in need. I would Introduce a process whereby scholarship winners who do not need the money can keep the award but voluntarily donate scholarship funds to bursaries.
For the UTSU position I am running on a 10-point platform that can be summarized by bringing Advocacy, Accessibility and Accountability back to the forefront of the UTSU. My top two priorities are to run an equity audit then implement its findings, and to pursue governance reform that is horizontal and democratic. I will advocate that the UTSU re–evaluate its membership within the Canadian Federation of Students by holding a referendum. Another priority stems from having worked in the provincial government under Ford. Seeing what is coming out of Queens Park, this priority is to directly confront the Ford government regarding the Student Choice Initiative. I see this as a prelude to union busting. Ensuring that labor and economic justice is achievable in this society starts with Students’ Unions effectively fighting the Ford government’s disgusting political choices.
How do you feel about running unopposed to both your positions? Why should someone vote for you rather than abstain?
I’m very bothered by that. I’ve been running a campaign because it is still my responsibility to make sure students know what I stand for. Declining student participation in campus politics and elections not just [an issue] in Toronto, but in Canada. It is indicative of the fact that our representatives are not doing enough. The reason why it was so easy for a former UTSU President to call that organization a “dumpster fire” is because people just believe it—because that is their experience in dealing with student politics. Participation in student politics is about solidarity, debate and building communities that we want to see. Student politics have a direct relation to larger scale politics. So that’s the reason not to abstain a vote. At my core I believe in my accountability to VCU members so before any large decisions I will consult them.
Is there anything else you’d briefly add or like voters to know?
I’ve mentioned over and over and over again that I have a ten–point platform so you should know what it is:
1) Conduct, Review and Implement an External Equity Audit.
2) Transparency in Advocacy Work.
3) Pushing Back Against the Student Choice Initiative.
4) Governance Reform.
5) Opportunities for Clubs and Organizations That Do Good to Grow.
6) Advocate for an Accessible Accessibility Services.
7) Improving Out-of-Province and International Students’ Experience.
8) Good Jobs and Career-Focused Programming.
9) Divestment.
10) Office Hours and More Personal Communications.
This interview was conducted over email and has been edited for length and clarity.
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