WHY STUDENTS SUPPORT JOINING THE BCFS
Hear from students and students’ unions across British Columbia about what membership has meant for them, and why they believe UNBC undergraduates should vote yes.
Student 1 of 5
“Joining the BCFS gives UNBC students the opportunity to organise with students across British Columbia so our perspectives are heard. Together, we can better advocate for the issues that matter to students.”
“What strikes me most about the BCFS is seeing how rural and remote institutions have their voices amplified and their causes heard at the provincial level. BCFS membership means northern students would not be organising alone. It gives northern students a real, collective voice in decisions that affect all of BC.”
“The BCFS has made a huge impact on my student life. I would feel confident knowing the undergraduate students’ union at UNBC is supported and has a voice in province-wide issues.”
“I first knew the BCFS through its contributions to the student movement, particularly around equity. When I started at Vancouver Island University, seeing inclusive campaigns and materials—especially pronoun pins and the Unlearn campaign—helped make my institutional choice feel right. These small details matter to marginalised students and students facing equity barriers on campuses across BC.”
“Joining the BCFS means joining a broad community of more than 170,000 students standing together to ensure students are invested in and can achieve the opportunities they seek. University, college and trades students are helping build the future, and it is important that we stand together.”
Member Local Endorsements
Support from students’ unions
Students’ unions that already belong to the BCFS are supporting a Yes vote based on their own experience with membership.
![College of New Caledonia Students’ Union logo]()
A fellow northern students’ union
College of New Caledonia Students’ Union
“Membership in the BCFS means UNBC undergraduates would no longer be organising in isolation. It means shared research, shared campaign infrastructure and a more coordinated voice on the affordability and funding issues that affect northern students most.”
Read the full endorsement
College of New Caledonia Students’ Union
“Membership in the BCFS means UNBC undergraduates would no longer be organising in isolation. It means shared research, shared campaign infrastructure and a more coordinated voice on the affordability and funding issues that affect northern students most.”Read the full endorsement
To the Northern Undergraduate Students’ Society,
On behalf of the College of New Caledonia Students’ Union, we are writing to express our support for UNBC undergraduate students voting Yes to join the BC Federation of Students.
As a fellow northern institution, we understand the challenges that come with being a regional student: fewer transit options, higher costs of living, smaller campuses and a provincial conversation that does not always account for what it is like to study far from the Lower Mainland.
We have seen the value of organising firsthand. The College of New Caledonia Students’ Union has taken part in BCFS advocacy that helped win the elimination of interest on student loans and the creation of the BC Access Grant—changes that made a real difference for students’ finances, including here in Prince George. Membership has also given us access to skills training, conferences and a provincial platform to make sure northern students’ concerns are part of the conversation rather than an afterthought. Just as importantly, it has connected us with other students’ unions doing similar work across the province, so we are not figuring things out alone.
Membership in the BCFS will not solve every issue students face on its own, but it does mean UNBC undergraduates would no longer be organising in isolation. It means shared research, shared campaign infrastructure and a more coordinated voice on the affordability and funding issues that affect northern students most.
We encourage UNBC undergraduate students to vote Yes. A stronger northern voice in the provincial student movement is good for UNBC and good for students across BC.
Kerry Thomas
Chairperson, Upgrading and Access Representative
Navi Brar
Executive Director
College of New Caledonia Students’ Union
![Thompson Rivers University Students’ Union logo]()
Another regional university
Thompson Rivers University Students’ Union
“Based on our experience as a member organisation, we believe BCFS membership provides meaningful opportunities for collaboration, representation and advocacy, and we encourage UNBC undergraduate students to vote Yes.”
Read the full endorsement
Thompson Rivers University Students’ Union
“Based on our experience as a member organisation, we believe BCFS membership provides meaningful opportunities for collaboration, representation and advocacy, and we encourage UNBC undergraduate students to vote Yes.”Read the full endorsement
To the Members of the Northern Undergraduate Student Society,
On behalf of the members of the Thompson Rivers University Students’ Union, we are proud to express our support for the Northern Undergraduate Student Society’s referendum on joining the British Columbia Federation of Students. Based on our experience as a member organisation, we believe BCFS membership provides meaningful opportunities for collaboration, representation and advocacy, and we encourage UNBC undergraduate students to vote Yes.
Accessible, affordable and high-quality post-secondary education is best achieved when students work together to advance common goals while maintaining the autonomy and priorities of their local students’ unions. Students are strongest when they have opportunities to participate collectively in shaping the policies and decisions that affect their education, communities and future.
As the students’ union at another regional university, we understand that students outside the Lower Mainland often face unique challenges and that provincial policies can affect regional communities differently. Universities such as Thompson Rivers University and the University of Northern British Columbia serve vast geographic regions, support students from rural and Indigenous communities and play an essential role in making post-secondary education accessible throughout British Columbia.
Our experience as a member of the BCFS has demonstrated the value of building relationships with students and students’ unions from across British Columbia. Through Federation meetings, training opportunities and collaborative initiatives, student leaders can connect with peers facing similar challenges, share ideas and best practices and develop lasting networks.
The BCFS also provides research, training, communications support, advocacy resources and opportunities for collective learning that help member organisations build their capacity while continuing to focus on the unique needs and priorities of their own students and communities.
UNBC students bring important experiences, priorities and insights that deserve to be heard. Their participation would provide UNBC students with an additional avenue for advocacy and collaboration while strengthening students’ collective voice across British Columbia.
For these reasons, we encourage UNBC undergraduate students to vote Yes to join the British Columbia Federation of Students, and we look forward to working with you in the future.
The Board of Directors
Thompson Rivers University Students’ Union
Ready to decide?
Return to the referendum homepage to review the voting details, benefits and frequently asked questions.