BCFS pen open letter to premier
The BC Federation of Students (BCFS) has been joined by student unions and other partners in writing an open letter to BC premier David Eby calling for immediate action in addressing systemic issues within post-secondary institutions. The open letter is titled “We Can Do Better for Students: Our Vision for a Post-Secondary Education System that Delivers for Students and Communities in BC.” One issue covered in the letter is post-secondary institutions’ over-reliance on international student fees, which will be tested for the duration of the two-year international student cap. Additionally, the letter calls for placing a two-percent annual cap on international student tuition and releasing a plan on how study permits will be issued to international students in BC. All Camosun College students are BCFS members. Look for our full story on this letter soon.
Construction to disrupt Interurban commute
BC Hydro could begin construction in late 2025 or early 2026 on two aging underground transmission cables that are at moderate risk of failing, which is expected to cause major traffic disruptions for Camosun students travelling to the Interurban campus, as well as at other points in Victoria, Saanich, and Esquimalt. One underground cable, which first went into service in 1976, runs from Topaz Avenue along Burnside Road East and Interurban Road. Single-lane alternating traffic is expected along Interurban Road throughout construction, which is estimated to take around two years.
Government was warned about increasing international student working hours
It recently came to light that in 2022, public servants sent documents addressed to then minister of immigration, refugees and citizenship Sean Fraser warning the federal government of the risks associated with allowing international students to work more than 20 hours a week. The cap on 20-hour work weeks was lifted for eligible international students from November 15, 2022 to April 30, 2024. By extending the hours, the federal government was hoping to ease labour shortages. However, public servants said in a memorandum to Fraser that waiving the cap on working hours could shift international students’ focus away from their studies, instead placing a greater importance on work, causing concern over integrity in international student programs.