All Candidates Forum
On Thursday, March 1, candidates for Central Student Association (CSA) executive positions discussed election issues in the UC courtyard. Major concerns were addressed by most candidates about the low turnout and the growing disconnect between the CSA and students.
Jack Fisher and Aidan Paskinov — candidates for the positions of CSA president and CSA vice-president student experience, respectively — are running unopposed. However, in order to claim their positions, they need at least 10 per cent of the student body to indicate their support by voting.
Fisher began the Q&A by clarifying that he could make no promises. He added that he does not have the authority to control tuition, nor the CSA. Fisher further expressed support for the on-campus fossil fuel divestment movement and creating more study spaces.
Paskinov stressed the importance of students being aware of the CSA and events they run across campus since students are paying for them in their tuition fees. He suggested using a dunk tank at O-Week, revitalizing Gryphons Got Talent, and having CSA pub nights to make the CSA more visible.
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Natalie Clarke and Tanya Vohra are the candidates for vice-president academic. Clarke, who has served as director of activities for the College of Arts Student Union, is focused on three general points: lowering textbook prices, curating more open resources, and adjusting exam structure.
Vohra is a work-study student who has been involved with the CSA since the summer of her second year when she worked in the front office. With her experience, Vohra plans on recognizing the progress that the CSA has already made, as well as advocating for a fall reading week, open educational resources, and investing in a self-reporting wellness tool used by other universities. The model practiced by other universities is redeemable for a three-day wellness break without a need for a doctor’s note, according to Vohra.
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Both vice-president external candidates, Kayla Weiler and Kate Bakos, expressed their support for the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS) during the forum because of the organization’s power as a lobbyist group within provincial and federal politics.
Weiler, the incumbent candidate, expressed her continued advocacy for the following initiatives: improved public transit and support for commuting students, and environmental causes such as Fossil Free Guelph.
Bakos aspires to generate further political awareness on campus through voter advocacy and civic education along with clear and concise communication with students. Bakos believes in the power of ‘small acts with big impacts,’ aiming to encourage more everyday green strategies.
Voting begins March 5 and ends March 7.
Photo by Michael Cimesa