At the University of Waterloo, students are raising serious concerns over Bill 33, a provincial government initiative they fear could drastically alter campus life. Services that many students rely on daily, such as mental health support, emergency food programs, and independent student newspapers, are believed to be at risk.
The provincial government asserts that Bill 33, officially named The Supporting Children and Students Act, aims to enhance oversight and prevent financial mismanagement within educational institutions. However, students view this as a potential loss of control over the very programs and resources they have helped establish and continue to fund.
The Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association (WUSA), representing over 30,000 students in the region, is at the forefront of this growing opposition.
What is Bill 33?
Officially titled The Supporting Children and Students Act, Bill 33 proposes changes to the Child, Youth, and Family Services Act. The Ontario government states that its objectives include:
- Strengthening accountability and oversight within schools and post-secondary institutions.
- Addressing instances of financial mismanagement by school boards.
- Granting the provincial government broader authority to influence policies related to student funding and services.
Critics, including WUSA, contend that these expanded powers could significantly diminish student involvement in crucial decisions, particularly regarding optional fees. These fees are vital for funding critical services like mental health programs, emergency food assistance, equity initiatives, and student-run media outlets.
Why Students are Concerned
WUSA emphasizes that student fees are not arbitrarily decided but reflect the collective needs and values of the student body. Remington Zhi, Vice President of WUSA, explained, “We vote for these fee structures because they reflect what we collectively value: emergency food support, mental health programming, and equity-based resources. Bill 33 risks pulling the rug out from under those services and from students, without consulting us at all.”
Alicia Wang, a senior editor at Imprint, the University of Waterloo’s independent newspaper, further highlighted the critical role of student media. “Student media is essential. It provides students with a voice to hold universities and student associations accountable. Bill 33 rides roughshod over decisions students have already made on what they value and need on campus,” Wang stated.
Student Response and Mobilization
In a concerted effort to challenge the bill, WUSA has formally submitted feedback to the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, as well as to local Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs). They have organized roundtables with influential political figures, including Marit Stiles, Catherine Fife, and Peggy Sattler, alongside representatives from various local universities, colleges, and other student associations.
Furthermore, WUSA is actively supporting a petition initiated by MPP Catherine Fife and is coordinating a province-wide response with other student associations should the bill proceed without substantial revisions.
What’s Next
WUSA is actively encouraging students and the wider Waterloo community to voice their concerns and champion campus democracy. They issued a statement urging the region to “stand with students in defending student democracy.”
As Bill 33 continues its journey through the legislative process, student groups remain steadfast in their pursuit of meaningful consultation, underscoring the indispensable importance of student voices in shaping policies that directly impact their academic experience and overall well-being.