For the first time ever, Vancouver Island University (VIU) will host polling stations on campus, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s history. This monumental step in democratic participation is part of the broader Generation Vote Now campaign, empowering students to have their voices heard on critical issues affecting their lives, their education, and their future.

Polling Dates and Times:

• October 16 (Advance Polling): 8am to 8pm, B.300 - Upper Cafeteria

• October 19 (Election Day): 1pm to 6pm, B.300 - Upper Cafeteria

This means students, staff, and the wider VIU community have an accessible opportunity to vote directly on campus, ensuring that making your voice count is easier than ever.

Why This Matters

Bringing polling stations to VIU reflects the growing recognition of the importance of student engagement in the electoral process. This move not only eliminates logistical barriers for students who might have previously struggled to vote but also acknowledges the political power of youth voices. In this election, students are a force to be reckoned with, and their votes will shape the policies that directly impact their academic and personal lives.

This is an incredible opportunity to show that students care deeply about issues like mental health resources, housing affordability, food security, and Indigenous supports. These topics resonate with the student body and were front and centre at the All Candidates Forum.

The Success of the All Candidates Forum

On October 8, VIUSU and the VIU Political Studies Department hosted an incredibly successful All Candidates Forum, where all six candidates from the Nanaimo-Gabriola and Nanaimo-Lantzville ridings gathered to discuss pressing student issues. With VIU’s Malaspina Theatre as the backdrop, candidates took on topics that weigh heavily on the student population:

1. Food Insecurity: Candidates were asked how they plan to address food insecurity, a significant issue linked to the rising cost of living, particularly affecting students and young adults. Many students rely on temporary solutions like meal vouchers and grocery gift cards through accessibility services at VIU. The question focused on the long-term strategies to ensure consistent access to affordable, nutritious food for students. Candidates provided a range of responses, discussing policies aimed at reducing food costs, expanding local food programs, and supporting campus food initiatives.

2. Housing Affordability: With many students facing homelessness or spending most of their income on rent, the forum addressed how parties plan to increase affordable housing options near campuses. Candidates were asked about their commitment to building more student housing and making rent more affordable, especially considering the ongoing housing crisis. This question led to responses on the importance of increasing the number of student-specific housing units, as well as exploring partnerships with universities to provide more on-campus accommodations.

3. Institutional Funding: VIU, like many post-secondary institutions, faces budget deficits and relies heavily on international student tuition. Candidates were asked how their parties would commit to ensuring that BC’s public post-secondary institutions receive adequate funding to reduce financial dependence on international students. Responses varied, with candidates proposing solutions such as increasing provincial funding, and applying pressure to the federal government around the recent policy changes limiting international student visas.

4. Mental Health Support: The growing concern of mental health was a key focus, especially the limited resources available to students. Candidates were asked what steps they would take to improve access to timely, affordable, and culturally competent mental health services for all students in BC. With long wait times and limited counselling staff, the candidates offered solutions that included increasing funding for mental health services, and hiring more counsellors, as well as offered a reminder of widely accessible programs that exist such as Here2Talk.

5. Indigenous Student Supports: The forum also highlighted the challenges Indigenous students face in completing their post-secondary education. Candidates were asked what specific steps their parties would take to enhance funding for Indigenous services and supports, such as scholarships and in-community learning hubs, to reduce interruptions in their academic journeys. The responses emphasized the need for dedicated funding, working with indigenous communities to identify key issues, and improving culturally relevant resources to support Indigenous student success.

The forum was an engaging and meaningful conversation, shedding light on how each candidate plans to address these critical issues. It reinforced the importance of student advocacy and underscored the role students play in holding elected officials accountable for the future of post-secondary education in BC.

We thank everyone who attended the All Candidates Forum. We hope to see you at the on-campus polling stations and that you encourage your peers to join you. Let’s change the narrative and show that the youth vote matters!

Photo’s by Alex Harte Photography