Today, Students’ Union representatives met with the Minister of Advanced Education and Future Skills, Hon. Selina Robinson, to discuss the future of post-secondary education in British Columbia. The main request was for the government to infuse $200 million into the post-secondary system, freeze tuition fees, and progressively reduce the cost of tuition over time. This request is part of a campaign called Fund it, Fix it, which aims to address the funding model, tuition fee limit policy, and predictability of tuition fee increases for international students.

One of the key issues that the campaign highlights is changing the funding model for British Columbia's post-secondary institutions. The proportion of public funding to BC colleges and universities has dropped to 43.6% of total operating revenue, down from more than 80% in the 1980s and more than 90% in the 1970s. This has resulted in tuition fee revenues making up 47.6% of institutions' revenue, surpassing the proportion of government funding. Vancouver Island University (VIU), for example, has not had a funding model change since the early 2000s, which puts pressure on the institution to offer desirable programs while also meeting the needs of the job market. The lack of sufficient government funding has incentivized institutions to increase tuition and ancillary fees as much as possible, resulting in tuition fees in BC more than doubling since 2001.

The tuition fee limit policy has had a moderating effect on fee increases since its implementation, but its loopholes and limitations have allowed institutions to circumvent the rules for years. For example, in 2016-17 VIU implemented a new ancillary fee to pay for services previously covered by students' tuition fees. These new ancillary fees, which at VIU total almost one million dollars annually, are tuition fee increases by a different name and constitute an all-too-easy means to circumvent the government's Tuition Fee Limit Policy.

The lack of a tuition fee limit policy for international students allows institutions to implement substantial fee increases with only a few weeks' notice, leaving students scrambling to gather resources by whatever means necessary. This unsustainable model often results in students struggling to stay in BC to finish their studies, and potentially violating the terms of their student visa.

"I came to Canada hoping for a better education and a better life, but the unpredictable and constantly increasing tuition fees make it difficult for me to plan my future. It's not just about the financial burden; it's also the stress and uncertainty that comes with it." - Sarah Mei Lyana, International Student.

At the meeting, one of the topics discussed was the need for proper orientation programs to assist international and domestic students in navigating their new academic and cultural environment. Unfortunately, VIU's current approach is falling short of that promise. The promise of a supportive environment to succeed in their studies and career is a significant reason why international students choose to come to VIU, but without allocating proper funding and support for orientation programs, that promise is broken. It's time for VIU to invest more resources into these programs to ensure international students have the tools and support they need to succeed.

"I am disappointed to see that VIU is not adequately supporting international students in their success. Hosting orientation programs is crucial to helping students adjust to a new environment and setting them up for success. It is concerning that the university is relying on students to fundraise for these programs, and the lack of funding is a clear indication that VIU is not meeting its promises to international students. We must do better to ensure that all students, regardless of their background, have the support they need to succeed at VIU.” - Cole Reinbold, Director of External Relations.

The Fund it, Fix it campaign is an essential step towards a more equitable and accessible post-secondary education system in British Columbia. The government must prioritize investing in the post-secondary system and addressing the issues with the funding model, tuition fee limit policy, international student tuition fee increases, and adequate support for international students. By doing so, British Columbia can ensure that students have access to quality education that prepares them for the future, regardless of their background or financial situation.

Want to take action on this initiative? Send an email to your local MLA through the campaign website: funditfixit.ca/action