On October 24, 2026, British Columbians participated in the provincial election, electing a new government to represent the province. The University of the Fraser Valley Student Union Society (UFVSUS) congratulates the newly elected government and looks forward to working collaboratively to advance issues that matter to UFV students. We also extend our sincere appreciation to the outgoing government for its service to the province, as well as to all candidates who put their names forward in this election, including those who are students themselves, for their contributions to the democratic process.
Cancelled All Candidates Debate
SUS, in collaboration with the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce, had planned to host an all-candidates’ debate on Monday, October 19. The event was intended to bring together candidates running in Abbotsford-Mission, Abbotsford South, and Abbotsford West.
The debate was designed to give UFV students and members of the wider community an opportunity to hear directly from those seeking to represent them in the provincial legislature. SUS was looking forward to hosting a discussion about issues affecting students, including post-secondary funding and the rising cost of living.
On October 15, several candidates withdrew from the debate. SUS had advocated to proceed with the debate; however, the event was cancelled because organizers could no longer provide the non-partisan, multi-party discussion originally planned. For more details about the debate, please visit this link.
All-candidates debates provide an important opportunity for voters to hear candidates explain their positions and respond to questions. They also allow students to learn more about the people seeking to represent their communities before casting their ballots. For UFV students, these conversations are particularly important because provincial decisions directly affect post-secondary education.
Students deserve opportunities to hear how candidates would address the financial pressures facing institutions and the challenges students encounter in accessing and completing their education. The cancellation meant that students lost an opportunity to hear candidates discuss these issues together in a public forum.
Continuing to Seek Answers on Post-Secondary Education
Although the debate did not take place, the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce released a report containing written responses from local candidates to questions submitted by SUS and other participating organizations. Below are the three questions SUS submitted for the debate. The complete report, including candidate responses, is available here.
1. Provincial Funding for Public Post-Secondary Institutions
B.C.’s public post-secondary institutions are facing significant financial pressures following federal reductions to international student study permits. Rising operating costs have added to these challenges. Would you support increasing provincial operating funding to help institutions manage these pressures and protect students from program and service cuts? If elected, what specific actions would you take?
2. Domestic Tuition and Mandatory Fees
Post-secondary institutions across B.C. have been reducing staffing and cutting programs amid financial pressures. Do you support maintaining the provincial policy that limits annual increases to domestic tuition and mandatory fees to 2%? How would you ensure students can afford their education while institutions receive sufficient funding to maintain educational quality?
3. Transparency and the Future of B.C.’s Post-Secondary System
The provincial government commissioned an independent review of the long-term sustainability of B.C.’s public post-secondary system. Its recommendations were originally expected by March 15, 2026. Students and institutions need clarity on the review’s findings and the province’s next steps. Will you commit to publicly releasing the full report? How would you approach implementing its recommendations if elected? These questions reflect concerns that affect students throughout British Columbia. Adequate public funding helps institutions maintain educational opportunities, while tuition policies influence whether students can afford to pursue their studies. Students also deserve transparency about the decisions that will shape the future of their education
Going Forward
While the cancellation of the debate was disappointing, SUS appreciates the candidates who took the time to provide written responses and the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce for making these perspectives available to the community. SUS remains committed to advocating for accessible, affordable, and high-quality post-secondary education, regardless of which political party forms government. We look forward to engaging with elected representatives across party lines to ensure that student perspectives are considered in decisions affecting post-secondary education.
We encourage UFV students to remain informed, engaged, and active in the democratic process. Meaningful student representation extends beyond election periods, and SUS will continue to seek opportunities for students to engage with decision-makers, ask questions, and have their voices heard.