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CASA Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2026
Discover highlights from CASA’s 2026 Annual General Meeting, including federal advocacy updates, student funding wins, leadership insights, and future priorities shaping Canadian student policy.
Delegates:
Gurpreet Singh (SUS VP External)
Bilal Faisal Faheem (SUS President)
Date:
25 Mar, 2026 – 27 Mar, 2026
Location:
Montreal, Québec
In March 2026, two executives from UFV Student Union Society travelled to Montreal to attend the CASA’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), hosted by the Athabasca University Graduate Student’s Association (AUGSA), Athabasca University Student’s Union (AUSU) and Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA).
The AGM represents CASA' s final Meeting of Members for this student leadership year. It serves as a key oppurtunity for membership to conclude the fiscal year by approving any political policies and operating procedures developed throughout the year. Delegates also evaluate CASA’s progress, approve the upcoming budget and prepare incoming representatives for a successful transition. A major focus this year was establishing advocacy priorities for 2026–2027, particularly in light of an earlier-than-usual federal budget cycle.
As we prepare to depart for the conference, we received the news of extension to the Canada Student Grants(CSG) – an initiative we strongly supported through CASA’s federal advocacy efforts. This extension maintains the temporary 40% increase in Canada Student Financial Assistance maximums for the 2026–2027 academic year, continuing enhanced support levels first introduced in 2023.
Prior to the AGM, we visited the Parliament Hill in Ottawa on 24th Mar and met with Members of Parliament, including Patty Hajdu (ThunderBay – Superior North), Fares Al Soud (Mississauga Centre) and Anna Gainey (Notre-Dame-de-Grâce—Westmount).
Conference Highlights: Key Discussions
Day 1 began with an overview of AGM, which offered delegates the opportunity to ask questions before we got into the conference. The day continued with the Opening plenary and updates from the Board of Directors and various committees. Each Board Director presented their respective Action Plan and Committee Work Plan to the membership. The National Indigenous Advocacy Committee also presented the Future Generations Plan, and delegates engaged in an overview of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategic Plan Year-in-Review.
Day 2 was when we reflected back on this year’s advocacy and set the direction for next year’s priorities. Delegates received a Government Relations update since CASA’s Foundations conference. We also participated in a session to reflect on committee engagement experiences and provide feedback. Your VPE, Gurpreet, alongside CASA’s Secretary, presented a proposal for CASA to undertake a governance audit in the upcoming fiscal year, followed by a Financial Update and Budget YE 2027 presentation by your President, Bilal, in his capacity as CASA’s Treasurer. Delegates also engaged in a roundtable session to provide feedback on CASA’s Strategic Plan progress over the past year. The day concluded with the AGM Awards Gala, recognizing the contributions of delegates.
Bilal received an award recognizing his contributions and reliability as CASA’s Treasurer and Gurpreet was honoured as “Most Valuable Committee Member” for his consistant initiative within the Governance and Internal Review Committee (GIRC).
The final day focused on transitioning incoming representatives and planning for the year ahead. Discussions addressed common misconceptions, leadership transitions and resources needed to support incoming delegates. A feedback session on the alignment of CASA‘s advocacy campaigns in expectations towards delegates and their home student unions. This was followed by a presentation on the advocacy priorities for 2026-2027. The priority themes were as follows:
· Student Financial Aid
· UEQ Ask (Research)
· Indigenous Advocacy
· Employment
· Housing
· International Students
We also participated in a Student Union Swag Swap, exchanging items that represent institutions as a way to remember. The conference concluded with the closing plenary, where we approved CASA’s Budget for 2026-27, priority themes, policy updates and operating procedures. The event ended with “CASA-oke” one last time, a Karaoke tradition at CASA that is held at the end of each conference.
What’s next?
The outcomes of AGM 2026 will guide CASA’s advocacy and organizational priorities over the coming year.
As this conference also marks the end of our terms as representatives of UFVSUS for 25-26, contributing to national student advocacy has been both a privilege and a deeply rewarding experience. From policy discussions to building connections with student leaders across the country, this journey has truly showcased the importance of collective student voices in shaping student life.
As we pass on these responsibilities to the incoming executives with confidence in their abilities, we hope they will build on the progress made and continue to advocate with the same commitment and purpose.
SUS President Bilal Faisal Faheem and SUS Vice President External Gurpreet Singh…Signing off!
- Gurpreet Singh
Vice President External
International Tuition Cap Report
The UFV Student Union Society conducted a campus-wide survey to understand student perspectives on tuition increases and the possibility of introducing a cap on annual international tuition increases at the institutional level.
Press release: Join the 2026 SUS AGM: Lunch, Updates and a Chance to Win a Macbook
Your Student Union exists to represent and serve you, and AGM is one of the most important ways students can stay informed and be part of that conversation.
Dear Students,
I invite you to join us for the 2026 SUS Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 11:00 am, taking place in Evered Hall in the S building at the UFV Abbotsford Campus.
Your Student Union exists to represent and serve you, and AGM is one of the most important ways students can stay informed and be part of that conversation. To thank students for taking the time to attend, complimentary lunch will be provided, and attendees will be entered into a draw to win a brand-new Apple MacBook Neo.
The AGM is an opportunity for students to come together and learn about the work SUS has been doing on your behalf over the past year. During the meeting, we will share highlights from our advocacy and initiatives, present our annual operations report and audited financial statements. This would provide a space for students to ask questions, share feedback, and engage with their Student Union Society.
All UFV students are encouraged to attend. No prior registration is necessary, so feel free to drop in to stay informed, join the conversation, and learn more about the work your Student Union is doing to represent and support students at UFV.
The meeting agenda and additional information will be available on www.ufvsus.ca/agm, prior to the AGM. For any questions, concerns and thoughts, please email me at president@ufvsus.ca.
I hope to see you there!
BILAL FAISAL FAHEEM
PRESIDENT
2026 UFV Student Union Elections: Voting Guide for Students
Find out how to participate in the 2026 UFV Student Union Elections, review candidates, and cast your secure online ballot.
Between assignments, midterms, group chats, and “I’ll do it later,” there’s one email a lot of students quietly forget to see every year.
and that’s the UFV Student Union Elections email.
This year, voting runs from March 2 to March 5, 2026. And it takes less time than ordering coffee on campus.
If you’re a student at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV), here’s what you need to know.
What Even Is a UFV Student Union Election?
The UFV Student Union (SUS) elections decide who leads student representation for the upcoming year.
These are students who:
Advocate for you in meetings with university leadership
Allocate funding for clubs and events
Influence policies that affect campus life
Manage how your student fees are used
Shape initiatives across UFV campuses
So yeah. It’s not just posters and campaign slogans.
When Is Voting Open?
March 2 to March 5
Miss it, and you miss it.
No extensions. No “I thought it was tomorrow.”
How to Vote in the UFV Student Union Elections
It’s fully online. Secure. Simple.
Step 1: Check Your UFV Student Email
You’ll receive a message from ElectionRunner.
This email contains your unique voting ballot link.
It’s personalized. It can’t be shared. It’s one vote per student.
If you don’t see it, search your inbox for “ElectionRunner.”
Step 2: Click Your Unique Ballot Link
No complicated login process.
The link takes you straight to your secure ballot.
Step 3: Review the Candidates (Please Don’t Skip This)
Before you vote, actually look at who’s running.
👉 Review all UFV Student Union candidates here: ufvsus.ca/elections
Read their statement.
See what they prioritize.
Ask yourself who aligns with the kind of campus experience you want.
Step 4: Submit Your Vote
Select your candidates. Double-check. Submit.
Done in 2–3 minutes.
Why This Actually Matters at UFV
It’s easy to say, “Student politics doesn’t affect me.”
But the Student Union influences:
Club funding
Advocacy campaigns
Student Services
Campus Initiatives
Representation at the University of the Fraser Valley
If you’ve ever complained about something on campus, this is your moment to influence who’s working on it.
Quick Reminder Before March 5
✔ Voting runs March 2–5
✔ Check your UFV student email
✔ Open the ElectionRunner message
✔ Use your unique ballot link
✔ Review candidates before voting
✔ Submit before the deadline
It’s small effort. Real impact.
March 2 to March 5.
Open the email.
Vote like your campus experience depends on it!