News briefs
CFS-Q reform package met by threats of legal action
MONTREAL (CUP) – THE QUEBEC BRANCH of the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS-Q) has released a reform package designed to keep member schools within the Federation—a reaction to the 13 schools threatening to leave the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS). In response, the CFS legal counsel announced that CFS-Q was no longer part of the organization because the branch was “engaged in activities which have caused and continue to cause damages to the CFS.”
“They say they are threatening us because we are harming the Federation, but how can you say the rights of the members as spelled out in the constitution are in conflict with the interests of the federation?” asked Gregory Johannson, president of CFS-Q.
CFS-Q and associated student unions plan to push the package to be adopted by the organization at the upcoming semi-annual CFS general meeting in November. CFS-Q claims that five to 10 member locals have already pledged to support the reform package.
—Justin Giovannetti, The Link
Questions arise over expensive WLU fundraising event
WATERLOO (CUP) – WILFRID LAURIER UNIVERSITY students expressed concern over a fundraising event that raised a very small donation relative to the cost of the event itself.
The Wilfrid Laurier University Students’ Union (WLUSU) generated a total of $158.99 to donate to the KidsAbility Foundation from their annual Charity Ball, which cost approximately $30,000.
“It just looks really sketchy when there’s a $30,000 [budget] and you’re giving $150 and change,” said WLUSU Board of Directors member Greg Evans.
WLUSU President Laura Sheridan feels that the Charity Ball had other successes, despite the lack of a significant monetary donation. Another board director, Jacqueline Dobson, has suggested changing the name of the event to better reflect its goals.
“In the future, Charity Ball needs to make sure students aren’t being misled into thinking that all of their money is going to charity,” said Evans. “It is a morally grey area.”
Still, the question remains as to whether there will be a strict protocol implemented to monitor the committee’s expenditure.
—Alanna Wallace, The Cord
