During the first VP External debate of this AMS elections cycle, candidates agreed on lobbying priorities but showed differences in experience and attitudes towards UCRU.
On the provincial funding formula for post-secondary institutions, both candidates agreed it needed to be updated.
Irfan discussed wanting to partner with the ministry of advanced education.
Sawatzky said “reviewing this formula will also take pressure off of international students,” as they currently make a majority of UBC’s budget revenue.
On the newly released provincial budget for 2024, both candidates brought up the lack of post secondary funding.
"I think it would have been nice to see a little bit more funding towards our post-secondaries," said Sawatzky.
“There was no commitment to funding for the Skytrain at UBC, which I feel like is a dead horse we are kicking,” said Irfan.
However Irfan, said she liked the new tax credit of up to $400 per year for renters, but added this was a “band-aid solution.”
Questions about priorities municipally led to different responses. Sawatzky jumped to transit, an area he talked about much during the debate, and said he wants to bring back the 480 bus.
Irfan noted transit's collaborative nature with the provincial and federal government. She said she would also focus on “working with municipalities to increase funding to community centric food banks with high student demographics in the greater Vancouver area.”
On relevant experience, Irfan emphasized the importance of her experience at all levels of government, especially lobbying.
“I have learned that the AMS needs to have a bigger presence in Ottawa. We are seriously not lobbying the federal government enough.”
Sawatzky said while he does not have extensive experience in terms of lobbying the government, he does have “a large interest in local politics.” He added that he has volunteered as a local correspondent and has been the VP External of other organizations.
Candidates also discussed the AMS’s relationship with the Undergraduates of Canadian Research Intensive Universities (UCRU), which the AMS is currently a member of. Sawatzky said “I have heard UCRU sometimes is not very effective.”
“I think it could be on the table to look into not necessarily relying on UCRU and perhaps starting a new organization,” he said.
Irfan disagreed and said “There is no need to reinvent the wheel.”
Ifran continued, “We will be joining the observership program if I do get elected … I will be competing for the chair [of UCRU] again.”
Sawatzky then clarified “I am not fully advocating for a departure of UCRU. I am just leaving it on the table that if we all collectively think that would be the right decision that is something I am open to.”
The candidates will debate again on February 29 at 2:30 p.m. in the Michael Kingsmill Forum.
This article is part of our 2024 AMS Elections coverage. Follow us at @UbysseyNews on X (formerly Twitter) and follow our election coverage starting February 27.
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