UMSU executives had meetings with ministers and MLAs over several days during the summer and at the beginning of the academic year to discuss issues affecting students.
Heaven Kaur, UMSU president, described the meetings as part of “UMSU’s ongoing provincial advocacy work on behalf of [U of M] students,” which brings student concerns to government officials and other decision-makers.
The meetings covered several areas of student concern, including international student healthcare, tuition, transit and student support.
UMSU called for tuition increases to be capped at no more than two per cent annually and the reinstatement of the graduate tuition fee income tax rebate.
Concerning the issue of housing, the executives requested amendments to Bill 13 that would include post-secondary students in consultations with vulnerable populations and introduce data collection requirements specific to students.
On public transportation, UMSU advocated for the reinstatement of the 50-50 transit funding agreement between the province and municipalities.
The executives also touched on the Access for All partnership which addresses menstrual equity on campus. Kaur said UMSU plans to introduce a program in October providing “students who require menstrual products with a monthly supply of pads and/or tampons.”
Concerns about delays in Manitoba Student Aid processing were brought to the attention of Renée Cable, minister of advanced education and training, and action has been taken, Kaur said. The union’s advocacy will continue with a Sept. 29 rally at the Manitoba Legislative Building focused on healthcare coverage for international students.
The rally is being organized in collaboration with UMSU, the Red River College Polytech Students’ Association and the University of Winnipeg Students’ Association.
UMSU last organized a rally for the same cause in October 2025. The rally seeks to put pressure on the NDP government to follow through with their campaign promises to reinstate international students to the public healthcare coverage system and provide a timeline for doing so.
“Manitoba’s Enhanced Pharmacare Program currently requires an active Manitoba Health card, meaning international students who are not eligible for one cannot access the program’s coverage, including coverage for eligible birth-control products,” Kaur explained. She believed that “access to essential health care should not be determined by immigration status.”
Kaur hoped the rally will yield a positive outcome. She encouraged everyone to come together and participate in the upcoming rally in support of international students.
“My message to students [is] very simple. Your voice matters,” she said. “We are asking you to care about this issue and to stand with us as we call on the Government of Manitoba to reinstate international students to the public healthcare coverage system.”
The rally is scheduled for 10 a.m. in front of the Manitoba Legislative Building’s entrance. Free transportation will be provided for participants who require it, simply reach out to [email protected].
