Kai Jassal
Kai Jassal is a 20-year-old economics student who said he is motivated by friends and other students he meets who work hard, but cannot get a break because of the rising costs of gas, grocery, rent and tuition.
Jassal explained that he is running to “help students through this affordability crisis, to stand up to the government, to fight inflation, crime and bad deals that are making life harder.”
“I know how to do a tough job and get results,” said Jassal. He stated that he has previously served as a leader in high school and as an organizer since starting university two years ago.
“I have the economic experience to fix UMSU and a track record of standing up to the city, the province and to Ottawa, so I know that I’ll be able to get UMSU a better deal,” he said.
Jassal acknowledged that affordability is the main pillar of his platform and stated that it is the main issue in this election. He added that it is “the number one issue facing Manitoban students. They’re working one, two, even three jobs while trying to get a degree, and my plan for a first-in-a-generation rate cut will lower the UMSU membership to $100 per semester.”
The UMSU membership fee is currently $136.90 per semester, according to the union’s website.
“That’s money saved, which can go toward gas, grocery or rent instead of the membership,” he said.
Jassal stated that his plan to negotiate a better universal transit pass (U-Pass) would save students from Winnipeg hundreds of dollars each semester, “providing a long overdue break.”
“My plan to stop campus crime means less theft and fewer break-ins, so students don’t have to spend more to replace stolen belongings or repair broken cars,” he stated.
Jassal said that he would like for his term to be defined as the vice-president
that “got it done.”
Cameron Provost
Third-year Asper school of business student Cameron Provost is majoring in finance and is running to bring change that he thinks would be best for the students’ union.
Provost stated that he would be a good negotiator for the U-Pass as it is renegotiation year. “This is actually one of the years when something can be done about it, and after taking into account that feedback, I hope to make changes that would keep as many people as possible happy,” he said.
He mentioned that his previous experience as a board member of UMSU, including serving on the finance committee and selections committee, have equipped him with insights into the operations of UMSU — and he has already identified changes that he would like to see if elected.
Provost stated his platform centres around transparency and accountability. “I want to get as much feedback from everyone as possible to make sure that UMSU’s doing what the general populace wants, and not just what we think should be done for the best of everyone,” he said.
“We should really be getting feedback more often I suppose, as well as publishing things that we are doing […] and if they want changes to happen, they can give into that feedback that we are taking into account.”
He stated that he is passionate about the position of vice-president finance and operations as he has aspirations to eventually enter the financial field.
Provost said integrity is another important element of his platform and he would like to see an involved UMSU board of directors. “I think we’re seeing good steps already so far, as there is a lot of candidacy — unprecedented amounts.”
Provost said he likes to help people and presently serves as a logistics officer in the Canadian Armed Forces and as a volunteer medic in his free time. He also enjoys riding around on his motorcycle.
Carolyn Wang
Carolyn Wang is pursuing a bachelor of commerce honours degree with double majors in accounting and finance and is running for her second term for UMSU vice-president finance and operations.
Wang stated that she has experience in all three levels of student government and has seen the ins and outs of the role as the incumbent. “I understand what the students are going through and what they need,” she said. “I’ve seen how finances and how money can impact students, and I really want to continue the work that I’m doing.”
Her campaign’s main platform focuses on affordability, citing that she has seen firsthand how money impacts students and their mental health, clubs and events. “I’ve seen how many students are struggling.”
Wang mentioned that the lack of funds prevents students from being able to focus on their studies and that the international student working hour caps and affordability are big issues on campus.
She intends to give more funding to students — including student clubs, associations and groups on campus. “Many clubs are limited based on what they can do, and that really has a big impact on the student life at the University of Manitoba because of the lack of money,” she stated.
Wang indicated that she is passionate about providing funds to the food bank and hopes to provide more free-food giveaways, travel grants and EDI initiatives. “I started free food giveaways, discounts at UMSU businesses […] along with hosting the first ever UMSU Lunar New Year. I want to see all these initiatives go on next year,” she said.
Wang said that she’s seeking re-election because she wants to see the initiatives she started permanently added to the list of initiatives that UMSU hosts for students.
She stated that she would like her term to focus on affordability, accessibility, EDI and would like to see the UMSU board of directors as dependable, fair and student-centered.
