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 24-25, 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