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Union details lobbying efforts and financial updates for students
Arifah Gheesah, staff
U MSU has outlined its priorities for the 2026–27 academic year, with a focus on student affordability, advocacy and increasing transparency.
According to reports presented at the June 11 board of directors meeting, UMSU is continuing to lobby provincial and federal governments on issues affecting students, including reinstating healthcare coverage for international students, expanding affordable student housing and addressing the rising cost of post-secondary education. The union is also supporting the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations’ (CASA) national advocacy efforts aimed at improving student financial aid, housing afford-
UMGPS
ability and career opportunities.
President Heaven Kaur shared that she attended the university’s spring convocation ceremonies and the UMSU executive team attended the Winnipeg Pride Parade to show their continued support for 2SLGBTQIA+ students and communities.
Vice-president external affairs Aiden Peters was recently elected as director of advocacy for CASA, giving UMSU a greater role in shaping national student advocacy over the next three years.
Financial updates came from vice-president finance and operations Cameron Provost, who reported that UMSU negotiated a lower increase to student health and dental plan
fees. Rather than the originally projected $9.50 increase per student, the adjustment was reduced to $1.60, a change UMSU estimated will save students approximately $170,000 while maintaining the health and dental reserve fund.
The board also announced several initiatives aimed at improving communication with students. UMSU 101, the student union’s weekly radio show on UMFM 101.5, will continue to provide updates from the executive team and feature members of the board of directors. Additional transparency measures include a redesigned UMSU website, public tri-annual reports and expanded online resources for student clubs.
Looking ahead, UMSU is preparing for fall orienta-
tion programming, continuing work on student advocacy cases and launching the Student Senate Caucus to strengthen collaboration among student senators.
Operational projects are also underway, including renovations to Degrees Diner and the implementation of a new point-of-sale system across UMSU businesses.
to hold by-election for vacant VPE post
Vote follows removal of vice-president, external affairs & senator
Roy Albright Obah, staff
The U of M Graduate and Postdoctoral Society (UMGPS) has announced a by-election to fill the position of vice-president, external affairs & senator (VPE), just over three months after the winners of the March 17 general elections were announced.
In a statement signed by UMGPS president and senator Emma Heath, it was disclosed that Lamia Mahzabin “was removed from their position by majority vote.”
According to the statement, the decision was made by the board of directors “to ensure that UMGPS remains committed to ensuring dedicated and capable student representation in executive roles.”
Mahzabin, who was re-elected earlier this year for a second consecutive term, previously served as vice-president, academic affairs & senator before assuming the external affairs portfolio. “We are grateful for Lamia’s contributions during their tenure,
and wish them the best in their future endeavors,” the statement noted.
Heath announced that herself and Laleema Senanayake, vice-president, academic affairs & senator will manage the responsibilities of the position on an interim basis pending the outcome of the by-election.
Addressing the decision, the statement emphasized that UMGPS does “not take the removal of an elected student representative lightly
and [has] not proceeded with this extreme action without careful consideration and sufficient grounds.”
A by-election has been scheduled for Aug. 3 and 4 to elect a new VPE. Nominations remain open until July 10, with interested students required to obtain nomination forms to contest the position.
The successful candidate will oversee the management of “advocacy and policy efforts directed at external stakeholders such as government bodies and partner organizations.”
GRAPHIC BY TEEGAN GILLICH / STAFF
GRAPHIC BY EMMA GILLICH / STAFF
‘Toban news briefs
UM Indigenous Birding Club
UM Indigenous birding club’s walks are happening throughout summer with dates including July 14, 21 and 28 for this month. This July, participants can enjoy observing young birds as it is nesting and fledging season. The club’s walks are an opportunity for anyone to connect with nature, build community and learn about birds. The walks close to the university usually start from the Bald Eagle lodge, Migizii Agamik to nearby leisurely locations, so participants are able to enjoy nature.
U of M Parks Club hits the trails
Campus
SOMI is recruiting for its executive team
The University of Manitoba’s Student Organized Market Initiative (SOMI) is looking for committee members. They are recruiting three creative associates, two events associates and one finance associate. Applications close Tuesday July 7 at 11:59 p.m. SOMI exists to support local and small businesses. Members of the team have an opportunity to execute SOMI’s vision for their markets and other events.
Zongiigabowin Indigenous Men’s Wellness Group
The Indigenous Student Centre is hosting a men’s wellness group event where men can come together. The event is expected to motivate participants to achieve their goals and traditional as well as western teachings and knowledge will be used. The event is open to those who are Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit), identify as male, including those who are Two-spirit, connected to the U of M as current students, alumni, prospective students, and intimate partners, children, or family members of current students.
An opportunity for students to experience Manitoba’s natural heritage this summer
Arifah Gheesah, staff
U of M Parks Club (UMPC) held its first day hike of the summer at Devil’s Punch Bowl in Spruce Woods Provincial Park on June 21.
“It was a good event,” said Amira Alyfe Azme, co-leader of the club. “A good amount of people showed up.” The group of approximately 30 people completed the nine-kilometer hike in about three hours.
UMPC gives students the opportunity to explore Manitoba’s provincial parks and hiking trails while enjoying the outdoors. The club aims to promote appreciation for Manitoba’s natural heritage and educate members about conservation efforts taking place outside Winnipeg.
To make these trips accessible, volunteer drivers provide carpools for members who do not have access to a vehicle.
Azme said this is especially helpful for international students who may not have a way to travel outside the city.
“Some students, especially like international students, they don’t really venture out because they don’t really have a proper vehicle,” she said. This allows everyone to enjoy what the club has to offer,
regardless of their means. The club aims to organize at least two day hikes each month. Upcoming events include a water park outing if
the weather permits, as well as a three-day, two-night camping trip in August.
Azme said everyone is welcome to join the club, espe-
cially to whoever is interested in outdoor activities and hiking. Membership is free, and the executive plans a variety of events based on members’
interests and participation.
Students can learn more about the club on Instagram @umparksclub
Roy Albright Obah and Arifah Gheesah, staff
Youth hub for mental health and wellness
The Manitoba government has opened a youth hub, Huddle Portage la Prairie. This hub will provide mental health and wellness services, for free, to young people aged between 12 and 29. Huddle youth hubs are an initiative to increase accessibility to health, wellness and social services for youth. This project is being led by United Way Winnipeg and the Manitoba government.
For more information, including hours and services, visit huddlemanitoba.ca/ find-a-location/huddle-portage-la-prairie.
Manitoba changes immigration pathway for international graduates
The Manitoba government announced changes to the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program’s International Education Stream on June 11, affecting candidates under the Career Employment Pathway (CEP).
The province said graduates with active CEP Expression of Interest profiles who have accumulated at least six months of work experience in Manitoba will be transitioned to the Skilled Worker in Manitoba pathway and considered in future draws alongside other skilled workers.
The change is intended to better align graduate selection with labour market needs while placing greater emphasis on Manitoba work experience, the province mentioned. Targeted Expression of Interest draws will continue to prioritize Manitoba-educated
Community
graduates.
Prior to the change, eligible graduates of Manitoba post-secondary institutions could apply through the CEP without a work experience requirement. Under the revised criteria, international graduates must complete at least six months of continuous full-time employment in Manitoba before becoming eligible for consideration through the Skilled Worker in Manitoba pathway.
The province said graduates who studied and are working in Manitoba “will continue to be strongly positioned for selection.” The Graduate Internship Pathway, serving “eligible master’s and doctoral graduates who complete a Mitacs internship,” remains unchanged as reported by the Manitoba government. Candidates are encouraged to update their profiles to remain eligible for future selection draws.
Manitoba removes PST on grocery food items
Manitobans will no longer pay Provincial Sales Tax (PST) on grocery food items beginning July 1, following a measure introduced in the provincial government’s 2026 budget.
The tax change expands PST exemptions to include self-serve and ready-to-eat food products sold in grocery stores. According to the province, affected items include sandwiches, beverages, baked goods and snack foods.
Premier Wab Kinew said the measure is intended to provide “real relief for Manitoba families on items you pick up when you are in a rush to feed the family.”
The province noted that the exemption does not apply to beverages containing more than one per cent alcohol, dietary supplements or taxable non-food items sold in grocery stores, including toilet paper, toothpaste and pet food.
Byelection set for The Pas-Kameesak constituency
A provincial byelection will be held in the The Pas-Kameesak constituency on July 21 following the death of longtime MLA Amanda Lathlin. Lathlin made history as the first Indigenous woman elected to Manitoba’s Legislative Assembly. She first won a byelection in The Pas in 2015 and retained the seat in 2019 after the riding was renamed The Pas-Kameesak. She was re-elected in the 2023 provincial election.
The Manitoba government has also moved to honour Lathlin’s legacy. The province announced that a new healthcare facility in northern Manitoba will bear her name. The Amanda Lathlin Memorial Clinic is expected to serve residents in The Pas and surrounding communities.
The byelection will determine who will represent the constituency for the remainder of the legislative term.
