CFS

CFS

Every student at NSCAD is a member of the CFS. The CFS is a national and provincial based student lobbying organization. It is made up of over 450,000 students in 71 different student unions in Canada. The Federation lobbies the government on issues such as lowering high tuition fees, increased funding for students and loans issues, and accessibility to post secondary education.

The Canadian Federation of Students is a Federation made up of Student Unions across the country. The Federation was formed in 1981 and since then has been advocating for the rights of students. As Student's Unions joined the Federation, they received numbers in the order in which they joined. NSCAD is Local 7, the seventh member local in the Federation.

The CFS also provides services such as the Green shield health plan, ISIC cards, The student saver card, and homes for students. More information on this at our services page here.

Check out their website for more information or talk to the VP External, Elise Graham, who is responsible for communication between the Union and the Federation.

Campaigns

The CFS coordinates campaigns that Students Unions can choose to participate in. We are currently participating in these campaigns the CFS is organizing:


Reduce Tuition Fees
www.cfs-fcee.ca/html/english/campaigns/background.php
One of the longest running campaigns of the CFS. The fight to reduce tuition fees has been fought with letters, petitions, and continued pressure. So far Newfoundland is doing very well, with 'some' room for improvement remaining in Nova Scotia.

The End the Ban Campaign
www.cfs-fcee.ca/endtheban
The Canadian Blood Services (CBS) has placed a lifetime ban on blood donations from men who have had sex with other men (MSM) any time since 1977. The policy, as it stands, is out of date and is based on old science. The campaign is to end the deferral period and to fight for the rights of a traditionally underrepresented and discriminated group of people! Learn more on their website.

Bottled Water Free Day,
www.bottledwaterfreeday.ca
A capmaign to reduce and eventually ban the use of bottled water on campus and across the country. Why pay for something you can get out of your faucet and that you already pay for each month? Learn more at the website.

No Means No
www.cfs-fcee.ca/nomeansno
An awareness campaign to reduce the incidences of date rape on campuses.

Save First Nations University Campaign.
www.cfs-fcee.ca/html/english/campaigns/aboriginal.php
First Nations University was denied funding by the government last year. It was slated to close, but with some rallying and noise made by Canadians, funding was granted for the operation of the school in the year 2010-11. If first nations closes, it will be the first in Canadian History. Have your voice heard by coming by he office and picking up letter writing materials and educating yourself on the issues.

please contact Elise at external@sunscad.org if you have any questions about these campaigns or would like to get involved.