MATT PROVOST for VP External and Community Affairs
Oki, Niito’taaatatsiyopa Matthew Provost. Niisto nohto’to Piikani ki Kainai, Siksikatsitapii, Mamioyiiksi ki Ni’taitsskaiksi. Greetings my name is Matthew Provost. I come from Piikani nation and Kainai nation, from the Blackfoot Confederacy. 

Currently I am in my last year studying Indigenous Studies with a focus on Public Policy and Minoring in Communications. Prior to being on the SFSS Board, I was a board member for the First Nations Student Association, Aboriginal Front Door Society on the Downtown EastSide, and Simon Fraser Public Interest Resource Group. I have run campaigns, worked with youth, elders and community. I have built strong relationships with so many folks so I hope to have the opportunity to continue this work in a good way. 

I have had the amazing opportunity to be elected onto the current board of directors as the current VP Student Services. Being on the board this year throughout COVID I have been able to identify the work that needs to be done in order to support students through these precarious times.

I am currently running for VP External Relations of the Simon Fraser Student Society with the SFU Progressives. As the current VP Student Services, I have been able to:
  • Establish the Black, Indigenous & People of Colour Committee (BIPOC)
  • Centre Reconciliation efforts & advocacy for Indigenous students
  • Work with the Current VP External & SFU Surrey to support both the Food Hub & Farm to Campus
  • Ensure COVID-19 support through the current Health & Dental plan
  • Advocate for more Mental Wellness Resources for BIPOC students
  • Work with the First Nations Students Association to support Indigenous student voices through the “Let Us Speak” Campaign. 

I want to continue to do work with an open heart and an open mind. I will continue to advocate for students who need essential support and resources. I understand the hardships that have been present during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially for BIPOC and International students. 

As your VP External & Community Affairs I will:

Increase Student Affordability
  • Fight for a student housing subsidy and rent cap
  • Advocate for additional grants and public funding options for BIPOC students
  • Establish and provide accessible resources for student affordability and living through making external collaborations with organizations
  • Fight for increased public funding from the provincial government for Universities so that students aren’t being exploited by high tuition costs.
 
Advocacy & Lobbying
  • Say NO to TMX and all pipelines on Indigenous land and support work that is ongoing 
  • Support and Collaborate on Climate Justice Initiatives with groups on and off-campus
  • Amplify and collaborate with groups to continue anti-racism advocacy initiatives and efforts
  • Lobby for additional Health & Wellness supports and resources for marginalized students 
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Relationship Building
  • Establish and strengthen relationships with xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), Sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh).  
  • Building external relationships with Food Banks, Community Groups, not-for-profits for additional resources for students
  • Strengthen Relationships with other Student Unions to mobilize student power across the country

COVID-19 Relief
  • Fight for Additional UPASS Exemptions 
  • Advocate for Additional Housing Security for Students
  • Advocate to Freeze Federal Student loan payments for the duration of the pandemic.
  • Working with VP Finance & Services to provide more COVID Relief funding options

This is a time of stress as we go through this COVID-19 pandemic and we need better supports for all our students. It is important to fight for your interests, now more than ever. At the end of the day, I have been fighting, and regardless of efforts by folks to have us stop working for the rights of our members, We will not give up on students. We will Build Student Power, Stronger. 

Vote Matthew Provost for VP External & Community Affairs

Website: bit.ly/Matt4VPX
Email: mprovost@sfu.ca
Pledge to Vote: bit.ly/vote-Matt
FB: @Matt4VPX
​IG:  @Matt4VPX
Team Website: bit.ly/SFUProgressives