Kwantlen Polytechnic University: We call on KPU to provide KPIRG with a space to serve its 20,000 students.

Since its inception in 2013, KPIRG has never had dignified working space at KPU. From 2013 to June 2016, the Kwantlen PRIDE collective extended to KPIRG their support through solidarity and the use of the PRIDE office. However, in June 2016, PRIDE and KPIRG were evicted from the PRIDE office and Social Justice Space in the Birch building, to make way for renovations. Renovation plans have intentionally excluded KPIRG.

• As a student society and registered non-profit born out of a KSA-sponsored referendum, KPIRG is entitled to operational space on campus and has long since budgeted for an office rental on campus.

• KPU students should not be encumbered from receiving the services for which they are paying and which lack of space is undermining.

• KPIRG is value-added at KPU. KPIRG provides student employment, volunteer experience, awards thousands of dollars in grants annually to KPU students & KPU initiatives, funds and co-organizes a multitude of KPU-based events and activities, and conducts action research on issues that touch the KPU community

• KPIRG acts as a research facility, community resource centre, and advocacy group. KPIRG offers students the venue and tools to get active in their communities, both at KPU and externally, and to create real social change.

• 19 other Canadian universities have found a home for their PIRG, some of which have co-habited for 40 years. KPU can be the 20th

• Unionized with the United Steelworkers Local 2009, the 6 KPIRG employees are entitled to a work space as safe and healthful as that of any KPU, KSA, or KFA employee on campus.

We call on KPU to provide KPIRG with a healthful, dignified space in which to operate and service their nearly 20,000 KPU student members!