Whereas CJSF, Embark, the SFPIRG, the SFSS, and the Peak are independent student societies at SFU that are at the heart of student life and are a crucial vehicle for building a more vibrant campus culture. These societies encompass the campus radio, sustainability efforts, social justice advocacy, student events, and our campus newspaper;

Whereas fee revenues have been static for many years (in some cases since the 1990s), and inflation (i.e. rising costs) has limited their ability to serve students and enhance campus life;

Whereas the independent student societies were created “by students, for students,” empowering us to make this campus our own and allowing us to address our evolving needs, by creating opportunities for connection, belonging, wellness, and personal and professional growth; 

Referendum question:

Do you support (1) the fee levies for CJSF, Embark, the SFPIRG, and the Peak being increased in the fall of 2025 by $1.50 each for full-time students and $0.75 for part-time students; (2) given the range and scale of its mandate, the SFSS fee levy being increased in the fall of 2025 by $12.00 for full-time students and $6.00 for part-time students; and (3) all of these groups’ fee levies being increased annually by the rate of inflation (as reported by the Government of British Columbia) beginning in the fall 2026?

Whereas the Health and Dental Plan is one of the most utilized services by SFSS members, and has seen significant premium increases year over year;

Whereas the SFSS Board of Directors does not have the ability to further increase the current Health and Dental Plan Fees of $267.08 per year without a successful referendum;

Whereas the SFSS Board of Directors has exhausted all avenues of reducing plan premiums, including by reducing coverage and benefits;

Whereas without an increase to the SFSS Health & Dental Plan Fees, the Board of Directors will be forced to further reduce benefits next year and every subsequent year;

Whereas the SFSS Health and Dental Plan ranks one of the lowest in coverage among other comparable student societies across the province and the country; 

Whereas 85% of surveyed SFSS members have expressed interest in improving essential benefits under the Health and Dental Plan;

Whereas a successful referendum will allow the SFSS Board of Directors to enhance essential benefits;

Whereas students will retain the option to choose a lower level of coverage at a lower fee (Basic Plan), or opt out completely if they have equivalent alternative coverage;

Referendum question:

Knowing that without the ability to increase the SFSS Health & Dental Plan Fees the SFSS Board of Directors would be forced to further cut more benefits, do you consent to raise the SFSS Health & Dental Plan Fees from $267.08 to $364.08 per year for the policy year starting September 1, 2025? 

Note: The basic plan fee would equally increase from $207.40 to $304.40 per year.

Whereas the actual cost of the SFSS Extended Health and Dental Plan varies every year given increases in the cost of health and dental services, and increases in the number of claims made by undergraduate students;

Whereas the Health and Dental Fee collected to provide all members with health and dental insurance cannot be adjusted to keep pace with the increases in the cost of coverage;

Whereas without an increase to the SFSS Health & Dental Plan Fees the health and dental plan services will be cut next year and every subsequent year;

Whereas the Board will communicate the value of, and reason for making any change to the fee;

Whereas the SFSS board of directors will be required to have a two week notice of motion period before considering a fee increase motion. 

Referendum question:

Do you authorize the SFSS Board of Directors to adjust the Health & Dental Plan Fees by up to a maximum of 5% annually as needed to maintain sustainable coverage starting September 1, 2026, to account for inflation?