Dear UFV community,
Yesterday the BC provincial general election period officially began, and voting will take place May 9. I encourage all members of our UFV community, individually and personally, to engage actively in this important democratic process.
I remind us all, however, that the University, as a public post-secondary institution, must comply with the restrictions legislated in the University Act, Section 66 [1], where we are directed to be “non-sectarian and non-political in principle”. In other words, the University must not participate or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office, or be perceived to do so in any way.
I emphasize that this applies to UFV as an organization. It is not in any way intended to restrict our involvement as individuals, as long as it is clear that we are not speaking for the University. We must also be careful not to use our positions within the University or our affiliation with the University in any way that implies we represent the view of the University or any of its divisions or organizations.
As you plan your activities, please keep the comments above in mind and review UFV’s guidelines regarding the use of university facilities and resources for political activities.
I commend the UFV Political Science Student Association for organizing all-candidate debates here at UFV: the debate of Abbotsford-West candidates takes place on Monday, April 24; and the debate of Abbotsford-South candidates takes place on Tuesday, April 25. Both start at 7:00 pm in the lecture theatre, room B101, on the Abbotsford campus. I understand that Chilliwack and Abbotsford-Mission events are also being planned. I encourage you to attend these and other community activities, learn about the issues, and vote!
If you have any questions regarding UFV’s statement on political activities, please contact my office.
Thank you,
Mark
Dr. Mark Evered
President and Vice-Chancellor