More affordable education through more investments into up-front needs-based grants

Up-front grants relieve financial pressures that students face while studying and enable students to focus more on being successful in their classes, rather than worrying about how to make the next semester’s tuition fee payment. Further, the assurance provided by up-front, needs-based grants addresses debt aversion, a factor that limits those from low- and middle-income backgrounds from enrolling in the first place.

Learn more about the Grants Not Loans campaign

For international students, studying in Canada is an opportunity to access education in a country that is consistently ranked one of the top countries for higher education globally. In BC and most of Canada, international tuition fees are unregulated and can increase at any time, with no notice.

Regulating international student fees is not just about keeping education affordable for all students, but also about recognizing the richness international students bring to BC society and protecting their economic contributions needed to build the BC of tomorrow.

Learn more about the FFIS campaign

Since 2002, the cost of textbooks has nearly doubled. In fact, 26% of BC students choose to not register for a course due to textbook costs, which negatively impacts their academic career. There is a solution to this problem: the implementation of Open Education Resources (OERs).

With traditional textbooks, instructors must choose between delivering the curriculum they feel is right for their students and delivering a lesson that mirrors the commercial textbooks. Through open textbooks, instructors can mix and modify their textbooks to emphasize the lessons they want to deliver, with ancillary resources available to improve the learning experience.

Learn more about OERs campaign

Students in many provinces across Canada are working to eliminate interest on student loans. The Knock Out Interest campaign is being led by the British Columbia Federation of Students.

Eliminating interest on student loans will help to grow the economy by putting money back in the pockets of recent graduates as they join the workforce, which can then be spent on goods and services. It will also allow students and their families to focus less on their debt, and more on their careers and their lives.

Learn more about KOI campaign

A U-Pass provides students with unlimited trips on public transit for one low monthly fee. Students at every public post-secondary institution in the Lower Mainland participate in the U-Pass program…except the Justice Institute.

Expanding the membership of the current JI Students’ Union would allow us to better determine if a huge majority of JI students want it and enter negotiations with Translink to join the U-Pass BC Program.

Free access to the Deals app, which provides access to hundreds of student discounts across the province (for non-members it costs $15.99 a year)

Being a student is expensive: with increasing tuition fees, the outrageous price of textbooks, rent and other monthly bills, it all adds up fast. Our discount program is easier to use than ever – just download the app, create an account and set your location to find discounts at over 600 locations.

Eligible full-time students will receive access to an extended health plan at the rate of $21.67 per month (those with existing coverage may opt-out):

• 12-month coverage since the start date of your program;

• 80% coverage for prescription medications up to $2,000 per year;

• Coverage of $45 per visit for treatments by paramedical providers (physiotherapist, chiropractor, etc) with total coverage of up to $300 per year per type of treatment;

• Up to $575 per year in coverage for counselling by a social worker or psychologist (provided at $75 per visit);

• Vision coverage at $200 every two years ($100 every two years for eye exams plus $100 every two years for prescription glasses, contacts, etc);

• Dental coverage of up to $700 per year for preventative and restorative work;

• Travel insurance for trips of up to 90 days;

• A comprehensive Accidental death and dismemberment benefit plan; and more.

Justice Institute Students’ Union publishes a Handbook & Dayplanner completely FREE for members! Use this to keep track of your schedule, homework, assignments and commitments with the weekly and monthly calendars.

There also will be other swag items such as water bottles, pens, highlighters, pencil pouches, etc. given out at any JISU events.

The Justice Institute Students' Union is available to assist members with fairness issues, resolving disputes, and filing appeals within the structures of the Justice Institute of British Columbia.

JISU provides a safe, confidential, and informal environment for students to discuss conflicts, complaints, or disputes. JISU is available to attend meetings with the student to help facilitate communication and problem-solving process and is also available to attend formal appeals with students.

Student Legal Assistant is convenient and confidential telephone assistance. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing assistance when you need it.

Legal service areas: Family, Landlord and Tenant, Tax, Employment, Immigration, Identity Theft Support, Criminal, Civil Litigation, Wills and Estates.

The Justice Institute Students’ Union emergency fund has been established to assist students with emergent and unforeseen expenses during your time as a student here at the JIBC.

Open for both domestic and international students

Free student access to collaborative workshops with JIBC departments such as wellness, recruitment, and volunteer opportunities with organisations for future professional careers.