VPSL candidates show consideration for mental health supports at ISU forum

Both 2024 vice-president (student life) (VPSL) candidates Renson Alva and Adrian Lam have consistently vocalized their passion for increasing mental health supports. This pertinent issue was once again a point of discussion at the Indigenous Students’ Union (ISU) forum. Both candidates gave their thoughts. However, like before, one candidate showed they know how to procure attainable solutions.

Alva stepped up his game at the ISU forum, offering more substantial solutions to concerns that were raised at the previous three forums. Lam, on the other hand, continued his pattern of repeating general statements. I had hoped that since this was the second-last forum, I would hear more detailed ideas from Lam. However, I was left feeling as disappointed as I was when I read his one-page platform. 

The candidates were asked how they would plan to uplift and connect Student Representative Associations (SRA) and Faculty Associations (FA) across campus. In his response, Lam strived to connect with different student representative organizations by setting up recurring meetings with the ISU. It was unclear what the topic of these meetings would be, and once again Lam resorted to generalized sayings. His mantra of wanting to “celebrate diversity and uniqueness at campus” is an important sentiment. But I am left questioning how much he really means it without any specifics to back it up. As a VPSL candidate, Lam needs to take more initiative regarding his action plans. 

Meanwhile, Alva gave a suitable list of ways he would uplift and connect with these groups. He stated wanting to work with the ISU to hire more counselors that focus specifically on Indigenous matters. This is an extremely valuable suggestion, and something I hope Alva follows through on, if elected. While Alva didn’t directly answer the question, the answer he did provide still has a lot of value if implemented. Nonetheless, it was refreshing to see Alva propose more realistic and tangible solutions this forum. Additionally, he suggested having staff that understand Indigenous issues at the Peer Support Centre for Indigenous students to talk to. Once again, this idea is plausible but needs more specifics if it were to be put into action.

A question was asked to all candidates about what kind of programs and opportunities the candidates would look to offer the ISU. Lam expressed wanting to work with ISU VP’s and their executive team in supporting new initiatives they may have. While this is a promising statement, it once again fell victim to generalizations. Although, it was better than Alva’s response — which was nonexistent. 

The VPSL candidates proved they have thought about what it means to connect, and provide support to students — particularly Indigenous students. Lam had potential in his proposal to set up recurring meetings with the ISU. Yet, he once again fell victim to generalized statements that are left to ambiguity. As per the last forum, Alva showed he has given more thought to realistic and probable solutions in regards to student issues. My only hope is that this remains a common thread for the entirety of his campaign.