Lily PolenchukAnother day, another University of Alberta Students’ Union (SU) election forum. Promises were made, platforms sounded vaguely inspiring, and students were left wondering if anything will actually change.
The race for vice-president (external) (VPX) of the SU is no exception. Candidates Abdul Abbasi, Nathan Goetz, and Juan Munoz took the stage on February 26 at Campus Saint-Jean (CSJ). Each continued to present a vision for external advocacy. However, a closer look at their platforms and performance suggests that students should be wary of empty rhetoric and recycled promises.
Abbasi is seeking re-election, leaning heavily on his past year in the role. His campaign emphasizes continuing previous projects. But given his record, students should ask: is more of the same really what we need? Abbasi’s tenure as VPX has been marked by mixed results. He was involved in the successful renegotiation of the U-Pass agreement and played a role in blocking exceptional tuition increases (ETIs). His broader impact on student advocacy remains questionable. His report card from The Gateway, which reviewed his tenure as VPX, graded him a C-. It cites a lack of public advocacy and student mobilization as key weaknesses.
One of the VPX’s most important responsibilities is leveraging public pressure — rallies, protests, and student campaigns — to force action. Yet, Abbasi has largely failed to engage students in external advocacy. A continuation of his term promises only incremental progress at best, and stagnation at worst.
Goetz is positioning himself as a candidate who understands the struggles of students on U of A’s smaller campuses. As an Augustana councillor, he has witnessed the impact of budget cuts first-hand and is advocating for increased funding for CSJ. His emphasis on collaboration with L’Association des Universitaires de la Faculté Saint-Jean (AUFSJ), rather than mere representation, is a positive shift. But his platform lacks any truly standout ideas. Goetz has some experience speaking with provincial ministers. Unfortunately, he has yet to demonstrate a clear strategy for securing better funding for satellite campuses. The suggestion of approaching federal parties for support sounds promising but lacks specifics on how he would effectively pressure policymakers to act.
Additionally, his plan to expand fundraising efforts for CSJ’s Francophone Political Science Conference is commendable. Abbasi was quick to point out that much of the work on this has already been completed. To Goetz’s credit, despite Abbasi’s claim that the fundraising is complete, CSJ remains underfunded. Goetz seems to be relying on his relatability and commitment to collaboration, but his platform does not yet show the bold leadership needed to shake up external advocacy at the UASU.
Munoz’s campaign revolves around fighting for stronger government support and financial aid. His passion for student advocacy is evident, and his rhetoric about student well-being and government accountability resonates with many frustrated by rising tuition and financial insecurity. However, passion alone is not enough — candidates need a roadmap, and Munoz’s is still vague.
While he has pledged to work with organizations like the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA) and the Council of Alberta University Students (CAUS) to secure more grants and financial aid, he has not outlined any unique or innovative approaches. His call to push for better student well-being is important. Despite this, his campaign speeches do not specify what new initiatives he would bring to the table. Without a concrete plan, it is undetermined whether his leadership would translate into real results.
This year’s VPX race presents a frustrating dilemma. One candidate relying on a mediocre record, another offering relatability over substance, and a third delivering bold rhetoric without a clear strategy. Students need a leader who will not just have meetings, but will take real action — rallying students, pressuring government officials, and ensuring that advocacy efforts result in tangible benefits. The VPX position is not just about maintaining existing projects — it’s about pushing for new solutions to old problems. As students prepare to cast their votes, they should ask themselves: who will fight for students in a meaningful way? Right now, that answer is far from obvious.
