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<\/p>\nB.C.\u2019s finance minister is investigating the student association at Kwantlen Polytechnic University \u201cto determine whether there has been any misuse of funds or other problematic conduct.\u201d<\/p>\n
A Friday statement from the ministry says the investigation comes after it received a report from the Registrar of Companies.<\/p>\n
The Kwantlen Student Association (KSA) is a non-profit organization funded by student fees. It states on its website its purpose is to advocate for and provide services to students.<\/p>\n
The KSA did not respond to CBC’s interview request by deadline.<\/p>\n
In an email statement to CBC, a spokesperson from the university said it welcomes the government’s investigation.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe KSA is an independent society governed under the Societies Act and is therefore accountable to its members, who are KPU students. KPU itself is not a member of the KSA,” said the Zena Mitchell, vice-president of students at KPU.<\/p>\n
While the investigation is taking place, there is a ministerial order in place that prohibits the student association from disposing of, dealing with, or diminishing the value of any of its assets.<\/p>\n
It may still spend reasonable amounts on operational expenses, that have already been budgeted for, and legal advice.<\/p>\n
The province said action is being taken to protect the student association and its members pending the investigation.<\/p>\n
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Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) Surrey campus is pictured in Surrey, British Columbia, on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. (Ben Nelms\/CBC)<\/p>\n
According to court documents, the KSA is separately involved in three lawsuits, all filed in 2025. In one instance the KSA has sued the International Student Union (ISU) and five named individuals.<\/p>\n
In the notice of civil claim, dated Jan. 31, 2025, the KSA alleges these individuals and the ISU have made various false and defamatory statements accusing the KSA of corruption, not running fair elections and misusing its funds.<\/p>\n
According to the Kwantlen Student Association\u2019s financial reports, it spent $947,848<\/a> on wages and benefits for elected representatives in 2025.<\/p>\n In comparison, the Alma Mater Society (AMS) at the University of British Columbia, paid its directors a total of $231,888<\/a> for the 2024\/2025 academic year.<\/p>\n For the same year, the Simon Fraser Student Society (SFSS) at Simon Fraser University spent $210,667<\/a> on stipends for its seven elected student representatives, and an additional $198,773 for its 55 council members.<\/p>\n