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Empower & Elevate: A Panel on Leadership & Impact on March 19

March 12th, 2025

Join the University of Winnipeg Students’ Association for our Empower & Elevate: A Panel on Leadership & Impact. This panel event will bring together women, trans, and non-binary leaders to share their journeys, insights, and experiences with students, fostering discussions on empowerment, leadership, and resilience. All are welcome to attend!

Event Details

  • 📅 Date: Wednesday, March 19, 2025,
  • ⏰ Time: Doors open at 5:00 p.m., panel begins at 5:30 p.m.
  • 📍 Location: Convocation Hall inside Wesley building

Our Elder

Elder Sharon Pelletier (Indigenous Student Services Centre Elders in Residence)

  • Sharon Pelletier was born and raised in Winnipeg, to parents Catherine (Settee) & Henry Hall, both from Norway House, Manitoba.  Sharon is a mother, grandmother and, great-grandmother.   University was where Sharon felt her first sense of pride as a First Nation.  This is also where she began to seek out Elders to help her learn more of the culture that she knew little of.  Sharon is accredited with Bachelor of Arts, where she majored in Native Studies and minored in Psychology.  She has certificates in: Legal Administrative Assistant; graduated with Honours in Applied Counselling and Focusing, Post-Traumatic Stress and Complex Trauma; completed coaching in the Focusing, Post-Traumatic Stress and Complex Trauma and; Human Resource Management along with various other counselling workshops and certificates. Sharon has completed 8 years as a Sundancer and continues to take part in Sundances and Ceremonies throughout Manitoba and in the States and will go wherever her gifts are needed when possible.  Sharon’s prayer:  For all my blessings I give thanks and acknowledge all those who have helped me to become the person I am and have yet to become.  Ekosani!  Sharon Pelletier (Great Bear Woman)

Panelists Bios

Honourable Uzoma Asagwara (Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care)

  • Uzoma Asagwara was first elected as the MLA for Union Station in 2019, when they became the first non-binary MLA in the Manitoba legislature and one of the first black MLAs elected in Manitoba’s history. They served as the official opposition critic for health and as an MLA, became the first Black person to make a law in Manitoba with the passing of a bill to recognize Somali Heritage Week.

    They were re-elected in 2023 and was appointed Manitoba’s Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care.

    Before becoming an MLA, Asagwara was a former basketball player with Canadian National Basketball Team, psychiatric nurse, addictions specialist and community advocate.

Feather Wolfe  (Sunshine House Drop-In Coordinator & Local Drag Queen)

  • Will be uploaded soon!!

Shandi Strong (Writer, Rocker, Advocate)

  • With a long history of volunteerism and organizing Shandi became a fixture in the 2SLGBTQ+ Community in 2008 through Gio’s, a community bar which served as “The Heart of the Community” for the 2SLGBTQ+ community for over 35 years. Eventually becoming the board’s first ever female Vice President in the organization’s final years.

    She currently sits on the boards of several non-profit organizations including Our Own Health Centre (OOHC) a not-for profit healthcare provider for 2SLGBTQ+ people with the goal of improving services for transgender patients; and is part of a newly formed coalition to create shelter for homeless Trans, Non-binary and other 2SLGBTQ+ youth. Past board involvement includes Manitobans for Human Rights (MHR) a group focused on Human Rights education and awareness, and Pride Winnipeg, as a Community Liaison.

    During the 2016 Provincial election she was nominated and ran as the first ever openly transgender provincial candidate in Canada for the Manitoba Liberal Party. She ran again in the 2019 and 2023 provincial elections. Since 2016 she has stayed active in politics working as the constituency assistant to Dr. Jon Gerrard, the former MLA for River Heights, the Manitoba Liberal Caucus, and as the secretary for the Manitoba Liberal Women’s Association, President for the Fort Garry Constituency Association and sits on the 2SLGBTQ+ Commission of the Manitoba Liberal party.

    Since coming out 13 years ago and in doing so losing a 15-year career and 20-year marriage, her life has had it’s share of ups and downs, including a suicide attempt, living on EIA, balancing with a new career, new love, and reconciliation with her children. She has other projects in the works, including a youth friendly version of her book, and a science fiction novel. She lives in Wildwood Park with her wife Kate and their two cats. She enjoys many things including science fiction movies, golf, curling, playing guitar and adventure.

Iresha Hewa Wellalage (International Student Services Coordinator)

  • I’m Iresha Hewa Wellalage, and I’m the International Student Services (ISS) Coordinator and a Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor (RISIA). Originally from Sri Lanka, I bring first-hand experience as both a student and an immigrant, which gives me a unique perspective in supporting international students. With a strong background in student support and immigration advising, I help students navigate their academic and personal journeys. I’m passionate about mentorship and student engagement, striving to create an environment where all students feel included and supported. I believe that leadership is about lifting others and breaking barriers to create meaningful change.

Shauna MacKinnon (Professor and Chair of the Department of Urban and Inner-City studies)

  • Dr. MacKinnon is Professor and Chair of the Department of Urban and Inner-City studies. She has conducted research on social and economic issues for over 20 years with a focus on public policy, poverty and inequality. Dr. MacKinnon is most interested in research that focuses on issues identified by individuals living in poverty and those working closely with them. Dr. MacKinnon subscribes to a social justice, community-based participatory research approach to research, actively engaging with community partners beyond research, to mobilize knowledge and use research as a tool to advocate for progressive change.Dr. MacKinnon has been involved as a co-investigator and research stream lead with the Manitoba Research Alliance (MRA) since 2003. In 2020, the MRA was awarded a 7-year, $2.5 million Social Science Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Partnership Grant for the community driven “Solutions to Poverty: Challenges and Possibilities” project. In September 2020, after the sudden death of long-time MRA Principal Investigator, friend and colleague, Dr. John Loxley, Dr. MacKinnon was appointed by her peers to succeed Dr. Loxley as the new MRA Principal Investigator.

Moderator Bio

James Webster (UWSA Rainbow Lounge Coordinator):

  • James Webster (he/him) is a transmasculine nonbinary advocate for trans and gender-diverse autonomy, human rights, and freedom. Working and living on Treaty One territory, he works as the Rainbow Lounge Coordinator at the UWSA and has a history of community organization and advocacy, leading multiple rallies, including the 2023 Rally for Trans Youth. James strives to connect leadership and community in every aspect of his life.

 

For any questions please email events@theuwsa.ca.

Unofficial UWSA General Election 2025 Results

March 5th, 2025

Congratulations to all the winners! Here are the unofficial UWSA General Election 2025 results*:

Turnout: 1226 (13.9%) of 8789 electors voted in this ballot. Note: 119 votes were input through in-person polling stations.

President

Option Votes
Alan Saji Koshy (α&Ω Slate) 529 (51.6%)
Lavmeet Singh (Reformers Slate) 428 (41.7%)
Damon Bath 69 (6.7%)
Voter Summary
Total 1226
Abstain 200 (16.3%)

Vice President External Affairs

Option Votes
Omega Budhathoki (α&Ω Slate) 407 (38.5%)
Oladayo Adeniji (Reformers Slate) 380 (35.9%)
Muhammed Ambali 154 (14.6%)
Muskan Vhora 117 (11.1%)
Voter Summary
Total 1226
Abstain 168 (13.7%)

Vice President Student Affairs

Option Votes
Harleen Deol (Reformers Slate) 525 (56.8%)
Alexandra Craig 385 (41.6%)
Mandeep Jassal 15 (1.6%)
Voter Summary
Total 1226
Abstain 301 (24.6%)

2SLGBTQ* Students’ Director – Indie Dufour

Option Votes
YES 534 (74.1%)
NO 187 (25.9%)
Voter Summary
Total 1226
Abstain 505 (41.2%)

Accessibility Director

Option Votes
Brie Villeneuve 439 (56.3%)
Richel Saldanha 341 (43.7%)
Voter Summary
Total 1226
Abstain 446 (36.4%)

Arts Director

Option Votes
Denise Cunanan 416 (52.7%)
Bhupinder Walia 373 (47.3%)
Voter Summary
Total 1226
Abstain 437 (35.6%)

Business and Economics Director

Option Votes
Ronel Shapiro 390 (50.3%)
Sahil Lekhi 386 (49.7%)
Voter Summary
Total 1226
Abstain 450 (36.7%)

Community Liaison Director

Option Votes
Ayesha Raza 515 (66.5%)
Bhavandeep Kaur Saini 260 (33.5%)
Voter Summary
Total 1226
Abstain 451 (36.8%)

Education Director – Marnie Bloom

Option Votes
YES 722 (90.8%)
NO 73 (9.2%)
Voter Summary
Total 1226
Abstain 431 (35.2%)

Emerging Leader Director (One Year Term ) – Samarjeet Singh

Option Votes
YES 585 (77.5%)
NO 170 (22.5%)
Voter Summary
Total 1226
Abstain 471 (38.4%)

Emerging Leader Director (Two Year Term) – Soban Faiz

Option Votes
YES 574 (78.7%)
NO 155 (21.3%)
Voter Summary
Total 1226
Abstain 497 (40.5%)

Emerging Leader Director (Two Year Term) – Teddy Rubenstein

Option Votes
YES 524 (78.3%)
NO 145 (21.7%)
Voter Summary
Total 1226
Abstain 557 (45.4%)

Environmental Ethics Director

Option Votes
Abhijit Singh 558 (87.9%)
Navreen Kaur 77 (12.1%)
Voter Summary
Total 1226
Abstain 591 (48.2%)

International Students’ Director

Option Votes
Pragun Raj Aul 404 (61.0%)
Raiyan Naushad Islam 258 (39.0%)
Voter Summary
Total 1226
Abstain 564 (46.0%)

Part-Time/Mature Students’ Director – Harmandeep Ghataura

Option Votes
YES 386 (66.9%)
NO 191 (33.1%)
Voter Summary
Total 1226
Abstain 649 (52.9%)

Racialized Students’ Director

Option Votes
Oyindamola Eluwade 545 (68.3%)
Prranjali Wadhwa 253 (31.7%)
Voter Summary
Total 1226
Abstain 428 (34.9%)

Recreation and Athletics’ Director

Option Votes
Nalina Bista 297 (37.5%)
Harleen Kaur 266 (33.6%)
Bavneet Singh 228 (28.8%)
Voter Summary
Total 1226
Abstain 435 (35.5%)

Science Director – Mannatpreet Kaur

Option Votes
YES 625 (85.9%)
NO 103 (14.1%)
Voter Summary
Total 1226
Abstain 498 (40.6%)

Women, Trans and Non-Binary Students’ Director – Molly Vanderwater

Option Votes
YES 453 (69.8%)
NO 196 (30.2%)
Voter Summary
Total 1226
Abstain 577 (47.1%)

UWSA Regent – Akshay Krishna

Option Votes
YES 559 (81.8%)
NO 124 (18.2%)
Voter Summary
Total 1226
Abstain 543 (44.3%)

UWSA Senator

Option Votes
Lijoka Praise 439 (50.2%)
Sartaj Sidhu Bhaika 384 (43.9%)
Muhammed Arqam Naveed 52 (5.9%)
Voter Summary
Total 1226
Abstain 501 (40.9%)

Voter Statistics – Faculty

Option Votes
Science 358 (34.8%)
Arts 286 (27.8%)
Business and Economics 206 (20.0%)
Education 88 (8.6%)
Kinesiology 30 (2.9%)
Other 23 (2.2%)
PACE 20 (1.9%)
Graduate Studies 18 (1.7%)
Voter Summary
Total 1226
Abstain 197 (16.1%)

Voter Statistics – Year of Study

Option Votes
Year 2 331 (30.7%)
Year 3 299 (27.7%)
Year 1 258 (23.9%)
Year 4 118 (10.9%)
Year 5+ 73 (6.8%)
Voter Summary
Total 1226
Abstain 147 (12.0%)
*Results are unofficial till ratified at the UWSA Annual General Meeting on Friday, March 21 at 12:30 p.m. in The Hive.

International Women's Day Action Plan!

March 5th, 2025

International Women’s Day (IWD) has been around for over a hundred years. Since 1911, IWD belongs to all who care about women and gender equality. IWD is about celebrating non-binary and women’s achievements. Raising awareness about discimination and taking action to forge gender parity. All IWD activity is valid, that’s what makes IWD so inclusive. – www.internationalwomensday.com

Thank you UWinnipeg Human Rights and Diversity Office for creating this International Women’s Day Action Plan and Info Graphic.

Below you can find a list of resource and businesses. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list.

Small Businesses:

Educate:

Advocate & Get Involved:

“We must open the doors and we must see to it they remain open, so that others can pass through.” “Sisterhood is powerful.” – Rosemary Brown, politician and activist

Click here to download the info graphic.

UWSA Annual General Meeting on March 21, 2025

February 27th, 2025

The 2025 UWSA Annual General Meeting will occur on Friday, March 21, 2025, at The University of Winnipeg in The Hive (Lockhart Hall) at 12:30 PM CST.

Find out what the UWSA has been doing. You’ll get an update about what we have accomplished and what’s in store next year. We want to hear from you.

AGENDA

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WINNIPEG STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION 

March 21, 2025 at 12:30 PM

IN THE HIVE

1. Call to Order

2. Introduction and Rules of Order

3. Approval of the Order of Business

4. New Business – For Approval:

a. Ratification of 2025 General Election Results

b. Finance and Operations Presentation:

i. Presentation of audited financial statements

ii. Auditor’s report

iii. Re-appointment of the incumbent auditor

c. General By-Law Amendments:

i. To consider and, if deemed advisable, to confirm, with or without variation, the amendments to the UWSA’s General By-laws in the form attached to this notice, as  adopted by resolution of the Board of Directors of the UWSA.

d. Proposal regarding the expansion of automatic health plan enrollment: For any questions please email, e.iwuoha@theuwsa.ca.

i. To consider and, if deemed advisable, to confirm, with or without variation, the resolution of the Board of Directors of the UWSA to expand the scope of automatic health plan enrollment in accordance with the proposal attached to this notice.

5. Communications – For Information

a. 2024/25 Report of the Board of Directors

b. 2024/25 Report of the By-law and Policy Committee

6. Other Business

7. Adjournment

AGM Package

Submitting Motions

All UWSA members can submit a motion to the Chair of the Board at chair@theuwsa.ca. The deadline to submit is Tuesday, March 11 at 12:30 PM CST.

To learn how to write a motion, please review the documents below:

Motion Template (Editable PDF)
How to Write a Motion

Click here to visit the UWSA Annual General Meeting Page

Vote now in the UWSA General Elections 25!

February 27th, 2025

The voting for the UWSA General Elections 25 is open from Monday, March 3 at 9:00 am and ends on March 5 at 6:00 pm!

To cast your vote online, check your UofW email. You will receive an email with a unique password, and voting link.

You can also vote in person at the UofW campus at the following locations:

  • Riddell Hall Atrium
    • March 3: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
    • March 4: 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
    • March 5: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Richardson College for the Environment
    • March 3: 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
  • Buhler Centre
    • March 4: 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
  • Centennial Hall in front of Info Booth
    • March 4: 1:30 – 6 p.m.
  • Merchants Corner
    • March 5: 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
  • UWSA Daycare
    • March 5: 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

If you have already submitted a vote but wish to change it, you have until March 5, 2025, at 6:00 PM. Simply enter your UWinnipeg Student ID Number and Password to vote.

You can learn more about your candidates read the Voter’s Guide. For all information about the General Elections, visit theuwsa.ca/elections.

UWSA General Election 2025 Speeches

February 24th, 2025

The candidates for the UWSA General Elections are students just like you. They represent your faculties and communities to the UWSA and the University of Winnipeg. Find out if your representatives care about the same issues as you before you cast your vote.

Attend Candidate Speeches on:

  • Vice-President External Affairs Speeches – Tuesday, February 25 in The Hive starting at 12:00 p.m.
  • President Speeches – Wednesday, February 26 in The Hive starting 12:00 p.m.
  • Vice-President Student Affairs Speeches – Thursday, February 27 in The Hive  starting at 12:00 p.m.
  • Board of Directors Speeches – Friday, February 28 in The Hive starting at 12:00 p.m.

Learn more about your election candidates and make an informed vote in the 2025 General Elections.

Can’t make it to the event? Click here to read Candidate Bios in the Voter’s Guide. 

Have any questions? Email cec@theuwsa.ca or visit theuwsa.ca/elections

General Election 2025 Nomination Opens

January 27th, 2025

The UWSA General Election 2025 Nomination Period begins today!

The nomination Period opens at: 9 a.m. on Monday, Jan 27.

The nomination Period closes at: 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb 6.

Do you want to create positive change for your fellow students at the University of Winnipeg?

The General Election is where students can run for an Executive Team position (President, Vice-President Student Affairs), a Board of Director position, a Board of Regents seat, or a Senator position.  

Becoming an Executive Director or a member of the UWSA Board of Directors gives you experience serving on a non-profit board, awards you the opportunity to connect with student communities and represent their needs, gives you a voice to help make decisions that impact students and the university, and helps you learn more about the student union, university governance, and lobbying government.

To nominate yourself, fill out this online form by clicking here!

For more information, please visit theuwsa.ca/elections or email the CEC@theuwsa.ca.

UWSA Rainbow Lounge presents Homo Hop: Regal in Red Feb 15

January 24th, 2025

UWSA Rainbow Lounge presents Homo Hop 2025: Regal in Red! Put on your best old Hollywood outfit and get ready to strut down the red carpet with a night of dancing, drinks, and fun! Homo Hop is a queer-focused social and dance held in support of the UWSA Rainbow Lounge, a queer safe space on the UWinnipeg campus. Hosted at the Alt Hotel on February 15th from 7pm until 12am, join the Rainbow Lounge and DJ The Kaptain for a fabulous night you won’t forget. Tickets are $20 including Showpass fees, and a cash bar will be available. Must be 18+ to attend. We can’t wait to see you there! Get tickets here.

Winnipeg Jets Student Night on January 16

January 9th, 2025

The Winnipeg Jets and UWSA have teamed up to offer all UofW students the opportunity to attend the Winnipeg Jets “Student Night” on Thursday January 16 @ 7 PM when they take on the Seattle Kraken! Click here to get your tickets!!!

Tickets are only $35+ Fees! Show valid student ID at the concession for the game on January 16 and receive 50% off Fountain Pop, Popcorn or regular Hot Dogs!

Instructions to purchase

  1. Click GET TICKETS
  2. Click the section, then row, then the specific seats you would like to purchase
  3. Once you have completed adding seats you require to cart – select CONTINUE
  4. ORDER SUMMARY – Please review order to ensure all tickets are together and you have the correct number.
  5. Fill out contact information including the email address that you normally use to access tickets for games or events at Canada Life Centre for the tickets

To manage your tickets for the game please use the new Official App of the Winnipeg Jets and the Manitoba Moose. Once you download the app, sign up for the Jets 360 Rewards Program, then link your Ticketmaster Account in the “More” section of the app. Learn more about Jets 360 HERE. You will be able to load to your wallet on your phone or forward to those that will be attending the game.

Notice of upcoming UWSA Special General Meeting of the Membership on January 13, 2025

December 20th, 2024

The UWSA Special General Meeting will be taking place on Monday, January 13, 2025 at 12:30 p.m. in The Hive at The University of Winnipeg.

The UWSA Board of Directors has resolved to repeal the existing General By-laws of the UWSA and replace them with the Amended and Restated General By-laws of the UWSA in the form which can be accessed via the link below in the UWSA SGM Package section of this website page.

 The Board of Directors has determined that it is desirable to adopt the amendments in order to amend the By-laws for clarity, consistency, and to modernize the UWSA’s election procedures among other updates to ensure ongoing compliance with legislation. As the By-Law amendments require approval by the members at a meeting of the members, the UWSA Board of Directors has called a Special General Meeting of the membership to be held on January 13th 2025 at 12:30 PM in The Hive at The University of Winnipeg for the members to consider and, if deemed advisable, confirm and approve the amendments to the By-laws.

 Members are encouraged to review the complete amendments which can be accessed via the link below in the UWSA SGM Package section of this website page in full prior to the meeting.

UWSA SGM Package

UWSA SGM Agenda

SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WINNIPEG STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION

January 13th, 2025 at 12:30 PM

In The HIVE – University of Winnipeg

  1. Call to Order
  2. Introduction and Rules of Order
  3. Approval of the Order of Business
  4. New Business – To consider and, if deemed advisable, to confirm, with or without variation, the resolution of the Board of Directors of the UWSA repealing the General By-laws of the UWSA and enacting the Amended and Restated General By-laws of the UWSA in the form attached to this notice.
  5. Other Business
  6. Adjournment

Get familiar with how the Rules of Order works: UWSA Rules of Order

Submitting Motions

All UWSA members can submit a motion to the Chair of the Board at chair@theuwsa.ca by Friday, January 3rd 2025 at 12:30 PM CST. To learn how to write a motion, please review the documents below:

Motion Template (Editable PDF)
How to Write a Motion

University of Winnipeg
University of Winnipeg
University of Winnipeg