UASU in the News

The work that your UASU does often catches the eye of news outlets, resulting in plenty of media coverage. We're proud to say that our efforts to champion student needs and tackle important issues have made their way into news stories. From fighting for affordable education to standing up for student rights, our impactful initiatives and campaigns grab the attention of journalists who recognize the importance of shining a light on our work.

2024-26 VP External Abdul Abbasi being interviewed by Global News.

News Articles

2025

Headlines - The University of Alberta Students’ Union (UASU) hosted an Edmonton Student Alliance mayoral forum - October 16, 2025

The University of Alberta Students’ Union (UASU) hosted an Edmonton Student Alliance mayoral forum on Oct. 10, featuring candidates Tim Cartmell, Andrew Knack, Michael Walters, and Rahim Jaffer. Moderated by former CBC radio host Mark Connolly at the Horowitz Theatre, the forum addressed transit safety, youth unemployment, and student consultation. Candidates discussed increasing police presence, partnering officers with social workers, creating more day shelters, attracting international investment, and fostering a robust tech economy. All candidates emphasized involving students in city decision-making. Edmonton’s municipal election is Oct. 20.

Radio - Students push to get fellow young voters involved in election - October 14, 2025

Headlines - Edmonton grassroots groups are mobilizing underrepresented communities for the municipal election - October 14, 2025

"Edmonton grassroots groups are mobilizing underrepresented communities for the municipal election on Oct. 20. The University of Alberta Students’ Union, alongside the Edmonton Student Alliance, encourages students to pledge votes for issues like housing, transit, and affordability."

Article - How underrepresented Edmonton groups are mobilizing for the municipal election - October 11, 2025

"...the University of Alberta Students’ Union has about 150 volunteers encouraging their peers to make a pledge to vote — setting up tables on campus, arranging classroom visits and organizing a social media campaign. The students’ union says it plans to use the student pledges to highlight issues that matter on campus such as housing, transit and affordability. It also wants to ensure students know how, when and where to vote, and is even sending them reminders. “Our hope really is to get as many students as possible to pledge to vote so that we have that number to then go to our elected officials on Oct. 21 and beyond, and say, ‘Hey, students are paying attention. We are caring about what’s happening,’” Pedro Almeida, president of the students’ union, said Wednesday."

Article and Video - Edmonton students push to get fellow young voters involved in election - October 9, 2025

"'Municipal politics are really the level where we see the most amount of difference in our day-to-day lives. We want students’ voices to be heard when it comes to affordability, housing, transit,' said Pedro Almeida, president of the UASU. 'Students want to be part of the changemakers in the city and want their voices to be heard by elected officials. Not every student knows the name of every city councillor, but we know the effects that we see on our day-to-day life.'"

Article - Unlocking the nation-building power of post-secondary education - September 26, 2025

"'If we want the strongest economy in the G7, we need the strongest post-secondary system in the G7. That means world-class training and research that give Canadians the skills to lead in every sector,' adds Abdul Abbasi, chair of CASA."

Article - Alberta advanced education minister to assess need for new protections for free speech, academic freedom - September 25, 2025

"He's hoping that following this mandate letter and after the expert panel's report, the provincial government will do more to alleviate some of the financial pressures facing institutions and students. But Almeida said he believes there aren't many concerns around academic freedom and freedom of expression, and that the biggest issue facing students is affordability."

Article - Digital textbook deals spark controversy - September 15, 2025

"'Our main concern is that the framing of the program [suggests that it’s] for students, but yet at every turn, student representatives have indicated a lack of support towards it,' said Pedro Almeida, president of the University of Alberta Students’ Union."

Article - 'For what?': Alberta leads the country with 32% undergrad tuition hike since 2020 - September 15, 2025

"The impression from students is that quality has not increased at the pace at which tuition has in the past five years."

Government Release - Kick-starting careers for young Albertans - September 11, 2025

"Helping youth and young adults enter the workforce is an important first step in their careers. With this new hiring incentive, we are excited that more young Albertans, including many of our students, will start gaining the experience they need for a successful future." — Pedro Almeida, president, University of Alberta Students’ Union

Government Release - Downtown Student Housing Incentive: 500 new student housing units coming to downtown Edmonton - August 29, 2025

"With rents up hundreds of dollars in the past few years and housing insecurity on the rise, this incentive will bring a much-needed relief." — Pedro Almeida, UASU President
"The recently conducted housing survey, in partnership with the City of Edmonton, has provided key data that helped shape this progam." — Abdul Abbasi, UASU Vice President (External)

Article and Video - City of Edmonton incentivizing student housing builds - August 20, 2025

"'The campus food bank usage at the University of Alberta has increased by 600 per cent over the last five years and the number one reason why students are coming to campus food bank is housing increases,' said Abdul Abbasi, the University of Alberta Students’ Union’s vice-president external."

Article - City announces $15M for downtown student housing - August 20, 2025

"'This is a good first step … we’re hoping to push the federal government for funding like this across the country, with more funding coming through … for cities and non-profits,' Abbasi said. 'Of course, a lot more is needed.'"

Article - Pair of tower rezoning proposals heading to public hearing - August 16, 2025

Article - 'Great legacy for our Downtown': Edmonton eyeing Canada’s first downtown student housing incentive - August 14, 2025

Article - Edmonton city council approves land and funds for affordable student housing - August 13, 2025

Radio Interview - A particularly hard year for Canadian youths on the hunt for a job - August 5, 2025

Article - Proposed incentive program aims to boost downtown Edmonton student housing - August 1, 2025

Article - What to do about youth unemployment? - June 30, 2025

Article - Canadian universities grapple with evaluating students amid AI cheating fears - June 8, 2025

TV Interview - Students group raise concerns as U of A increases monthly parking by 20% - June 4, 2025

TV Interview - Edmonton city council hears from public on zoning bylaw review - June 3, 2025

Article - New lactation station open at University of Alberta - May 30, 2025

Article - Young people excited to cast ballots at U of A advance federal election polling station - April 15, 2025

Article - PSE leaders discuss need for policies, student demands ahead of federal election - April 10, 2025