V.P. External Affairs

Joël Pedneault

Joël Pedneault

Hi!

My name’s Joël Pedneault. A quick word about who I am: I was raised in Ottawa by francophone parents, I study Sociology, and during my free time, I do translation.

As Vice-President External, I am working on three main areas of interest to students. First, I am the main point person for SSMU’s campaign for more accessible post-secondary education; I also connect with other student unions on issues of mutual interest. Second, I convey McGill students’ stances to various levels of government. And last but not least, I am SSMU’s link to community groups in Montreal, including the Milton-Park Citizen’s committee (which represents people who live in the neighborhood east of McGill campus).

A word about tuition fee increases: last year, the Quebec government announced it would nearly double tuition fees for Quebec residents pursuing a university degree starting in September 2012. Tuition fees for students from outside Quebec will also likely continue to increase at an increasing rate. This year, the student movement in Quebec is gearing up for a large mobilization in the hopes of convincing the government to change its mind, since any tuition increases negatively affect everyone’s chances to attend university, regardless of their means.

One the one hand, I will be working hard with SSMU’s executive team to advocate for accessible education at the relevant levels of government and on University decision-making bodies. On the other hand, we will not get very far if the University and Quebec government don’t realize tuition increases affect every one of us (not to mention our families!) in one way or another. So – keep your eyes peeled for the many actions which McGill students will participate in both on and off campus to express our commitment to accessible education at all levels!

One last thing: don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at external@ssmu.mcgill.ca if you have any questions, or if you are interested in getting involved in our campaigns or in community-building initiatives in Montreal.

Have a great year!

The Vice President (External Affairs) must represent the Society and communicate positions and policies taken by the Society to external bodies and agencies. They must work to lobby federal, provincial and municipal governments to further the objectives, goals and policies of the Society. Furthermore, they must develop policies and initiatives in the off-campus McGill community, attend all meetings of relevant local, provincial, national, or international student groups, and communicate all relevant external issues to Council.

Other Executive Members