UManitoba students, CFS at odds over referendum, vote to cut ties

The University of Manitoba Students’ Union (UMSU) and the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS) are reportedly at odds about the legitimacy of a recent referendum during which the UMSU voted to cut ties with the CFS. The Winnipeg Free Press reports that there is an ongoing lawsuit between the two parties and that court documents demonstrate a disagreement over the regulations UMSU must follow to end the relationship. “Our student body is getting a really bad return on investment when it comes to this partnership,” said UMSU President Jaron Rykiss. “We find that our advocacy is better suited working through … the Manitoba Alliance of Post-Secondary Students, as well as … the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations.” Rykiss explained that MAPS is free and that CASA membership is significantly cheaper than the annual $415K fee charged by the CFS.