One motion passed, others deferred for future discussion at UTMSU meeting
: The University of Toronto Mississauga Students’ Union discussed various issues and achievements at their yearly meeting, including the U-Pass program and extension of the credit/no credit option.
On November 28, 2024, the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) Students’ Union (UTMSU) held their Annual General Meeting (AGM) where UTM students had the opportunity to raise issues and have their ideas heard by the UTM community.
Issues to be brought up at the AGM were submitted ahead of time as motions. Before the meeting, the AGM planned to discuss the creation of an open committee focused on implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s (TRCC) 94 calls to action; investigating the benefits of a maker’s space at UTM; initiating a review and revision of the University of Toronto (U of T)’s land acknowledgement; and the lobbying for larger multi-faith prayer spaces for both men and women.
The other motions, which were classified as late submissions and sent after the deadline, included the formation of a mass strike campaign/committee at UTM for Palestine; the creation of an opposition union to the UTMSU; lobbying for more express MiWay bus routes to continue operating during exam seasons; and allowing the UTM Sexual Education Centre (SEC) to continue operating in their current office space in the Student Centre.
The AGM began with an overview of how voting on motions would work during the meeting, followed by a call to order, a land acknowledgement, an equity statement, and the approval of the agenda.
In her address, UTMSU President Joelle Salsa first acknowledged the UTM students affected by the conflict in Palestine and repeated calls for U of T’s divestment of resources from Israeli-affiliated companies and institutions.
“The UTMSU is here to make your voice heard,” stated Salsa at the meeting, addressing the attendees. She also highlighted the importance of the AGM and student participation in decision-making, saying, “We’ve proven that united action works… let us leave tonight with an impact.”
UTMSU executives took turns discussing the union’s recent achievements and initiatives, including their accessibility campaign, the Transit Advocating Party, the extension of the credit/no credit option, and even events such as Lobby Week, Orientation Week, and all-you-can-eat buffets.
Also discussed were UTMSU services, such as their Headshot Service, U-Pass program, and Food Centre, as well as an overview of UTMSU’s audited financial report from the previous year.
Following these discussions, only around half an hour remained in the AGM for students’ motions to be heard. By the end of the meeting, only one had the opportunity to be voted on.
The AGM attendees voted to carry a motion which would create an open committee focused on implementing the TRCC’s 94 calls to action. The committee, which is to be called the “Committee to Indigenous Justice and Collaboration,” would seek collaboration across U of T’s tri-campus community, and advocate for the recognition of the calls to action.
The rest of the motions, however, did not have a chance to be heard during the AGM, and instead, were voted to be referred to UTMSU’s board of directors, to be discussed at a later date. The UTMSU has not yet set a date for when these motions will be heard.
Two executives from UTM’s SEC, who were hoping to advocate in front of the student body for their motion of allowing them to remain in their current office space, say they have not been updated on whether their motion will be heard again by the UTMSU.
Instead, the Centre, which offers UTM students free resources and services relating to sexual education and health, including peer counselling, contraceptives, and educational material, were able to have their move-out date extended until the end of April 2025 at which point they will be moved to a smaller space in the Student Centre.
