An investigation has been launched to protect the students of a Metro Vancouver university, according to the B.C. Ministry of Finance.
Brenda Bailey, the B.C. minister of finance, has initiated the investigation under the Societies Act in a situation revolving around the Kwantlen Student Association.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University and the Kwantlen Student Association are two distinct and different organizations.
Kwantlen has several university campuses around Metro Vancouver, including Surrey, Richmond, Langley, and Cloverdale.
The investigation into the student association will attempt to identify whether or not there has been a misuse of funds or “other problematic conduct,” according to the ministry.
“Pending the investigation, a ministerial order prohibits the Kwantlen Student Association from disposing of, dealing with or diminishing the value of any of its assets except as authorized by the order. The association may spend reasonable amounts on proper operational expenses,” the ministry adds.
The investigation stems from a report from the Registrar of Companies to the Minister of Finance, and action is being taken to “protect the student association and its members pending the investigation.”
The registrar’s report also says that the student association can also spend a reasonable amount on legal advice and “representation from arm’s length parties.”
“Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) welcomes the B.C. Government’s notice regarding the Kwantlen Student Association (KSA). The KSA is an independent society governed under the Societies Act and is therefore accountable to its members, who are KPU students. KPU itself is not a member of the KSA. The university reserves further comment,” said Zena Mitchell, Vice-President, Students, at Kwantlen Polytechnic University.
The Metro Vancouver university was in the news earlier this month regarding more bad news due to plummeting international enrolment.
Kwantlen shared a memo earlier this month regarding more layoffs due to the falling international enrolment.
“After considering the implications, and in line with the respective collective agreements, KPU has been in discussion with the Kwantlen Faculty Association (KFA) and the BCGEU regarding the likelihood of layoffs. Layoffs will also affect some administrative positions,” said acting Kwantlen President Dr. Diane Purvey.
The news marks Kwantlen’s third round of layoffs in a year.
Daily Hive has reached out to the Kwantlen Student Association for a response to the investigation.
With files from Daniel Chai