Yanisa Kapetch, originally from Thailand, ventured to British Columbia to pursue digital media studies at a private college, never imagining it would involve canvassing for a Conservative candidate. The 25-year-old enrolled at Pacific Link College in Metro Vancouver, where their in-class learning was halted in December 2024 to engage in campaign activities for Tamara Jansen, a Conservative candidate in a federal byelection.
Email exchanges reveal that the college framed the volunteer work as part of their digital media course, with the implication that it could aid in securing permanent residency for the students. Kapetch and another student, who chose to remain anonymous due to immigration concerns, raised objections to the campaign involvement, citing its lack of relevance to their studies and unfamiliarity with Jansen.
Despite winning the byelection and becoming a Member of Parliament for Cloverdale-Langley City, Jansen’s office expressed unawareness of the college’s role in the campaign, emphasizing that byelection campaigns are typically managed by federal party staff.
Pacific Link College denied the allegations brought forth by the students, asserting that volunteer opportunities, including political engagements, were optional and that the institution maintained political neutrality. The students reported attending only one day of campaigning before expressing their concerns to the school and discontinuing their participation.
The students recounted being informed about the campaign by their instructor in class, followed by directives from school administrators to attend the campaign office for specified durations, submit proof of participation, and seek permission to opt out. The students’ objections to the mandatory nature of the campaign activities were met with justifications from the school, emphasizing the experiential learning aspect and potential benefits for their future in Canada.
A formal complaint has been lodged against the college by one student, seeking a refund of tuition fees based on the poor educational quality and involvement in the political campaign. The college refuted these claims, maintaining that participation in the campaign was voluntary for all students.
International student rights advocate Balraj Kahlon is representing the complainant in the dispute, underscoring the challenges faced by students in confronting private institutions and the importance of education in their pursuit of permanent residency in Canada.
The school’s denial of the allegations and insistence on voluntary participation have prompted discussions regarding the need for regular inspections of designated learning institutions to ensure quality education for international students in Canada.
