CASA believes in a quality public post-secondary education system that is properly funded, effective, accountable, cooperatively maintained and enhanced by the federal and provincial governments. A crucial part of this system is ensuring that students have access to meaningful, fairly compensated employment opportunities that complement their education. Student jobs should provide not only financial support but also opportunities for skill development, professional growth, and career readiness, helping students transition successfully into the workforce.

Anticipating growth in the need for innovative and adaptable post-secondary graduates, CASA envisions a future in which more students have access to opportunities to conduct high-quality research and participate in the innovative cycle during their studies. CASA encourages the federal government to cultivate more opportunities for students to synthesize and apply new ideas and to participate in creative problem-solving.      

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Canadian Alliance of Student Associations launches national student GetOutTheVote campaign  OTTAWA and MONTREAL, March 23, 2025 – Today, the Governor General dissolved Parliament and announced the 45th Canadian general elections will take place, with polling day on April 28th. The Canadian Alliance of Student Associations and Québec Student Union, representing 410 000 students across Canada, has announced the relaunch of the GetOutTheVote.ca website to mobilize the student vote.  "Student voting is critical in a democracy," said Ahmad Baker, CASA Director at Large - Advocacy. "Whether by pledging to vote, encouraging friends to participate, or organizing group outings to the polls, students must take action to shape their future."

Students are taking alarming cost-cutting measures to cope with the financial pressures of education, including skipping meals (40%), not purchasing textbooks (31%), struggling to pay rent (24%) and using food banks (19%). Post-secondary students continue to be at risk for cycles of poverty. They need continued and permanent support to solve Canada's productivity challenges and better ease their transition into the Canadian workforce as the leaders and innovators of tomorrow.This year’s findings reveal critical insights into student life—from rising affordability and mental health challenges to evolving experiences with AI and work-integrated learning. Walking The Tightrope: Students Struggle for Balance in Canada's Precarious Post-Secondary Landscape is a summary of public opinion research that, through Abacus Data, surveyed post-secondary students across Canada in 2024. The results are meant to capture a snapshot of the post-secondary student experience in Canada. Accordingly, this paper reflects how the challenges, gaps and barriers presented in 2024 have evolved as well as identifies new or persistent concerns and priorities post-secondary students face. 

CASA champions innovative and forward-thinking approaches in post-secondary education, ensuring a high-quality and dynamic learning experience. As Canada takes the lead in AI governance, CASA advocates for the responsible and ethical use of AI in academic settings. In the absence of a national regulatory framework, our commitment to innovation drives us to foster an education system that embraces emerging technologies while protecting student interests and equipping them for lifelong learning in the digital age.   Our Vision for Artificial Intelligence CASA advocates for tangible actions that guarantee post-secondary students receive a high-quality education in an inclusive and supportive environment. Our core principles regarding AI in post-secondary education in Canada are as follows: The use of AI technologies, including Generative AI, must complement the learning experience. The use of AI technologies for evaluations and screening of student work should be discouraged, given the ample evidence that untested AI systems introduce bias and discriminatory practices towards certain student demographics. The federal government should aim to provide clear regulations, definitions, and legislation surrounding AI usage, particularly regarding its use in immigration systems. Want to learn more?  Fact sheet here!                              Full report here!               

We're Hiring: Communications and Public Relations Officer Position: Communications and Public Relations Officer Reporting to: Executive Director Organization Status:  Full-time, contract Location: Ottawa, Ontario Compensation: $50,000-$53,000 (37.5-44 hours) + Benefits (Health, Dental and RRSP matching) Posted: January 22nd, 2025  Closing: February 12, 2025 Applications must include: Cover letter, resume Submit application to: [email protected] Who We Are The Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA) believes that any academically qualified student with the desire to pursue post-secondary education should not face a barrier, financial or otherwise, to obtaining that education. We are an alliance of 26 student associations from coast-to-coast, advocating that Canada’s post-secondary education system should be affordable, accessible, innovative, and of the highest quality.  Position Profile: Based in downtown Ottawa and reporting to the Executive Director, the Communications and Public Relations Officer (CPRO) is responsible for CASA’s internal and external communication efforts. Working in a small, dynamic team, the CPRO will be charged with promoting CASA’s objectives and upholding its public image through a variety of activities, including: developing communications strategies, creating written and multimedia content, engaging in media relations, and managing the organization’s websites and social media accounts. For those who are creative and driven, this is an excellent opportunity to exercise your skills and spearhead projects of your own imagination.