General Government Relations Update
February 12, 2026
In spring 2025, the FSA’s Board of Directors committed to engage a government relations consulting firm. The Board recognized that funding norms within the post‑secondary sector had shifted significantly over the preceding two years, requiring a more strategic relationship with government.
Beginning in the Fall Semester, members of the FSA’s leadership team initiated regular meetings with representatives from Counsel Public Affairs—a national, multipartisan team of consultants who are experts in navigating British Columbia’s and Canada’s dynamic political landscape. Over the subsequent months, Counsel has supported the FSA in three key areas: (1) developing a comprehensive government relations strategy, (2) facilitating and advising on ministerial and governmental meetings, and (3) drafting effective communications to government. In particular, Counsel has helped the FSA to arrange and structure meetings with provincial politicians, craft positions and hone messages for the province’s independent post-secondary review and Look West strategy, and prepare for the 2026 Provincial Budget.
The post-secondary sector is facing unprecedented volatility, and your Board of Directors is striving to take a proactive rather than reactive approach to government relations as much as possible. While there are many external factors we cannot control, we can actively foster strategic connections and ongoing communication channels not only with government, but also with our strategic partners in the sector such as BC Federation of Labour, Canadian Labour Congress, and Canadian Association of University Teachers. We continue to put our members’ best interests at the centre of what we do, especially during these challenging times. For questions about our government relations strategy, reach out to Member Engagement Officer Matt Greaves.