Good afternoon,
I am writing to let you know that a Special Referendum is now underway and will remain open until April 13th. It includes two important questions that will help shape the future of the SSMU and student life at our University.
The first question concerns the future of the SSMU and its governance, as proposed by amendments to the Constitution. The second concerns strikes and whether the SSMU should be required to meet a minimum threshold of voters before going on strike, and if so, what that minimum threshold should be.
The SSMU has existed since 1907, and over the past 119 years, it has played an important role in shaping student life at McGill. Its legacy can be seen in achievements such as the creation of Athletics and Recreation, advocacy that helped lead to the establishment of Student Services, the implementation of Health and Dental insurance, the institution of the Fall Reading Break, and the support it continues to provide to hundreds of clubs, services, and student groups across our campus, not to mention cherished spaces such as Gerts Bar and Gerts Café.
However, in recent years, the SSMU has been struggling. It has rested on its laurels, and periods of internal controversy and instability from various Executive teams have at times undermined student confidence and made it harder for the Society to live up to its full potential.
The SSMU could certainly be better; however, it can only improve with your help. Irrespective of where you stand on these two questions, I truly & strongly wish to encourage you to take a few moments to review them and cast your vote.
Good luck with finals, and I hope to see some of you at graduation.
Cheers,
Dymetri Taylor,
President
