In 1991, the FPSE (then CIEA) produced and circulated 250,000 copies of an election pamphlet titled Today’s education – Tomorrow’s Opportunities: An Advanced Education and Training Agenda for British Columbians, marking the federation’s first foray into electoral activism.

We argued that all British Columbians should be able to receive the post-secondary education they need or want, and that our future depends upon removing all barriers to advanced education – financial, geographic, language, gender or disability. We understood then, as we do now, that our future depends upon government making stable, long-term investments in post-secondary education.

Since then, our advocacy has expanded in print and online, and the federation takes an active role in advocating for post-secondary education during elections. 
 

IN 1991  WE PROPOSED:

• That post-secondary education be treated as an investment in the future of our province, rather than an expense to be slashed when times are tough.
• That B.C. commit itself to meet at least the national standard for the participation of students in post-secondary education.
• That B.C. spend at least the national average on student assistance programs.
• That B.C. offer post-secondary students a universal non-repayable grant as do other provinces and that high student debtload be eliminated.
• That tuition fees for students, which are among the highest in the country, be frozen.
• That the real costs of quality post-secondary education be recognized and provided and that funding be put in place to repair our post-secondary system and improve quality, as well as to support enrolment growth.
• That funding per student be returned to at least its 1981/82 level plus inflation.
• That the government immediately provide additional funds to support career, technology and vocational programs.
• That the provincial government make a commitment to our public post-secondary system. Privatization of vocational and career programs is neither cost-efficient nor does it guarantee all qualified students an affordable, quality education.