The Canadian Federation of Students is suing the Cape Breton University Students’ Union over its decision to break ties with the lobby group.
“As far as I see it, it’s ridiculous,” says student Jeff David. “It’s a confederation for students and they’re suing students.”
Students voted to separate from the organization in a referendum held at the university six years ago. The Canadian Federation of Students says the union didn’t follow the appropriate guidelines.
“There was communication made to schedule when a vote would take place, but they were unhappy with having to wait a semester and proceeded to hold a vote,” says Brent Farrington, internal co-ordinator with the Canadian Federation of Students.
Now the current union is battling the claims and insists they followed the rules.
“We did follow their bylaws. The issue is, they’re saying they didn’t receive it,” says student union president Brandon Ellis.
The Cape Breton University Students’ Union isn’t the only student union fighting a battle with the Canadian Federation of Students. Acadia University withdrew from the federation in 1996, but they too were sued in a court conflict that lasted more than a decade.
“It seems to me they’re more concerned about the money than actually the students themselves,” says David.
The federation is seeking unpaid damages and membership fees for the past six years. The yearly cost is $30,000 and has since increased another $10,000.
The union is preparing to face the federation in court in December.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Kyle Moore
