Key moments from the ECHO Conference

Always remember that you were elected by students and you carry their voice.
– Samanta Krishnapillai, Founder of On Canada Project

This past Wednesday, June 25, marked a milestone as IGNITE launched its first ECHO Conference at Humber Polytechnic’s Lakeshore Campus.

The event brought together student leaders, speakers, and advocacy professionals from colleges and universities across Ontario for a full day of meaningful dialogue, in-depth policy discussions, and collective action.

The conference highlighted the powerful role student unions play in shaping the future of student life. It addressed critical challenges for student unions, like Bill 33, which some are concerned could threaten essential services, including governance, mental health support, and cultural and diversity programs.

The goal of ECHO was simple: to listen, connect and determine the advocacy priorities that will shape student life in the year ahead.

Let’s look at some key moments from the ECHO Conference!

Opening remarks and a call to leadership

Two women are speaking at a conference and a group of people are sitting and listening. — *Via IGNITE*

The conference began with a welcome from Kristine Galvan, IGNITE’s Manager, Leadership & Advocacy, followed by a land acknowledgment from Sieu Moi Ly, IGNITE Director, Student Success.

Galvan introduced the day’s goals and welcomed the guest speaker, Samanta Krishnapillai.

Krishnapillai is the founder of The Canada Project, a platform for truth-telling and social change. She is also a writer and researcher who blends her life experience with deep policy insight.

She reminded everyone that leadership requires courage and authenticity, and whether the topic is the climate crisis or human rights, there’s no ‘both sides’ to these issues. “You’ve got to show up fully. Be real. Be bold. And lead with your whole self,” she said.

She urged the student leaders in attendance to reflect on their inspirational figures, and they responded with stories of how their role models shaped their leadership.

Breaking down Bill 33

A man is speaking at a conference. — *Via IGNITE*

The next session shifted into provincial politics, with David Ward, General Manager of the College Student Alliance (CSA), taking the stage to break down Bill 33, a new proposal that could change how student fees are managed across Ontario.

Ward explained how the bill, while promoted as improving transparency, could actually limit services that student unions provide.

The bill proposes new regulations on student fees and post-secondary admissions in Ontario. If passed, the government could decide which fees are allowed, risking cuts to essential campus services.

The bill also mandates merit-based admissions, raising concerns about reduced access for underrepresented students. Critics warn the bill could undermine student support and limit educational equity across the province.

While some parts of the bill could come into effect immediately, others depend on how and when the government chooses to implement them.

“It’s up to us to make a powerful case. This is about understanding which tables to sit at, how to influence decisions and being ready to show we belong there,” Ward said.

From monitoring to action

A man is giving a presentation at a conference. — *Via IGNITE*

Ward took the stage to introduce Jasmine Bates, President of the CSA, who joined us on video call and shared timely updates on the organization’s advocacy work in response to Bill 33.

“CSA has taken swift steps to respond,” Bates began, outlining actions the organization has already put in motion.

On June 3, CSA sent a letter to Ontario ministers, raising concerns and proposing solutions for student-led services.

“We’re working in collaboration with OUSA, CASA and OSV to build a unified and strategic response,” she explained.

Bates noted meetings with Minister Quinn’s staff and MCUERS officials are scheduled for early July.

To ensure the conversation reaches beyond government, CSA has also shared its letter with opposition critics from the NDP and Liberal parties.

“We’re closely monitoring the legislative process—especially the second reading,” Bates said, adding that CSA may present at the legislative standing committee when the time comes.

She said CSA is creating a plan to gather direct input from member student associations for full student representation.

Real change requires real input

A group of people are sitting in a conference. — *Via IGNITE*

Bates shared encouraging updates on the government’s commitment to consultation. According to the official Hansard record from June 5, 2025, the government pledged to consult broadly with students, colleges, universities, and other stakeholders before implementing any regulations.

She emphasized that no regulations will be introduced until meaningful input is gathered from the sector. Bates said communication and updates on timelines and regulations will continue over the coming months.

While these promises show progress, student leaders at ECHO made it clear that consultation must be genuine and inclusive.

Students want to be equal partners in shaping policies that directly affect their lives, not sidelined as an afterthought.

Confronting issues and setting priorities

A woman is speaking at a conference. — *Via IGNITE*

Krishnapillai’s powerful ECHO session tackled pressing global and local issues, as she emphasized the need for intergenerational collaboration, noting, “We still need the wisdom of the older generation, but we need the passion of the new one too—we see things more clearly,” Krishnapillai said.

Krishnapillai, along with student leaders, discussed challenges like limited funding and meeting expectations.

Together, they identified key focus areas like affordability, housing, unpaid work placements and food insecurity.

Expanding on those issues, Galvan highlighted IGNITE’s ‘Time is Money’ campaign, which calls for fair compensation for students in work-integrated learning placements. “We collected just under 700 student stories detailing how stressful and unfair unpaid internships were,” she shared.

In closing, student leaders emphasized unity and persistence.

Final reflections

A man is speaking at a conference and a group of people are sitting beside him. — *Via IGNITE*

At the conference’s end, Ly emphasized that ECHO stands for unity, connection and meaningful conversation.

She emphasized the urgent issue of food insecurity and the strength found in collective action.

“ECHO is about bringing everyone together. We’re not just talking—we’re starting conversations, because these issues matter,” Ly said .

Galvan closed the day with heartfelt gratitude, reminding attendees that the day was about alignment and connection and the ripple effect we can create in our communities. “Advocacy demands showing up,” she said.

The closing reflections emphasized that ongoing engagement, collaboration and presence are essential for achieving the change students want.

ECHO wasn’t just a meeting; it was a launchpad towards meaningful progress.

Feature image courtesy of IGNITE

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