The SSMU Policy
Manual
A collection of external statements and
positions taken on behalf of the
undergraduates of McGill University
1. Preface ............................................................................................................................................... 3
2. A guide to the policy process of the SSMU .......................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Appendix A- relevant by-laws ............................................................................................................ 4
3. Submission to the commission parlementaire ............................................................................. 5
4. Environmental Policy ...................................................................................................................... 9
5. Academic Mission Statement ....................................................................................................... 10
6. Tuition Fees .................................................................................................................................... 11
7. Motion Re: Muslim prayer space on campus............................................................................. 12
8. Motion re: CAFS submission to Dining-at-McGill Advisory Committee ............................ 13
9. Policy re: turnitin.com ................................................................................................................... 14
10. Students' Society of McGill University (SSMU) – Policy on Equity .................................... 15
11. Motion Re: Negative Corporate Influences on Campus……………………………….20
12. Motion Re: Solidarity with Workers Struggles.........................................................................22
13. Sustainability Policy......................................................................................................................23
1. Preface
February 12th, 2007
The document before you was originally assembled by my direct predecessor, Max Reed, and
it is thanks to him that I need only update what I find. Let's hope the tradition continues and
that the members of the SSMU have a document to guide their understanding of the
priorities and positions of the council that leads in their name.
With that in mind, I encourage you to read the description of how policy is made, below, as
it explains how students can add and amend what is here to reflect our present student body.
Thank you for your interest, and I hope you find ways to contribute to the SSMU's positions
in our ongoing efforts to better represent you.
Currently the only updates of 2007-2008 are from the Special General Assembly in Fall
2007. The General Assembly of Fall 2007 are not included and the General Assembly of
Winter 2008 failed to reach quorum.
Adrian Angus
SSMU VP (University Affairs)
2007-2008
Appendix A- relevant by-laws
BY-LAW I-13– POLICY MANUAL
Article 1—Creation and Definition of the Policy Manual
1.1
There shall be a body of position papers known as the “Policy Manual.”
1.2
The Policy Manual shall contain declarations of the Society’s Legislative Council and
General Assemblies.
1.3
The Policy Manual shall be made available, upon request, to any member of the
Society.
1.4
The Policy Manual shall be subject to the Constitution and By-laws of the Society,
but shall in no way be construed as taking precedence over the Constitution or Bylaws of the Society.
1.5
The declarations within the Policy Manual shall not be binding on the Society.
1.6
Individual declarations within the Policy Manual shall be referred to as “Policies.”
1.7
Policies shall contain Council’s position on matters not within the legislative
competence of Council.
Article 2 – Adoption, Amendment & Repeal
2.1
General Assemblies or Special Assemblies of the membership of the Society may
adopt, amend or repeal a Policy by simple majority vote.
2.2
Council may adopt, amend or repeal a Policy by simple majority vote.
2.3
The Executive Committee may adopt, amend or repeal a Policy between meetings of
Council. It shall remain in effect until the next meeting of Council, at which time it
shall be subject to ratification by Council by simple majority vote.
Article 3 – Language
3.1
The Policy Manual shall be made available in English or in French.
3.1
All new Policies and amendments to the Policy Manual may be adopted in either
French or English.
3. Submission to the commission parlementaire
Submitted by the Students' Society of McGill University
Ratified by the SSMU Legislative Council: February 5th, 2004
This document was submitted to the Parlimentrary Commission on the quality, financing, and accessibility of
Universities. The full document is over 20 pages. Below are the recommendations that came out of the
process.
The SSMU demands :
1. that in the next provincial budget, the government of Québec announce a
reinvestment plan for the Québec university network, to compensate for the $375
million shortfall in the system.
2. that in the course of future discussions on the status of higher education in the
province, the government of Québec use pertinent examples from societies with
university structures similar to the Québec network to draw comparisons. While
Ontario may be closest in girth to Québec, Manitoba and Newfoundland provide
insights into accessibility policies similar to those in Québec.
Internationally,
comparisons ought to be made not only to the United States, but to examples such
as France, Germany and Sweden, where models of accessibility are more similar to
the choices made in Québec.
3. that the government of Québec maintain public financing as the sole central form of
financing to universities. All others sources of funding are additional, be they private
donations, corporate sponsorships, tuition, or ancillary fees; and should be regulated
with the recognition that accessibility, academic freedom, and the public interest are
just as important as sizeable university finances.
4. that the government of Québec maintain the standard of the province’s financial aid
programme as one of the most generous in the Canadian federation, and improve
the ability of students to diminish their debt load by preferentially awarding grants
over loans.
5. that the government of Québec recognize equity and physical access as measures of
accessibility, and require universities to renovate their buildings to meet or to exceed
current physical accessibility codes, and facilitate the process by providing all the
funds necessary to do so.
6. that, in the interests of equity, accessibility and global citizenship, the government of
Québec abolish both the out-of-province fee supplement and deregulated
international student fees.
7. that until such a time as the differentiated fee structure is abolished, the government
of Québec freeze the tuition rates of out-of-province and international fees so that
all students in Québec can plan their finances more effectively with the benefit of
government protection from tuition hikes.
8. that until such a time as the differentiated fee structure is abolished, the government
of Québec, in the interests of compassion and accessibility, regulate that refugee
claimants pay only Québec resident fees while their status is being processed by the
Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) of Canada.
9. that in light of an extremely high burden of financing the university system places on
students, the government of Québec freeze all ancillary fees imposed by university
administrations on students without their general consent.
10. that in its reinvestment in universities, the government of Québec prioritize the
recruitment of professors representative of our population and able to engage
students in research and learning.
11. that the government of Québec rectify the inequity of the ‘Ajustement McGill’, by
investing in McGill University in accordance with the institution’s unique
international composition. In doing so, the government of Québec should transfer
compensatory funding to the university to correct the decades of under-financing
that the institution has suffered. This funding should not come at the expense of
other institutions in the Québec university network.
12. that the government of Québec alter the discourse of university education as solely
job-training and focus on the nature of university education as citizen formation.
13. that the government of Québec offer financial incentives to academics who are
willing to engage in community-driven research agendas, thereby ensuring that
community groups can influence university research just as much as affluent business
interests.
14. that the government of Québec reinstate funding to provincial research funding
agencies immediately in order to maintain Québec’s research-friendly environment.
15. that the government of Québec financially support research projects that implicate
undergraduate students as active agents in the investigative and analytical process.
16. that the government of Québec require every publicly-funded research project to
report openly who is to benefit from its findings, particularly if any new knowledge
generated from public funds has been sold to a private owner for financial gains.
17. that the government of Québec ensure that funding between all disciplines through
its agencies is equitable, and thereby enhances the integrated vision of the world that
is necessary to address today’s global concerns.
18. that the government of Québec reaffirm its commitment to a programme to offset
the indirect costs incurred by universities for providing logistical and infrastructural
costs to research.
19. that the government of Québec continue to demand that the federal government not
interfere in the jurisdiction of the provinces, and transfer the necessary resources to
the provinces for them to be able to fulfil their constitutional obligations.
20. that the government of Québec reinvest in universities on a planning horizon for
periods of more than ten years.
21. that the government of Québec alter its view of performance contracts as solely
financial auditing mechanisms and utilize a holistic approach to performance
evaluation.
22. that the government of Québec allow universities to run reasonable current budget
deficits for the sake of reaping future benefits of investment.
23. that the government of Québec engage in a cross-society dialogue to determine the
ways in which universities contribute to their immediate surrounding communities,
utilizing this information as an indicator of universities fulfilling their mission.
24. that the government of Québec play close attention to the recommendations of la
Fédération étudiante universitaire du Québec during the course of the Commission,
as well as the submissions of its other member associations in order to improve the
quality of life of all students as major contributors to Québec society.
4. Environmental Policy
Adopted by Council - April 11, 2002
Whereas the Society will strive to reduce its own negative environmental impact, and to
encourage its affiliated clubs and services to progress towards environmental sustainability,
BIRT the society will minimize energy use through efficiency and conservation, decrease the
consumption of other resources and the production of waste, and seek to eliminate the
release of substances harmful to the biosphere;
BIRT the Society will adopt purchasing policies which favor environmentally-benign, postconsumer, bio-degradable, and non-toxic products wherever possible;
BIRT the Society will apply the concept of “Re-think/Reduce/Re-use/Recycle,” and always
consider reduce and re-use options first;
BIRT the Society will take environmental concerns into consideration in future building
renovations and constructions, such as energy efficiency, the origin of building materials,
etc.;
BIFRT the Society will apply the principles of this policy throughout the planning,
organization, and operation of special events.
5. Academic Mission Statement
This policy now represents the SSMU’s commitment to academic integrity. It now appeared on the back of all
exam booklets until it was changed by CSA at sometime.
Adopted by Council – February 8, 2001
Academic Integrity: Building a Better McGill Community
As members of the McGill Community, we are all interested in fostering an environment of
mutual respect, honesty, trust, fairness, and responsibility. These fundamental values
constitute academic integrity.
As a student, academic integrity means recognizing that a healthy academic
community can only be reached through intellectual and personal honesty in learning and
research. Presenting one's own work and recognizing the contribution of others are essential
towards building a community of integrity.
Related to honesty is trust in the members of our environment. Mutual trust among all
members of the McGill community is necessary in order to foster a positive learning
environment. Through mutual trust, we can conduct research and learn with confidence.
All members of the McGill Community must be treated with fairness. This means that all
policies and practices must apply equally to all members.
It is through respect of our environment and of our peers that we learn to thrive in the
diversity of McGill University. As students, we recognize the participatory nature of the
learning process and therefore the requirement for mutual respect in academic relationships,
including respect and tolerance for a wide range of opinions and ideas.
Finally, we all have a responsibility to uphold the values of academic
integrity. This is the key to building a better McGill community.
Ref: "The Fundamental Values of Academic Integrity", Center for Academic
Integrity, Duke University. <http://www.academicintegrity.org/Values.asp>
6. Tuition Fees
Approved by Council – April 2, 1992
1. The Students’ Society is unconditionally opposed to any increases whatsoever in the
total dollar amount of university tuition fees;
2. The Government of Quebec must continue to adequately fund all Quebec
universities, and compensate those that have been underfunded in the past so that
their accumulated deficits may be retired.
3. The Government of Quebec must recognize the crucial importance of higher
education to the future of the Province by increasing its expenditures in this area to a
greater proportion of the Provincial GNP.
4. The Government of Quebec must ensure that tuition fees remain consistent
regardless of the choice of university; the programme; the academic cycle
(undergraduate, graduate); and/or the anticipated future earning of potential of the
degree.
5. The Government of Quebec must realize that an increase in the contribution made
by students is not the only solution to the financial difficulties of the Quebec
university system, and that a permanent solution must be found (i.e. The New
Partnership).
6. The Government of Quebec must prohibit all forms of disguised tuition fees,
including the so-called “course materials charge.”
7. The Government of Quebec must conduct a comprehensive study of post-secondary
education system in Quebec, including a public inquiry, and institute the subsequent
proposed reforms insuring student representation on any committee of inquiry;
8. The Government of Quebec must reform the present loans and bursary system to
guarantee accessible university education to all members of society;
9. The Government of Quebec must increase voting student representation on
university governing bodies by an amount which satisfies each constituent student
organization of the involves student association;
10. The Students' Society shall not become nor remain a member of any organization
whose policies are in contradictioin with sections 1 and 5 of this policy.
7. Motion Re: Muslim prayer space on campus
Adopted by Coucil – October 7th, 2004
Whereas the basement of Peterson Hall is currently used as Muslim prayer space with
prayers organized by the Muslim Students’ Association,
Whereas the McGill University administration proposes to begin using that space for
academic uses beginning on May 31, 2005,
Whereas Article VII of the preamble to the SSMU Constitution provides that “the Students’
Society commits to demonstrating leadership in matters of human rights, social justice and
environmental protection”,
Whereas Article VIII of the preamble to the SSMU Constitution provides that “The
Students’ Society commits itself to groups…that are devoted to the well-being of a group
disadvantaged because of…religion…”
Whereas the McGill University community is a rich, varied and diverse one,
Whereas Muslim students, administrators and staff contribute greatly to the McGill
community,
Whereas the Muslim religion requires its adherents to pray five times per day,
Whereas the frequency of prayer required by the Muslim religion means that Muslim
members of the McGill community often need to pray during the course of the regular work
day,
Whereas, to be able to attract the very best, most intelligent and most highly skilled students
and staff (academic and non-academic) McGill must make proactive efforts to accommodate
the reasonable needs of its community members,
BIRT SSMU Council call upon the McGill University administration to find alternative,
appropriate and long-term prayer space for the use of Muslim members of the University
community prior to May 31, 2005.
8. Motion re: CAFS submission to Dining-at-McGill Advisory Committee
This represents the SSMU’s official position on food services on campus. The recommendations below come
out of an exhaustive consultative process carried out by the Coalition For Action on Food Services and then
submitted to the Dining at McGill Committee.
November 5, 2004
Whereas in the Spring 2004 referendum period a referendum question passed with over 80
% of the vote mandating SSMU to “actively oppose the monopolization of food services on
campus;”
Whereas CAFS collected 7,500 signatures in opposition to the monopolization of food
services on campus;
Whereas SSMU Council endorsed the first CAFS letter to Dr. Yalovsky dated September
24, 2004;
Whereas Council’s input on food services issues was solicited at its meeting of November
4th, 2004;
Whereas similar consultations were held for a wide range of student groups on campus;
Whereas feedback from the above-mentioned consultations was incorporated into the draft
written submission from CAFS to the Dining-at-McGill Advisory Committee;
Whereas several drafts of the CAFS submission have been circulated to Council for input
and suggestions;
BIRT SSMU officially endorse the CAFS submission to the Dining at McGill committee
and authorizes the Acting President on behalf of the Students' Society of McGill University.
Recommendations of CAFS paper:
1. That a permanent university committee on food services be established through
regular university governance procedures and be comprised of students and staff
(both academic and non-academic). This committee should be charged with
reviewing the terms of contracts, helping to set prices, locations, and hours of
operation, and have input with respect to menu choice, environmental, and staffing
issues.
2. That in any contract signed by McGill, all types of student fundraising, including
food sales of all types and the operation of student-run convenience stores be
explicitly protected.
3. Any reorganization of food services must respect the right of students and staff to
choose where they obtain food for any on-campus events and activities.
4. That any food provider selected be required to exhibit corporate social
responsibility
on campus by making significant contributions (financial and otherwise) towards
worthwhile university projects.
9. Policy re: turnitin.com
Ratified January 2004 SSMU legislative Council.
Be it resolved that the SSMU demand that McGill University obtain a legal assessment of
the use of Turnitin and an evaluation of its legal implications including whether or not it
violates intellectual property rights in Canada.
Be it further resolved that the SSMU oppose the obligatory use of plagiarism detection
services in any course at McGill University and ensure that the application of such services is
not in violation of the University Charter of Students’ Rights.
Be it further resolved that the SSMU advocates to McGill University for a combination of
proactive measures in which to prevent plagiarism including but not limited to encouraging
classroom discussion, developing the practice of annotated bibliographies, annually changing
questions on assignments and examinations, re-conceptualizing laboratory reports and the
notion of the correct answer, re-evaluating how assignments are graded, increasing the
faculty / student ratio as well as providing students with the choice of whether or not they
would like to submit their work to a plagiarism detection service.
Be it resolved that the SSMU demand that McGill University obtain a legal assessment of
the use of Turnitin and an evaluation of its legal implications including whether or not it
violates intellectual property rights in Canada.
Be it further resolved that the SSMU advocates to McGill University for a combination of
proactive measures in which to prevent plagiarism including but not limited to encouraging
classroom discussion, developing the practice of annotated bibliographies, annually changing
questions on assignments and examinations, re-conceptualizing laboratory reports and the
notion of the correct answer, re-evaluating how assignments are graded, increasing the
faculty / student ratio as well as providing students with the choice of whether or not they
would like to submit their work to a plagiarism detection service.
10. Students' Society of McGill University (SSMU) – Policy on Equity
Approved by Council March 31st, 2008.
This is the preamble for the policy on equity. It is a statement of the SSMU’s commitement to diversity and
equality. Below it are excerpts from various council resolutions over the years that historically trace this
commitment.
1. Preamble
The Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) is committed to creating, promoting,
and engaging its membership in an environment that fosters respect and integrity. The
Government of Quebec and McGill University have recognized individual rights and
responsibilities relating to harassment and discrimination such as the Quebec Charter of
Human Rights and Freedoms, the Civil Code of Quebec, an Act respecting Occupational
Health and Safety, an Act respecting Labor Standards, and McGill University’s Charter of
Students’ Rights, its Code of Student Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures, its Code of
Student Grievance Procedures, Policy Concerning the Rights of Students with Disabilities,
and the Policy on Discrimination and Harassment.
2. Vision
The SSMU – an organization working with individuals, in groups, within organizations, and
across a wide social and political context – shall promote a functional anti-oppressive
environment that fosters a culture of respect and facilitates our mission of service,
representation, and leadership.
Approved By:
Date:
Legislative Council
March 14, 1989
Any written or graphic material which is published, distributed, endorsed or funded by the
Society shall be governed by the following:
No material will discriminate against any member or group within the Society on the basis of
race, sex, sexual orientation, religious belief, disability, age or financial status.
Activities endorsed or funded by the Society, its clubs, or interest groups shall also abide by
the above.
Approved By: Legislative Council
Date:
April 10, 1990
The Students’ Society of McGill University recognizes that racism is detrimental to the
dignity of all people.
The SSMU will not knowingly endorse or do business with parties that violate Canadian or
United Nations’ sanctions.
Approved By: Legislative Council
Date:
February 9, 1992
The Students’ Society will not facilitate outside organizations or individuals from promoting
themselves in the William Shatner University Centre if they discriminate on the basis of, but
not limited to, gender, age, race, ethnic or national origin, religion, sexual orientation, mental
or physical disability, language or social class, not withstanding the Society’s commitment to
affirmative action.
The Students’ Society will not directly or indirectly allocate funds to be used to facilitate
association with or promotion of groups or individuals that discriminate on the basis of, but
not limited to, gender, age, race, ethnic or national origin, religion, sexual orientation, mental
or physical disability, language, or social class, not withstanding the Society’s commitment to
affirmative action.
11. Motion Re: Negative Corporate Influences on Campus
Approved By:
Date:
General Assembly
October 5th, 2006
Whereas corporations threaten the public nature of our campuses and the integrity of
academic research;
Whereas corporate funding specifically targets profitable sectors of teaching and research to
the detriment of other sectors;
Whereas corporate funding is granted unequally amongst universities leading to disparities
between them;
Whereas these disparities generally match the socioeconomic background of the students
enrolled in those universities;
Whereas the role and orientation of education should not be determined by the market
economy but democratically by the academic community and society as a whole;
Whereas corporations have persistently attempted to increase their influence at McGill;
Whereas the McGill Board of Governors has more representatives with corporate
backgrounds than students, faculty and staff combined;
Whereas the administration has demonstrated a commitment to corporatisation at the
expense of students interests;
Whereas the SSMU has, in the past, mounted successful campaigns against monopolization
bids by Coca-Cola Ltd. and Chartwells Inc.;
Whereas the SSMU does not have a general policy concerning corporate influence on
campus;
The Student Society of McGill University:
Condemns corporate invasion of public space and interference in academic life;
Supports the publicly-owned and funded nature of the University;
Believes that decision-making power should be vested in the members of the McGill
community, namely Students, Faculty, and Staff;
Resolves that the SSMU actively oppose increasing negative corporate influence on campus;
Further resolves that the SSMU actively pursue the goal of a democratic university managed
by its Students, Faculty and Staff;
Calls upon the McGill Administration and Board of Governors to consult Students, Faculty,
and Staff by means including but not limited to binding referenda before making any major
decisions that affect the McGill community and the public nature of the University.
12. Motion Re: Solidarity with Workers Struggles
Approved By:
Date:
General Assembly
October 5th, 2006
Whereas in its constitution the SSMU commits itself to groups, programs and activities that
are devoted to the well-being of a group disadvantaged because of irrelevant personal
characteristics including social class;
Whereas in its constitution the SSMU commits itself to demonstrating leadership in matters
of human rights and social justice and is mindful of the effects of corporations, businesses
and organizations have on their social, political and economic surroundings;
Whereas in its Ethical Purchasing Policy SSMU commits itself to respect for workers rights
and labour standards,
Whereas the rights of students everywhere are intrinsically tied to the rights of the SSMU
membership;
Whereas the well-being of students depends on workers both on campus and off;
Whereas the SSMU does not currently have a policy concerning solidarity with students and
workers;
Whereas, through its relationships with the McGill administration and other corporate and
government bodies, the SSMU is in a position to act in support of workers’ interests;
Be it resolved that the SSMU support, by whatever means at its disposal, the workers’
struggles affecting our campus and the greater McGill community;
Be it further resolved that when the rights of students anywhere are under attack, the SSMU
use whatever means at its disposal to defend said rights.
13. Sustainability Policy
Approved By: General Assembly
Date: February 1st, 2007
1. The Student Society will actively promote the principles of the ecological, economic and
social sustainability on campus; including but not limited to
1.1.Championing student-initiated sustainability projects to McGill’s administration;
1.2.Working with McGill’s administration to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions
and to responsibly manage our waste;
1.3.Working with McGill toward the establishment and maintenance of space where
faculty, students and staff can easily collaborate on campus-focused sustainability
research and implementation;
1.4.Working with McGill toward the integration of sustainability issues into existing
curricula in all faculties and programs;
1.5.Working with McGill to secure space and resources for operating services
necessary for building diversity with social equity.
2. The Student Society will creatively implement organizational and operational changes
toward becoming a model for sustainability at McGill; including but not limited to:
2.1.Regularly monitoring the environmental impact of all Student Society events and
operations;
2.2.Ensuring that the Shatner University Centre’s food offerings and provision meet
a high standard of environmental and social responsibility;
2.3.Minimizing unnecessary energy use and material consumption and striving to
make ethical procurements;
2.4.Ensuring that independent student groups, club and services have access to
training and resources to develop their capacities for equitable decision-making and
environmental stewardship.
14. Ethical Business Policy of the Students’ Society of McGill University
Preamble
The opening preamble to the Constitution of the Students’ Society of McGill University
(SSMU)
states that,
VI All Students’ Society endeavours shall be undertaken with full respect for human dignity and
without discrimination on the basis of, including but not limited to, race, national or ethnic
origin, colour, religion, gender, age, mental or physical disability, language, sexual orientation
or social class.
VII The Students’ Society commits to demonstrating leadership in matters of human rights,
social justice and environmental protection. The society understands the direct and indirect
effects corporations, businesses and organizations have on their social, political, economic, and
environmental surroundings.
VIII The Students’ Society commits itself to groups, programmes and activities that are devoted
to the well-being of a group disadvantaged because of, including but not limited to, race,
national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, gender, age, mental or physical disability, language,
sexual orientation or social class.
In this light, the SSMU believes it is imperative to demonstrate its commitment to the
principles of justice and equity enshrined in its Constitution by applying them to the day-today functioning of the organization. Our daily business dealings cannot perpetuate injustices
to other communities, be they removed from us by physical or social distance. In the
recognition that businesses have an impact on the lives of communities connected to them,
we must take responsibility for the effects of our own actions, including acknowledging that
our activities may sustain systemized privilege and institutionalized oppression.
Bearing in mind that our own position as students at a prestigious university brings its own
particularities with regards to movements for justice, the SSMU nevertheless believes that it
should constantly strive to ensure that justice and human dignity are never forgotten in any
space. As such, the SSMU intends that its operations should strive towards these ideals. As a
student union with one of the largest operations in the Canadian federation, this policy
reflects our desire to apply these grand principles to the practicalities of our work. The
history of student involvement in ethically responsible business practices has over a decadelong history in North America with the birth of the apartheid-era South Africa divestment
campaign, and the SSMU is proud to take a stance that pushes the commitment of students
to social and environmental justice to a more stringent level. We intend to move beyond
merely asking others to abide by our principles, by demonstrating how we adhere to them
ourselves.
Therefore, the SSMU proposes that business transactions made by the Society be subject to
the policy below that asks all our business partners practice humane working conditions and
responsible environmental conduct. Standards to guide the SSMU’s judgments on the
behaviour of companies are formulated in line with internationally accepted norms and
locally-applicable legislation. The SSMU acknowledges that the implementation of these
principles is a long-term process and we pledge our commitment to them. We strongly
encourage others in our university community to collaborate with us to do the same. The
SSMU also acknowledges the work put into such efforts by groups such as the Grass Roots
Association for Student Power (GRASP), Oxfam McGill, and the Free Burma coalition.
All companies with which the SSMU engages in business will be made aware of this code
governing our transactions, and will be asked to demonstrate to the SSMU how they observe
them. The SSMU will also actively seek out alternatives to current systems of abusive
practices in order to establish that respect for justice and dignity are indeed viable business
options.
Abiding by this code does not allow any business to ignore the requirements of unions or
collective agreements already in place, nor does it pre-empt any collective bargaining that
may be negotiated in the future.
Definitions
The term “Policy” means this document in its entirety.
The term “SSMU” refers to the Students’ Society of McGill University.
The term “Institution(s)” means all institutions or groupings of institutions that require
compliance with the Policy for their bulk purchasing, licensing and/or procurement
activities.
The term “Company” refers to the organization with which the SSMU conducts business,
subject to the parameters of this Policy.
The term “supplier” means any natural or legal person who provides [Company] with goods
and/or services integral to, and utilized in/for, the production of the company’s goods
and/or services.
The term “subcontractor” means any natural or legal person who, directly or indirectly,
provides a supplier with goods and/or services integral to, and utilized in/for, the
production of the supplier’s and/or [Company]’s goods and/or services.
The term “child” means any person less than 15, unless local minimum age law stipulates a
higher age for work or mandatory schooling, or less than 14 if minimum wage law is set at
that age in accordance with developing country exceptions under ILO Convention 138.
The term “FERC” refers to the Financial Ethics Review Committee of the Students’ Society
of McGill University which will have an ongoing role to ensure that this code is enforced.
The term “SRI workgroup” refers to the Socially Responsible Investment Workgroup of the
Students’ Society of McGill University which will work in partnership with FERC to ensure
that the code is enforced and will continue to expand on issues of ethical purchasing for the
society.
Wages that meet “basic needs” by local standards are most effectively determined through
free collective bargaining. In the absence of free collective bargaining, wages that meet
“basic needs” should be defined as wages paid for a normal 48 hour work week that are
sufficient by local standards to provide for the food, clothing, housing, health care, potable
water, child care and transportation needs of the worker and his/her dependents. In defining
wages that meet basic needs, factors that should be taken into account include the average
number of dependents and the average number of wage earners per family.
Companies that are “best in class” are organizations that demonstrate the closest adherence
to these principles in comparison to other like-businesses.
Application:
The Society recognizes that the complete application of the policy is near impossible, yet
dedicates itself to conduct its affairs in light of these principles.
Without limiting the generality of the preamble, this code is to be applicable to business
transactions of the SSMU in excess of aggregate 500 dollars CAN.
This policy should be read as a policy internal to the SSMU as well as a guide for our
business partners.
This policy is to be implemented and enforced by signing officers of the SSMU. It does not
pertain to services solicited by the SSMU nor to clubs and services of the SSMU.
In the event that the SSMU cannot find an organization that meets these guidelines, the
society will then shift to doing business with a “best in class” company.
Standards: Labour
Without limiting the generality of the commitments set out in the Preamble and giving effect
to its commitment to respect internationally recognized workers’ rights and labour standards,
to comply with applicable laws and to fulfill its social responsibilities, [Company] and all
suppliers and subcontractors involved in the production and/or distribution of products for
[Company] shall ensure that:
1 Forced Labour
1.1 There shall be no use of forced labour, whether in the form of involuntary prison labour,
indentured labour, bonded labour or otherwise.
1.2 Workers shall not be required to lodge financial deposits or their original identity papers
with their employers.
2. Discrimination
2.1 There shall be no discrimination in hiring, compensation, access to training, promotion,
termination or retirement based on (but not limited to) age, race, caste, national origin,
religion, disability, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, union membership, or political
affiliation.
3. Harassment or Abuse
3.1 Physical, sexual or psychological abuse, or verbal harassment or abuse, including the use
of corporal punishment, shall not be tolerated.
4. Hours of Work
4.1 Hours of work shall comply with applicable laws and industry standards for working
hours.
4.2 In any event, personnel shall not be required on a regular basis to work in excess of 48
hours per week, and shall be provided with at least one day off for every seven-day period.
4.3 Overtime work (more than 48 hours per week) shall be voluntary, shall not exceed 12
hours per employee per week, will not be requested other than in exceptional and short-term
business circumstances, and will always be remunerated at a premium rate.
5. Freedom of Association and the Right to Bargain Collectively
5.1 Workers, without distinction, shall have the right to join or form trade unions of their
own choosing and to bargain collectively.
5.2 Employers shall not hinder or interfere with any attempts of the workers to organize a
trade union. Where the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining is restricted
under law, the employer will allow, and will not hinder, the development of parallel means
for independent and free association and bargaining.
5.3 Workers’ representatives shall not be the subject of discrimination and shall have access
to all workplaces necessary to enable them to carry out their representation functions.
6. Wages and Other Compensation
6.1 Wages and benefits paid for a standard working week shall meet, at a minimum, national
legal standards or industry benchmark standards; whichever is higher.
6.2 In any event wages paid for a standard working week should always be enough to meet
basic needs of workers and their families and to provide some discretionary income.
6.3 Wages will be paid in a timely manner directly to the employee in cash, cheque or the
equivalent. All workers shall be provided with written and understandable information about
their employment conditions with respect to wages before they enter employment, and of
the particulars of their wages for the pay period concerned each time that they are paid.
Deductions from wages for disciplinary measures shall not be permitted, nor shall any
deductions from wages not provided for by national law be permitted without the expressed
permission of the worker concerned.
7. Pricing and Timelines
7.1 Suppliers and licensees shall ensure that prices negotiated for work performed are
sufficient to allow for compliance with this code. In addition, the supplier or licensee shall
ensure that realistic production timelines are provided to Contractors and homeworkers to
comply with this policy.
8. Health and Safety
8.1 A safe hygienic working environment shall be provided, bearing in mind the prevailing
knowledge of the industry and of any specific hazards.
8.2 Access to clean toilet facilities and to potable water and, if appropriate, sanitary facilities
for food storage shall be provided. Where workers are handling hazardous materials, safety
showers shall be provided and accessible at all times in case of an accident. Accommodation,
where provided, shall be clean, safe and meet the basic needs of the workers.
8.3 Safe handling information and training shall be provided regularly for relevant tasks,
materials and equipment.
8.4 Appropriate and sufficient first aid supplies shall always be on site. Trained medical
professionals shall be readily available to administer first aid, deal with emergencies and treat
workers’ occupational health problems.
9. Employment Relationship
9.1 To every extent possible work performed must be on the basis of recognized
employment relationship established through national law and practice.
9.2 Obligations to employees under labour and social security laws and regulations arising
from the regular employment relationship shall not be avoided through the use of labouronly contracting, or through apprenticeship schemes where there is no real intent to impart
skills or provide regular employment, nor shall any such obligations be avoided through the
excessive use of fixed-term contracts of employment.
9.3 Employers shall keep adequate records of their employees’ names, addresses, rate of pay
and number of hours worked each week in order to make this information available for
monitoring purposes.
10. Reproductive Rights
10.1 No employee or prospective employee shall be subjected to the involuntary use of
contraceptives or pregnancy testing.
10.2 Workers will be permitted to take family leave without facing threat of dismissal, loss of
seniority or deduction in wages, and shall be able to return to their former employment at
the same rate of pay and benefits.
11. Child Labour
11.1 There shall be no use of child labour, i.e. no person shall be employed at an age younger
than 15 (or 14, where, consistent with International Labour Organization practices for
developing countries, the law of the country of manufacture allows for such an exception).
11.2 Where the age for completing compulsory education is higher than the standard for the
minimum age of employment stated above, the higher age for completing compulsory
education shall apply to this section.
11.3 Adequate transitional economic assistance and appropriate educational opportunities
shall be provided to any displaced (as a result of the enforcement of this policy) child
workers.
12. Homeworkers
12.1 Homeworkers shall be given reasonable quotas such that the volume can be met in a
regular work week and the piece rate or other form of remuneration shall constitute a living
wage.
12.2 Homeworkers shall be allowed to join and participate in workers’ support organizations
of their own choosing.
12.3 The employer shall provide training in relevant matters of occupational health and
safety to homeworkers.
12.4 The other provisions of this policy shall also apply to homeworkers.
Standards: Environment
1. Location
1.1 The SSMU shall attempt to give priority to manufacturers and service providers who are
locally-based. After this, priority will be given to manufacturers and service providers based
on distance in order to prevent excess transportation.
1.2 The SSMU shall attempt to purchase products directly from their original source.
2. Material
2.2 The SSMU shall attempt to buy products where the material used is biodegradable or
recyclable where applicable.
3. Pollution
3.1 Local standards for water, air, and land pollution should be met.
3.2 The SSMU shall attempt to give priority to manufactures and service providers that
actively pursue a program of waste and toxic emission reduction toward a goal of zero
emissions, including but not limiting a commitment to sustainable use of natural resources
through reduction, reuse and recycling.
4. Certification
4.1 The SSMU shall attempt to seek products carrying the eco-logo certification.
4.2 The SSMU shall attempt to purchase organic foods which carry organic certification
from, including, but not limited to the following agencies: OCIA (with regulation number);
Quebec Vrai; Demeter; or Garantie Bio.
4.3 The SSMU shall attempt to seek products which are fair-trade certified, particularly
coffee.
Principles of Implementation
1. Commitment
1.1 [Company] gives the Policy and its implementation an informed and explicit
endorsement by adhering to the Ethical Business clause in their business contract.
1.2 This commitment is communicated throughout the company and to the suppliers and
subcontractors including closely associated self-employed staff.
2. Awareness Raising
2.1 Suppliers and licensees shall be responsible for ensuring that contractors involved in the
manufacture of items for the university and affiliated groups (as identified in this policy’s
preamble) are made aware of the Policy.
3. Public Disclosure
3.1 The company names, owners, and/or officers, addresses, contact information and nature
of the business association, including the steps performed in the manufacturing process, of
all the licensees’ contractors and manufacturing plants which are involved in the
manufacturing process of items for the university shall be made publicly accessible through
the SSMU Ethical Purchasing Policy Disclosure form. (See appendix A)
4. Monitoring and Verification
4.1 [Company] commits to assessing compliance with the Policy through monitoring and
independent verification if deemed necessary or beneficial by FERC.
4.3 [Company] shall cooperate and require that all suppliers and subcontractors involved in
other government-sanctioned investigations and audits of employer compliance with local
labour and other relevant legislation.
5. Remedial and Corrective Action
5.1 [Company] commits, on the basis of knowledge gained from monitoring, to:
a.) require the immediate cessation of serious breaches of the Policy, and;
b.) through FERC, negotiate and implement agreed schedules for remedial action
with suppliers failing to observe the terms of the Policy, including requiring suppliers
to pay all applicable back wages found due to workers and to reinstate all workers
whose employment has been terminated in violation of this Policy;
5.2 [Company] commits, on the basis of knowledge gained from monitoring, to:
a.) negotiate and implement agreed schedules for corrective actions with suppliers
failing to observe the terms of the Policy, i.e. a continuous improvement approach,
and;
b.) where serious breaches of the Code persist, to terminate any business relationship
with the supplier concerned.
15. Motion Re: Student-Parent Status (PASSED):
Approved November 13 2007 by Special General Assembly
WHEREAS education is less accessible for a student-parent for the following reasons:
• Lack of space in the public daycare system
• Schedules being maladapted: some classes are only offered at night and on weekends
• No parental leave, obligation to abandon courses with heavy penalties on the record
• Poor assistance through the governmental Financial Aid Program
• Often obliged to be part time students to fulfil parental obligations and then denied
Financial Aid
• Exposed to living under the poverty standards fixed at 10 800$ per year
• Higher possibilities of living in isolation and marginalisation
Be it resolved that the Students' Society of McGill University (SSMU) adopt the
following policy:
The National Assembly should create a special "student-parent status"to:
• Grant parental leave for students, without penalties, financed by the public
system, for a
maximal period of 2 years
• Give priority to the "student-parents" for the places available in the CPEs
connected to or near
post-secondary institutions
• Grant full time student status to part time student-parents
The creating of "student-parent status" should be the part of an accessible and
flexible daycare system
put in place in post-secondary institutions in order to ensure a conciliation
between the needs of study and family.
Be it further resolved that the SSMU take action towards the achievement of this
policy as a goal.
Motion Re: Opt-outs (PASSED)
Approved November 13 2007 by Special General Assembly
Whereas the University has adopted the following as part of an
aspiration statement "From the first contact of prospective students
with the University, interactions among students, faculty, and
administrative and support staff are based on mutual trust and
respect";
Whereas the Principal's Task Force On Student Life And Learning At
McGill- affirms "A supportive campus environment is essential for
students to thrive" and that "The Atmosphere on our campuses should be
open and tolerant [and] celebrate the diversity of our student body:
Whereas referenda conducted by the Student Society of McGill University
affirms student interest in sustaining the services provided for by
diverse student groups;
Whereas, under the administration of Heather Munroe-Blum, McGill
University (the University) has made a concerted effort to undermine
the autonomy of campus student organizations and activities including
the Sexual Assault Center of the McGill Students' Society (SACOMMS),
and the Architecture Café;
Whereas the University has infringed upon the sovereignty of
independent student groups such as CKUT, and the Québec Public Interest
Research Group - McGill (QPIRG - McGill) in creating an online opt-out
system for their fees without their approval;
Whereas the University's actions clearly contradict their stated goals;
Whereas the University has cited liability, health concerns, and
transparency as motives behind some of these actions;
Whereas by all appearances the University has as its real motive
maximization of fund-raising;
Whereas article one of the preamble to the Constitution of the
Students' Society of McGill University (SSMU) mandates that the
"Society shall serve as an umbrella organization to coordinate and
support the student groups that make up civic life in the McGill
community, while providing services to strengthen the educational,
cultural, environmental, political and social conditions of our
membership";
Be it resolved that the SSMU take every reasonable
action to reclaim and protect the sovereignty and independence of all
campus student groups and activities;
Be it further resolved that the SSMU take every reasonable action
to put an end to the online opt-out system recently created by the
University such that campus groups shall be in charge of their own
opt-out processes.
Motion Re: Heather Munroe Blum Censure (PASSED AS AMENDED)
Approved November 13 2007 by Special General Assembly
Whereas: On March 10th, 2003 Heather Munroe-Blum was sworn in as Principal and
vice chancellor of McGill University. Implicit in that position is the duty to provide the
best possible education and environment for all students, and attempt to provide that
education to as many people as possible regardless of background.
Whereas: Since that time Munroe-Blum has cast herself as the spokesperson and leader
of a movement lobbying the government to remove all barriers on tuition hikes. A step
which would allow the school to vastly increase already high tuition rates, while doing
little to solve the school's very real fiscal crisis
Whereas: Munroe-Blum has repeatedly shown a flagrant disregard for the basic human
rights of students to peacefully organize in an attempt to sanitize the campus' image for
her "Campaign McGill."
Whereas: A fundamental stated mission of SSMU is to lobby the government of Quebec
to reduce and eventually eliminate altogether tuition fees in an attempt to make education
completely egalitarian.
Whereas Article VII of the SSMU constitution states: "The Students' Society commits to
demonstrating leadership in matters of human rights, social justice and environmental
protection."
Whereas Article VIII of the SSMU Constitution States: "The Students' Society commits
itself to groups, programs and activities that are devoted to the well-being of a group
disadvantaged because of irrelevant personal characteristics that include but are not
limited to race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, gender identification, age,
mental or physical disability, sexual orientation or social class."
Be it Resolved : That the Students of McGill University represented by General
Assembly do hereby censure Heather Munroe-Blum, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of
the McGill University, and condemn her attempts at lobbying the government of Quebec
to deregulate tuition, and her efforts to steamroll the fundamental human rights of the
students of McGill.
Be it further resolved: that The Students Society of McGill University does actively
demand Heather Munroe-Blum reverse her policy in regards to tuition deregulation and
the unlimited rights of students to organize on campus, and write a formal written
apology to the student body to be e-mailed to all SSMU members, and published in both
the McGill Tribune and McGill Daily.
Motion Re: Transparency in Animal Testing (PASSED)
Approved November 13 2007 by Special General Assembly
Whereas McGill uses nonhuman animals for research purposes;
Whereas McGill receives money from both the general public and the McGill student
body specifically and is therefore accountable to the community;
Whereas multiple freedom of information requests made by individual McGill students
have been denied;
Be it resolved that the Students’ Society of McGill University officially support
transparency in McGill’s use of nonhuman animals in research.
Be it further resolved that the SSMU take action towards the achievement of this policy
as a goal.
Motion re: Student Stike (PASSED WITHOUT STRIKE CLAUSE)
Approved November 13 2007 by Special General Assembly
Whereas tuition fees are a barrier to accessibility,
Whereas most research constributing to the future of the society is happening in
universities, including McGill,
Whereas our University is grossly underfunded
Whereas the government of Quebec has raised tuition for all students Quebec-resident, ot
of provide, and international,
Whereas the tuition fee increase will not solve the underfunding crisis and the
government is refusing to invest more money in our education system
Whereas McGill should be a world-class institution for the best and brightest students
around the world, regardless of economic background
Whereas the SSMU advocates a system fo the highest quality education, with universal
accessibility,
Whereas making education universally accessible and fully-solving the underfunding
crisis would cost about $1.22 billion, a mere 0.2% of Quebec’s budget.
Whereas instead of investing in education, the government is investing in taxcuts for only
the richest segments of society,
Be it resolved that SSMU members be on strike on November 15th in solidarity with
students across Quebec calling for a publicly-funded, high quality system of education.
Be it further resolved that the SSMU call on all its members to join the Quebec-wide
protest starting at the Square Dorchester at 1:30pm in Montreal, on November 15th.
Motion re: AGSEM (PASSED)
Approved November 13 2007 by Special General Assembly
Whereas TAs are the main educational contact for undergraduate students in much of
their University experiences; and
Whereas a high quality of training for TAs results in a better undergraduate learning
experience; and
Whereas McGill is currently seeking to provide a focus on graduate student support, and
this focus should also be directed to improve the quality of undergraduate education; and
Whereas surveys conducted by the SSMU have shown a concern with the ability and
knowledge of TAs and their level of training in teaching;
Be it resolved that the SSMU call upon McGill University to provide better training and
support for its Teaching Assistants; and
Be it further resolved that the SSMU support the Association of Graduate Students
Employed at MGill (AGSEM) in its upcoming negotiations with McGill University,
insofar as this support shall benefit the educational experience of the undergraduate
student body.