Alright y'all, I'm doing a new thing today.

I'm at Queen's Park for the CFS/YFS press conference. I'll be live tweeting it, and filming it. Video won't be live but should go up later today.

#CFS #StudentChoiceInitiative

I'm also early. Presser starts at 10:00am

Kayla Weller, the CFS-O National Executive Representative has started her opening statement.

Weiler says this was never a question of choice, but was an attack on student unions.

The CFS and YFS extended thanks to unions, and student unions across the province.

#CFS #SCI

Next up is Fatima Babikar is speaking now. Babikar says that the corner stones of student life have been affected by the SCI already.
#CFS #SCI

Babikar says that the victory is for all students, and celebrates the restoration of student services.

#CFS #SCI

When asked about an appeal Weiler says there has been no confirmation yet, but if it happens, is confident the decision will be upheld.

#CFS #SCI #onpoli

Weiler adds that there are more changes to be made to reverse the cuts to OSAP and tuition structures.

#CFS #SCI

The CFS hopes that SCI tuitions structures will be changed to the way they were prior to the initiative.

#CFS #SCI

Weiler says "the initiative was unlawful and shouldn't have been enacted in the first place"

#CFS #SCI

Weiler adds again that the requirements will be determined by the legal team in a final decision.
#CFS #SCI

Acknowledging layoffs, Weiler says she is hopeful that any organizations that have cut staff wil be able to bounce back.
"It will take time for organizations to get their feet back on the ground"

#CFS #SCI

Weiler notes she is very excited that the lawsuit was successful via a government.
And says this confirms "Our democracy is valid" while talking about SU elections.
#CFS #SCI #onpoli

Asked about Ford's "crazy Marxist nonsense" quote, Weiler says that it shows that the SCI was initiated in "bad faith" .
#CFS #SCI

Weiler emphasizes that this is a historic victory that shows that student organizing works. She urges students to get involved now, because there might be more cuts to come.
#CFS #SCI

Weiler says that Student Unions will continue to modify their budgets to be as affordable as possible to students, but reminds people to remember the services they provide.
#CFS #SCI

Weiler says student org fees have never been the issue. Tuition is too high.
She advocates for a fully funded education system.
#CFS #SCI

Just before handing the mic over, Kayla re-emphasizes that Student Unions are incredibly important to campus culture.
#CFS #SCI

Weiler says that there have been layoffs already. As student groups were planning against a loss of funding, staff, services, and events were cut.
#CFS #SCI

Weiler, when asked if SUs should join the CFS, says absolutely. She says it will help students work together to increase access to education.
#CFS #SCI

Weiler says that even if student have never set foot on campus, the advocacy work that SUs do impacts all students.
#CFS #SCI

Chris Glover is speaking now. He has thanked the CFS and YFS.
He says it is shameful that the actions were unlawful.
#CFS #SCI

Glover says Ford needs to make up for his government's actions. Saying that the court decided that the gov had no write making decisions for student government.
#CFS #SCI #onpoli

Glover adds the NDP has supported the CFS through the whole legal action.

A guest claiming to be from "the people's voice" was declined comment due to their lack of press pass.

Overall there is a quiet elation present in the room, among guests and speakers.
Chris Glover said "this is the best news I've heard all year."
#CFS #SCI #onpoli

The Presser has concluded now.
media is now being allowed access to Weiler and others to ask questions.
I'm calling this thread closed!
#CFS #SCI