During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Albertans have been placed in extreme social and personal pressures and constraints. These constraints have developed immense financial burdens to Albertans who are included in low grade income sections of the population. Considering these constraints, Mount Royal students, who devote their time to intense academics and personal development, are clearly members of this population cohort.

Evidence indicates that financial struggles -and the material and social deprivation associated with it- is a primary cause of poor health among Canadians. As a result, one’s quality of life is compromised, which has an impact on mental health. Depression and anxiety in particular often follow this route of stress and strain. This additional strain can negatively impact students and their studies.

This petition calls on the Board of Directors of Mount Royal University to consider these factors after the development and implementation of new parking fees and fines for the year of 2022, as well as in the future financial years. Mount Royal students require the ability to have accessible learning while having a shared proportional level of financial contribution to the services which aid that accessibility.