As a student who commutes daily for a 45-minute drive to Mount Royal University, having to pay for a U-pass for city transit, a service which I never use, feels unjust. This situation is the same for several other students who drive in from outside Calgary every day. It's unfair that not only are we expected to cover the outrageous costs of our own parking spaces which we actually use, but we're also forced to fund the U-Pass system that we don't require. On top of this, there's also a compulsory athletic fee that is added onto our tuition, regardless of whether or not we use the athletic facilities. 

These additional charges add an unnecessary financial burden on students. According to Statistics Canada, post-secondary students are struggling with mounting financial pressures. As of 2019, the average Canadian university student owes $27,000 in student debt. Forcing students to pay for services they don't use or need does not help alleviate these financial pressures, it adds more.

Therefore, we propose that Mount Royal University should make the athletic and U-Pass fees optional for all students. Providing options rather than mandatory fees will ensure fairness for all students, especially those already grappling with the rising costs of post-secondary education. Please sign this petition to aid in creating a more financially equitable learning environment at Mount Royal University.