Yanisa Kapetch made the decision to move from Thailand to pursue digital media studies at a private college in British Columbia. Little did she know that this move would entail participating in campaign activities for a federal Conservative candidate by distributing flyers and engaging in door-to-door canvassing.
Upon arriving at Pacific Link College in Metro Vancouver, Kapetch found herself involved in supporting Tamara Jansen’s campaign during a federal byelection in December 2024. The college paused regular in-class instruction, requiring students to work at Jansen’s campaign office as part of their digital media course. The involvement was presented as a practical component of their studies, with potential implications for obtaining permanent residency, as suggested by a campus director in email communications reviewed by CBC News.
Expressing confusion and lack of familiarity with Jansen, Kapetch disclosed, “We felt it didn’t relate to our studies, and we didn’t know why we had to do this for them.” Jansen prevailed in the byelection and now represents the Cloverdale-Langley City riding in parliament.
Kapetch, along with another former student from Pacific Link College, recounted being mandated by the school to partake in campaign activities, including door knocking. Although both students attended only one day of campaigning before voicing their objections, they shared email exchanges with school officials and evidence of their involvement. The second student, who opted to remain anonymous due to immigration concerns, lodged a formal complaint against the college regarding their compulsory campaign participation and overall academic experience.
Pacific Link College refuted the allegations, insisting that while they offer volunteer opportunities for community and political engagement, participation is entirely optional, emphasizing their political neutrality.
Jansen’s office claimed unawareness of the college’s involvement in the campaign, attributing byelection campaigns to federal party staff management. CBC News reached out to the federal Conservative Party for comment.
Just a day after the initial publication of the article, Jansen refuted any connection between her campaigns and Pacific Link College, denying any knowledge of the school. She clarified that volunteers were accepted without prior knowledge of the students’ instructions from the college.
While the province refrained from commenting on the specific case, it highlighted potential enforcement actions against schools compelling students to engage in activities misaligned with their educational objectives, including fines and license suspension.
Compulsory Attendance
Both students recalled being informed about the campaign by their instructor during class, followed by detailed emails from school administrators outlining mandatory attendance at Jansen’s campaign office for extensive hours on specified dates.
The students were instructed to provide photographic evidence of their presence and participation at the campaign office. Those desiring exemption were directed to seek approval from campus director Aaron Dpenha.
Kapetch emphasized the coercion, stating, “If we didn’t attend the activities, we would be
