In the wake of the Queen’s Park labour rally, the Algonquin College Students’ Association (SA) has decided to take their own stand.

It is now week three of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) strike that has been affecting colleges across the province. With no foreseeable conclusion, things are getting tense.

In an interview today with Victoria Ventura, President of the Algonquin Students’ Association, she revealed that the board has decided to hold a pro-student rally on the lawn of the Robert C. Gillett Student Commons. Ventura said she believes it will be very effective for students to express their unhappiness with the length of the strike.

The rally is scheduled to happen Friday, Nov. 3, with plans from the SA to flood social media tomorrow to announce the event.

“We want students, as an action, to reach out to their MPPs, reach out to Kathleen Wynne,” Ventura said. “And to Deb Matthews, the Minister of Advanced Education.”

The SA plans to hold an “old-fashioned letter writing campaign” at the rally to send to the offices of government officials. The SA has not had any previous contact with government officials regarding the strike. They wanted to remain a neutral party to allow the two sides to negotiate themselves.

“Now that that doesn’t appear to be happening at all, there’s not even a talk scheduled, now we are ready to involve third parties,” Ventura said. “Which includes government officials.”

The SA has already made efforts to advocate for students. Ventura attends daily morning meetings with the administration where she gives an update on student affairs and raises concerns that students have brought to her.

The SA will continue to remain active during the strike period. All scheduled events continue to happen, and all the services the Students’ Association provides remain available to students.