On April 2, 2025, the NAITSA Senate voted unanimously to nullify the pending term of the Vice President Academic-Elect, Salinderjit Kaur. The decision followed an extended in-camera session, during which both the Executive Council and Kaur had the opportunity to address the Senate directly.
The Vice President Academic-Elect was elected during the February Executive Council elections but had not yet taken office. As part of NAITSA’s structured onboarding process, all Executive Council-elects complete an eight-week training program designed to prepare them for the full-time responsibilities of their roles beginning May 1. The training includes expectations for professionalism, and specifically in the VP Academic portfolio student case handling, academic policy knowledge, and time-sensitive deliverables.
Following four weeks of documented training concerns — including repeated missed deadlines, misrepresentation of progress, and inconsistent engagement with required onboarding materials — the Executive Council presented a motion to Senate in accordance with NAITSA Bylaws. Kaur was invited to resign voluntarily prior to the motion being submitted but did not respond by the deadline. The Senate reviewed all information, heard from Kaur directly, and passed the motion to nullify her term with full consensus.
“NAITSA upholds the highest standards of accountability, and that applies to elected representatives in any capacity — both current and incoming,” said Vice President Internal Brayden Shopland.
“There was a demonstrated lack of accountability, dishonesty, and overall a failure to understand the level of respect that the training process demands,” added Vice President Academic Marina Bruno, who led her training program.
While specific training records are confidential, NAITSA can confirm that support, flexibility, and multiple opportunities for clarification were offered throughout the process. Concerns raised by Kaur — including login access or confusion regarding expectations — were addressed during training sessions and follow-ups.
NAITSA will now begin the process of holding a by-election to fill the Vice President Academic position. Election details, including candidate eligibility, nomination dates, and voting timelines, will be posted at www.naitsa.ca and on NAITSA’s official social media channels in the coming days.
Coincidentally, earlier in the same meeting, the Senate approved amendments to NAITSA’s Bylaws that formalize timelines for by-elections. These changes ensure that any by-election must conclude no later than April 15, allowing the process to be completed before the majority of the student body departs for the summer.
NAITSA remains committed to transparency, fairness, and ensuring that elected student leaders are equipped to represent their peers with integrity and care.
For More Information call:
Jason Roth
External Relations Director
780-471-7603
