On Campus

UBC students to fund boat to Gaza

$13,000 spent on legal fees surrounding controversy over $700 donation

Following several months of controversy, UBC’s students’ union has finally approved a $700 donation towards the Canada Boat to Gaza, scheduled to sail at the end of March. The donation will be officially made by student group Solidarity for Palestinian Human Rights (SPHR) which receives its funding from a semi-autonomous students’ union resource centre.

After students complained about the donation in November, the students’ union had put a hold on the funds when the vice-president finance reasoned the donation should be brought to student council. Council later approved the donation, but a stipulation was included mandating the union investigate possible ties to terrorism.

An email to the VP finance, from Fintrac, an organization that investigates terrorist funding, has now quieted any lingering suspicions about terrorist links. “Fintrac does not maintain a list of organizations, charities or non-profit groups that are in good standing. It will not verify or evaluate groups about which you requested information,” the email read.

The Ubyssey reports that $13,000 has been spent on legal fees related to the $700 donation.

Looking for more?

Get the Best of Maclean's sent straight to your inbox. Sign up for news, commentary and analysis.
  • By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
FILED UNDER: