2026 Fall Students' Council Election

SANQC is student led. The Students’ Council members that speak on behalf of students are elected by you – the students at NorQuest. All of our elections are held online so that all eligible students can vote.

How to Vote

  • All students that are eligible to vote will receive an email from ElectionBuddy to their NorQuest student email account with voting instructions and a link to their ballot.
  • Students will follow the directions in the email to cast their vote.
  • All results will be tallied and announced at the end of the election.
  • Questions or concerns? Email SANQCElections@norquest.ca

Know Your Rights

All voters in the Students’ Council Election have a right to:

  • Information: Voters have the right to access clear, accurate, and timely information about the election process, including candidate platforms, voting procedures, and key dates.
  • Participate: Every eligible voter has the right to cast their vote without coercion, intimidation, or undue influence.
  • Privacy: Voters have the right to a confidential and secure voting process, ensuring that their choices remain private.
  • Fair Representation: Voters have the right to expect a fair election process where all candidates are treated equally and without bias.
  • Report Concerns: Voters have the right to report any concerns or violations of election rules to the Chief Returning Officer (CRO) or appropriate election authorities without fear of retaliation.
  • Unbiased Process: Voters have the right to an election free from fraud, tampering, or improper influence.

For our full Elections Policy, click HERE.

Violations and Penalties

Any allegations of misconduct, including but not limited to voter intimidation, bribery, coercion, fraud, or improper campaigning, must be reported immediately during the voting process. Reports made after the posting of the results will not be considered. All misconduct must be brought to the attention of the Chief Returning Officer (CRO) or Election Committee as soon as it occurs to ensure a fair and transparent election.

All allegations must be submitted in writing to the CRO before the voting results are publicly posted.

The CRO, in consultation with the Election Committee, will investigate and determine penalties, and implement corrective measures if violation is confirmed. These may include verbal or written warnings, candidate disqualification, or, in extreme cases, nullification of election results.

  • Votes cast for a disqualified candidate will be treated as invalidated.

For our full Elections Policy, click HERE.

Important Dates

  • Candidate Campaigning Begins • Thu, Sep 17
  • Coffee with the Candidates • Thu, Sep 17 • 11 – 1 pm • Atrium
  • Election Information Booths
    • Mon, Sep 21 • 1 – 2:30 pm • Atrium
    • Tue, Sep 22 • 11 am – 1 pm • Atrium
  • Online Voting Opens • Mon, Sep 21 • 11 am
  • Online Voting Closes • Wed, Sep 23 • 11 am
  • Election Results Announced • Wed, Sep 23 by 4 pm

Faculty of Arts & Sciences Candidates

The following candidates are running for the one (1) Faculty of Arts & Sciences position.

When voting, select the one (1) candidate that you want to elect in this faculty.

Harsh Mahajan (He/Him), Machine Learning Analyst

Hello everyone,

My name is Harsh Mahajan, and I’m running to be your Students’ Council Representative.

As an international student, I understand both the excitement and the challenges of college life. I believe every student deserves to have their voice heard and to feel supported. If elected, I will listen to your ideas, concerns, and feedback, and work to bring them to the Students’ Council.

My goal is to help improve student life by advocating for better communication, more career and networking opportunities, engaging campus events, and stronger support for both domestic and international students. I believe in being approachable, respectful, and taking action instead of making empty promises.

I want to represent all students fairly and make sure your opinions help shape our campus. Together, we can create a more connected, inclusive, and supportive college community.

Thank you for your support!

Yahye Muhumad, Justice Studies

I believe I would be a great students council representative for the Justice studies because I am passionate about leadership, community involvement and advocate for people that aren’t heard.

I bring various skills and experiences (ex. Co-chair- youth advisory committee, leadership roles). My goal is to become an Edmonton police officer and I think being a students council member will teach me new skills on how to communicate and help others more effectively.

If I am selected as a member i will do my best to be approachable, listen to students, bring new ideas everyday and strive to be better everyday in my professional role. I would take the role seriously and do my best to make mine and the students experience at norquest better!

Thank you for considering me!

Yahye Muhumad

Anthony Sposato (He/Him), Early Learning & Child Care

My name is Anthony Sposato. I am running for the Faculty of Arts & Sciences Representative position, and I want you to know why.

Since coming to Canada as an immigrant from the United States and beginning the Early Learning & Child Care program, I have tried to do one thing above all else: listen.

I’ve listened to classmates who’ve left families behind in India, who’ve said goodbye to friends in Nepal and Somalia, and who’ve left familiar lives behind in Nigeria. I’ve heard about the childhood games you played, the education systems you grew up in, the food you miss, the people you love, and the homes that still feel very far away.

Those first months somewhere new can feel scary, lonely, and unfamiliar. But over the past few months, I’ve realized something important: even when we feel alone, we are alone together.

Your stories have changed the way I see the world. And I believe those stories deserve to be heard.

Your Stories, Our Strength.

That’s more than a campaign slogan to me. It’s why I’m running.

I want to amplify your voice—not speak over it. I want students from every background to know that they belong here. And I want us to continue building a NorQuest community where our differences aren’t simply accepted, but valued.

Voice. Belonging. Community.

Those are the three commitments at the centre of my campaign.

I’ve tried to live those values during my time at NorQuest. With a 4.00 GPA, I take my education seriously, but I believe being a student is about more than what happens in the classroom. As an RBIC Student Ambassador, I help new faces in new places feel as welcome as I was made to feel. I volunteer with NorQuest International, connecting with students arriving from around the world. And through the Pride Committee, I help support inclusive spaces where everyone knows there is a place for them here.

It doesn’t matter where you’re from, who you love, who you pray to, what you look like, or what path brought you through NorQuest’s doors.

You belong here.

And belonging also means knowing that when something matters to you, someone is listening.

If elected as your Faculty of Arts & Sciences Representative, I plan to hold twice-monthly student meetings where you can bring me your ideas, concerns, questions, and needs. I don’t want to guess what students need. I want you to tell me.

Bring me the things that are working—and the things that aren’t. Bring me the concern you aren’t sure anyone will take seriously. Bring me the idea you’ve been wishing someone would hear.

Then let me take your voice into the rooms where decisions are made.

I cannot promise that every problem will have an easy solution. I can promise that I will listen, that I will show up, that I will ask questions, and that I will advocate for you. When students feel unheard, I will speak up. When someone feels like they don’t belong, I will work to bring them in. And when we have an opportunity to make our community stronger, I will be there.

I want NorQuest to be the kind of community I want my ten-year-old son to grow up believing is possible: empathetic, brave, compassionate, diverse, and willing to listen.

Because one person’s story can change a conversation.

A campus full of them can change a community.

Your voice matters. You belong here. Our community is stronger because you’re part of it.

Your Stories, Our Strength.

Samuel Smikle, Engineering University Transfer

My name is Sam!

I’m running for the Faculty of Arts & Sciences Representative position because I believe the most effective way to create the ideal student environment is to actually get a real feel for what students need. Which means talking with and LISTENING to our little community here at NorQuest.

I’ve taken some time to chat with students across the faculty, and a few themes came up again and again. Here’s what I will fight for:

Everyday campus life improvements: Upgraded sitting areas and study spaces, plus better guidance on where and when to find quieter spots to actually get work done.

Smarter systems: Faster, cleaner credit transfer processing, so no one’s forced to redo courses over paperwork delays. I’ll also be advocating for clearer communication around registration so nothing gets missed; And an upgrade to our WIFI and campus tech systems, because no one should have to stress over a test or miss a deadline because of bad connection.

Fairer costs: One of my top priorities is financial support and accessibility. I’ll be advocating for accessible payment plans, especially for international students facing extenuating circumstances.

A campus that celebrates OUR culture: More cross-cultural events, food exchanges, and spaces that reflect the diversity of this college. This is one of the things students told me they absolutely love about NorQuest.

I’m not promising overnight fixes or instant change. But, I am promising to show up, listen, and bring YOUR voice to the table.

Otherwise, what is this position even for?

Faculty of Health Studies Candidates

The following candidates are running for the three (3) Faculty of Health Studies positions.

When voting, select UP TO three (3) candidates that you want to elect in this faculty.

Holly Mahé, Practical Nursing

My name is Holly Mahé, and I’m currently in the Practical Nursing program. I’ve always been someone who enjoys being around people, getting involved, and making sure the people around me feel heard and supported. I’ve learned how important it is to care for others, listen, and speak up when someone needs an advocate.

A big part of who I am comes from growing up with a lot of siblings. It taught me how to compromise, put myself in other people’s shoes, and how to work with different personalities! I have strong morals and I care about doing what I believe is right. I’ve always naturally looked out for the people around me and advocated for others, and I think those qualities would carry over well into being a Student Council Representative.

Outside of school, I’m a pretty active person. I love playing basketball, going to scenic hikes, spontaneous activities, and trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle. I also really value my family and spending time with my siblings whenever I can. I’m definitely someone who likes to stay busy and challenge myself even when it means stepping outside of my comfort zone, which is one of the reasons I wanted to put myself forward for this.

I’m a huge believer in teamwork. I don’t think one person can do everything on their own or should, and I think the best ideas come from people working together. I’d love the opportunity to meet people from different programs, make new connections, and bring different voices together.

I think being part of Student Council would be a great opportunity to meet new people, make connections, grow as a person, and most importantly, be a voice for other students. I’d love the chance to bring my perspective, listen to others, and work together to make a positive difference.

Aceter Baday (She/Her), Mental Health Recovery Practitioner

Every Voice. Every Culture. Every Student.

A Little About Me

Hi everyone! My name is Aceter Danao Baday, and I’m an international student in the Mental Health Recovery Practitioner program. With my background under nursing care, I’ve experienced how culture, communication, and personal experiences can influence the way we understand health and wellness.

Why I’m Running

I’m running for Faculty of Health Studies Representative because I want to help create a welcoming space where students from different cultural backgrounds feel comfortable expressing their feelings and asking questions about health and well-being without fear of judgment.

Our differences should not prevent us from being heard. They should be part of what makes our health community stronger.

My Priorities

🌍 Culturally Inclusive Health & Wellness

I want to encourage opportunities for students from different cultural backgrounds to share perspectives on health, wellness, mental health, and recovery.

😔 Mental health: Student Health & Wellness; Counselling; Crisis resources

🌍 New to Canada: International Student Services; Newcomer resources

📚 Struggling academically: Academic coaching; Tutoring; Student advisors

💰 Struggling financially: Connecting Student Resources and Assistance programs

🤝 Feel isolated: Student groups; Peer mentorship; Cultural/community events

🚨 Don’t feel safe: Appropriate emergency/crisis and violence-prevention resources

🗣️ A Safe Space to Ask Questions

Students should feel comfortable asking questions when they don’t understand something or when cultural differences affect how they experience health and wellness.

🤝 Connection & Belonging

Student-friendly tools and electronic platforms to connect students with the right information and professional support.

🧠 Student Well-Being

I will advocate for greater awareness of wellness resources and encourage conversations about health that are respectful of different cultural perspectives.

My Commitment

I will listen before I speak.

Different cultures. Different experiences. One community.

Your voice matters.

Chely Malel (She/Her), Practical Nursing

As a dedicated Practical Nursing student, I understand the unique challenges our cohort faces. and if there’s one thing nursing school teaches us fast, it’s how to advocate, stay organized under pressure, and drink A LOT of coffee. I’m running for Students’ Council Faculty Representative because I want to make sure our faculty’s real, day-to-day needs are front and center in council decision-making.

I’m standing for open doors & open communication: Serving as your direct line to the council. Got an issue, a great idea, or just need to vent about exams? I’m here to listen and take action. Moreover, I’m standing for student wellness that works: Advocating for practical mental health resources, better campus study spaces, and events that actually give us a chance to unwind.

I’m ready to show up, speak up, and work hard for our community. Let’s make this term smoother, more connected, and a lot more supportive for all of us! 🩺🌻

Arshdeep Kaur (She/Her), Practical Nursing

Hello Fellow students

My name is Arshdeep Kaur, and I am incredibly excited to run to be your next faculty representative on the student’s council. I am someone who genuinely thrives on challenging myself, stepping out of my comfort zone and diving straight into opportunities where I can make a real difference for the people around me.

I chose Practical Nursing because nurses are an absolute vital part of our community. To me, nursing is all about advocacy, active listening and supporting people when they need it the most. I believe in stepping into the roles of a student representative will give an amazing kick start and the hands on experience I need for my future healthcare career. Raising concerns, speaking up for others and solving real camp problems will directly help me grow, both in my personal life and as a future nurse.

If you meet on campus, you will quickly find out that I am a massive extrovert who absolutely love meeting new people and making friends. I am naturally a loud, passionate person. Sometimes people tend to misunderstand the loudest person in the room, but my loudness comes purely from my drive to get things done and my genuine interest in helping others. I can promise you that I am someone who gives every single person a chances to speak. Even if someone feels quiet or uncomfortable at first, I always know how to connect with them and make them feel completely safe and included.

My love for connecting with other people is also why I love languages. I am already speak three languages, and I am actively working on learning a fourth. My drive to learn this fourth language actually started during my recent volunteer experience at a summer camp. I spent a lot of time working with kids and surrounded with people who spoke a completely different language. Being in that environment gave me so much personal strength and made me realize how much I love breaking down barriers to talk to people from all different backgrounds.

I know that stepping onto student council will have its challenges and it will be hard work. But I am someone who never gives up. Even if things gets really tough or even if I have to try again next year, I am fully committed to this journey because I care about our student community. I want to be the strong, dependable voice that brings your ideas and concerns straight to the front.

Please vote for me, and let’s work together to make a lasting difference at Norquest College. Thank you.

Pauline Lacre (She/Her), Practical Nursing

Hi! My name is Pauline Lacre, and I’m a Practical Nursing student here at NorQuest College. I’m running for Student Council, and I’m honored to be nominated as a Faculty of Health Studies Representative and Advocate.

Throughout my nursing journey, I’ve learned that being a nurse goes beyond providing safe and compassionate care. It also means advocating for others, listening to different perspectives, and speaking up when someone’s voice needs to be heard. As a representative, I hope to be someone my fellow students can approach. Someone who listens to their concerns and helps bring their ideas, experiences, and needs forward.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent the Faculty of Health Studies. I hope to promote communication, inclusivity, collaboration, and a supportive environment where every student feels heard and valued. I look forward to learning from my peers, advocating for our students, and representing our future professions with pride and compassion.

Rebekah Kandathil (She/Her), Therapeutic Recreation

Look, we all know the college grind isn’t just about showing up to class and writing papers. For many of us, the hardest part of school isn’t the coursework—it’s the hidden tax of navigating a draining semester while juggling every other aspect of our lives.

If you’re struggling right now—whether that’s :

seeking accommodations

applying for scholarships

balancing shift work around changing class schedules

paying rent

or just finding time to make friends

Or more

You houldn’t have to carry it alone. Everyone deserves direct support, or at the very least, a clear map of where to get help.

MY CAMPAIGN IS ABOUT

Making Resources Accessible: help for students should be seamless to navigate, and stripping away any stigma attached to using them. Higher education shouldn’t be a test of mental or financial endurance; it should be a launchpad for our futures.

Social & Personal Support Infrastructure:

Destigmatizing Mental Health & Neurodivergency:

Peer-Led Connection: Establishing peer mentorship networks and student study groups.

Navigational Clarity: Creating clear, central guides to help you maximize every tool, funding option, and service on campus.

We are paying to be here, and we deserve a campus that works for us. Let’s build a system where no one gets left to figure this out alone.

Faculty of Skills & Foundational Learning Candidates

The following candidates are running unopposed for the three (3) Faculty of Skills & Foundational Learning positions.

When voting, vote YES or NO for EACH candidate. YES means you approve of the candidate. NO means you do not approve of the candidate.

Yan Atkinson (She/Her), Settlement Studies

Hi everyone! My name is Yaniecia, but you can call me Yan, and I’m someone who really values connection, community, and creating a positive environment for those around me. I enjoy meeting new people, volunteering, helping others, and taking initiative when I see something that needs to be done.

I believe you should nominate me because I’m approachable, dependable, and genuinely interested in making the student experience better. I want to be someone who listens to students, represents their voices, and helps create opportunities for us to connect, support one another, and feel like we belong.

Your nomination would mean a lot to me, and I would be grateful for the opportunity to represent and contribute to our student community. Thank you for your support! 💛

Chanel Ladouceur (She/Her), Academic Upgrading

Hello, My name is Chanel Ladouceur. I am an Indigenous Two-Spirit person who has been a NorQuest Student since 2024. I had recently completed and graduated from my Administrative Professional Program in April 2026. I have returned to school to complete my high-school courses in Academic Upgrading to enroll into University for Media Studies.

I am a former Indigenous Student Mentor of the Miyo-Pimatsiwin Centre where I created events and programs to keep Indigenous students engaged in activities to promote wellbeing and drive. I also sit on the iHuman Youth Council in my spare time, advocating for youth who face many barriers and obstacles within the City of Edmonton. Currently, I direct an all Indigenous performing-arts collective aiming at re-establishing the performing arts in the Province of Alberta. For me, community is my biggest drive and motivation, and I consider compassion my greatest strength.

I believe I am an excellent candidate for the Students’ Council Representative Role as I am huge in advocating, especially for students who may not know how to navigate the academia world. As a member of a minority group, I know how powerful advocating and awareness is. As a representative, I am committed to representing the Foundational Learning part and finding ways to improve processes.

I am here to help advocate students bridging the gap from adacemic upgrading to post-secondary success. As a community leader & experience in governance, I will advocate for more academic support for adult learners, financial literacy, & expanded government funding for programs & supports.

Kyle Afurong (He/Him), Settlement Studies

Hello, I’m Kyle! I’m a Settlement Studies student, and I’m running as your Representative for the Faculty of Skills & Foundational Learning.

During my time at NorQuest, I committed myself to our community by volunteering at the Learner Centre and NorQuest International to learn more about my peers and the challenges they faced during their studies. Their strengths and worries inspired me to take on this role and enhance our college’s resources and services so students feel less uncertain about which events, seminars, organizations, or services would help them find their best selves as students and aspiring professionals.

I am familiar with the gap that often grows when the college cannot meet your expectations, and as students, it can be daunting to approach someone to share your concerns. As your Representative, I am capable and determined to advocate on your behalf while bearing in mind the diverse and intricate needs of our intercultural community. Every student deserves to be heard and become extraordinary, and I hope to be part of your journey in becoming our better selves.