The AMS Executive Debate
On Jan. 23, AMS executive candidates came together in the Agora at the JDUC to share their visions for the future of student leadership at Queen’s. With opening statements, moderated questions, and audience submissions, the debate gave students a chance to hear directly from the candidates about their priorities, values, and plans for the year ahead.
If you missed it, the full debate recording is available on the AMS YouTube!
Vice-President of University Affairs: Edward Sy (Uncontested Candidate)
Edward Sy, running for Vice-President (University Affairs), focused on building stronger connections between students and the AMS. His campaign centres on community, accountability, and clearer communication. Throughout the debate, Sy highlighted sustainability as an important priority for students and proposed advocacy town halls to help guide AMS decision-making. He also spoke about strengthening collaboration across AMS commissions and improving consultation processes.
On international student integration, Sy emphasized the role of the AMS as a bridge between students and the University, with a goal of creating more accessible support systems. He also shared plans to simplify club administration, offer consistent office hours for club leaders, and expand initiatives that promote inclusion, diversity, and safe spaces on campus!
Vice-President of Operations: Avery Papoulidis (Uncontested Candidate)
Avery Papoulidis outlined a platform focused on transparency, equal support for AMS services, and more connected student resources. She emphasized the importance of using real data to understand how AMS services operate and how resources are allocated.
Papoulidis discussed the AMS’s projected deficit and the need for clearer, more realistic financial planning. She also highlighted the importance of making financial information more accessible to students and strengthening under-recognized services. A key priority of her campaign is maintaining affordability and exploring alternative funding options to avoid increasing student fees!
Presidential Candidates: Dreyden George and Alex McArthur
Presidential candidates Dreyden George and Alex McArthur presented two distinct but overlapping visions for a more student-centred AMS. George framed his platform around affordability, transparency, and active student advocacy, drawing on his past involvement in AMS leadership and governance. He highlighted the importance of coordinated advocacy on issues affecting students, and addressed topics such as the University’s approach to artificial intelligence, food and housing insecurity, harm reduction in campus events, and the need for stronger institutional oversight. Throughout his responses, George emphasized the role of the AMS in balancing student safety, affordability, and meaningful representation.
McArthur centred his campaign on representation, collaboration, and listening to student voices. He highlighted his experience on the AMS Board of Directors and broader campus involvement, presenting a leadership style focused on dialogue and cross-campus cooperation. During the debate, he spoke about improving the structure of orientation, strengthening communication around University policies, and ensuring that institutional changes remain grounded in student needs. He also stressed the importance of transparency in how decisions are made and communicated to students.
Across their responses, both candidates returned to a common theme: the need for a more transparent, responsive, and accessible AMS that reflects the realities and priorities of the student body.
Why It Matters
Across all positions, one message was clear: candidates are calling for a more transparent, accessible, and student-focused AMS. As voting opens from Jan. 28 to 30, students have the chance to shape the future of their student government by learning more about the candidates and making their voices heard! So make sure to vote in this election and choose the person that you think will best represent your interests!
By: Lina Rhissa