Special ASFA By-Election Report - Boris Degas for VP External Affairs and Sustainability

Boris Degas is a Biochemistry student at Concordia. He’s running for the position of VP External and Sustainability in the upcoming ASFA by-election. He’s in his last year at Concordia. 

“It’s going to be more work but I feel like it’s my last chance to get involved so I really have to do it.”

He’s trying to get into Law School and taking four science classes but has also been involved in the Concordia community.

“At the school, I’ve volunteered a lot. I’m part of the Concordia Alumni student team, I volunteered for the events at the start of the year. I also volunteered for the Orientation last year. And also for the residence a few times.” 

The environment is an issue that is close to his heart. It’s also his stepfather’s livelihood in British Columbia. Boris feels that he has a lot to bring to the ASFA executive.

“VP external is anyone, well not anyone, but most people, would be qualified to do it. But having the ideas and working towards sustainability is something that some people don’t have. I mean you need to be interested. I think it’s the main thing in my title is VP Sustainability, but I’ll also work hard as VP External as well.”

After biking around the city all summer, Boris decided to make biking a priority in his campaign.

“There’s a lot a lot of bikers at Concordia and I feel like there’s not a place where they can go, hang out, and organize events, and also a cheap place to repair bikes. You can do your own repairs, they have tools. Volunteers that help out. And also have events and bike tours and really promote biking as a means of transportation.”

He’s also keen to fight tuition hikes and is attending the various protests around the city.

“I think it’s really getting enough people and then showing the government that there’s a strong involvement.”

Boris is originally from France but lived in South Korea for three years, British Columbia for four and has spent his undergraduate years in Montreal.

“I really like the multicultural aspect of Concordia. I see a lot of potential here and it’s growing.”

For CJLO News, I’m Sarah Moore.