Age: 23
Program: BA, International Development Studies and Sociology
Hometown: Halifax
Website: aaronbeale.ca

What is your past experience with the DSU or with student life in general on campus?

I have been involved with food issues on campus; Campus Action on Food (CAF), the Loaded Ladle and Edible Campus. These projects have been hugely popular and have made food an issue on campus. I have recently been involved with the Dal Day of Action Organizing Committee which organized a student action of over 1000 people in response to the tuition hikes. I have also worked on international development projects through The International Development Society (IDEAS) and Halifax Observers Project: El Salvador (HOPES). Through these projects I have worked with the DSU council and executive and university executive and staff.

What is your favorite place on campus and why?

The Grad House. It is a laid back, fun atmosphere where you can study AND drink beer. I have always thought that studying should be fun and mixed with chat and drink. The food and beer is great and there are always friends coming by to help me procrastinate on work. You can come back at night for meetings or hangout and the vibes are pleasant.

Why are you running for the DSU?

My passion is empowering people to take control of the things that matter to them. Since arriving at Dal I have been committed to working on student issues and engaging students with things they care about. I identified issues important to students, committed myself to those and was joined by many students who cared in similar ways. These issues have been food and tuition fees. While I am satisfied with what I have achieved on these issues I feel that to really make progress on these and other issues, we need a student union that is just as committed.

What’s your best memory from your time at Dal?

A Loaded Ladle food serving. Food cooked with love by a group of Dal students. Free, local, organic, healthy, vegan food for hundreds of people. What better experience than making someone happy with a free lunch. Musicians were gathered on the grass, artists and passers by were painting a canvas, slack-liners and acrobats were in the corner. People were talking about good food and community. Everyone cooperates to make it happen and the excitement continues throughout the clean up.

What would be your top three priorities if you got elected to this position?

Work to lower tuition. This is the best way to ensure everyone can attend university and it allows students to focus on their studies. Reforming student loans isn’t enough.

Improve food options. I will give the Loaded Ladle Food Coop permanent space in the SUB and encourage them to serve free or inexpensive food 5 times a week. I will give students more control over food services and include local businesses.

Meaningfully engage students and make the DSU important and relevant to students. I will consult students on what they want, strongly represent students’ interests and mobilize students around them.

Is it Gray-wood or Grah-wood?

Gray-wood!!!