Global Student Government 2nd Legislative Assembly

To conclude the GSG’s first year of operation, we are pleased to announce that, in accordance with the decisions made at the combined 1st GSG Legislative Assembly in November 2022 and the Autumn 2022 Meeting of the Informal Forum of International Student Organisations (IFISO), the 2nd GSG Legislative Assembly will be held in-person at the University of Toronto in Canada from April 25-29, 2023.

The 2nd Legislative Assembly will be a hybrid event where elected student representatives from around the world will debate actions and policy directions the GSG and its members should take, as well as give students at the University of Toronto and elsewhere in Canada a chance to meet their international representatives and other student leaders from around the world.

This landmark event will be open to the public and will seek to inform and engage individual students at the grassroots level about the current challenges, successes, and future potential of student politics on a global scale. Student attendees will have opportunities to share their perspectives and relevant research. It is important to welcome these students because they may be your constituents if you are an international subject-based student government that’s part of IFISO, or they may currently or in the future be paying GSG membership fees so your organization can continue going to GSG events and receiving support from the GSG’s advocacy and services.

This event is being organized in collaboration with the Leadership, Higher and Adult Education Departmental Student Association at the University of Toronto. Special thanks is also given to the University of Toronto Graduate Students’ Union and the University of Toronto Students’ Union for their commitment to international cooperation and student democracy.

If you have any questions about this event, please contact secgen@globalstudentgovernment.org.

Itinerary and Meeting Package

The itinerary and Meeting Package can be viewed here. It will become more detailed once sessions and any guest speakers are confirmed, venues are booked, etc. Registrants will be notified of any major updates to the itinerary. This document also includes an overview of the GSG for new representatives.

Travel Information

If you require assistance with or have questions regarding travel to Canada, please email us at secgen@globalstudentgovernment.org as soon as possible.

The University of Toronto St. George Campus is located in downtown Toronto. If you are flying in, you will likely arrive at the Toronto Pearson International Airport. There is public transit from the airport to downtown and back, which costs $12.35 CAD, details for which can be found here. This will take you to Union Station, from which it is a quick taxi or public transit ride north to the event location, which is 252 Bloor Street West. Uber and Lyft both operate in Toronto.

The majority of the event will take place on the second floor in Room 2212, and there are multiple spaces throughout the building for networking or preparing for the sessions, including a library on the first floor.

Accommodations

Here are some of the more cost-effective accommodations options near the University of Toronto:

  • Samesun Toronto: book through this link and use the promo code GSG2023 for 15% off for bookings less than 4 days, 25% off for bookings of 4 days or more (estimated $300.10 CAD and up total to stay from April 25-29 with the discount). Includes free breakfast, towels, and wifi.
  • Victoria’s Mansion Guest House (estimated to cost about $700-800 CAD total to stay from April 25-29)
  • Pembroke Inn (estimated to cost about $600-800 CAD total to stay from April 25-29).
    • Use promo code Year2023 for 10% off.
  • Chinatown Travellers Home (estimated to cost about $400-$600 CAD total to stay from April 25-29)
  • Comfy Guest House (estimated to cost about $400-600 CAD total to stay from April 25-29)
  • Toronto Travellers Home (estimated to cost about $400-$600 CAD total to stay from April 25-29)

There are nicer hotels nearby that are more expensive. The GSG will inform registrants if we are able to secure sponsorship discounts for nearby accommodations. Airbnb also operates in Toronto and may be a more affordable option.

For food, there are many restaurants in downtown Toronto with cuisines from all over the world, grocery stores where you can buy snacks, as well as many food venues on the University of Toronto campus. We plan to have semi-guided socials after each conference day where we tour areas nearby campus where there are lots of food and night life options to choose from. You may want to pack some good walking shoes for navigating these forays. You may also want to pack some formal attire for one of the evenings (right now, it’s a surprise).

The climate in Toronto in April is generally mild, but may be a little cool and rainy. You may want to pack a jacket, and umbrellas are available at many places downtown should you need one.

Registration Form

While attendance is free, we ask that delegates, especially those from organizations that have not yet paid their membership fees, provide a suggested donation of $50 US via this link. This optional donation would help cover costs of this in-person event so we can keep doing events like this in future years.

By registering via this form, you agree to the GSG Events Disclaimer and Terms and Conditions.


Sponsors

The GSG would like to thank and showcase the following organizations that have provided sponsorships to improve the student experience at the 2nd Legislative Assembly.

Duke of York Pub

A 2-minute walk from the event location, the Duke of York offers a variety of food and beverage options. In-person participants will receive coupons for $5 off food items.

Samesun Toronto

Samesun Toronto sits nestled in the downtown area, in Kensington Market, one of Toronto’s most eclectic and vibrant neighbourhoods. This inclusive hostel is only a 6-minute drive or 11-minute walk from the University of Toronto, making it the perfect base for attendees of the GSG Legislative Assembly.

Book your accommodations through this link and use the promo code GSG2023 for 15% off for bookings less than 4 days, 25% off for bookings of 4 days or more (estimated $300.10 CAD and up total to stay from April 25-29 with the discount). Includes free breakfast, towels, and wifi.