Referendum Results Are In: Thank You for Voting! 

Thank you to everyone who took the time to participate in the Responsible Partnerships and Investments referendum. Overall 20.45% of eligible students voted. Thank you to all members of the Yes and No committees for their dedication and efforts in campaigning, sharing their perspectives, and fostering conversations about the referendum questions.  

These results provide valuable insight into your perspective on the questions brought forward. They will now be submitted to WUSA’s Board of Directors for ratification and to determine the next steps. While the vote results inform WUSA’s direction, it’s important to note that they do not guarantee specific action by the University. 

Question 1 

Should the University of Waterloo sever its partnership with Technion-Israel Institute of Technology due to its role in the research and development of technology used by the Israel Defense Forces?   

Result: Yes 

	Number of Votes	Percentage of Votes
Yes	5942	83.9%
No	1019	14.4%
Abstention	122	1.7%

Total number of votes cast for question 1: 7083 

Overall turnout was 19.8 per cent of eligible voters.

Question 2 

Should the University of Waterloo review its partnerships and investment portfolios to ensure alignment with Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles and Amnesty International, to prioritize institutions that demonstrate a commitment to human rights, peace, and international law in a manner that is timely and transparent to the undergraduate student? 

Result: Yes 

	Number of Votes	Percentage of Votes
Yes	5957	88.6%
No	632	9.4%
Abstention	131	1.9%

Total number of votes cast for question 2: 6720 

Overall turnout was 18.7 per cent of eligible voters.

* Note: percentages may not add up to 100% due to rounding.

** Note: these results remain unofficial until they are ratified by the Board of Directors.

Next Steps

We will keep you updated as the Board reviews these outcomes and determines how best to proceed. Updates will be communicated in the coming weeks and months.  

Many members of our campus community have connections to Israel, Palestine and other parts of the world experiencing violence. We recognize the impact the ongoing war has on them, their families and their friends.  It’s important to stay informed, seek out reliable sources, and have meaningful, respectful conversations with your peers. Be compassionate, even when you have differing views or opinions. 

If you need support, WUSA offers resources such as Empower Me, where you can find someone to talk to 24/7. You can also reach out to Campus Wellness and Counselling Services or find your community through one of our many student clubs or services. 

If you have questions, please reach out to the Elections and Referenda Officer at ero@wusa.ca.

For more information on the referendum process, please see Referendums – Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association (wusa.ca).