Mattbarter.ca reported on February 16, 2026, that the Graduate Students’ Union (GSU) owed around $1,800,000 to GreenShield.
On Friday, February 20, 2026, Memorial University Associate Vice-President (Academic) and Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, Amy M. Warren, sent an email to 3,600 graduate students stating that the GSU is working on payment for outstanding premiums to GreenShield health insurance.
Warren said Memorial is working with the GSU and other partners so the situation can be “rectified as quickly as possible.” She added that Memorial can confirm health coverage for graduate students who have opted in and paid fees is currently in place.
Warren also stated that Memorial has been working closely with the GSU on a Service Level Agreement: “We firmly believe that the implementation of such an agreement would help ensure financial stability for the GSU and, in turn, maintain the continuity of services provided by the GSU to graduate students.”
On February 19, 2026, the GSU sent an email to graduate students, vetted by Memorial, stating that “discussions with GreenShield regarding repayment arrangements are progressing in a positive and constructive manner.”
Following the emails, sources who wish to remain anonymous contacted mattbarter.ca, stating that “MUN is interfering with the independence and autonomy of our student union.”
The sources pointed out that health insurance is currently confirmed only on the basis that a referendum passes for a fee increase, requiring at least two-thirds of the GSU’s Board of Directors’ support, but that this is an impossibility with only 17 of 65 positions filled.
The sources stated that any notion that the Service Level Agreement is currently moving forward is “both undemocratic and ill-advised.”
They described the communication from Memorial as “unsubstantiated,” alleging the emails are being used to shape student opinion while Memorial pursues what they characterized as “an effort to weaken the GSU.”
The sources said that if the agreement passes the way Memorial is advocating, graduate students will be left with a $45 semester fee increase, no GSU services besides health insurance, and a $135 annual membership fee.
View the emails below:
Matt Barter is a graduate of the Humanities and Social Sciences Faculty at Memorial University of Newfoundland, holding a degree in Political Science with a minor in Sociology. He enjoys reading thought-provoking articles, taking walks in nature, and volunteering in the community.
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