Get to know those running in the upcoming Executive Council election at the Meet & Greet and the Panel Night.
Meet & Greet: March 9, 2020 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. in Stan Grad
Panel Night: March 10,
VOTE from March 11, 2020, at 8 a.m. until March 12, 2020, at 4 p.m.
Students will receive a secure link to the election ballot in their student email (
Candidates are placed alphabetically by
For those of you who missed the Panel Night for our 2020/21 Executive Council election, see the recording of it below!
Ryan Morstad
Presidential Candidate
Email: ryan.morstad@edu.sait.ca
Program of Study: Bachelor of Business Administration in Financial Services
Year of Study: 4
Position running for: President
What experience and/or attributes do you have that are relevant to the position?
“Experience!
2019-20 Current Saitsa President
2018-19 Saitsa Board Chair, Tax Program Administrator, Club President
2016-18 Saitsa Director and Club President (Surf and Food Appreciation)”
What is the purpose and/or value that a Students’ Association brings to a student’s Post Secondary education?
“The SA is the voice of students that has the connections and resources to ensure the voice is heard by SAIT and the Government. Saitsa supports you and builds the “out of classroom” community.”
What is one area of the SAIT student experience that you want to change or improve?
“Ensuring SAIT improves mental health supports! This includes a fall reading week, nap areas/pods, and lower costs.”
Fun/interesting fact about me:
“I started a river surfing business in Calgary!”
Watch Ryan’s video here.
Tristan Ryan
Presidential Candidate
Email: tristan.ryan@edu.sait.ca
Program of Study: Electrical Engineering Technology
Year of Study: 1
Position running for: President
What experience and/or attributes do you have that are relevant to the position?
“I care deeply for the well-being of Working Class and International students. No issue impacts our well-being more than affordability, and I have the resolve to confront this difficult issue head-on.”
What is the purpose and/or value that a Students’ Association brings to a student’s Post Secondary education?
“A Students’ Association exists to improve student quality of life. The biggest threat to our quality of life is that SAIT student fees will increase by ~30% by 2022, while student wages stand still.”
What is one area of the SAIT student experience that you want to change or improve?
“Surprise: affordability. A better SAIT experience is beers at the Gateway without worrying about your student debt.”
Fun/interesting fact about me:
“I’m an Aquarius with big Aquarius energy.”
Watch Tristan’s video here.
Jasmin K. Bhatti
VP Academic Candidate
Email: jasmin.bhatti@edu.sait.ca
Program of Study: Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resource Management
Year of Study: 4
Position running for: VP Academic
What experience and/or attributes do you have that are relevant to the position?
“My passion for advocacy, and ensuring students have a voice. I believe no concern should go unheard, and I will always strive for the best.
Past experience working with the Saitsa Promo Team.”
What is the purpose and/or value that a Students’ Association brings to a student’s Post Secondary education?
“The Students’ Association serves as an advocacy role for student’s comments and concerns, and to overall ensure your experience at SAIT is the best and the brightest.”
What is one area of the SAIT student experience that you want to change or improve?
“An increase in mental health initiatives, such as Fall Reading Week.”
Fun/interesting fact about me:
“I love interacting with and meeting new people!”
Watch Jasmin’s video here.
Liam Hunter
VP External Candidate
Email: liam.hunter@edu.sait.ca
Program of Study: Mechanical Engineering Technology
Year of Study: 1
Position running for: VP External
What experience and/or attributes do you have that are relevant to the position?
“Years of college experience. Leadership experience prior to and at SAIT.
Dedication and a passion for advocacy.
President-Sait Built Racing Oct’ 19 – Present
Director-Saitsa Board Oct ’19 – Present”
What is the purpose and/or value that a Students’ Association brings to a student’s Post Secondary education?
“SU’s and Student Associations are imperative to having student voices heard by the people that affect their lives; empowering those voices, especially those that would otherwise be left silent.”
What is one area of the SAIT student experience that you want to change or improve?
“Here: Urge Saitsa* add counselling to its health benefits as soon as Trust is capable.
(as VPX: OERs, Ombuds, UPass.)”
Fun/interesting fact about me:
“I am way more interesting than a 50 character limi”
Watch Liam’s video here.
Elliz Amurao
VP Student Life Candidate
Email: melliza.amurao@edu.sait.ca
Program of Study: Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting
Year of Study: 5
Position running for: VP Student Life
What experience and/or attributes do you have that are relevant to the position?
“Definitely my experience. I started at SAIT in 2015 right after high school. Currently, I am the VP of Marketing at Enactus SAIT since 2019 and a Mentor in the Peer Mentorship Program since 2018!”
What is the purpose and/or value that a Students’ Association brings to a student’s Post Secondary education?
“A Students’ Association provides the opportunities, support, resources, and the network for students to have a voice at SAIT while ensuring students’ quality of life.”
What is one area of the SAIT student experience that you want to change or improve?
“Mental health initiatives and resources! From a fall reading week to more spaces for students on campus to rest.”
Fun/interesting fact about me:
“You may catch me deadlifting ~265lb in the gym.”
Watch Elliz’s video here.
Jessi Leippi
VP Student Life Candidate
Email: jessica.leippi@edu.sait.ca
Program of Study: Business Administration- Finance
Year of Study: 3
Position running for: VP Student Life
What experience and/or attributes do you have that are relevant to the position?
“I strive to make a difference here at SAIT. I want to listen to students and offer support for what they need.
Current Saitsa Director”
What is the purpose and/or value that a Students’ Association brings to a student’s Post Secondary education?
“The SA represents the students and their needs. They are here to fight for you!
academic/ non-academic misconducts
government representation
tuition & fees
UPass (opt-out)
health & dental
Daycare”
What is one area of the SAIT student experience that you want to change or improve?
“Community. There is a disconnect between schools and I would love for all of us to be able to come together.”
Fun/interesting fact about me:
“I am a unicorn!”
Watch Jessi’s video here.
Jaz Fraser
VP Student Life Candidate
Email: jaz.fraser@gmail.com
Program of Study: Human Resource Management
Year of Study: 3
Position running for: VP Student Life
What experience and/or attributes do you have that are relevant to the position?
“I work in the Saitsa Resource Centre for 1.5 years, & been directly involved in helping students & understand their needs. I am a successful student leader; President of the Outdoor Adventure Club.”
What is the purpose and/or value that a Students’ Association brings to a student’s Post Secondary education?
“Community support & resources, advocacy, representation, inclusion, educational assistance & work experience. Being with Saitsa has made me feel I’ve had more purpose & directed my life and career.”
What is one area of the SAIT student experience that you want to change or improve?
“More multicultural events & diversity. Establishment of a designated Pride Centre & on-campus child care.”
Fun/interesting fact about me:
“Never get tired of eating pho! Afraid of moths.”
Watch Jaz’s video here.
Location Hours
Gateway restaurant & bar – temporarily closed
Station Market – temporarily closed
Station Express – temporarily closed
Odyssey – temporarily closed