University of British Columbia

Vancouver, Canada

The University of British Columbia is a public research university in Canada known for its excellence in teaching, research, and innovation. It is committed to advancing knowledge and academic integrity, offering a wide range of programs and making significant contributions to global research and education.

CCI Score

-25.48

0.02% April 18

Latest Event

UBC Implements Supplier Code of Conduct

UBC published and enforces a Supplier Code of Conduct outlining ethical performance expectations for suppliers, including adherence to labor rights, safe working conditions, non-discrimination, and environmental standards.

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ACCOMPLICE

University of British Columbia is currently rated as an Accomplice.

-20 to -29 CCI Score

These companies profit from authoritarian practices through their business dealings. Although they may not be directly enforcing oppressive policies, their actions contribute to the economic and operational sustenance of authoritarian regimes.

Latest Events

OCT

01

2023

UBC Implements Supplier Code of Conduct
66.38

UBC published and enforces a Supplier Code of Conduct outlining ethical performance expectations for suppliers, including adherence to labor rights, safe working conditions, non-discrimination, and environmental standards.
+80

Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

March 29

The Supplier Code of Conduct explicitly mandates respect for labor rights: ensuring safe and healthy workplaces, fair wages, protection against forced or child labor, freedom of association, and non-discrimination. These measures strongly support worker rights and align with anti-authoritarian, progressive values.

Supplier Code of Conduct - VPFO Finance - University of British Columbia
+75

Supply Chain Ethics

March 29

The code requires suppliers to adhere to strict ethical sourcing and supply chain standards, including compliance with local and international laws. This approach reinforces UBC’s commitment to sustainable and socially responsible procurement practices, promoting transparency and accountability.

Supplier Code of Conduct - VPFO Finance - University of British Columbia
MAY

15

2023

UBC Files Objections to Union Certification for Graduate Research Assistants
-65.96

The article reports that UBC has filed several objections to the certification application for Graduate Research Assistants seeking to join the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE). The university argued that these research assistants are students and not employees, a stance that undermines their labor rights and fair compensation demands.
-80

Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

March 29

UBC's decision to object to the union certification for GRAs by claiming they are merely students reflects a disregard for fair labor rights and undermines efforts to secure improved working conditions and equitable compensation. This action is detrimental to worker solidarity and supports exploitative labor practices.

UBC Research Assistants to join CUPE in the largest successful union organizing campaign in recent B.C. history
MAY

06

2023

UBC Objects to Unionization of Graduate Research Assistants
-65.79

At a certification hearing before the B.C. Labour Relations Board, UBC argued against granting union recognition to graduate research assistants, contending that they are students receiving scholarship awards rather than employees entitled to collective bargaining rights. This stance was largely criticized by the union CUPE 2278, which is pushing for improved labor conditions and representation.
-80

Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

March 29

UBC's position to classify graduate research assistants as students rather than employees undermines labor rights and collective bargaining efforts. This action, opposing unionization, negatively impacts workers' rights and is therefore scored negatively from an anti-authoritarian, pro-labor perspective.

UBC objects to research assistants' right to unionize at Labour Relations Board
APR

01

2023

UBC Challenges GRA Unionization Efforts
-48.87

In April 2023, UBC opposed the unionization application of approximately 3,200 Graduate Research Assistants by contesting their classification as workers, arguing that they are students rather than employees. This action has raised concerns among union organizers about the exploitation of labour and undermining of workers' rights.
-60

Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

March 29

UBC's stance to classify GRAs as students rather than workers directly undermines fair labor practices and worker rights. By challenging the unionization certification, the university is perceived as engaging in union-busting tactics that contribute to the exploitation of graduate labour. Such practices are counter to anti-fascist and pro-worker principles, meriting a negative evaluation.

‘Our labour is being exploited’: UBC GRAs expect BC Labour Relations Board ruling on unionization rights
OCT

01

2017

UBC Accepts Huawei Funding Amid Security Concerns
-25.63

In October 2017, the University of British Columbia received $3 million from Huawei for applied research and communications projects, despite Canadian Security Intelligence Service warnings about potential state-sponsored espionage risks linked to the company.
-50

Public and Political Behavior

March 29

UBC’s acceptance of Huawei funding occurred despite clear warnings from CSIS regarding the potential for Chinese state-sponsored espionage and influence. This inaction in the face of national security concerns reflects negatively on its public and political behavior.

B.C. universities using technology from China despite warnings from CSIS - Victoria Times Colonist
-60

Technology and Services Impact

March 29

By partnering with Huawei, a company linked to potential state-sponsored espionage and authoritarian practices, UBC has increased its exposure to risks associated with using controversial technology. This decision undermines the integrity of its research and poses broader concerns regarding technology and services impact.

B.C. universities using technology from China despite warnings from CSIS - Victoria Times Colonist
OCT

01

2017

UBC Accepts Huawei Research Funding Amid Intelligence Warnings
-13.03

In October 2017, the University of British Columbia received $3 million from Huawei for research and communications projects, despite longstanding intelligence warnings about Chinese companies’ potential state-sponsored espionage. The decision has raised concerns about the university's potential role in facilitating research that could indirectly support authoritarian surveillance or security compromises.
-30

Public and Political Behavior

March 29

UBC's decision to accept $3 million in research funding from Huawei, a company flagged by intelligence agencies for potential espionage, demonstrates a disregard for national security and academic integrity. This choice could be seen as indirectly enabling authoritarian influence by prioritizing financial gain over security warnings.

Intelligence warnings about Chinese technology unheeded by B.C. universities
-25

Technology and Services Impact

March 29

The partnership with Huawei brings UBC into the orbit of a company known for its ties to Chinese state intelligence and surveillance capabilities. By accepting funding and engaging in research collaborations, UBC risks indirectly supporting technologies that may be used for authoritarian control and surveillance, compromising ethical and security standards.

Intelligence warnings about Chinese technology unheeded by B.C. universities