york federation of students

What york federation of students does

The York Federation of Students (YFS) is the official undergraduate students' union at York University in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, representing over 50,000 members. The organization operates as a member-owned non-profit funded entirely through mandatory student levies, with no external equity, venture, or institutional investors. YFS is governed democratically through a Board of Directors comprising five elected executive officers (President plus four VPs) and 19 college/faculty board members, all elected by the undergraduate student body.

YFS delivers services across four stated pillars: Advocacy, Events, Services, and Clubs. Core service offerings include a Health & Dental Plan administered through Green Shield Canada (priced at $349.36 annually for full-time students for 2026-27, covering prescription drugs, dental, vision, paramedical services, and orthotics), free legal counsel (provided by William "Bill" Reid for over ten years), academic petitions and appeals advising, food assistance through the Food Support Centre, free tax filing via the CRA's CVITP program, mental health and wellness programming through the Wellness Centre, subsidized printing, discounted event tickets, and a Good Food Box produce program run through FoodShare Toronto. The organization supports approximately 400 ratified student clubs through funding (up to $800 per event), printing credits, graphic design services, and equipment rentals. Flagship events include YorkFest (described as Canada's largest campus orientation week), CultureFest, FrostWeek, Mental Health Awareness Week, and the Xpressions Against Oppression workshop series. YFS also operates five autonomous Community Service Groups serving specific identity-based communities (Indigenous students, Black students, LGBTQ+ students, South Asian students, and students with disabilities). YFS is a member of the Canadian Federation of Students, which represents over half a million students from 80+ post-secondary student unions across Canada.

Name

york federation of students

Legal name

York Federation of Students

Website

https://yfs.ca

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Short description

The York Federation of Students is the official undergraduate students' union at York University, representing over 50,000 members. It delivers advocacy, services, events, and club support funded through mandatory student levies, with core offerings including health/dental insurance, legal counsel, academic support, food assistance, and tax clinics.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Student Union Services

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310), Educational Support Services (611710), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (61131)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Health Services (8000)

akta.pro primary industry

Student Organizations & Club Administration (EDALAHAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

International Student Academic & Personal Support (case management, referrals) (EDALANAE), School & Campus Public Health Departments (HLAJAAAG)

Keywords

• Student union services
• Student health insurance
• Student advocacy
• Campus club funding
• Student support services

Headquarters

HQ city

Toronto

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices13 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Others, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Student Membership Fees/Levy: The York Federation of Students generates revenue through mandatory student levies charged to full-time and part-time undergraduate students at York University. Students are automatically charged the Health & Dental Plan fee ($349.36 for full-time students, $693.24 for part-time students for 2026-27) as part of their student account. Revenue supports all YFS services, events, clubs funding, advocacy work, and operational costs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

York Federation of Students is a student union providing comprehensive services to undergraduate students at York University. Its core offerings include a health and dental insurance plan (administered through Green Shield Canada), academic petitions and appeals support, free legal advice, food assistance, mental health and wellness programs, subsidized on-campus printing, the Good Food Box fresh produce program, club funding and services, tax filing clinics, and student advocacy at institutional, provincial, and federal levels through the Canadian Federation of Students.

Product overview

York Federation of Students is a students' union representing over 50,000 undergraduate members at York University. The organization provides a comprehensive suite of student services organized around four pillars: Services, Advocacy, Events, and Clubs. Core services include a Health & Dental Plan administered through Green Shield Canada, Food Support Centre, Free Tax Clinic, Legal Support, Academic Support Centre, and Wellness Centre. The organization also operates Members' Services Office providing affordable printing and the Good Food Box program. Events include YorkFest (largest campus welcome week in Canada), CultureFest (cultural diversity celebration), FrostWeek (winter activities), Mental Health Awareness Week, and Xpressions Against Oppression workshops. Club services provide funding, printing credits, and equipment rentals to nearly 400 student clubs. Additionally, YFS offers online discount partnerships and off-campus housing services through Places4Students.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Health & Dental Plan Comprehensive student health and dental insurance plan covering prescription drugs (80% up to $1,000), paramedical services (osteopathy, physiotherapy, massage therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic), vision care ($100/24 months), dental (75% up to $600), and orthotics (100% up to $200). Administered through Green Shield Canada and provided to York University undergraduate students.
• Food Support Centre Free non-perishable food and basic need items program for undergraduate students at York University experiencing financial hardship, providing healthy and culturally appropriate food choices from the Second Student Centre.
• Free Tax Clinic CRA-supported CVITP initiative offering free tax return preparation using UFile software for undergraduate students meeting income thresholds, operating virtually and in-person during tax season.
• Legal Support Services Free legal advice and assistance from lawyer William (Bill) Reid covering family and criminal law, debt issues, landlord-tenant conflicts, corporate law, real estate, immigration, and government matters for YFS members.
• Academic Support Centre Confidential advising service helping undergraduate students at York University navigate academic petitions, appeals, Senate appeals, and academic integrity processes.
• Wellness Centre Mental health and wellness services for YFS members operating on four pillars: Mental Health, Physical Health, Combatting Sexual Violence, and Harm Reduction.
• Members' Services Office On-campus service hub providing discounted event tickets, affordable printing, school supplies, and Good Food Box pickup for YFS members.
• Self-Serve Printing Centre On-campus printing services offering black and white printing at $0.05-0.10 per side and color printing at $0.20-0.30 per side, plus laminating ($2.00-$6.00) and custom binding services.
• Good Food Box Fresh produce program run through FoodShare Toronto offering Staples Box ($16), Small/Fruit Good Food Box ($20), and Large Good Food Box ($26) with pickup at the Members' Services Office.
• Club Services & Rentals Provides club funding (up to $800 per event), $125 printing credit, free graphic design, banners, business cards, and equipment rentals (popcorn/cotton candy machines, gaming consoles, event tents) for YFS-ratified clubs.
• Off-Campus Housing Services Partnership with Places4Students providing real-time database of off-campus housing vacancies near York University for students seeking accommodation.
• International Student Identity Card (ISIC) Free internationally recognized student discount card provided to YFS members through the Canadian Federation of Students partnership, accepted in over 80 countries (regular cost $20).
• Online Discounts Program Partnership discount program offering YFS members savings including 20% off at 4YE, 15% off Canadian Opera Company, up to 20 free meals from HelloFresh, up to 20% off flights via FlightHub, 10% off VIA Rail, and various other retailer discounts.
• Free Grocery Shuttle Free bus shuttle service between York University Keele Campus and FreshCo (Bathurst & Steeles) operating on scheduled dates throughout fall and winter semesters.
• Community Service Groups Five autonomous community service groups: YFS Access Centre (students with disabilities), ISAY (Indigenous Students Association), TBLGAY (LGBTQ+ services), USAY (South Asian students), and YUBSA (Black students).
• Women's Only Gym & Swim Dedicated women-only fitness time at Tait McKenzie Centre providing safe recreational space for weight training, aerobics, and swimming for YFS members.
• Anti-Oppression Training Training program helping students understand power, privilege, and forms of oppression while operating under an anti-oppressive framework, available to YFS members and the broader York community.
• Free Legal Support Free legal advice provided by William (Bill) Reid (MBA and law degree) covering family/criminal law, debt issues, landlord/tenant conflicts, immigration, and more, available via email consultations to YFS members.

Quantifiable outcome

• 50,000+ students represented through mandatory membership and democratic governance
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Canadian Federation of Students (CFS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerYFS is a member of the Canadian Federation of Students, formed in 1981 to provide students with a united provincial and national voice. CFS represents over half a million students from over 80 university and college students' unions across Canada. Through this partnership, YFS members benefit from collective advocacy, bulk-purchased services like the ISIC card, and participation in national campaigns.
• Green Shield CanadacoreTechnology or IntegrationGreen Shield Canada is the benefit provider for the YFS Health & Dental Plan, administering extended health and dental insurance to over 50,000 undergraduate students. Students use Green Shield's digital platform for claims submission, accessing virtual insurance cards, and receiving direct deposit reimbursements.
• Places4StudentsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership provides students with access to off-campus housing listings through a real-time database of student housing vacancies in the York University area.
• FoodShare TorontocoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFoodShare Toronto runs the Good Food Box program, providing fresh and organic produce to YFS members at low cost. Produce is packed in recyclable containers and distributed to over 200 pickup locations across Toronto.
• International Student Identity Card (ISIC)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThrough CFS membership, YFS provides free ISIC cards to members (regularly $20). The ISIC is the only internationally recognized student discount card, accepted in over 80 countries.
• Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) - CVITPcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe YFS Tax Clinic operates as part of the CRA's Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP), where trained volunteers help eligible students file simple tax returns for free using UFile software.
• William (Bill) Reid - Legal CounselminorOthersBill Reid holds an MBA and law degree and has been providing free legal advice to YFS members for over ten years, covering family/criminal law, debt issues, landlord/tenant conflicts, immigration, and other legal matters.
• Good Food BoxcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThe Good Food Box provides fresh produce boxes at subsidized prices to York University students, faculty, and staff. Run through FoodShare Toronto with pickup at the Members' Services Office.
• PrintersPlusminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership through Ergotron to offer students with disabilities access to ergonomic equipment (sit-stand desks, monitor mounts, mobile desks) at discounted prices through the student portal.
• FlightHubminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTravel partnership offering YFS members up to 20% off flights, 7% off hotels, 5% off car rentals, and 15% off eSIMs.
• HelloFreshminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership providing YFS members with up to 20 free meals and free breakfast for life through HelloFresh meal kit delivery service.
• VIA RailminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorYFS members receive 10% off all train rides for up to three additional passengers using business code 711320.
• ErgotronminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorErgotron is a global leader in ergonomic solutions (sit-stand desks, monitor mounts, mobile desks) available to students with disabilities at unbeatable prices through the PrintersPlus student portal. Students with OSAP disability funding may receive support to purchase ergonomic equipment.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• University of Toronto Students' Union (UTSU): U of T's undergraduate student union representing over 40,000 students with similar services including health/dental plans, advocacy, academic support, and club funding. Operates under the same CFS-affiliated model and faces comparable regulatory and political dynamics in Ontario.
• University of Waterloo Federation of Students: Undergraduate student federation at University of Waterloo with comparable health/dental plan administration, club funding, advocacy services, and CFS affiliation. Represents a similar scale of membership and operates with the same Ontario regulatory framework.
• Queen's University Alma Mater Society (AMS): Queen's University's undergraduate student government providing health/dental insurance, club funding, advocacy, and member services. Closely comparable in scale, scope, and service mix, though not CFS-affiliated—offering a contrasting governance model.
• McGill Students' Society (MSS): McGill University's undergraduate student society providing health/dental plans, advocacy, club support, and member services. Operates in Quebec under different provincial regulation but serves an analogous function at a comparable scale.
• Western University - University Students' Council (USC): Western University's undergraduate student council offering health/dental coverage, club funding, advocacy, and member services. Comparable in scale (30,000+ members) and service architecture, with shared Ontario higher education policy dynamics.
• University of Ottawa Student Federation (FÉUO): Federation representing undergraduate students at the University of Ottawa, providing health insurance, club services, advocacy, and student support. Directly comparable on bilingual service delivery, CFS affiliation, and Ontario regulatory environment.
• Simon Fraser University Student Society (SFSS): SFU's undergraduate student society offering health/dental plans, club funding, advocacy, and member services. Comparable in scale and service mix, though operating under British Columbia's regulatory framework and not CFS-affiliated.

Broad incumbents

• Canadian Federation of Students (CFS): The national federation of which YFS is a member, representing 500,000+ students across 80+ institutions. Provides collective advocacy, bulk-purchased services like ISIC, and a shared policy platform that directly shapes YFS's strategic direction and service offerings.

Others

• Green Shield Canada: YFS's health and dental plan administrator and a key technology/integration partner. While not a peer in the traditional sense, GSC's role is mission-critical to YFS's largest service offering and a viable alternative for any new student union seeking to launch a comparable plan.
• FoodShare Toronto: Toronto-based food justice organization operating the Good Food Box program that YFS distributes through. Represents an enabling/thematic partner rather than a direct competitor, but is comparable in mission (addressing food insecurity) and a potential template for student union food security programming.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/yfsfsa
• Instagraminstagram.com/yfsca
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/york-federation-of-students

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles24 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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