Ontario (Rajeev Sharma): Ontario’s college sector is grappling with significant upheaval as federal restrictions on international students force program suspensions, service reductions, and staff layoffs, leaving both students and faculty uncertain about the coming academic year.
The federal government recently announced it will issue up to 408,000 study permits in 2026, down from 437,000 in 2025 and 485,000 in 2024, continuing a policy aimed at limiting Canada’s temporary population. Colleges across Ontario, which heavily rely on international student tuition to fund programs and services, are feeling the impact.
Several institutions have already suspended dozens of courses, including popular hospitality programs such as food and nutrition management, hotel operations, and event planning. Toby Lew, director of education and equity at George Brown Polytechnic’s student association, said both domestic and international students are affected. “These program cuts reflect the federal policy, but students on campus are the ones directly experiencing the consequences,” he explained.
Student support services have also been affected. Lew noted that the student union has had to adjust its food support programs and other essential services due to lower enrollment. “We are trying to ensure that critical services continue, because food insecurity remains a serious issue for our students,” he said.
Ontario’s 24 public colleges were already under strain this fall during a nearly five-week strike by full-time support staff, which caused cancellations of in-person classes and events at several campuses. A new three-year contract was ratified in November, but the sector continues to experience turbulence.
Colleges Ontario reported that more than 600 programs have been suspended across the province, with over 8,000 positions cut. Conestoga College alone recently issued nearly 400 layoff notices, affecting 181 full-time faculty and 197 support staff. Leopold Koff, president of the local OPSEU branch, described the layoffs as “inhumane” and accused the administration of creating precarious conditions for workers.
Student services are also being restructured. At Fanshawe College, the Office of the Ombuds was closed due to budget pressures, and mental health support has been reconfigured. Jerry Thomas, president of the Fanshawe student union, expressed concern that these changes reduce students’ access to vital services, though the college insists that support remains available through alternative offices.
Fanshawe spokesperson Kyle Rooks emphasized that program closures and service restructuring are “difficult but necessary steps” to address a projected $70-million deficit over the next two years, caused by declining international enrollment, stagnant provincial funding, and rising operational costs. He added, “Our priority remains on ensuring all currently enrolled students can complete their programs with the same quality of education and support.”
With international student caps set to continue and colleges facing financial shortfalls, students and staff alike are bracing for a challenging year ahead, raising questions about the stability of Ontario’s higher education sector.
