Canadian college cuts 40 courses and lays off staff as Trudeau’s immigration policy hits enrolment

Published On : 2024-11-28T17:24:20+0530 [ IST ] | Author : Mayur_Tembhare
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Sheridan College in Ontario has announced a suspension of 40 academic programs and staff layoffs citing a significant drop in enrolment caused by Canada's new immigration policy. The college projects a 30% decline in student numbers next year which translates to a staggering $112 million revenue loss

Program suspensions span various faculties including applied science business animation and health studies while 27 more programs face efficiency reviews. Despite these cuts current students will still be able to complete their courses.

These changes are required for Sheridan to remain a financially sustainable and vibrant community in response to chronic underfunding, changing government policies and social, technological and economic disruption.

The impact of these measures extends beyond Sheridan College. Seneca Polytechnic in Toronto had earlier announced the temporary closure of its Markham campus attributing the decision to plummeting international enrolment.

Immigration policy exploited by bad actors: TrudeauImmigration policy exploited by bad actors: Trudeau

Immigration policy exploited by 'bad actors': Trudeau

The recent decision by the Canadian government to cap study permits for international students is at the core of the issue. Ottawa plans to approve 360,000 undergraduate study permits in 2024 a 35% reduction from 2023. Additional cuts will follow in 2025 reducing permits by another 10% to 437,000

These policies aim to curb the exploitation of international students by substandard institutions and address strained resources in housing and healthcare. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau defended the changes saying that unchecked international student growth had been exploit

Also read: 'We made mistakes, system exploited by bad actors' Trudeau explains cap on immigration 'We made mistakes, system exploited by bad actors'

Stricter pathways to permanent residencyStricter pathways to permanent residency

Stricter pathways to permanent residency

While intended to stabilise infrastructure the policy has created an economic vacuum for institutions heavily reliant on international tuition fees. Ontario colleges receive among the lowest public funding levels in Canada with only 16% of per-student costs covered by provincial

For international students the new policies mean stricter pathways to permanent residency. Post-graduation work permits (PGWPs) are now limited to graduates from university programs or those in high-demand fields at the college level. Language proficiency requirements are also being introduced to align with economic goals.

Trudeau defended the reforms saying that they aim to balance immigration levels with Canada's infrastructure. He noted that while international students and workers are vital to the economy the influx had outpaced the availability of housing and social services.

Why is Canada changing its immigration system?

Source : Reporters From Sunrise Chronicles

Tags : immigrationprime minister justin trudeau defended , Despite , Canada , Seneca Polytechnic , Critics , He , trudeaulosinginternational students ,” seneca ’ , Sheridan College , badbad actors ,' trudeau explains cap , The ,

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