Ontario's public colleges are experiencing massive layoffs, potentially close to 10,000 jobs, and the cancellation or suspension of some 600 programs. This crisis is attributed to a 48% decline in international student enrolment between September 2023 and 2024, following a federal cap on international students introduced in early 2024. The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) blames provincial underfunding, while the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security points to the federal cap and decisions by individual institutions.
Ontario colleges face massive layoffs after ‘alarming’ enrolment decline
Ford governmentPoliticsOpseuOntario CollegesOPSEUOntario politicsOntario colleges
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Ontario's public colleges are experiencing massive layoffs, potentially close to 10,000 jobs, and the cancellation or suspension of some 600 programs. This crisis is attributed to a 48% decline in international student enrolment between September 2023 and 2024, following a federal cap on international students introduced in early 2024. The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) blames provincial underfunding, while the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security points to the federal cap and decisions by individual institutions.
What: Ontario's public colleges are facing nearly 10,000 job losses and the cancellation or suspension of some 600 programs, with four institutions closing campuses.
When: Information released Tuesday (July 8, 2025). Enrolment decline occurred between September 2023 and September 2024. Programs were cancelled/suspended and layoffs took place by spring of 2025. Federal cap introduced early 2024.
Where: Ontario, Canada.
Why: A federal cap on international students, introduced in early 2024, led to a significant 48% decline in international student enrolment, which severely impacted college revenue (previously 32% from international students). OPSEU attributes the crisis to provincial underfunding, while the government blames the federal cap and institutional decisions.
How: The federal government limited study permits, and the Ford government reduced numbers for colleges, cutting off a major revenue stream. This financial strain forced colleges to implement layoffs and program cuts.