Several post-secondary institutions in British Columbia, including Langara College and Kwantlen Polytechnic University, are reducing faculty positions due to government policies leading to a decline in international student numbers.
Faculty associations are expressing concern over the impact of these departures, stating that they are weakening the quality of post-secondary education in the province and posing challenges for schools to make up for the lost revenue.
Frank Cosco, President of the Vancouver Community College’s (VCC) faculty association, described the situation as the most significant crisis in the history of post-secondary education in the region. He emphasized the urgent need to address the issue of replacing the income generated from international students, which has been a major source of funding for colleges.
According to Cosco, VCC is planning to cut over two dozen positions by the beginning of 2026. The college is currently engaged in negotiations with its staff to finalize these changes.
Similarly, Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) has informed its staff through an internal memo that it intends to eliminate approximately 45 positions by March 2026. The university has already removed 20 vacant positions and issued notices to eight instructors within the Melville School of Business, a program popular among international students.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) in British Columbia is planning further staff layoffs due to the ongoing decrease in international student enrollment. According to KPU Faculty Association president Mark Diotte, the layoffs are disheartening for the affected employees.
Langara College has confirmed the elimination of 69 positions following a significant drop in international student enrollment compared to the fall of 2023.
Dr. Paula Burns, President and CEO of Langara College, expressed the challenging decision to reduce the total number of employees to align with the reduced enrollment figures. She highlighted the emotional difficulty of parting ways with valued colleagues and friends who have contributed significantly to the institution.
The job cuts are a direct result of federal government adjustments made in January 2024 to decrease international student permits issued by Canada by 35% over a two-year period, aiming to address housing issues and prevent exploitation within the international student sector.