Several post-secondary institutions in British Columbia, such as Langara College and Kwantlen Polytechnic University, are experiencing a reduction in faculty positions due to new government regulations impacting international student numbers.
Faculty associations are expressing concerns over the departure of staff, stating that it is weakening the quality of post-secondary education in the region and posing challenges for institutions to find alternative revenue sources.
Frank Cosco, the president of Vancouver Community College’s faculty association, described the situation as the most significant crisis in the history of post-secondary education.
He highlighted the critical issue of replacing the revenue generated by international students, which has been crucial for colleges.
According to Cosco, Vancouver Community College is set to eliminate over two dozen positions by the beginning of 2026, with ongoing negotiations with the staff members.
Similarly, Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) has announced plans to cut approximately 45 positions by March 2026, having already removed 20 vacant positions. The institution has also notified eight instructors in its Melville School of Business, a program popular among international students.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) in British Columbia is set to reduce its staff numbers further due to declining international student enrollments. Mark Diotte, the President of KPU Faculty Association, remarked on the demoralizing effect of these layoffs on the staff.
Langara College has confirmed the elimination of 69 positions following a significant drop of 2,400 international students compared to fall 2023.
Dr. Paula Burns, Langara College’s president and CEO, expressed the necessity of reducing staff numbers to align with the decreased enrollment, acknowledging the emotional difficulty of parting ways with valued colleagues.
The job cuts are a response to changes introduced by the federal government in January 2024, reducing international student permits issued by Canada by 35% for two years to address housing issues and prevent abuses in the sector.
In July 2024, the British Columbia government enforced a cap limiting public post-secondary institutions to admitting 30% of international students based on their total enrollment. New guidelines were issued for compliance monitoring.
