The Canadian Federation of Students – Ontario is alarmed at the recent program cuts being made in Ontario colleges and universities. In recent weeks, post-secondary institutions have begun to announce program cuts for all levels of studies. These cuts are a continuation of the deterioration of post-secondary education in this province – impacting students and workers alike. The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) college faculty have been showing their support for publicly funded education and opposing program cuts. Faculty directly understand the impacts of underfunded programs, crowded classrooms and the lack of time for student to faculty support. The lack of underfunding in the college sector is already having lasting effects on the immediate future of college students.
Students are worried about the future of their programs. No colleges or universities in this province are safe– several colleges including Algonquin College, Centennial College, Fanshawe College, Mohawk College, Seneca College, Sheridan College along with York University to Queen’s University made announcements of major program cuts or deficits, making the future precarious for both students and workers. Students and workers witnessed the impacts from the financial insolvency at Laurentian University in 2021 when the Ontario government did not step in to support Laurentian University – which allowed for the program cuts and faculty layoffs through the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA). With the announcement of deficits, program cuts and suspensions along with campus closures, students and workers both know that it means massive layoffs and program cuts.
Cuts primarily to interdisciplinary programs must be called into question. It is clear from the most recent provincial election debate that Ontario party leaders do not have a real plan or solutions for the chronic underfunding of post-secondary education. Party leaders want the public to think these are useless programs and institutions are using this as an excuse to cut programs without hesitation. Suggestions to prioritize STEM education over “basket-weaving classes”, or introducing a 10% cap on International students are clear indications that party leaders are out of touch of what is needed to maintain programs at Ontario’s public colleges and universities. Education does not exist to only supply the labour market. All programs are important, skills are transferable and that is what colleges and universities are about.
These announcements come at a time coincidentally after colleges and universities have cited the lack of revenue they had shamefully over relied on and profited from International students for decades. This manufactured financial crisis orchestrated by the government has left small and large institutions feeling the pinch of no new money invested. The exploitation and scapegoating of International students is not only unethical, but is also rooted in xenophobia and racism that must cease immediately.
Contrary to what is being proposed by the government, the solution moving forward is not more teach outs. Instead, students and workers are calling on the Ministry of Colleges and Universities to address the chronic underfunding. This is an opportunity for party leaders in this election to get serious and to develop a plan to fund post-secondary education for students and workers–immediately.
The Canadian Federation of Students-Ontario is the oldest and largest student organization in Ontario, representing over 350,000 college and university students in every region of the province.