Algonquin College heavily relied on international students for their revenue and the federal government’s 35% reduction in study permits has led to a financial strain.
That’s the story across all Ontario post-secondary institutions as the sector is in the midst of wide-scale hiring freezes, layoffs and program cancellations.
Town of Perth Deputy Mayor Ed McPherson said Algonquin’s financials are heavily in the red, leading to the decision to close the Perth Campus.
International students pay much higher tuition fees than domestic students.
McPherson said board members pointed to the tuition freeze introduced by the province as a sticking point as well.
Story by Grant Deme