Budget crunch means Canadore College to cut 35% of its programs

Canadore College in North Bay is looking at cutting up to 35 per cent of its programs as it struggles to deal with a massive operating deficit. (File)

Canadore College in North Bay is looking at cutting up to 35 per cent of its programs as it struggles to deal with a massive operating deficit.

According to the college’s business plan, the budget deficit for fiscal 2027 is estimated at $23.8 million.

“Although the college has unrestricted net assets and reserves in place to cover a budgeted deficit for fiscal 2027, this is not sustainable in the longer term and there will be enhanced emphasis on additional revenue generation and cost savings, where possible, throughout fiscal 2027 and beyond,” the business plan said.

“To address these challenges and strengthen the college’s ability to navigate ongoing financial uncertainty, the fiscal 2027 budget process included a comprehensive review of expenditures and a realignment of priorities, with a focus on restraint and cost reduction relative to the prior year.”

Canadore, like other colleges and universities across Ontario, is struggling to adapt to new limits on international student enrolment. That has translated into a decrease in revenue of $45.3 million.

Institutions across the province dealt with frozen funding levels and a tuition freeze by boosting enrolment from international students.

Huge funding gap

When the federal government reduced the number of people allowed to come to Canada on student visas, however, colleges and universities faced a huge funding gap. Many programs popular with those students were no longer viable, forcing colleges to reevaluate the programs they offer.

Canadore did say that the provincial government has announced $11.3 million in new funding for the college, part of an overall funding increase of $6.4 billion.

However, it’s not enough to cover the school’s budget deficit or save programs that are no longer viable.

“Given the current funding level, Canadore will continue to review its program mix in the 2026-2027 academic year and beyond,” the place said.

More aligned with student, industry needs

“Current estimates indicate that approximately 35 per cent of Canadore’s post-secondary programs will result in cancellation or suspension.”

In a statement to CTV News, Dr. Ahmed Obaide, Canadore’s vice-president Academic, said adjusting to the decline in international student enrolment means the college has to ensure its programs align with student and industry needs.

“That means thoughtfully reviewing programs with lower demand while continuing to invest in new programs that respond to emerging workforce needs,” Obaide said.

“This is not simply about reducing programs -- it’s about ensuring Canadore continues to meet the needs of students, employers and our communities for years to come.”

Read the full business plan here.