Algonquin College Announces Program Cuts and Perth Campus Closure

Algonquin College’s board of governors made a unanimous decision on Monday to eliminate 41 programs and shut down its campus in Perth, Ont.

Among the 41 programs, six active ones and four dormant ones will be cancelled, while 31 active programs will be suspended with plans for cancellation.

The board faced this difficult decision after president and CEO Claude Brulé highlighted “unprecedented financial challenges” earlier this winter.

He cautioned that “without intervention,” the college could face a budget deficit of at least $60 million in 2025-2026 and $93 million by 2026-2027.

Brulé attributed the program cuts to the federal government’s reduction of international student permits and the provincial cap on tuition fees.

Algonquin College President and CEO Claude Brulé earlier this month. (Emma Weller/CBC)

“Nothing in the history of the college compares to this extraordinary and unprecedented context against which we are working decisively and with a sense of urgency,” Brulé stated at the beginning of the meeting.

The elimination of 37 active programs, including those in hospitality, business, and creative arts, means new students won’t be able to enroll. This accounts for about 16 percent of the college’s total of 235 programs.

Students enrolled in programs that are being cut will still have the opportunity to graduate, according to Brulé.

‘Irresponsible to say we are done reviewing’

A few board members expressed their concerns after voting for these cuts.

“I know we have to make some tough decisions in these challenging times,” said Wadhah Al-monaifi.

“But how can the college continue claiming it transforms hopes and dreams into lifelong success when we’re cutting unique and important programs?”

Board member Mehdi Zahed asked if there might be more program cancellations ahead.

“I do not at this moment have a set list of programs to bring forward but it would be irresponsible to say we are done reviewing,” senior vice-president academic Julie Beauchamp responded.

While some cutting programs have high domestic enrollment figures, Beauchamp mentioned they aren’t financially sustainable due to the tuition freeze.

Perth campus losing $2.1M this year

Algonquin currently operates campuses in Ottawa, Perth, and Pembroke, Ont.

This past January, the college recommended closing its Perth campus by spring term 2026 for similar reasons along with a gradual shutdown process.

Grant Perry, acting vice-president finance and administration, noted that the campus has a budget of $3.3 million but faces an anticipated deficit of $2.1 million for fiscal year 2024-2025. Its business, health, and trades programs will move to Ottawa.

Brulé confirmed there are no intentions to close down Pembroke campus at this time.

This meeting occurred just three days before an election at the provincial level where all four major parties propose increases in post-secondary funding options.

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