Algonquin College to cut 41 programs, close Perth campus

Algonquin College's board of governors voted unanimously Monday to cancel 41 programs and close its campus in Perth, Ont.

Of the 41 programs, six active programs and four dormant programs will be cancelled, while 31 active programs will be suspended with intent to cancel.

The board had been tasked Monday with the decisions after president and CEO Claude Brulé had earlier this winter laid out "unprecedented financial challenges."

He warned that "without intervention," the college will incur a budget deficit of at least $60 million in 2025-2026 and $93 million by 2026-2027.

Brulé blamed the program cuts on the federal government's decision to reduce international student permits and the province's cap on tuition fees.

"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 said at the start of the meeting.

The cuts to the 37 active programs, including hospitality, business, and creative arts, will stop new students from starting. That represents 16 per cent of the college's 235 programs. 

Students in programs being cut will still be able to graduate, Brulé said.

'Irresponsible to say we are done reviewing'

Some board members voiced concerns after voting for the cuts.

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

"But how can the college continue to claim to transform hopes and dreams into lifelong success, like it did for myself and others, when we're cutting unique and important programs?"

Board member Mehdi Zahed asked if more programs could be cancelled in the future.

"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," said senior vice-president academic Julie Beauchamp.

While some of the programs being cut have high domestic enrolment numbers, Beauchamp said they are not financially viable for the college to maintain due to the tuition freeze.

Perth campus losing $2.1M this year

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

In January, the college recommended closing its Perth campus at the end of the 2026 spring term, citing the same reasons, and with a similar gradual winding down.

Grant Perry, acting vice-president finance and administration, said the campus operates with a budget of $3.3 million and faces a projected deficit of $2.1 million for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. Its business, health and trades programs will be relocated to Ottawa.

Brulé said there are no plans to close the Pembroke campus.

Monday's meeting came three days before a provincial election. All four major parties are offering some kind of post-secondary funding increase.