Lethbridge Polytechnic closing English Language Centre, unclear if other programs impacted

This comes as Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has been instructed by the federal government to reduce the number of international student visas it issues.

That, according to Donaldson, has resulted in a “significant cut” to the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada program (LINC).

Donaldson says he does not know how big of a reduction Lethbridge Polytechnic will see in terms of international student enrollment, but it will be “a few hundred for sure.”

He previously told LNN that the post-secondary is expecting a budget deficit of around $10 million for the upcoming fiscal year due to the international student cut.

Donaldson adds it is possible that other programs may be eliminated or reduced in size.

“We have to be very careful about looking at the number of students that are looking for the programs that we offer, and looking at opportunities internally to perhaps integrate programs where there is overlap to reduce the redundancy, so programming and services are definitely under evaluation right now,” says Donaldson.

He downplayed the possibility of tuition increases to offset the loss of revenues because domestic tuition fee increases are capped by provincial legislation. International fees would have to increase by such a large amount to make up for it that Donaldson thinks it would not be worth it.

The English Language Centre offers various services such as English language learning, transitioning to academic environments or the trades, and cultural offerings.

“The loss of English language training is especially painful as language proficiency is key to success in Canada. It affects the ability to integrate, build a sense of community and successfully find a job,” says Donaldson.

Although Donaldson says that international students have never taken spots away from local learners, he expects that the Polytechnic will have to adopt a greater emphasis on domestic student enrollment.

Nagaraj (Raj) Rotti is the President of the Lethbridge Polytechnic Student Association and an international student himself.

He says there is a lot of anxiety from international students who are worried about what the cuts might mean for them and others who might be looking to join them in Canada.

“International students here, they come with a dream of staying and supporting the current economy while hoping for a stable lifestyle here. These changes have put a lot of strain on how they see their future going forward in Canada is going to be,” says Rotti.

Donaldson assures international students who have already begun their studies that they will be able to finish their programs.

by David Opinko

Lethbridge Polytechnic closing English Language Centre, unclear if other programs impacted

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