Latest news with #HollandCollege
CBC
11-06-2025
- Business
- CBC
Holland College questions fairness of province giving $2M grant only to UPEI
Social Sharing The president of Holland College is not happy that the P.E.I. government stepped in with a $2-million grant to the University of Prince Edward Island to cope with the loss of revenue from international tuition fees, but Holland College got nothing. "It doesn't seem fair... I support closely what the administration of UPEI is doing and I think that they are doing some cool things after a very difficult period of time, but no, it doesn't seem fair," said college president and CEO Sandy MacDonald. "I guess I'm qualifying my answer because I'm hoping the province will take the opportunity in the next fiscal year to balance things out, so I'm hoping it will be made fair." MacDonald has estimated that the international student population at the college will plummet by 85 per cent over the next two years as federal changes to student permits kick in, designed in part to relieve a nationwide housing crunch. From a high of 800 international students, Holland College enrolment is projected to fall to 140 students by September 2026. That means a huge drop in revenue, leading the college to phase out eight programs and lay off 25 staff. Three kilometres away from Holland College's main campus in Charlottetown, at the University of Prince Edward Island, officials have raised tuition fees and made some cuts. But they also received a one-time grant of $2 million from the Department of Workforce, Advanced Learning and Population to help offset the loss of international tuition fees, estimated at $3 million this year. It was included in UPEI's 2025-2026 budget as a line item called International Enrolment Reduction Support. UPEI's vice-president of administration and finance, Tim Walker, said it will be used for things like recruitment and retention, enrolment planning, and a hunt for new revenue streams. "This important support gives UPEI the opportunity to consider more options and take action during this fiscal year, ensuring we have a stronger foundation for the next budget planning cycle (2026-27)," Walker said in an email to CBC News. MacDonald said getting a similar $2 million would have made a huge difference to Holland College. "We have been underfunded for many years," he said. "We've made the argument many times. It goes back all the way to the auditor general's report from 1999; Wayne Murphy said at the time we had a structural deficit." Why the upfront cost is multiplying for international students on the Island 1 year ago Duration 3:59 Both UPEI and Holland College are increasing tuition deposits for international students. Lornie Hughes, the registrar at Holland College, explains why. Expected funding did not come in He said in 2023, the college and the province made a deal that would provide extra money over the next three fiscal years to help the college catch up with its deficit. Then it would go back to a lower funding level. The first year, Holland College did get a 9.5 per cent increase and $3 million more for its capital budget. This year, it was expecting the same. "We did not get that. We got a 6.5 per cent increase and half of the $3 million in capital," MacDonald said. "We were disappointed, but we understood the province is under financial constraints, so we had to accept that." Would the $2 million have made a difference in terms of those decisions? Of course it would. — Sandy MacDonald Then came the realization that UPEI had asked for — and gotten — the $2 million grant. "We've suspended eight programs, we've cut portions of three other programs," MacDonald said. "Those were the results of the deficit that we faced this fiscal year. So would the $2 million have made a difference in terms of those decisions? Of course it would." As for the future, MacDonald said the college will ask for — and hopefully get — some International Enrolment Reduction Support funding of its own for 2026-2027. "Certainly we will have a significant deficit again this year," he said. "I've spoken to the province since the budget come down and they've said, 'We're willing to work with you.' "So if UPEI was getting a one-time grant for this issue this year, certainly we would be hoping to get something similar for next year." Cuts at Holland College will affect all union members, UPSE president says afterweekend meeting 2 months ago Duration 2:16 The news came late Friday: Holland College said it would freeze some programs and downsize others because caps on international students have led to the P.E.I. college is taking in less money. Over the weekend, the president of the college met with union officials like Karen Jackson of UPSE (shown) to discuss what happens next, especially with the 35 jobs that will be affected. CBC's Stacey Janzer reports. Province's response CBC News reached out to the provincial government about the grant to UPEI and MacDonald's concerns. "Holland College did not receive funding in the 2025-26 academic year for an international enrolment reduction support grant," a spokesperson replied by email. "The province is working closely with post-secondary institutions to help address overall enrolment challenges and the impact of international student reductions... "All funding requests submitted to the province undergo a thorough review and consideration process. Holland College did receive a 6.5 per cent increase in its core operating funding for the 2025-26 academic year to help address operational needs.
Canada Standard
10-06-2025
- General
- Canada Standard
Parks Canada in Cape Breton working with post secondary institutions on restoration projects
Canada News Centre 09 Jun 2025, 23:26 GMT+10 Historical carpentry program provides unique hands-on experience for students June 9, 2025 Louisbourg, Nova Scotia Parks Canada Parks Canada in Cape Breton has signed a multi-year agreement with Holland College, Algonquin College, and Willowbank School of Restoration Arts. The agreement will enable students at all three post-secondary institutions to participate in the restoration of the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site. The agreement supports Parks Canada's priorities by helping preserve a nationally significant heritage place while fostering hands-on learning. Students from the schools have been working on shutters for the fortress after reviewing blueprints and meeting with Parks Canada's lead conservator, gaining hands-on experience in a restoration project. This experience has helped prepare them for careers as skilled tradespeople. Holland College is located in Prince Edward Island; Algonquin College and Willowbank School of Restoration Arts are both in Ontario. Parks Canada representatives worked with students virtually, with each school's program instructors overseeing the students' work. Several of the students from all three institutions were also able to visit the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site to gain hands-on, in-person experience directly at the site. Cultural resources are irreplaceable and connect us with the places, persons and events that have shaped history in Canada. Parks Canada is privileged in its role as the steward of outstanding cultural and natural treasures that represent the richness and diversity of Canada. -30-
CBC
04-06-2025
- Business
- CBC
Holland College expanding trade programs, shortly after cutting others
This fall, Holland College will add 10 seats to its plumbing and pipefitting courses and 24 to the construction electrical program. The news comes after the post-secondary institution announced earlier this year that it was suspending some other programs. CBC's Tony Davis explains.
CBC
04-06-2025
- Politics
- CBC
Conference in P.E.I. urges Canada to ACT on basic income guarantee
Women's Network P.E.I. is hosting a conference at Holland College this week called ACT BIG, which stands for Advocating Canada Towards a Basic Income Guarantee. CBC News: Compass host Louise Martin sat down with Tracy Smith-Carrier, a professor at Royal Roads University in Victoria, B.C., who's one of the guest speakers at the event.
CTV News
30-05-2025
- Business
- CTV News
University of P.E.I. and Holland College receive $100,000 towards cleantech scholarships
Pictured is the sign at University of Prince Edward Island. (Jack Morse/CTV Atlantic) Students attending the new cleantech programs at the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) and Holland College will be eligible to receive a portion of $100,000 in scholarships from the provincial government. The funding will support students entering the Sustainable Business Leadership Post-Graduate certificate at Holland College and the Master of Cleantech Leadership and Transformation at UPEI, a news release said. The new programs were developed in partnership with the PEI Energy Corporation and the Cleantech Academy in Georgetown, P.E.I. 'These programs are about more than education. They're about transformation,' said Gilles Arsenault, minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Action. 'We're investing in people who will help P.E.I. reach and maintain its net-zero goals, drive sustainable growth and position our province as a leader in cleantech innovation.' Both programs are designed to help students prepare for working in the cleantech sector. 'We are incredibly grateful for the continued support from our provincial partners as we work to build a more sustainable future for Prince Edward Island,' said Sandy MacDonald, Holland College president and CEO. 'This funding will empower students to pursue education that not only meets their personal goals but also supports critical Island industries to transition to a net-zero economy.' Students interested in the programs and information on the scholarships can visit: For more P.E.I. news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
