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CBC
2 days ago
- General
- CBC
Blown diesel generators the latest hitch for electric Wolfe Island ferry
Social Sharing A union official says blown generators are plaguing ferry service to Wolfe Island near Kingston, Ont., as what's supposed to be an electric vessel continues to run on diesel while waiting for its charging infrastructure to be set up. The problem came to a head this past weekend when mechanical issues again knocked the Wolfe Islander IV (WI4) out of service, stranding frustrated residents with no way to cross between the island and mainland for hours. "What's happening is we're running it on its backup power source," explained Lee MacLaren, a ferry captain and president of OPSEU Local 428, which represents crew members. "These generators are continually going down on us, and with the lack of spare parts and running it in a manner that it's not designed [for], we're putting a lot of stress on it." Unscheduled maintenance took the WI4 out of service last Thursday, with the old ferry brought in to carry passengers until the new boat returned Saturday morning. But just a few hours after the WI4 started ferrying passengers once again, Ontario's Ministry of Transportation (MTO) announced on social media that it had run into "mechanical issues" around 8:18 a.m. A second service outage was posted about at 3:13 p.m., again due to an unspecified mechanical issue, before the vessel was back in action shortly before 7 p.m. Internal note says generators cause outages CBC first started asking MTO about the maintenance issues on the morning of July 17, but did not receive a response to questions about the cause. The ministry also did not reply by deadline to a separate request for comment about the weekend disruptions and whether the diesel generators were to blame. A ferry service update sent out by email from MTO during the disruption Saturday afternoon said the ministry "recognizes the vital connection the ferry provides, and we thank you for your patience and understanding." As CBC previously reported, despite different Ontario governments using the WI4 as an example of the province leading by example in the fight against climate change, the ferry — which was designed to run on electricity — continues to burn diesel, with monthly fuel bills ranging from $150,000 to $200,000. The maintenance issues are just the latest in a series of headaches and delays for the new boat, which finally entered service last August before a gash was torn in its hull and it was towed away for repairs in early December. An internal MTO information note, obtained through freedom of information legislating, said some of that work on the boat focused on its generators in order to "mitigate wear on the units and prevent future outages." It also said modifications to the exhaust system had been completed to prevent the generators from overheating. MPP says residents are frustrated Kingston and the Islands MPP Ted Hsu visited the Kingston dock Saturday and said he found people upset by the outages. "They expect a ferry service that isn't being disrupted as often as this ferry is," he said in an interview Monday morning. Hsu said generator breakdowns are happening "often" because the boat is meant to be running on electricity stored in batteries, but their charging stations have yet to be installed on shore. In the meantime, the generators are "not supposed to be running all the time" and so keep blowing out, he said. Construction on the Kingston dock was initially supposed to be finished in 2023, but that deadline has since been pushed into 2026, with the possibility of work continuing into 2027. Hsu said he's been in contact with the ministry and is in the process of setting up a briefing to find ways to cut down on the disruptions in the meantime. One possibility he proposed is for spare parts to be stored on the ferry itself, so repairs can be made more quickly if a generator breaks down. Union calls outages a safety issue The Liberal MPP also said he wants to see if there's some sort of compromise where the chargers are set up before the dock is finished. "If the charging infrastructure is not completed soon, the generators will continue, probably, to to have problems," said Hsu. MacLaren, the union president, said if the ferry disruptions do continue, the ministry should be quicker to bring the older Wolfe Islander III into service to avoid situations like Saturday where the island's only lifeline is cut off. "Shutting down the ferry for the better part of a day is incredibly dangerous," he said. "Aside from getting to and from work ... there's a real safety concern with emergency response ... should someone need an ambulance or police service."
CBC
15-07-2025
- Business
- CBC
'Morale has hit an all-time low': Conestoga College union speaks out on layoffs
As Conestoga College faces layoffs and program suspensions, the union leaders representing its employees say the toll on the workers is mounting. "There is a sense of panicking now," said Vikki Poirier, president of Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) Local 238, representing Conestoga's support staff. Across Ontario's 24 public colleges, approximately 10,000 faculty and staff have been laid off or are projected to lose their jobs, OPSEU said Wednesday. According to an arbitration document between OPSEU and the College Employer Council, 23 of the 24 colleges reported a 48 per cent decrease in first-semester enrolment of international students last year. The document says the decline and financial troubles are a result of the federally implemented international study permit cap. "We receive emails daily from our members with how upset they are," said Poirier. "Morale has hit an all-time low." Poirier's counterpart, Leopold Koff, president of OPSEU Local 237 for faculty counsellors, librarians and partial-load instructors, said the crisis extends across the college, "physically and mentally and spiritually." "They're tired. They were pushed to the max… and they're very worried as to what the future might hold," Koff told CBC News. Layoffs in the hundreds The cuts at Conestoga College have been widespread among both support and academic staff. "We have approximately 190 affected," said Poirier, adding that there is also a small portion not represented in that number. She said some jobs have shaved over 20 roles down to single digits, like student success advisers. "They don't know how they're going to do their job in the fall," she said. Poirier said some fields, including writing consultants, were cut altogether. "That role is gone." While no formal layoff notices have gone to full-time faculty yet, Koff said the damage is clearest among part-time instructors. "From the winter semester which just occurred… we had 580 partial-load faculty, whereas the year before we had somewhere like 710. This spring-summer… it's now down to 240," Koff said. "From 710 last fall to this summer 240. I don't know what you would call it other than a layoff." College has 'misaligned financial priorities,' says union president Both union presidents say communication from college leadership has been minimal. "They're lacking direction… the communication is non-existent," said Poirier. "There has been absolutely no comment, or town hall, or one ounce of compassion that has come from our leader." Poirier and Koff criticized what they see as misaligned financial priorities, including a pay bump for Conestoga's president, John Tibbits. "President Tibbits makes more than the prime minister of Canada. And we would like to know what we get for that," Poirier said. Meanwhile, Poirier says staff and students are struggling with basic working and learning conditions. "Our students are uncomfortable. Our staff is uncomfortable," she said. "Why are our students paying a fortune in tuition to come to an education facility where they are not comfortable to learn?" CBC News reached out to Conestoga College for comment, but they declined. Instead, in an emailed statement, a spokesperson for the college said: "Given the complexity of the issue and its implications across the sector, at this time, inquiries related to layoffs and program suspensions and closures are being directed to the College Employer Council." In a report last week, the College Employer Council laid the blame at the feet of the federal government, saying the cap on international students led to a dramatic decline in enrolment and tuition revenue.
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Business Standard
11-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Canada: 10,000 staff laid off, 600+ courses cut after foreign student cap
Canada's colleges have been sinking into debt and losses since the federal government announced a cap on international student intake early last year. Nearly 10,000 college staff—faculty and support workers—have either already lost their jobs or are expected to be laid off in the coming months. The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), which represents 55,000 college workers, said the cuts mark 'one of the largest mass layoffs in Ontario's history.' 'This is bigger than the Hudson's Bay liquidation, which laid off 8,000 employees across Canada,' said JP Hornick, OPSEU's president, during a press conference outside the Story Arts Centre campus of Centennial College in Toronto. The campus is due to shut later this year. Hornick said about 1.5 million people—nearly one in ten Ontarians—have witnessed a campus closure in their communities. The union also released a press statement in which Hornick said, 'The fallout from the college funding crisis falls squarely at Doug Ford's feet. Workers are united to fight for a future where students, no matter their background, can afford to access the education they need to get a good job.' 'This government has picked a fight with not only the 55,000 workers in our college system but with all of OPSEU/SEFPO, and we will not relent until we see the funding and policy changes needed to save our college system. The layoffs follow a 41% drop in Indian student enrolment in Canadian colleges and universities compared to 2023. The sharp decline has dealt a major blow to tuition revenue, which many colleges rely on to stay afloat. According to a new faculty contract between OPSEU and the College Employer Council, more than 600 college programmes have been suspended or cancelled since the student cap was introduced. The agreement noted that 23 out of Ontario's 24 colleges reported a 48% drop in first-semester international student enrolment between September 2023 and September 2024. Nineteen colleges also reported more than 8,000 job losses—either already implemented or planned. The union said the real figure is likely higher, as some colleges had not submitted layoff data by June. Government defends the cap In response to questions from Business Standard, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) said the cap was necessary to bring down the number of temporary residents in Canada. 'The annual growth in the number of international students couldn't be sustained while ensuring students receive the support they need,' said Mary Rose Sabater, IRCC's communications adviser. She said the cap was based on a zero-net growth model in 2024, with a further reduction introduced to meet the federal government's target of reducing the temporary resident population to 5% of the total population by the end of 2026. 'With this in mind, the national cap for 2025 is set at 437,000 study permits issued based on a 10% reduction from 2024 targets,' Sabater said. Colleges feeling the pressure Centennial College, where OPSEU held its press conference, disputed the union's claim that over 100 programmes had been cut. 'Centennial is facing significant financial pressures due to external factors, including the federal policy shifts related to international students,' the college said in a statement, adding that it had suspended 54 programmes in 2025. The college said it was working with sector partners to address the crisis and to continue serving Ontario's economic needs. Hornick pushed back, saying the impact went far beyond international student-heavy programmes. 'It's also programmes we domestically need, like nursing, child and youth care, environmental technologies, and specialised art training,' she said. One such case is the culinary management course at Confederation College in Thunder Bay, the only programme of its kind within 1,000 kilometres, which the union said had supported food security in northern Ontario. Hornick also accused both the provincial government and colleges of trying to keep the full scale of the cuts under wraps. 'They never intended to tell the public about the full scope of job and programme cuts,' she said. Universities say the crisis is limited to colleges Andrew Carroll of Queen's University told Business Standard that most Canadian universities had not experienced the same surge in international student numbers as colleges. 'While in countries like the US, colleges and universities are very similar, in Canada there is a big difference,' said Carroll. 'Community colleges – such as Conestoga, Seneca, and Humber – here in Ontario are the most involved.' Indian students still keen, but numbers drop India continues to be the biggest source of international students in Canada. In 2025, there were 137,608 Indian students enrolled—down 41% from the year before. 'Interest in studying in Canada, including from Indian nationals, remains strong,' Sabater told Business Standard. 'Following the new student requirements, Indian nationals can continue to apply to study in Canada, and Canadian designated learning institutions continue to welcome students from India.' Sabater added that IRCC would work with provincial governments and institutions to build a more sustainable model. 'These changes will help the education sector align its capacity and allow the population growth at a sustainable pace,' she said. In January, Business Standard had reported that Canadian colleges could face losses of around ₹8,000 crore due to the student cap. 'There is already a considerable financial impact, and several colleges have announced plans to discontinue many courses,' Canada-based immigration analyst Darshan Maharaja told Business Standard at the time.
Indian Express
11-07-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Ontario colleges slash 10,000 jobs as international enrolment plummets in Canada after study permit cap
In what is being noted as one of the largest mass layoffs in Ontario's education sector, nearly 10,000 college faculty and staff positions have been eliminated or are slated for cuts due to a deepening crisis in funding and student enrolment. According to a report by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), which represents around 55,000 faculty and support staff, has warned that the province's college system is in deep trouble, pointing to large-scale programme cancellations and staff reductions. Sharp fall in Indian students going abroad in Canada: Here's why What's causing the massive layoffs? The primary trigger behind these developments is a sharp drop in international student enrolments across Ontario colleges. Following the federal government's decision to impose a cap on international study permits, post-secondary institutions in the province have seen a 48% decline in first-semester international student admissions between September 2023 and September 2024, the Canadian national public broadcaster reported. This has severely impacted tuition revenue, which colleges heavily rely on. Canada tightens financial requirements for international students from September 2025 A faculty contract document cited by the CBC showed that 23 out of 24 publicly funded colleges reported significant enrolment drops, while 19 colleges confirmed staff cuts or plans for reductions, amounting to more than 8,000 jobs lost as of June 2025. Some institutions had yet to submit their figures, suggesting the final number could rise to nearly 10,000. Impact on students and program availability The fallout has been felt in academic programmes as well. More than 600 college courses have either been suspended or cancelled altogether. While many of these programmes were popular with international students, domestic programs have also been affected. According to OPSEU, essential training streams such as nursing, child and youth care, environmental technologies, and arts programmes have also faced cuts. This is particularly alarming for Indian and other international students who often enrol in such skill-specific programmes as a pathway to employment and eventual permanent residency in Canada. Ministry of External Affairs' data shows Canada as the top destination Indian students are emigrating to for higher education and job opportunities, with more than 2.18 lakh students recorded till 2024. With fewer program options and uncertain faculty availability, future applicants may begin to reconsider Canada as a higher education destination. Canada to issue 4.37 lakh study permits, marking a 10% decrease from 2024 cap In Confederation College in Thunder Bay Ontario, for example, the only culinary management program within a 1,000-kilometre radius, which also supported local food security, has been shut down, an earlier CBC report from April this year noted. The move is indicative of broader disruptions in regional educational services. Concerns around transparency and long-term implications The CBC report also noted that the OPSEU accused both the Ontario government and college administrations of withholding the extent of the crisis from the public. Union leaders argued that only after sustained pressure was data about the layoffs and programmes closures disclosed. They also warned of long-term consequences, noting that Ontario's colleges play a key role in job training and workforce development. OPSEU claimed the province has underfunded the post-secondary education system for years and that the current crisis exposes the vulnerabilities in relying too heavily on international tuition fees to keep institutions afloat. Government and employer response In response, the Ministry of Colleges and Universities dismissed the union's accusations as 'baseless'. A spokesperson for Minister Nolan Quinn said Ontario had provided over $2 billion in new funding to post-secondary institutions in the past 14 months, in addition to the existing annual support of $5 billion. The ministry acknowledged, however, that 'difficult decisions' are being made in light of federal policy changes on international students. The College Employer Council (CEC), representing college administrations, also defended its actions, stating that OPSEU had been informed of the potential severity of the situation since January 2024. It confirmed that approximately 10,000 layoffs equate to a 17% reduction in staffing, a figure it said is still lower than the 45% fall in student enrolment. Colleges like Centennial, which reportedly suspended more than 100 programmes according to OPSEU, contested the number and attributed the changes to mounting financial pressures. How does this affect international students? For prospective students from India and elsewhere, the situation raises major concerns. The drop in faculty numbers and program closures could lead to reduced course availability, larger class sizes, and diminished learning support, factors that are key considerations when choosing a study destination abroad.
Time of India
11-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Canadian colleges lay off 10,000 employees after sharp decline in Indian student enrolment
Drop in Indian students causes Canada's colleges to lay off 10,000 faculty and support workers Canada's colleges are facing a significant employment crisis as a sharp drop in Indian student enrolment forces institutions to lay off approximately 10,000 faculty and support staff. The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) reports that job losses are widespread across teaching, administrative, and support roles, highlighting the heavy reliance of Canadian colleges on international tuition fees, particularly from Indian students. The decline in international enrolment follows a federal government cap on study permits introduced earlier this year, aimed at easing pressures on housing and public services. However, this policy has had unintended consequences for colleges, which depend heavily on international students to sustain their budgets. Impact of federal cap on international students The federal cap has led to a dramatic reduction in new international student arrivals, with Indian students representing the largest affected group. In many colleges, especially in Ontario, Indian students accounted for more than half of the international student population and contributed significantly to tuition revenue. According to OPSEU President JP Hornick, 'The loss of international students is having a devastating impact on college staff,' as reported by the Colleges across Canada have responded by cancelling programmes, reducing course offerings, and laying off workers. The financial shortfall caused by fewer international students has put immense strain on college operations, particularly as provincial funding has remained stagnant. Financial challenges facing Canada's colleges Ontario's 24 public colleges have become increasingly dependent on international tuition fees to offset limited provincial funding. The drop in Indian student enrolment has exacerbated financial instability within the college system. OPSEU has warned that without emergency government support, the situation could worsen, leading to further cuts in staff and programmes. The union is urging both federal and provincial governments to increase investment in post-secondary education to stabilise funding and protect jobs. 'Reinvesting in public education is essential to avoid long-term damage to college infrastructure and staffing levels,' OPSEU stated, as cited by the Concerns over private college partnerships The layoffs come amid scrutiny of public colleges partnering with private institutions to boost international student numbers. Many private affiliates, heavily reliant on Indian students, have been disproportionately affected by the federal cap. Questions have been raised about the oversight of these partnerships, including academic standards and student support. The federal cap has disrupted these private-public relationships, which previously helped expand international enrolment but now face significant operational challenges. Economic and employment impact on Canada's college sector The reduction in Indian international students has had a profound economic and employment impact on Canada's college sector. With roughly 10,000 jobs lost, colleges are struggling to maintain operations and programmes. OPSEU continues to call on governments to address funding gaps and stabilise the sector to prevent further layoffs and programme cuts, as reported by the TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here . Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
