Georgian College cuts 45 staff as ‘systemic underfunding’ unmasked by enrolment cap

What’s happening at Georgian College?

Georgian College has announced the reduction of 45 staff roles as part of cost-cutting measures tied to shifting federal and provincial policies.

• An additional 31 voluntary retirements and 10 vacancy closures bring the total number of positions impacted to 86 in this round.
• President and CEO Kevin Weaver said the college is preparing for a loss of 3,200 full-time international students in the 2025-26 academic year.
• The institution faces a $45 million budget shortfall for 2025-26 and an additional projected gap of $15–20 million the following year, as reported on Feb. 25.

Why It Matters: Georgian has eliminated 229 staff positions in total since Canada’s federal government introduced a cap on international student enrolment.

• Ontario’s domestic tuition freeze, first implemented in 2019 and extended through 2027, has limited revenue growth opportunities for the college.
• The expected drop in international students is poised to have a $17.6 million economic impact on the local region, according to Weaver.

The Big Picture: Georgian College, like many Ontario post-secondary institutions, has relied on international student enrolment to offset reduced provincial funding.

• Ontario colleges receive 44% less provincial grant funding than the national average, according to Weaver.
• Barrie’s campus, the college’s largest, is expected to experience the most significant impact from staff cuts and program adjustments.

What They’re Saying: Various voices have weighed in on this recent development.

• Kevin Weaver, President and CEO: “There’s no question that international enrolment has helped unmask, if you will, the systemic underfunding.”
• Bianca Giacoboni, Press Secretary for the Ministry of Colleges and Universities: “Our post-secondary sector… is going through a rebalancing right now due to the federal government’s changes.”
• Stephannie Schlichter, Barrie’s Director of Economic & Creative Development: “Any job losses, or reductions in students in our community have a significant impact… on the broader local economy.”

What’s Next: Georgian College is continuing its review of programs and staffing across all campuses.

• The full extent of the impact on local employers and the regional economy remains to be assessed.
• College leadership maintains that community partnerships and student services will remain a priority despite the cuts.

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