Algonquin College's Music Industry Arts program has recently been placed on a list of 30 programs recommended for suspension by the college. The college's Board of Governors is scheduled to hold a vote on these recommendations on February 23, 2026.

The college states that these cuts are intended to "ensure alignment with student and labour market demands, financial sustainability and resource optimization," but I, as a current Music Industry Arts student, do not see how that applies to our program and to most of the other programs on the list.

On the point surrounding student demand: we receive hundreds of applications each year, and acceptance into our program is highly competitive. We are full every year, we pay more in tuition fees than students in other programs, and we generate revenue for the college year-round, since our program runs for 3 consecutive semesters--fall, winter, and spring.

Our program also hosts students from across the country. We are one of the few programs in Canada that teaches students how to operate analog and digital audio equipment, how to navigate music industry standard operating practices, and how to use digital audio production tools in a hands-on, studio environment.

Regarding labour market demands, the live music industry alone supported 101,640 jobs and contributed $10.92 billion to Canada's GDP in 2023.  Here in Ottawa, the city is investing in infrastructure developments like the Landsdowne 2.0 project, and many of the developments are specifically intended to increase the area's capacity for live music events, like the new Events Center and the Great Lawn. Additionally, Live Nation Canada plans to open a 2,000-person venue in the Byward Market.  We also host major music festivals like Bluesfest, City Folk, and the Ottawa Jazz Festival. These events create jobs and generate tourism income for the city, and for the country. 

Ottawa, as our nation's capital, also hosts diplomats, state officials, and industry leaders from around the globe, and many of our graduates are hired to work the live sound at events these figures hold and attend. Without MIA graduates, these events simply could not occur. Our contributions to the labour force go beyond music, since our program teaches principles of audio signal flow that can be applied to a broad array of careers.

The economic impact of losing MIA would be felt across several sectors of the economy--not just the music industry.

Beyond the impact to the economy, Music Industry Arts helps foster Canadian artistic talent so that they can contribute to our cultural mosaic. Music plays a central role in nation building, in mental health, and in our most intimate relationships.

If you would like to support MIA, or any of the programs being affected, then please reach out to Algonquin's Board of Governors before their vote takes place. You can also reach out to Nolan Quinn, the Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security to voice your concern.

Thank you!