Ontario’s community colleges are facing a crisis that threatens students, communities, and the future of our workforce. Recent federal immigration decisions have caused a dramatic drop in international student enrolment — a key source of funding that colleges rely on to keep programs running for all students, domestic and international.

As a result, colleges across Ontario are cutting programs, laying off staff, and reducing essential student services. This affects everyone: domestic students, international students, local businesses, and the employers who depend on college‑trained graduates in health care, skilled trades, technology, early childhood education, and more.

This crisis is growing fast, and without immediate action from the Government of Ontario, the damage could become irreversible.

Why this matters:

•             Programs in health care, trades, and technology are at risk

•             Rural, northern, and francophone communities face losing vital educational  institutions

•             Ontario already has major labor shortages — and fewer graduates will make it worse

•             There is no federal ministry responsible for post‑secondary education, leaving colleges vulnerable to decisions made without sector expertise

•             Students and communities will pay the price if colleges collapse

What we’re asking for:

We call on the Premier of Ontario and all Members of Provincial Parliament to:

1. Provide emergency funding to stabilize Ontario’s community colleges

2. Fix the provincial funding model so colleges can operate sustainably

3. Advocate nationally for a federal ministry or department responsible for post‑secondary education

4. Work with colleges to rebuild a stable, sustainable international education system.

Ontario’s colleges are essential to our economy, our communities, and our future.

We cannot afford to lose them.