Algoma University is planning to lay off between 50 and 75 staff in response to a significant decline in international student enrolment. Interim president Sheila Embleton said enrolment dropped by 60%—more than the 50% decline anticipated in the university’s April budget. Total student numbers are expected to fall from over 9,000 last year to around 4,482 this fall.

The university is facing a projected operating deficit of $5.5 to $7 million, making layoffs a “last resort” to stabilize its finances. Support services, including extended access to mental health and career transition resources, will be provided to affected employees.

This situation reflects broader challenges in Canada’s post-secondary sector, where institutions that rely heavily on international tuition are struggling amid tighter student visa rules and changing global trends. The Canadian job market, while relatively strong in other sectors, is seeing growing instability in education and public institutions, particularly in smaller cities and regions dependent on international student revenue.

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Kate Rutherford’s original article, “Algoma University turns to layoffs to manage deficit as international enrolment drops more steeply” was published in CBC News on September 19, 2025. Read the Full CBC News story.