Fanshawe College has eliminated 40 administrative jobs through downsizing, early retirements, and leaving vacant positions unfilled, as part of a plan to cut about 35% of its workforce—roughly 400 positions—in response to a $72 million budget shortfall projected over the next two years. President Peter Devlin called the cuts “deeply felt” and confirmed that departing employees received personal meetings, support resources, and will have access to career transition services.

The college’s financial struggles stem from what it describes as provincial underfunding and the federal cap on international student visas, which has sharply reduced a key source of higher-tuition revenue. A second phase of downsizing will work with unions to offer voluntary exit packages in hopes of preserving other roles.

In April, Fanshawe also announced it would close 40 programs in fall 2025, including advanced police studies, fine art, construction project management, and aerospace manufacturing.

The move underscores the mounting pressure on Ontario’s post-secondary sector, where international enrolment caps and funding constraints are forcing institutions to restructure—putting both academic offerings and education-sector jobs at risk across Canada.

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CBC News’s original article, “Fanshawe College cuts 40 administrative positions as staff reductions continue” was published in CBC News on June 12, 2025. Read the Full CBC News story.