Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) is laying off 44 staff following federal funding changes, highlighting how shifts in immigration policy are rippling through Canada’s education and labour markets. The college confirmed that 13 permanent employees will be laid off and contracts for 31 term workers will end in March at its Centre for Newcomer Integration (CNI).

As a result, the centre’s annual capacity will drop sharply from more than 6,700 seats to just 1,360, affecting about 1,400 newcomers. Beginning in spring 2026, RRC Polytech will no longer offer stage two language training, which provides intermediate and occupation-specific language skills that help newcomers enter key sectors of Manitoba’s workforce.

The college says recent federal immigration changes and a new three-year agreement with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada did not include long-term funding for this level of training. Union leaders warn the cuts will hurt not only workers, but also newcomers’ ability to integrate and fill labour shortages.

Across Canada, similar funding constraints are forcing institutions to scale back programs, raising concerns about workforce readiness at a time when many industries continue to face skills gaps.

Have you been laid off by RRC Polytech in Canada? Contact our employment lawyers today. Our legal team offers a free consultation and works on a contingency basis—there are no fees unless you win your case.

Jura McIlraith’s original article, “RRC Polytech plans spring layoffs in wake of federal funding cuts” was published in CBC News on November 28, 2025. Read the Full CBC News story.

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