SAIT cuts dozens of jobs, sparking concerns over student impact and post-secondary funding

At least 30 jobs are to be cut at SAIT as the school grapples with reduced international enrolment. Labour groups say it's a result of underfunding education.

The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) is cutting dozens of jobs across multiple departments as the Calgary post-secondary institution grapples with declining enrolment, tied in part to changes in federal international student policies.

An internal email obtained by CTV News indicates at least 30 positions are being cut, while the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) says the impact is broader — affecting 65 unionized roles across the institution.

The cuts span a wide range of services from administrative and student support roles to technical and maintenance positions, prompting concerns about the long-term impact on students, staff and Alberta’s post-secondary system.

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AUPE president Sandra Azocar says the union was notified that dozens of its members would be impacted, with some positions eliminated outright.

“We were notified by SAIT that there are 65 positions up for abolishment,” Azocar said. “It’s 12 temporary positions, one casual, one hourly and then 51 other positions.”

“Some members were able to apply for severance – but for other members, their job was just terminated.”

Azocar said the affected roles are largely non-teaching positions that play a critical role in student life and campus operations.

“The majority of the services that we provide are basically the backbone of post-secondary institutions,” she said.

Azocar also noted that the cuts at SAIT reflect a wider trend across Alberta’s post-secondary system, where institutions are increasingly forced to make difficult financial decisions.

“When you create a system that is tuition-driven revenue, the shortfalls can only be addressed either by canceling programs or increasing tuition and, of course, staff cuts.”

She says the long-term outlook is concerning without more stable funding.

“There has to be a long-term plan, there has to be the political will to actually fund the post-secondary sector,” Azocar said.

“All we have seen over the years since 2019 has been a decline in funding and it’s not enough to make up for what we have seen in the past years.”

SAIT cites international student decline

In a statement, SAIT attributed the cuts to broader pressures facing post-secondary institutions across Canada, particularly a drop in international student enrolment.

“Like post secondary institutions across Canada, SAIT has been impacted by recent changes to federal international student policies,” said spokesperson Chris Gerritsen.

“These changes have resulted in a decline in enrolment, requiring the institution to make difficult but necessary budget adjustments.”

Minister of Advanced Education Myles McDougall says the situation is not unique to SAIT, and reflects broader trends across the province.

“It’s not totally unexpected,” he said. “SAIT has experienced a reduction in enrollment in some of the programs, particularly related to international students.”

“Like many other post-secondary institutions within the province, they’ve had to make some adjustments to reflect that reduced enrollment.”

McDougall says the province has increased funding to the post-secondary system but acknowledged it may not be enough to fully offset revenue losses.

“We have provided some increased funding to the post-secondary system this particular budget; however, I don’t believe it’s possible to totally cover that loss in revenues and that loss in enrollment.”

McDougall did note, however, that the province is investing in trades education and expanding capacity to meet future demand.

“We’ve increased funding, we’re at record levels for trades right now, but we continue to have work to do,” he said.

“We’re looking at a new funding model, which we hope will be available for the next budget cycle. There’s a need for the post-secondary system to continue to expand and provide education and skills training that we require – and we’re excited about the future.”

Labour leaders blame provincial funding decisions

Labour groups argue the cuts are the result of years of underfunding by the provincial government, not just recent changes to international student policies.

Gil McGowan, president of the Alberta Federation of Labour, says the layoffs are part of a longer-term trend affecting post-secondary institutions across Alberta.

“The layoffs that are being announced now are just a continuation of something that’s been going on in Alberta for seven years now,” McGowan said.

He described post-secondary education as a key economic driver, and warned the cuts could have far-reaching consequences.

“Post-secondary education drives our economy, and what we’re afraid of is that we’re witnessing a provincial government that seems determined to kill one of the golden [geese] that drive our economy,” he said.

McGowan said the impacts also extend beyond workers losing their jobs.

“It’s bad for students who have to deal with programs that are being canceled and classes that are overcrowded. And it’s bad for the whole economy,” he said.

Concerns over student experience

Student leaders say they are bracing for the impact but are working to ensure students continue to receive support.

James Kyle, vice-president of the SAIT Students’ Association (SAITSA), says the organization is focused on helping students navigate the changes.

“SAITSA remains committed to our students,” Kyle said. “We are finding areas where we can assist our students in as many ways as possible.”

He acknowledged the cuts, however, will likely affect the overall student experience, and he’s encouraging feedback.

He says the situation is concerning, particularly given the broader factors at play.

“The province and the federal government are really focused on nation-building projects and SAIT students are your construction students, they work in tech, they work in health, they do everything.

“This is a province-wide issue, but especially at SAIT we have a lot of critical roles.”