‘It’s hard on the students’: looming Algonquin College program cuts prompt calls for greater post-secondary funding

Students and union officials are raising concerns about plans to cut another 30 programs at Algonquin College. CTV’s Kimberley Johnson reports.

More than two dozen programs are on the chopping block at Algonquin College campuses in Ottawa and Pembroke.

It’s the latest round of cuts for the institution as it and others like it across the province say they’re grappling with underfunding and other serious challenges.

In an operational update on its website, the college says the recommendations are being made to “ensure alignment with student and labour market demands, financial sustainability and resource optimization.”

The Board of Governors will vote on the matter on February 23, 2026.

The programs recommended for suspension include bartending, hotel and restaurant operations management, journalism, music industry arts, and the horticulture techniques apprenticeship. Four programs at the Pembroke Campus — business, business fundamentals, computer programming, and environmental management and assessment — are included but would still be offered at the Ottawa campus.

Some students like Ciera Lajoie at the college are bracing for the impact, even as her own program remains unaffected.

“It’s hard on the students that do want to take those programs,” says Lajoie. “It just gives less opportunities for people in the community.”

Judy Puritt is the First Vice President of OPSEU Local 415, which is the union that represents about 900 faculty members at Algonquin College. She is also a Communications professor in the School of Business and Hospitality which could see programs affected.

“Very concerned for the future well-being of our region and, I could be really broad and say, Canada more widely, because we help prepare Canadians for the future,” she says.

Puritt says up to 35 full time positions as well as about 60 to 70 other positions could be affected. She says these are vital programs for students.

“Some of the programs that are being cut are pretty serious, important programs that we require to keep our communities going,” Puritt says. “If I think just about the ones in our department: paralegal and law clerk, those are substantial programs that are required in our community.”

Algonquin College is facing a $34.8 million deficit, citing the ongoing Ontario tuition freeze and the Canada-wide international students cap.

Post-secondary schools are calling on the Ford Government for billions of dollars in funding starting next year.

While Ontario announced $242 million for post secondary institutions earlier this month, Chandra Pasma, the MPP for Ottawa West—Nepean, says more investments are necessary.

“Now more than ever, when our economy is under attack from the U.S., from tariff uncertainty, we need to be making sure that we’re doing everything we can to provide employers in the Ottawa region with a highly skilled, competitive workforce,” she explains.

This is the latest round of cuts for Algonquin College – last year, the board approved a plan to cut 37 academic programs, four dormant programs and close its campus in Perth, Ont. to cover a major financial deficit.

On its website detailing the changes the school says:

“Our responsibility is to ensure that we can continue to deliver a high-quality learning experience and strong student supports, while making decisions that protect the long-term sustainability of Algonquin College.”

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