Steep drop in enrolment leads to MITT’s closure

A shock announcement that a Manitoba school is closing could change the educational landscape in the province. CTV’s Joseph Bernacki reports.

The Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology (MITT) is set to start winding down operations.

According to a news release on the school’s website, a lack of international students has caused financial hardships for the school.

“MITT has seen international enrolment drop by more than 55 per cent, making its current financial model unsustainable,” the school said in the release.

Programs will be transferred to Red River College (RRC) Polytech, but MITT noted all current students will be able to complete their schooling.

“The transition will occur over the next year, with some programs and functions extending beyond this timeline under RRC Polytech’s leadership. Students will continue to access their programs as they currently do.

“We will engage with students, partner institutions, school divisions, industry partners, and other key stakeholders to ensure all programming and partnerships are addressed thoughtfully and responsibly.”

MITT offered a wide variety of one and two-year courses ranging from automotive services and carpentry to hairstyling and pharmacy technician.

The school’s 2024 annual report showed there were more than 4,600 students enrolled.

RRC Polytech president Fred Meier said the school will work with MITT and the province to figure out what programs can be transferred to RRC.

“There is some unique programming at MITT and there is also overlap between programs at both institutions. This MITT program review will prioritize students and labour market needs and will determine which programs may be preserved and transferred to RRC Polytech, and which programs may no longer be offered,” Meier said in a statement on the school’s website.

He noted this will mean some students will still be able to graduate from MITT, while others will transfer and graduate from RRC.

MITT’s closure a result of federal international student cap: province

Renee Cable, Manitoba’s Minister of Advanced Education and Training told CTV News this decision comes as a direct result of the federal government cutting the number of international students coming to Canada.

“It’s just not sustainable in the way that it is, and we need to ensure that everybody has the best opportunity for good learning here,” said Cable.

Cable noted she heard of the funding problems when the NDP first formed government in 2023.

“We were already in a bit of a difficult situation with institutions, and when the federal government unilaterally decided to cut international students, it was devastating. And from day one, we’ve been advocating to the federal government that this policy change will have real-world effects on real people, and that is what we’re seeing here today.”

In 2024, Ottawa announced a temporary two-year cap on international students to reduce levels by 35 per cent that year and another 10 per cent in 2025.

In November, the feds revealed their 2026 targets, announcing 408,000 permits will be issued this year, including 155,000 for newly arriving international students.

This represents a seven per cent decrease from 2025.

Meanwhile, Cable adds the government is working with MITT and RRC Polytech to find the best possible path forward for all students.

“First and foremost, students are top priority.”

Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham also weighed in on the closure Wednesday, saying this shows how changes made at the federal level can impact local decision-making.

“MITT has helped train the skilled workers Winnipeg needs, and my thoughts are with the students and staff dealing with this uncertainty,” Gillingham said in a news release.

The mayor said all levels of government need to work together to ensure the decisions being made can help Winnipeg grow and provide strong services.

In an email to CTV News, a spokesperson for the office of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada said the country is working on regaining control of its immigration system.

“Our approach puts immigration on a responsible path that allows Canada to meet the needs of communities and deliver on its promise to provide opportunities to those who consider this country their home,” they said.

The spokesperson noted the federal minister has met with provincial counterparts five times since May 2025 to discuss immigration, which included international students.

“The changes to the International Student Program were informed by a series of consultations with representatives from provincial and territorial ministries of education and immigration, national education associations and other key stakeholders. IRCC continues to work with the provinces and territories on the issue of allocations because they are responsible for education in their jurisdictions as well as for the regulation of private institutions.”

Paul Card, who is CEO of the non-profit consultancy group Manitoba Innovates, thinks the federal government should further delve into how policy changes affects smaller regions.

“I understand that the major driver for MITT closing is a lack of international students to keep their programs alive and running, and I think it’s a good example of federal policy that has negative effects when it plans in other provinces,” explained Card.

He thinks federal policies can drive negative impacts in smaller regions, like the Prairies and the East Coast.

For example, while the international student cap might help address the housing crisis in Ontario, he thinks it creates a different problem for Manitoba.

“We have plenty of affordable homes, and we would welcome more immigration here.”

‘That news, frankly, was a shock’

Chris Lorenc, the president and CEO of the Manitoba Heavy Construction Association, said MITT has a reputation of getting students ready for the industry, so its closure will be felt.

“That news, frankly, was a shock to all of the construction industries, whether vertical or heavy civil,” said Lorenc.

“To now not have that available is a blow to the ability of the industry to attract good, foundational, educational, and (trained) individuals to work and enjoy careers in our industries.”

He hopes that this decision isn’t final yet and that there is still a chance to keep MITT alive in the future.

“I would hope there is an opportunity for industry to meet with MITT and meet with the appropriate ministers of the provincial cabinet to try and understand the nature of the problem and how best to address it,” he said. “I hope there’s an opportunity to revisit and recalibrate.”

• With files from CTV’s Kayla Thompson