THUNDER BAY — Citing shifts in enrolment patterns, Confederation College is suspending 11 academic programs effective September 2025 for an indefinite period.
The move was approved Wednesday at a meeting of the college's Board of Governors, and follows program and staff cuts announced at numerous other Ontario colleges in recent months.
In a news release, the college said enrolment has been impacted by changes in federal policy on international student recruitment.
Government-imposed caps resulted in nearly a 40 per cent decrease in first-year enrolment by foreign students at Confederation last fall.
The college said the decision to suspend programs was also based on the results of a review of financial performance and labour market data.
"These decisions are never taken lightly. While we must ensure our long-term sustainability, our focus remains on supporting our students and employees throughout this transition," said Michelle Salo, president of Confederation.
The college previously suspended intake for a number of programs while considering its options.
The programs now suspended include:
School of Business, Hospitality & Media Arts:
- Business - Human Resources
- Business Administration - Human Resources
- Culinary Management
- Human Resource Management
- International Business Management
School of Engineering Technology, Trades & Aviation:
- Aerospace Manufacturing Engineering Technician
- Aerospace Manufacturing Engineering Technology
- Electronics Engineering Technician
- Instrumentation Engineering Technician - Process Automation
School of Health, Negahneewin & Community Services:
- Dental Assisting - Levels I and II
- Educational Support
Students already enrolled in these programs will be able to complete their studies with full academic and student support, the college said.
The suspensions will impact about four per cent of projected incoming domestic students starting next fall.
The college said its admissions and recruitment teams are working actively with affected applicants to identify alternative program options.
"As the education and employment landscape evolves, Confederation College remains committed to delivering high-quality, career-focused programs that equip students with the skills they need to succeed," Salo stated.
Aaron Skillen, vice-president Academic, added that the college is exploring new opportunities "for growth in high-demand fields."
Confederation is also advocating for expanded program eligibility for post-graduate work permits, but officials said the college is challenged by "ongoing constraints in post-secondary funding" which impact program sustainability.
Students can find more information about the program suspensions online.
A spokesperson for OPSEU, the union that represents college faculty, declined immediate comment on Confederation's announcement, saying it was waiting for more information.
Both Salo and Skillen are scheduled to take questions from the news media on Thursday morning.
