Saskatchewan Polytechnic is cutting 14 out-of-scope positions and leaving 8 more vacant, citing a sharp drop in international student enrolment following federal changes to immigration and study permit rules.
Sask Polytech sent the following statement and declined the opportunity for an interview:
As a result of federal immigration policy changes, post-secondary institutions across Canada are experiencing a significant decline in international student enrolment.
At Saskatchewan Polytechnic, a significant decline in international student enrolment has created a substantial revenue shortfall for the 2025-26 academic year.
The financial shortfall will affect Sask Polytech programs and employees. Layoff notices have been issued to 14 out-of-scope employees and 8 vacant positions will not be filled. This represents a 10 per cent reduction to Sask Polytech’s out-of-scope workforce.
We will continue to invest resources to provide maximum benefit to our students. This includes ongoing reviews of operating efficiencies and budget accountability. More difficult decisions will be necessary in the months ahead.
Out of respect for employees, we do not share specific positions, departments or programs impacted.
The provincial government says the cuts are the direct result of Ottawa’s decision to reduce international student permits and cap the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program at 3,600 spots — down from 7,200. Immigration Minister Jim Reiter argues the federal government should grant Saskatchewan the same work-permit extensions given to Manitoba and Yukon.
The Sask Party also declined to give an interview on the subject. Their statement notes that there will no top-up funding from the province to help keep positions staffed — Saskatchewan Polytech is responsible for its own financial management:
Our government supports post-secondary institutions through regular grant funding. The province is not providing emergency funding; we are confident in Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s ability to manage its finances appropriately.
We continue to advocate for Saskatchewan institutions with the federal government regarding the International Student Permit cap. This cap has a not only has a major impact on our institutions financially but also negatively affects the perception of our province and country from the prospective international students.
We will continue to monitor financial risks to the sector and have regular discussions with institutions about how they are mitigating any challenges.
While both major parties pointed to federal policy as a cause for the job losses, the Saskatchewan NDP says the layoffs reveal a deeper problem: Long-term provincial underfunding that has forced post-secondary institutions to depend on higher-fee international students for survival.
Sask NDP advanced education critic Tajinder Grewal said the province is “hiding behind Ottawa” instead of fixing a broken funding model.
“Twenty years ago, the province covered about 60 per cent of Polytechnic operating budgets. Now it’s under 50 per cent. Schools have been left to chase international enrolment to fill the gap, so when the federal government changes course, jobs are immediately on the line. That’s a choice this government has made, and it’s hurting communities like Moose Jaw," Grewal told Discover Moose Jaw News.
"We should not be in this place in the first position. In Saskatchewan Polytechnic, there are some programs which have a huge waiting list. People are waiting for two to three years to get into the programs. And we need the workforce — we need the workforce in the industry sector and agriculture and the mining and in ore and gas.
"These institutions must be properly funded."
The layoffs come amid a national debate over immigration levels. Supporters of higher intake say it fills labour shortages and sustains economic growth. Critics argue that rapid population growth worsens housing shortages, strains public services, and can limit wage gains and employment opportunities for Canadian workers.