Thompson Rivers University (TRU) in Kamloops, B.C., is facing job cuts that could affect dozens of staff members as it faces a multimillion-dollar budget deficit.
In an update last week, TRU said department managers began notifying 65 staff members represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) of its intention to reduce jobs. When accounting for union bumping, around 40 people in total could be affected, the university said.
The university says it faces a shortfall of $7 million to $10 million this year. Cost-cutting efforts include a number of staff accepting early retirement and vacant positions going unfilled.
A union leader says the cuts would worsen existing staff shortages, and negatively affect the student experience at TRU, which describes itself as the biggest university in B.C.’s Interior.
“Many of [our members] have been here for quite a few years and have put a lot of time and effort into supporting the institution,” said Lois Rugg, the president of CUPE Local 4879, which represents TRU support staff.
“It’s always pretty devastating and, you know, for some, very depressing that this is happening right now.”
Rugg said the union was worried about job losses months ago, as universities around Canada continue to grapple with a drop in international enrolment.
‘Biggest post-secondary crisis ever’: Layoffs loom at B.C. colleges and universities
That follows a federal government decision to sharply reduce the number of international student permits being given out last year.
Federal officials said the move was aimed at reducing pressure on Canada’s housing market, among other things, but which led to turmoil for universities that relied on higher international fees to fund programs.
“What needs to happen is there needs to be an increase in funding from our governments,” Rugg said. “A bigger investment into post-secondary education, in all of the institutions, particularly public institutions.
“Because it’s an investment in people’s futures — in, you know, Canada’s future.”
TRU president Airini (who uses one name) said that when combined with job cuts across the university that began last year, almost 120 positions are being affected by ongoing reductions.
She said the university had to balance its budget to be sustainable in the future, and no decision has been made yet on whether particular programs could be cut.
“If there should be changes, particularly beginning with low enrolment programs, and we do see changes there, current students will be taught out and we will consult fully on final decisions,” she told Doug Herbert, guest host of CBC’s Daybreak Kamloops.
Airini said the job cuts would take place over the course of multiple months, and that targeted layoffs would be a last resort as it also looks to cut spending in other areas.
How students and universities are dealing with a drastic reduction in international student permits
A spokesperson for B.C.’s post-secondary education ministry said that universities across the province face significant financial pressures, citing the “unilateral changes” made by the feds over international student permits.
“The Ministry … has repeatedly raised concerns with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada about the lack of consultation and the impact of abrupt policy shifts,” the spokesperson wrote.
“Improved collaboration is necessary to support a balanced approach to international student recruitment, retention, and sustainable talent development — especially in rural communities.”
The spokesperson added that while the ministry provides funding, B.C.’s 25 public post-secondary institutions are ultimately responsible for setting their budgets.
“The Ministry will continue to work closely with these institutions as they strive to return to a more stable financial state,” they said.
