LaSalle College Students Shifted to Part-Time Status Amid Regulatory Issues

Dozens of students at LaSalle College in Montreal are facing significant disruptions to their education as the institution transitions approximately 90 individuals from full-time to part-time status. This decision, taken less than a month before the commencement of the academic year, is a response to Quebec’s stringent language reform, which imposes quotas on English-language vocational programs.

Alex Abraham, a 33-year-old student poised to enter his final year in the network management program, expressed his dismay at the sudden change. “I was shocked,” he remarked regarding the email notification he received last week. “We all came here with lots of expectations and dreams.” As a part-time student, Abraham faces the loss of eligibility for Canada’s post-graduation work permit, significantly complicating his plans to support himself while studying.

The college stated that the shift affects students only for the fall 2025 semester. In a statement, spokesperson Caroline Gervais explained that the changes are necessary to comply with the Charte de la langue française and government-imposed quotas regarding English-language AEC programs, which are vocational diplomas.

The implications of this decision extend beyond academic schedules. The college previously exceeded its enrollment quota for English-language programs by 1,066 students, resulting in fines totaling nearly $30 million. This figure includes a $21,113,864 penalty for the 2024-25 academic year, alongside an $8.7 million fine from the previous year for the same infraction. LaSalle College is currently contesting these fines in a civil suit in Quebec’s Superior Court.

Abraham, who learned about LaSalle College while living in India, noted that many of his peers are international students drawn to Quebec for its cultural appeal and living standards. “We are all putting the effort to learn the [French] language and also we are trying to build a career here,” he stated. Given the college’s substantial fines, he initially believed that a resolution would be found, making the unilateral shift in his course load unexpected.

Gervais clarified that a combination of factors influenced the decision, including student performance and program capacity. “This does not mean that LaSalle College exceeded its overall AEC quota,” she said, adding that scheduling realities played a crucial role in the changes.

Students, including Abraham, have been invited to a meeting with representatives from Immigration Canada and the college to address their concerns. Abraham expressed his desire for clarity, emphasizing, “I have the right to know the reason.” He voiced frustration at being placed in this situation, insisting he is not at fault for the college’s regulatory issues.

As the academic year approaches, the situation at LaSalle College highlights the challenges faced by both students and institutions navigating Quebec’s evolving educational landscape. The outcome of the ongoing legal challenges and the college’s efforts to comply with government regulations remain critical for the affected students’ futures.