Camosun College Faces $9 Million Budget Cut Amid Enrollment Decline

Camosun College has announced a significant budget reduction requirement of between $7.2 million and $9 million for the upcoming fiscal year. This decision comes in response to a dramatic decline in international student enrollment, which has dropped by 60 percent since early 2024. The college’s president, Lane Trotter, outlined the challenges facing the institution in a recent update.

The number of international students at Camosun has fallen from 2,200 to just 930. Trotter stated that a provincial sustainability review, set to conclude by the end of March 2024, aims to assess operations, program delivery, and financial stability within the institution. He emphasized the importance of post-secondary education for the long-term prosperity of the province.

While the provincial government has announced additional funding for skilled trades education starting on April 1, 2026, Trotter indicated that details about this funding are still pending. Currently, there is no confirmation of any other additional financial support for the college.

Legislative requirements mandate that all colleges operate without a deficit unless a recovery plan is approved. As a result, Camosun must make substantial cuts to its 2026/27 budget. Trotter has informed unions that the college is preparing for “workforce adjustments,” which may include early retirements and positions that will not be filled.

Layoffs are considered a last resort, as Trotter aims to approach these difficult decisions thoughtfully to minimize impacts on faculty and staff. He acknowledged the anxiety this uncertainty creates among employees and expressed a commitment to supporting them throughout the process.

At this stage, there are no plans to suspend programs; however, adjustments to course offerings may be necessary to align with student demand and needs.

The sharp decrease in international student enrollment stems from federal government measures that imposed caps on the number of international students allowed in post-secondary institutions. In January 2024, then-immigration minister Marc Miller announced a 35 percent reduction for the year, followed by a further 10 percent decrease for 2025. A subsequent reduction of 7 percent was announced for 2026. These caps have had a ripple effect on post-secondary institutions across Vancouver Island, with Camosun previously conducting layoffs in 2024 and other colleges, such as Vancouver Island University and North Island College, cancelling various programs.

As the college navigates these challenges, Trotter remains hopeful that the provincial review will highlight the critical role of post-secondary education in fostering economic growth.