LaSalle College Students Face Uncertainty After Status Change

Dozens of students at LaSalle College in Montreal have been unexpectedly transitioned from full-time to part-time status, just weeks before the start of the academic year. This abrupt change affects approximately 90 students as the college seeks to comply with Quebec’s language reform laws, specifically the Charte de la langue française, which imposes quotas on English-language vocational programs.

Among those impacted is Alex Abraham, a 33-year-old student poised to enter his second and final year in network management. He expressed shock at receiving an email from the college that altered his academic status, which he believes jeopardizes his career aspirations in Quebec. “We all came here with lots of expectations and dreams,” Abraham stated, highlighting the emotional toll of the decision.

The change to part-time status has significant implications for students like Abraham, who will no longer be eligible for Canada’s post-graduation work permit. This situation means he may need to leave his factory job, which he relies on to support himself while studying. “How can I meet my expenses?” he questioned, expressing concern over the financial impact of this sudden change.

In a statement, a spokesperson for LaSalle College, Caroline Gervais, noted that the measure is temporary and only affects the fall semester of 2024. Gervais explained that the modifications are necessary to ensure compliance with government-imposed quotas on English-language AEC programs, which are vocational diplomas. During the last academic year, LaSalle College exceeded its English-language program enrollment by 1,066 students, resulting in a fine of $21,113,864 from the Quebec government. This penalty was in addition to an earlier fine of $8.7 million, bringing the total to nearly $30 million.

In light of these fines, LaSalle College is challenging the penalties in a civil suit filed in Quebec’s Superior Court. The lawsuit reveals that roughly 70% of students enrolled in English-language AEC programs are international students, such as Abraham, who moved from India to pursue his education in Quebec. “The standard of living is good here in Canada compared to India,” he said, reinforcing his commitment to integrating into Quebec’s culture.

Abraham was aware of the college’s financial difficulties but believed that a solution would be found. The unilateral change in his enrollment status was unexpected. Gervais clarified that factors outside the college’s control, such as student failures and changes in academic pathways, contributed to the status adjustments. “This does not mean that LaSalle College exceeded its overall AEC quota,” she stated.

While the college asserts that the status change does not reflect individual academic performance, Abraham finds himself among those affected without a clear explanation. He has been informed that his academic record was not a factor in the decision, which leaves him feeling bewildered.

In response to the situation, LaSalle College has organized a meeting between affected students, representatives from Immigration Canada, and college officials. Abraham hopes this meeting will provide clarity regarding the status change. “I have the right to know the reason,” he stated, emphasizing his desire for transparency. He expressed concern that the college’s actions might merely be an effort to mitigate further fines rather than address the needs of the students.

The situation continues to unfold as students navigate their uncertain futures at LaSalle College. With classes set to begin in September, the impact of these changes on their academic and professional lives remains a pressing concern.