NDP Slams Ford as Algonquin College Program Cuts Return to the Table

OTTAWA - Chandra Pasma, MPP for Ottawa West-Nepean, released the following statement regarding news that Algonquin College will be considering program cuts after all at its Board of Governors meeting on Monday, after the College had announced the suspension of these cuts earlier this month:

“I am deeply dismayed to learn that these cuts to programs that are in demand from students and local employers are back on the table. Employers in Ottawa have been very clear that they depend on skilled workers trained at Algonquin College to fill positions in legal services, journalism, the music industry, landscaping, and more.

“That the College is once again forced to consider these cuts shows that the government’s recent announcement was all about the headline, not about truly supporting postsecondary institutions like Algonquin or meeting labour market needs. The Ford government didn’t share the details for a reason: their supposed funding increase is still resulting in program cuts and job losses.

“Now Ottawa students will be paying more in tuition and accumulating higher debt, while also being offered fewer career opportunities. Our local economy will face a shortfall of skilled workers in key sectors. It’s time for Doug Ford to quit failing students and employers and make the investments necessary to allow Algonquin College to continue offering in-demand programs.”