B.C. colleges and universities wait in limbo for a review of their finances

Background

Schools across British Columbia have made cuts since Ottawa began curtailing the international student program in early 2024. Reviewer Don Avison submitted his findings last spring, but the report has not been released.

Faculty and staff laid off, nearly

1,400 jobs

Nearly 1,400 faculty and staff have been laid off and more than 200 programs cut or paused in recent years, according to the B.C. Federation of Students.

There are a number of postsecondary institutions right now in the province who are very close to the edge of sustainability, and that is of deep concern.

— Joy Johnson, Simon Fraser University president

British Columbia

Premier David Eby promises to release the report in full and keep the 2 per cent cap on yearly tuition increases; the Conservatives say they would release it before making promises. British Columbia votes on Oct 24.