The group representing public colleges in Ontario says a further tightening of work permits for international students “jeopardizes” the province’s ability to meet “pressing labour market needs” as colleges come to terms with significantly reduced complements of foreign students., wrote an open letter to the federal government Tuesday, urging Ottawa to reconsider its work permit cap and suggesting the new rules will hurt the province’s economy.
“Colleges Ontario therefore urges meaningful consultation with the province as a national approach will certainly miss important economic drivers. Simply put, this policy undercuts the availability of workers who sustain Ontario’s economy and prosperity.”For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
Ontario’s Ministry of Colleges and Universities said it was frustrated by a lack of consultation between Ottawa and Ontario’s college sector. In January, the federal government announced a cap on international students, which meant Ontario would lose roughly half its international students. Over several years, with fees frozen, international student fees had been used by colleges and universities to keep finances healthy.