As I shared in my last message, the provincial government recently announced a new postsecondary funding model, and an ability to introduce modest increases in domestic tuition moving forward. This change in our funding is great news that will bring predictability and stability to our sector over the longer term.
As you know, our budget challenges in recent years have been driven by historical funding shortfalls and a seven-year tuition freeze; significant shifts in our enrolments caused by ongoing federal policy changes first introduced in 2024-2025; and the revenue impacts of a resultant dramatic decrease in international student enrolments across our sector. We know that the federal policy changes have disproportionately affected colleges; at Niagara College, we’ve seen an overall enrolment decrease of more than 30% since 2023-2024 – including a drop of more than 50% in some program areas.
While the new provincial funding model is welcome news, it alone will not solve our budget challenge. Our approach for the 2026-2027 Business Plan and Budget remains focused on growing our enrolments, finding new sources of revenue, and aligning our workforce and operations with our current enrolments while maintaining our focus and commitment to student experience and success.
Our actions in support of enrolment growth continue to be bold and we are investing in areas of growth. Construction is underway to expand our Health education facilities at the Welland Campus – a project that will create 800 additional student spaces annually in our high-demand health programs.
We will launch six new programs in 2026 including our trailblazing Defence Systems Engineering Technology programs that build on our long history as a leader in Photonics education and directly answer the Government of Canada’s call for defence readiness and technological innovation. We will also launch one-year Graduate Certificate programs in Cybersecurity, Addictions and Mental Health, and Early Childhood Education – Resource Consulting; a one-year certificate program in Professional Butchery Techniques; and our one-year graduate certificate program Event Management will return in 2026.
Key to our revenue diversification strategy is the creation of the new Global Partnerships and Strategic Enterprises division, which will expand and grow our sources of revenue, as announced in November 2025. I am very pleased to announce that Sean Coote, who was scheduled to retire this spring, has accepted my request to postpone his retirement for a year to become the inaugural Vice President of this new division. Sean’s ongoing work in this area, his years of experience and keen business acumen will not only provide stability at a critical time but also ensure that this new division will hit the ground running.
The past two years have been tumultuous for Canada’s postsecondary sector, and the recent provincial funding announcement creates some light at the end of a challenging tunnel. We will continue to forge our own path and leverage our strong, student-focused culture, and the welcoming, trailblazing and passionate characteristics that set us apart. I’m grateful for your continued willingness to be positive, collaborative and innovative as we move forward.
