Strategic Adjustments

The post-secondary landscape is facing significant financial challenges brought on by changes to federal immigration policy.  

Building Lasting Stability

Guided by our strategic plan, Land, Learning & Legacy: Our Path to 2040, we are navigating these challenges and building lasting financial stability. The actions we take today will ensure we continue providing exceptional learning experiences that meet the needs of regional labour markets for generations to come.  

A Changing Context 

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has reduced the number of international students we can accept and placed new restrictions on post-graduate work permit (PGWP) applications. This means that far fewer international students are applying to study at Canadian colleges, including Selkirk College. It has led to an unprecedented and sudden drop in tuition revenues, as well as the vibrancy and cross-cultural connections that international students brought to the classroom and the community.

We are seeing an approximate decrease of 32% in international full-time equivalents (FTEs) in 2025/26 from 2024/25 (as of September 2025).

Meeting the Challenge 

To meet the decline in international enrolment, we have suspended the intakes of several programs and introduced new cost-saving measures, including strategic hiring, better space utilization and spending restrictions. We’re trying to minimize layoffs by identifying voluntary workforce reduction opportunities. We’ll be leaving several vacant positions unfilled and haven’t renewed contracts in some cases.  

We’re also exploring more revenue-generating opportunities that will benefit both the college and our communities.  

We are working closely with the three unions representing employees at the college: BC Government Employees Union (BCGEU), Selkirk College Faculty Association (SCFA) and Public Private Workers of Canada (PPWC).    

News and Background

Frequently Asked Questions

*This information is current as of October 28, 2025

How many employees has Selkirk College had to lay off to date?

There have been workforce reductions of approximately 43 full-time equivalent positions across all employee groups in the college related to changes in federal immigration policy. 

This includes layoffs, contract non-renewals, early retirements, voluntary work reductions and decisions not to backfill vacant positions. 

Regular ongoing employees and short-term employees across all employee groups have been affected. 

Has Selkirk College suspended or cancelled any programs? 

We have not cancelled any programs at this time. However, we have suspended some intakes of:

Which programs are eligible for post-graduation work permits?

Explore a list of programs that may be eligible for post-graduation work permits. The college continues to monitor the IRCC list and will update the list as any changes occur.  

How has Selkirk College reduced its deficit? 

To meet the decline in international enrolment, we have suspended the intakes of several programs and introduced new cost-saving measures, including strategic hiring, better space utilization and spending restrictions. The college is closing learning centres in Kaslo and Nakusp and the Victoria Street Campus, formerly the Kootenay School of the Arts (KSA), in Nelson.

We’re trying to minimize layoffs by identifying voluntary workforce reduction opportunities. We’ll be leaving several vacant positions unfilled and have not renewed contracts in some cases.  

We are working closely with the three unions representing employees at the college: BC Government Employees Union (BCGEU), Selkirk College Faculty Association (SCFA) and Public Private Workers of Canada (PPWC).   

Is Selkirk College seeing any enrolment trends? 

We are seeing an increase in domestic student enrolment alongside the anticipated decrease in international student enrolment.

Media and External Relations

Please contact Director of Communications & Public Engagement Maggie Keczan.