In a recent decision that has sent shockwaves through the community, Fleming College has suspended 15 programs from Lindsay’s Frost Campus, alone, citing the cap on international students as the main cause. While the college claims that current students won’t be affected and will be able to complete their programs, the reality is far more complex.

What about the impact on students who were planning to enroll in these now-suspended programs? Many of them had carefully chosen their paths, hoping to gain valuable skills and qualifications. What about those students who were planning to take related courses, to augment their professional learning, as our feature story in this issue outlines?

As well, the loss of these programs affects not only students but also the broader community. Fleming plays a crucial role in supplying skilled professionals to local businesses and industries. Employers rely on graduates from these programs to fill essential roles. With the suspension of programs like Fish and Wildlife Technology and Urban Forestry, the pipeline of skilled workers has been severely disrupted. This ripple effect harms the local economy and hinders growth.

The blame game is easy on this one – and there’s lots to go around. The college’s claim that the federal cap on international students and the elimination of educational private partnerships are solely responsible for the budgetary pressures is oversimplified. And yet the Ontario government – especially compared to its provincial peers – has been underfunding colleges for years. Although this media outlet is decidedly pro-immigration, the federal government should have known better than to allow so many international students in with a housing market on the brink of crisis. It’s a disservice to those students and it has played a major role in this post-secondary turmoil.

Fleming College’s program cuts have indeed affected students’ lives, contrary to the college’s assurances. Our students deserve better, and our community depends on it. It’s time for colleges and both levels of government to figure out a funding solution.