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A pair of local post-secondary institutions are responding to news that new legislation may impact their future international student enrolment.
Nipissing University says it is waiting for more information from the province to see how a new international student cap will impact individual universities.
"We will work with our colleagues from across the sector to advocate for the proper allocation of study permits, recognizing the critical supports required for students to be successful," said Kevin Wamsley, President of Nipissing University.
On Monday, the Federal government announced that new visas for international students will be slashed by more than one-third this year as the federal government tries to slow a rapid increase in temporary residents that has put immense pressure on Canada's housing system.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced the temporary cap on new student visas at a cabinet retreat in Montreal on Monday. Affordability and housing are top items on the agenda, with a growing focus on the role record immigration has been playing in both.
Miller said the two-year cap will give federal and provincial governments time to tackle problems in the student visa system that have allowed some bad actors to take advantage of high international student tuition while providing poor education.
"It's a bit of a mess," Miller told the Canadian Press. "It's time to rein it in."
According to recent statistics, international students only make up 4 per cent of Nipissing Universities enrolment.
"International students play a vital role within the social and economic fabric of our community, and enrich the learning environment for all students," said Wamsley.
"We are committed to continuing to provide international students with access to the resources they need to succeed at Nipissing and to enjoy the best possible student experience."
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Meantime, Canadore College released a statement regarding the announcement late Tuesday afternoon.
"Yesterday’s announcement by the federal government to use a blunt instrument to reduce the number of new visas issued to international students by 35% this year is very disappointing and will have negative impacts on our communities," a release stated.
"We all agree, institutions that are exploiting students should cease to operate. However, this blunt instrument will penalize those institutions that have responsibly managed their international enrolments, maintained academic quality, and successfully delivered the Canadian post-secondary education experience to international students.
"Canadore remains market driven -- supporting the workforce and delivering programs in healthcare, human services, trades, hospitality, aviation, supply chain management, and project management to name a few. Our international students and alumni keep the economy growing.
"Until we know more about the evolving details and all the unintended consequences come to light, we cannot comment on the direct impact of this blunt instrument being used by the federal government.
"We remain committed to our international strategy," the statement from Canadore College concluded.
Back in September of 2023, international students were protesting at Canadore College due to what they felt was a lack of housing which Canadore addressed.
A number of those students were concerned they could not afford the cost of living in North Bay and the area.
George Burton, Canadore president added the whole situation created a bad look for Canadore College and the entire community. He added that Canadore had access to accommodation for all students who wished to be housed and claimed no student was required to sleep in a car, tent, bus shelter, bus depot, or air terminal unless they chose to do so.
With files from the Canadian Press
