An established local community college does not feel it will be impacted heavily by new provincial legislation relating to international student study permits.
In response to the federal government’s cap on the number of international student study permit applications over the next two years, Ontario is prioritizing public postsecondary programs that will help prepare graduates for in-demand jobs that support Ontario’s labour market needs.
“We are protecting the integrity of our province’s postsecondary education system by attracting the best and brightest international students to Ontario to study in areas that are critical to our economy,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities in a release.
“We have been working with postsecondary institutions to ensure international students are enrolled in the programs to support a pipeline of graduates for in-demand jobs.”
See related: Ontario international student permits to go in-demand areas
That means that nearly all permits will go to publicly assisted colleges and universities, with private career colleges receiving none.
Jason Portugues, executive director of operations at CTS Canadian Career College in North Bay says they will not feel the impact due to a lack of international student enrolment.
"While we are disappointed to see career colleges in Ontario excluded from the recently announced provincial allocation for international student study permits, we see opportunity for collaboration with all levels of government to address this pressing issue," Portugues told BayToday in an email.
"CTS Canadian Career College and Modern College of Hairstyling and Esthetics are focused on providing training for professions that are in high demand locally, including paramedics and pharmacy technicians. While we do not have any international students currently enrolled at our campus, we are open to opportunities in the future to diversify our student body."
Portugues adds that CTS Canadian Career College remains committed to delivering high-quality education in its communities and ensuring strong economic growth for North Bay.
The province stated in its release that it will allocate 96 per cent of permit applications to publicly assisted colleges and universities, with the remaining four per cent allotted to Ontario’s language schools, private universities and other institutions. Career colleges will not receive any applications.
CTS Canadian Career College also has campuses in Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury and Barrie.
