This week, Red River College Polytech announced layoffs at its Centre for Newcomer Integration as a result of funding cuts from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
The cuts will reduce the number of seats dramatically, affecting almost 1,400 newcomer students annually and impacting 41 faculty and non-faculty MGEU members.
“It’s difficult news for these members to receive,” said MGEU President, Kyle Ross. “Our staff and our Local 73 activists are here to support them.”
Beyond the workers and the families directly affected by the federal funding cut, Ross said he’s also worried about how the decision will unfairly affect current students and new Canadians.
“It’s concerning because RRC Polytech provides valuable programs for newcomers looking to improve their English or further their education and training.”
With so many skilled workers in demand in Manitoba right now, he said the funding cut will undermine recruitment efforts in the province.
“It’s very short-sighted. We need to be adding skilled workers to our workforce, and we need the federal government to ensure there are sufficient programs and supports in place to train newcomers at our colleges and universities so they can feel supported here.”