Saskatchewan Polytechnic Announces New Round of Layoffs
Saskatchewan Polytechnic has confirmed another significant round of staff reductions, with 30 full- and part-time employees receiving layoff notices this month. This latest workforce reduction brings the total number of employees who have lost their positions at the post-secondary institution to 181 since April 2025, according to official statements from the organization.
Details of the Latest Staff Cuts
The April 15 announcement specified that the recent layoffs include 18 faculty members, nine professional services employees, and three out-of-scope positions. A spokesperson for Sask Polytech clarified that since July 2025, the institution has eliminated 154 full- and part-time positions, with an additional 27 employees having been let go in April 2025.
"This is a challenging time for Sask Polytech and these decisions are not made lightly," stated the official announcement posted to the institution's website. "Throughout this period, our focus is on our students and on our mission, to inspire success in every learning journey."
Budget Constraints and Operational Review
All 181 layoffs have been attributed directly to budget constraints facing the polytechnic. The institution explained that these cuts result from an annual operational review examining labor market demands, operational efficiencies, and budget priorities.
The statement further noted that Sask Polytech continues to face "significant challenges in the international education environment," with federal immigration policy changes contributing to declining tuition revenues. The institution does not anticipate a rebound in international enrollment during the next academic year.
Campus Impacts and Program Changes
While Sask Polytech declined to specify which departments or programs would be affected by the latest cuts "out of respect for employees," previous layoffs have already prompted organizational changes. Of 23 staff laid off in February, 13 positions were based at the Prince Albert campus, with the remaining 10 coming from the larger Regina and Saskatoon campuses.
These workforce reductions have already led to program adjustments, including plans to relocate an electronic systems engineering technology program from Moose Jaw to Saskatoon for the 2026-27 academic year.
Broader Context for Saskatchewan Higher Education
The layoffs at Saskatchewan Polytechnic occur against a backdrop of broader challenges facing post-secondary institutions in Saskatchewan and across Canada. Federal caps on international student admissions have created financial pressures for many educational institutions that had come to rely on international tuition revenue.
The institution's statement emphasized that despite these difficult decisions, maintaining educational quality and student support remains the primary focus during this period of organizational restructuring and financial adjustment.
