Algonquin College plans sweeping program suspensions amid financial strain
Algonquin College is looking to suspend more academic programs as it continues to deal with a significant budget shortfall, among other pressures.
The college’s Perth campus is set to close this summer, and an internal email shows a recommendation will go to the Board of Governors on February 23 to suspend 30 programs starting in Fall 2026.
That includes 23 full program suspensions and seven campus-specific cancellations.
At the Pembroke campus, programs listed as potentially affected include Business, Business Fundamentals, Computer Programming, and Environmental Management and Assessment, though several of those continue to be offered in Ottawa or online.
In Ottawa, the list spans a wide range of fields. Affected programs include those tied to journalism, music, film, design and media, as well as hospitality, tourism, culinary arts, bartending, event management, law clerk, paralegal, and financial services. Some trades, construction, manufacturing, health, fitness, and recreation programs are also included.
In the email, which was shared with our newsroom, Julie Beauchamp, Sr. Vice President of Academic at Algonquin College says the proposed suspensions are not related to program quality or staff performance, but are driven by financial pressures, a significant budget shortfall, enrolment volatility, labour-market changes, and student demand.
If approved, the college says current students — including those starting in Spring 2026 — will be allowed to complete their programs.
Algonquin College’s Board of Governors is scheduled to consider the recommendation at its meeting on February 23, with further details to be released following that decision.
(Written by Bob Perreault)
