Pasma responds to Algonquin College Board vote confirming program cuts

OTTAWA — Ontario NDP Shadow Minister for Education, Chandra Pasma (MPP for Ottawa West-Nepean), made the following statement after the Algonquin College Board of Governors voted to confirm program cuts at Algonquin:

“The loss of these programs will have a profoundly negative effect on our community and our local economy. Employers have been clear that they depend on the skilled workers who graduate from these programs, while students deserve real career options.

"The information presented at the Board of Governors meeting makes it clear these cuts are being made because of a structural shortfall in provincial funding that has not been addressed by the recent provincial announcement.

Ottawa students and employers deserve better. We need sustainable public funding for postsecondary education that offers students employment opportunities and meets Ottawa’s labour market needs.”