Western Canada awaits further information, may benefit from permit changes

In Western Canada, students and staff alike are discussing the potential impact of the recent student permit cap on postsecondary education. The provincial governments of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan are waiting for more information on the cap and the specific provincial impacts it will have. The Calgary Herald suggests that the distribution of study permits could benefit AB, which currently sports a lower proportion of international students; CBC reports that SK could have a similar outcome. Meanwhile, Global News reports that BC does not intend to hike tuition for domestic students to offset losses from the cap. Royal Roads University President Philip Steenkamp noted that the federal policy risks communicating that “we’re not open for business,” and said that institutions will need to be proactive in communicating that international students are welcome.