In interviews with CBC, several Canadian postsecondary leaders shared that they feel that the declining applications from international students–as a result of the federal cuts to international student permits–could have significant implications for domestic students. Colleges and Institutes Canada President Pari Johnston told CBC that college applications have declined by 54%, which has concerning implications for program viability. “There aren’t always enough Canadian students to fill a program, particularly those higher-cost programs in the trades [and] health care,” said Johnston. Western University President Alan Shepard added that domestic students will lose the opportunity to meet and learn alongside students “from different economic systems, different religious systems, different races from all over the world.”
