Lethbridge Polytechnic has announced it is facing an $8M deficit this fiscal year due to the impact of the federal cap on international student visas. As a result, the institution has eliminated 53 permanent positions: 27 were involuntary layoffs, while the remaining 26 resulted from voluntary early retirements, redundancies, or modified hours. The polytechnic has also suspended several programs, including its commercial greenhouse technician certificate, educational assistant diploma, agriculture science – animal sciences major, and health care aid certificate. In addition, it has closed the Aquaculture Centre of Excellence. Looking ahead, Leth Polytech President Brad Donaldson shared that the institution will focus on domestic recruitment, grant funding, and alternative revenue sources.
