McGill University is reportedly planning budget cuts and layoffs to address a projected $45M deficit for the upcoming fiscal year. McGill administration attributed the deficit to factors such as the federal international student cap and provincial policy changes such as the out-of-province tuition increase and a tuition revenue claw-back. The Canadian Press and Montréal Gazette report that the university will continue its hiring freeze and reduce its headcount by up to 500 staff. McGill Provost Christopher Manfredi emphasized the importance of addressing the deficit as soon as possible, as a prolonged deficit could affect McGill’s credit rating or lead to government intervention that would affect the university’s autonomy.
