Red River College Polytechnic will reportedly be laying off 44 faculty and staff members affiliated with its Centre for Newcomer Integration (CNI) after March 2026, due to the conclusion of federal funding for language training programs. CNI—which delivers language training—entered a three-year agreement with IRCC earlier this year that did not include sustained funding. The Winnipeg Free Press says that the IRCC has not confirmed whether it will continue to fund Stage 2 language training, and without this funding, the centre has been forced to reduce its capacity. “This information is difficult for all of us, and most importantly, for the dedicated members of the CNI team who care deeply about this incredible and important work,” said RRC Polytech VP Academic Christine Watson.
