SFU cuts interpretation and translation programs, lays off dozens of employees

Simon Fraser University is reportedly reducing its programming and laying off staff across its campuses due to budgetary challenges. SFU is ending its Interpretation and Translation program by the end of the month and its English Language and Culture program by the end of the summer. CBC and Global News report that union leaders representing the impacted workers are shocked by these announcements, claiming that SFU has withheld “critical financial information” about the closures. In a statement to Global News, SFU cited budgetary challenges as the motivation behind these cuts, stating that “[d]eclining international student enrolment has had an impact on our financial situation, as have other current cost pressures.”