Saint Mary’s University will close its English-language training centre this May, reports CBC. The Language Centre has been in operation for more than 25 years, helping students who are conditionally accepted to SMU to develop their English skills. SMU spokesperson Margaret Murphy said that the decision to close the centre was driven by decreasing demand for its services. “The demand for ESL training at SMU had already waned prior to COVID and COVID exacerbated that trend,” stated Murphy. She added that many students have increasingly sought out private-sector providers for their English-language training. CBC reports that this closure comes in the wake of other measures that SMU has enacted to shore up financial security, including implementing a hiring freeze, not filling vacancies, and cutting down on travel and hospitality.