REGINA — Saskatchewan Polytechnic has confirmed even more layoffs to begin 2026.
In a news release Feb. 3 they said layoff notices have been issued to 23 full-time and part-time employees. They also stated that additional workforce adjustments may be required in the spring.
According to their statement, they are not sharing specific positions, departments or programs impacted, out of respect for their employees.
“While we made significant progress toward organizational sustainability in late 2025, Sask Polytech continues to face significant challenges in the international education landscape,” their release stated.
“These factors have influenced international and domestic recruitment and contributed to revenue shortfalls. We will continue to invest resources where they deliver the greatest benefit to students and employees. Throughout this period, our focus is on the future and on our mission, to inspire success in every learning journey.”
These latest cutbacks are in addition to the layoffs of over 100 staff that happened throughout 2025.
Last year when the cuts were announced, Minister of Advanced Education Ken Cheveldayoff said it was due to the federal government’s cap on international students, and had said he was working to lobby the government to remove that cap.
In a statement Wednesday Minister Cheveldayoff sais the following: “Saskatchewan Polytechnic, along with other post-secondary institutions across Canada, are making these kinds of difficult decisions because of the changes the federal government has made to the International Student Program, which have reduced student enrolment.”
“The Government of Saskatchewan continues to advocate on behalf of post-secondary institutions to the federal government on this issue, and while these discussions continue, our extended multiyear funding agreement provides additional operating support and stability for institutions moving forward.”
During the past several months the opposition New Democrats have blamed the layoffs on cutbacks to advanced education. At a media availability in Regina Wednesday, Opposition Leader Carla Beck was disheartened by the latest layoff announcement.
“You know, we’ve been hearing for a while concerns and reports, rumors, that there are going to be layoffs and more layoffs,” said Beck, who expressed concern this will impact opportunities for students to learn skilled trades.
“We’re not going to do that if we continue to cut opportunities for education in this province. I fear that as we get closer to the budget, this government that before the last election promised, hand over heart, that everything was just rosy when it came to the finances of this province, that we’re hearing now rounds of layoffs, (and) cuts to the most vulnerable. But this is a government that is looking to young people, that is looking to the poorest people in this province, the most vulnerable, to make cuts to make up for their financial mismanagement. I think it’s wrong-headed. It’s not focusing on the future. It’s covering up for their mistakes.”
