Colleges on the brink forced to make drastic cuts [Video]

From diplomas in business to broadcasting, and tourism to technology, public colleges across Ontario have made headlines over the past several weeks as they move quickly to slash dozens of programs before budget time. 

The financial situation for most of Ontario’s 24 public colleges is untenable, they say.

The college system is on the brink after decades of provincial underfunding that sees them lose money on most domestic students who enrol, many people in the sector say. Colleges had turned to tuition from international students to make up the difference — and they boosted revenues significantly — but the federal government has been closing the taps on those study and work permits.

So now, colleges across Ontario are reducing their offerings with great speed and many of the programs being cut are similar from college to college. That raises concerns about what’s being lost or if students will have access to programs close to home. 

• Advocates call for more provincial funding …