Urge Canada to reconsider Trent University student policies

Councillor Votes

Full Resolution Text

WHEREAS, the Federal Government has recently announced policy changes that will negatively affect publicly funded universities by altering the framework through which international students are admitted and managed; WHEREAS there is growing concern over the current funding model of postsecondary education, which has placed additional financial pressures on publicly funded universities, undermined their sustainability, and made it more difficult for universities to respond to the needs of local employers; WHEREAS Trent University is one of the largest employers in the region and contributes approximately 10% of the local GDP; WHEREAS international students bring many benefits to the community including meeting local workforce needs, bringing diversity of perspectives, economic benefits, and cultural enrichment, WHEREAS Trent University has taken a measured and sustainable approach to increasing international enrolment providing wrap-around supports both pre- and post-arrival and throughout their time at Trent, including assistance finding housing both on- and off-campus, mental health supports, employment services, and financial aid, WHEREAS International students are important to the fiscal sustainability of the University, WHEREAS, the Federal Government’s policy changes have been made without consultation with postsecondary institutions and without a clear understanding of the financial hardship this will result in for smaller public universities based primarily outside of the GTA; WHEREAS, the Government of Ontario has recently convened a group of experts who have released recommendations in the Blue-Ribbon Panel report that are designed to ensure the long-term sustainability of the postsecondary education sector in Ontario: WHEREAS, the flow of international students is anticipated to be drastically reduced as a result of these changes, which would have a direct, negative impact on the local Peterborough economy; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Peterborough City Council urge the Government of Canada to reconsider its recent policy changes, and request that the Government of Ontario immediately implement the Blue-Ribbon Panel recommendations and actively work with the Federal Government to ensure a fair and reasonable allocation of study permits that reflect the responsible approach Trent University has taken to recruiting and supporting international students and their importance to the region.