Humber Polytechnic says it will move ahead with layoffs after a voluntary employee exit program failed to fully address its projected budget shortfall.

In a statement, the college said it had introduced a Voluntary Employee Exit Program (VEEP) earlier this year in an effort to reduce costs amid mounting financial pressures.

While the program saw strong participation, Humber said it “did not fully address the projected fiscal gap for 2026–27,” meaning further workforce reductions were necessary.

Employees had until March 9 to indicate their interest but noted that they “must still proceed with involuntary employee reductions.”

The college described the situation as “an exceptionally difficult time,” adding it would offer support to affected employees.

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The move comes as post-secondary institutions across Ontario face growing financial strain, driven in part by declining international student revenue, rising operational costs and a prolonged freeze on domestic tuition.

In a letter to the Humber community, president and CEO Ann Marie Vaughan said the institution continues to face “significant fiscal pressures” despite recent provincial funding.

“Unfortunately, we have arrived at the time when we must make more fundamental choices,” she wrote.

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The voluntary exit program, which was open to all full-time staff including executives, was introduced in an effort to minimize involuntary job losses.

Humber said it would assess participation levels before determining whether further cuts were required but has now confirmed layoffs have taken place.

Several colleges, including Seneca and Algonquin, have announced campus closures, while others, such as Sheridan College, have suspended dozens of programs.

Other institutions have also reduced staffing levels.

&copy 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

An Ontario post-secondary institution is introducing voluntary staff exit packages as colleges across the province continue to grapple with financial pressures linked to declining international student revenue and a prolonged tuition freeze.

Humber Polytechnic says it is launching a Voluntary Employee Exit Program (VEEP), citing what it describes as significant fiscal challenges.

In a letter to the Humber community, president and CEO Ann Marie Vaughan said the school is facing budgetary strains despite recent provincial funding for the sector.

“Humber continues to navigate significant fiscal pressures outside of this investment, including caps on international students, rising operational costs driven by inflation, and the structural impacts of years of constrained funding,” Vaughan wrote.

She said those factors have placed increasing pressure on the institution’s finances.

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“Unfortunately, we have arrived at the time when we must make more fundamental choices,” the letter states.

Humber said the voluntary exit program is being introduced in an effort to minimize involuntary job losses.

The program is open to all full-time employees, including the executive team, and offers financial packages for eligible staff who choose to leave.

Employees have until March 9 to indicate their interest.

The institution says it will assess participation levels after the deadline before determining whether further workforce reductions are required.

The move comes amid broader financial challenges facing Ontario’s publicly funded colleges, with the past year being marked by falling revenue from international students and the continued freeze on domestic tuition.

Several colleges, including Seneca and Algonquin, have announced campus closures, while others, such as Sheridan College, have suspended dozens of programs.

Other institutions have also reduced staffing levels.

Meanwhile, the Ontario government has defended its funding commitments to the post-secondary sector.

“We’re investing a record amount. No one’s ever invested upwards to seven billion dollars in our colleges and universities. Those are staggering numbers,” Premier Doug Ford told reporters on Wednesday.

Ford also praised Humber, calling it the largest college in the country.

“I wish them all the best, drive efficiencies, run it like a business, educate our kids for jobs of the future.”

Humber acknowledged the uncertainty created by the staffing review and said further updates will be provided once decisions are finalized.

“Change is never easy. I believe our community will emerge from this time stronger, more agile, more innovative,” Vaughan wrote.

&copy 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.