Sask. Polytech fires another 14 staff, unknown number cut from Moose Jaw

MOOSE JAW — Almost four months after laying off 27 employees due to tariffs and dropping enrolment, Saskatchewan Polytechnic has laid off another 14 staff, although it is unknown whether anyone in Moose Jaw was affected.

In an emailed statement, the institution said that post-secondary organizations across Canada are experiencing “a significant decline” in enrolment of international students because of changes Ottawa made to its immigration policies.

At Sask. Polytech, the institution has experienced “a significant decline” in enrolment of international students, which created a “substantial revenue shortfall” for the 2025-26 academic year, the email continued.

“The financial shortfall will affect Sask. Polytech programs and employees,” the organization said.

Continuing, it said that it has issued layoff notices to 14 out-of-scope employees, while it will not fill eight vacant positions. These layoffs represent a 10-per-cent reduction in Sask. Polytech’s out-of-scope workforce.

It is not known if these layoffs or changes in programming will affect the Moose Jaw campus.

“We will continue to invest resources to provide maximum benefit to our students. This includes ongoing reviews of operating efficiencies and budget accountability,” the email said. “More difficult decisions will be necessary in the months ahead.”

The organization added that to respect its employees’ privacy, it would not share which positions, departments or programs have been affected by the layoffs.

This is the second time this year that the educational institution has laid off employees, as in April it eliminated 27 full- and part-time positions, with 13 faculty, 10 professional services employees and four out-of-scope staffers receiving pink slips. This represented a reduction in its workforce of one per cent.

Although Sask. Polytech did not confirm where the firings occurred, MooseJawToday.com learned that at least one employee from the Moose Jaw campus was let go.

The organization said at the time that it regularly conducted operational reviews to ensure programs aligned with market demands, operating efficiencies and budget accountability.

“Like (other) post-secondary institutions across Canada, Sask. Polytech is facing a decrease in international student enrolment and reduction in revenues, which directly impacts programming and budgets,” the technical school said then.

“In addition to this reduction, Sask. Polytech is also bracing for economic uncertainty created by tariffs.”

In early April, the organization released a new strategic vision for 2026-2030 titled “Leading the Rise,” outlining a plan to “ensure students receive the education and hands-on learning opportunities they require for success in their future jobs, in their communities and in life.”

A news release then said 90 per cent of its graduates find work and choose to stay in Saskatchewan. Also, the school offers certificate, diploma and degree programs and apprenticeship training at campuses in Regina, Saskatoon, Moose Jaw and Prince Albert.

“It is critical that we remain focused on the future and on our mission to inspire success in every learning journey,” Sask. Polytech added. “Out of respect for employees, we do not share positions, departments or programs impacted.”

Michelle Downton, president of the Sask Polytechnic Faculty Association (SPFA), said in April that the association is always disappointed to see any reductions in the workforce.

"We believe that we are a leading organization that provides excellent education across the province and nationally," she said. "Although we have seen a reduction to some of our membership, we are working collaboratively with management to find places for the people that have been impacted."