Dozens could be affected by job cuts at Thompson Rivers University

British ColumbiaThompson Rivers University in Kamloops, B.C., is facing job cuts that could affect dozens of staff members as it faces a multimillion-dollar budget deficit.University in Kamloops, B.C., says it is facing multimillion-dollar budget deficitAkshay Kulkarni · CBC News · Posted: Oct 01, 2025 10:41 PM EDT | Last Updated: 3 hours agoAround 65 people have been notified of job cuts at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, B.C., as it faces a large deficit. (tru.ca)Thompson Rivers University (TRU) in Kamloops, B.C., is facing job cuts that could affect dozens of staff members as it faces a multimillion-dollar budget deficit.In an update last week, TRU said department managers began notifying 65 staff members represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) of its intention to reduce jobs. When accounting for union bumping, around 40 people in total could be affected, the university said.The university says it faces a shortfall of $7 million to $10 million this year. Cost-cutting efforts include a number of staff accepting early retirement and vacant positions going unfilled.A union leader says the cuts would worsen existing staff shortages, and negatively affect the student experience at TRU, which describes itself as the biggest university in B.C.’s Interior.The city of Kamloops and the Thompson River University campus are seen in June 2023. The university says it’s the biggest in the B.C. Interior. (Jeff McIntosh/The Canadian Press)”Many of [our members] have been here for quite a few years and have put a lot of time and effort into supporting the institution,” said Lois Rugg, the president of CUPE Local 4879, which represents TRU support staff.”It’s always pretty devastating and, you know, for some, very depressing that this is happening right now.”Rugg said the union was worried about job losses months ago, as universities around Canada continue to grapple with a drop in international enrolment.WATCH | B.C. universities struggle amid international student drop: ‘Biggest post-secondary crisis ever’: Layoffs loom at B.C. colleges and universitiesFaculty and staff at post-secondary institutions in B.C. are facing layoffs amid dwindling international student enrolment. Speaking to BC Today host Michelle Eliot, VCC Faculty Association president Frank Cosco says caps on enrolment have sent schools into crisis. Cole Reinbold, secretary-treasurer of the B.C. Federation of Students says government underfunding played a factor in institutions relying on tuition from international students. That follows a federal government decision to sharply reduce the number of international student permits being given out last year.Federal officials said the move was aimed at reducing pressure on Canada’s housing market, among other things, but which led to turmoil for universities that relied on higher international fees to fund programs.”What needs to happen is there needs to be an increase in funding from our governments,” Rugg said. “A bigger investment into post-secondary education, in all of the institutions, particularly public institutions.”Because it’s an investment in people’s futures — in, you know, Canada’s future.”Layoffs are last resort, president saysTRU president Airini (who uses one name) said that when combined with job cuts across the university that began last year, almost 120 positions are being affected by ongoing reductions.She said the university had to balance its budget to be sustainable in the future, and no decision has been made yet on whether particular programs could be cut.Dr. Airini, Thompson Rivers University’s president, says targeted layoffs would be a last resort. (Doug Herbert/CBC)”If there should be changes, particularly beginning with low enrolment programs, and we do see changes there, current students will be taught out and we will consult fully on final decisions,” she told Doug Herbert, guest host of CBC’s Daybreak Kamloops.Airini said the job cuts would take place over the course of multiple months, and that targeted layoffs would be a last resort as it also looks to cut spending in other areas.WATCH | How universities are dealing with enrolment caps: How students and universities are dealing with a drastic reduction in international student permitsLast week, Kwantlen Polytechnic University cut 70 faculty positions. The layoffs come as Canadian universities grapple with the federal government’s decision to issue fewer international student permits. B.C Federation of Students chair Jessie Niikoi discusses the impact of the new federal policy.A spokesperson for B.C.’s post-secondary education ministry said that universities across the province face significant financial pressures, citing the “unilateral changes” made by the feds over international student permits.”The Ministry … has repeatedly raised concerns with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada about the lack of consultation and the impact of abrupt policy shifts,” the spokesperson wrote.”Improved collaboration is necessary to support a balanced approach to international student recruitment, retention, and sustainable talent development — especially in rural communities.”The spokesperson added that while the ministry provides funding, B.C.’s 25 public post-secondary institutions are ultimately responsible for setting their budgets.”The Ministry will continue to work closely with these institutions as they strive to return to a more stable financial state,” they said.Daybreak Kamloops9:48Thompson Rivers University is set to make some significant cuts to staffingAround 65 staff positions at Thompson Rivers University are being cut or reduced due to a multi-million dollar shortfall.ABOUT THE AUTHORAkshay Kulkarni is an award-winning journalist who has worked at CBC British Columbia since 2021. Based in Vancouver, he is most interested in data-driven stories. You can email him at akshay.kulkarni@cbc.ca.With files from Jenifer Norwell, Doug Herbert and Daybreak Kamloops