Article content“In addition, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) has informed us that its funding support for KitchenFest! will end in January 2027, resulting in a further annual reduction of $75,000. This follows a 40 per cent reduction in ACOA funding just two years ago. Between 2014 and 2024, KitchenFest received annual ACOA support of $140,000.Article content“These funding reductions come at a time when operating expenses continue to increase across every area of our organization. As a charitable not-for-profit, our responsibility is to ensure the long-term sustainability of the College while protecting the programs and experiences that are central to our mission.”Article contentPLANS FOR UPCOMING SCHOOL YEARArticle contentTo balance the aforementioned challenges, MacDonald’s letter said that its signature programs — “including Na Gaisgich Oga | The Young Heroes Program, An Cursa Bogaidh (four-week immersion), Gaelic Immersion Weekends, Toiseach-Toiseachaidh, KitchenFest, Wednesday Night Ceilidhs, March Break and Summer Camps, and many others” — will be continuing. Article contentArticle contentAs well, the letter mentions that throughout the coming year, “We will undertake an extensive recruitment effort across the fall, winter, and spring. In partnership with Cape Breton University, Beinn Beinn Mhàbu (the Mabou campus) will also offer first-year entry pathways into both the bachelor of arts in community studies and the new bachelor of hospitality and tourism management program. Article content“Looking ahead, Beinn Mhàbu will introduce several new initiatives during 2026-27 that will strengthen our educational offerings and better serve our communities. New programs focused on Gaelic language, music and dance will be announced in the coming weeks.Article content Rodney MacDonald, president of the Gaelic College: “These funding reductions come at a time when operating expenses continue to increase across every area of our organization. As a charitable not-for-profit, our responsibility is to ensure the long-term sustainability of the College while protecting the programs and experiences that are central to our mission.” Photo by SUPPLIEDArticle content“(And) we will also continue to deliver our successful online Gaelic language programming, which serves approximately 200 students each year from September through April. Community services at Beinn Mhàbu, including pub nights, meeting and training space rentals, office rentals, accommodations, and other community programming, will continue, as will the Shannon artist-in-residence program, which will welcome its next cohort of artists in spring 2027. Article contentArticle contentMacDonald added that the college remains committed to offering its core programs despite some necessary operational changes needing to be made in the aftermath of budget cuts, he said. Article content“Preserving and sharing this heritage is more than our profession; it is our life’s work. Our staff, volunteers, and instructors remain deeply committed to providing authentic, meaningful experiences while serving the broader community. Article content“The decisions we are making are among the most difficult our organization has faced. However, they are necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of Colaisde na Gàidhlig | The Gaelic College and Beinn Mhabu,” he added. “Our focus remains on preserving the programs, traditions and experiences that have defined our organization for generations while ensuring we can continue serving our students, communities, and supporters for many years to come.” Article contentThe Cape Breton Post reached out to MacDonald for further comment but did not receive a response back by publication time.Article content
Funding reductions force Cape Breton’s Gaelic College to suspend program
