Holland College cuts language program staff after funding cuts

Holland College says it has reduced staffing and classes in its language program for newcomers following cuts to federal funding.

The college confirmed that staffing levels at its Belmont Centre were adjusted in the spring and fall of 2026, but did not say how many employees were affected.

The Guardian had asked the college about reports that about 15 staff in its English language program had been dismissed.

Holland College’s language instruction for newcomers to Canada program, known as LINC, is fully funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) .

The college said reductions in federal funding for language programs have resulted in fewer LINC classes being offered at the Belmont Centre.

Classes, services and staffing were adjusted to reflect the funding available and student enrolment, the college said.

Discussions with staff about the changes began in the spring.

“We recognize the impact of these changes on staff, and we value the contributions our staff have made in supporting newcomers to Prince Edward Island,” Patricia Shields, Holland College’s vice-president of academic and applied research, said in a statement.

“We remain committed to providing high-quality language training through our continuing partnership with IRCC.”

While Holland College is reducing staffing in its federally funded newcomer language program, the Public Schools Branch says it has increased staffing for students who need additional language support.

The Guardian contacted the branch to ask whether it was seeing similar changes in its English as an additional language and French as an additional language programs.

The branch said EAL and FAL staffing has increased, even though fewer newcomer students are arriving this year.

“Although fewer newcomer students are arriving this year, their needs are growing,” the branch said in a statement.

Staff are assigned to areas of the province based on where EAL and FAL support is needed, the branch said.

The email said that the goal is to ensure students receive the language support they need to succeed.