YMCA Language School Closes Amidst Wave of Canadian Sector Shutdowns
The Canadian language education sector is facing a wave of closures, with 18 private schools and 11 affiliated with post-secondary institutions shutting down in the first quarter of this year. The YMCA school, a longstanding leader in teaching English and French to international students, is the latest casualty, set to close in December. Languages Canada blames federal government policies, including a 2024 cap on international students, for the closures.
The YMCA school's closure will result in over 100 job losses. Founded six decades ago, the school was renowned for its English and French language programs. Its closure follows the shutting down of English centres at Lethbridge Polytechnic in Alberta and St. Mary's University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Students at the YMCA school will receive prorated refunds if they don't continue until the school's closure.
Languages Canada argues that the federal government's policies, particularly the 2024 cap on international students, are driving these closures. However, recent searches did not find evidence of specific government measures targeting international students or language schools. The decline in international students, online competition, and changes in immigration policies also contributed to the YMCA school's closure. Effective leadership in immigration matters is needed to prevent further closures. In Quebec, the provincial government has been unsupportive of English language programs.
The YMCA school's closure highlights the ongoing challenges in the Canadian language education sector. With over 100 job losses and no signs of improvement, effective policy changes and support from the government are crucial to prevent more closures and ensure the sector's survival.
