Saskatchewan Polytechnic layoffs 2026: what to do if you're affected

Yes. Saskatchewan Polytechnic issued an official statement on April 15, 2026 confirming 30 layoff notices were issued as part of its annual operational review. Multiple major outlets including CBC News and CTV News have reported on the announcement. The institution has confirmed the total number of staff cut since July 2025 is approximately 154.

The institution has publicly attributed the layoffs to a significant decline in international student enrolment following federal government changes to the International Student Program, which reduced the number of study permits issued for 2025 and 2026. The Faculty Association has also pointed to what it considers historically insufficient provincial funding as a contributing factor. Outcomes and causes are contested, and the situation may continue to evolve.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic has declined to specify which campuses are affected in the April 2026 round, citing respect for employees. Prior reporting suggested the Prince Albert and Moose Jaw campuses experienced disproportionate impacts in earlier rounds, as those campuses had a high concentration of international students in business programs. You should verify your campus's specific situation with your manager or union representative.

This will depend on your employment status, length of service, and whether you are covered by a collective agreement. Saskatchewan Employment Act statutory minimums range from one week (under one year of service) to eight weeks (over ten years) of notice or pay in lieu, but common law entitlements may be significantly higher. Union members should check their SPFA or SGEU collective agreement for any additional severance provisions. We strongly encourage you to consult a union representative or employment lawyer before accepting any package.

Non-union and out-of-scope employees may often have some room to negotiate, particularly if their years of service suggest a common law entitlement above the statutory minimum. Union members should work through their union grievance or negotiation processes rather than negotiating individually. Do not sign any release or settlement agreement without having it reviewed first - there is typically time to seek advice before a signing deadline.

You may be eligible for regular EI benefits if you have sufficient insurable hours - typically between 420 and 700 hours depending on your region's unemployment rate. Apply at canada.ca as soon as possible after receiving your notice, as delays can delay payments. If you receive a lump-sum severance or pay in lieu of notice, this may affect when your EI benefits can begin - Service Canada can provide guidance specific to your situation.

As of April 17, 2026, Saskatchewan Polytechnic has not publicly confirmed or ruled out additional layoff rounds. The institution has stated it continues to face significant challenges in the international education environment with no enrolment rebound expected for the next academic year. Earlier rounds were preceded by statements that additional workforce adjustments might be required, so further changes cannot be ruled out based on publicly available information.

Under the Saskatchewan Employment Act, employees with more than 13 consecutive weeks of service are entitled to written notice or pay in lieu, ranging from one to eight weeks depending on length of service. If you believe the notice you received is below the statutory minimum or below what your collective agreement requires, you should contact your union (SPFA or SGEU) or an employment lawyer promptly, as grievance timelines can be very short. Common law entitlements may also exceed statutory minimums.