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Timothée Chalamet and Michael B. Jordan will compete for Best Actor at Oscars, film students predict

Students think "Sinners" will win Best Picture, Emma Stone will win Best Actress

Evan Mullen

Photos: Evan Mullen

March 15, 2026
Revised: March 15, 2026 5:11pm

Photo: Evan Mullen

Tristan Yelle and Cameron Fazli are film and media production students eager for this year's Oscars.

The 98th Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars, on March 15 will be a night for Hollywood to celebrate its yearly achievements on the big screen, highlighted by the Best Picture award.

A class of film and media production students at Algonquin College participated in an Algonquin Times survey asking who they thought would take home the Oscars for Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Actress at this year’s awards ceremony.

The class’s Best Picture prediction was not very close with Ryan Coogler’s Sinners receiving the majority of the votes and Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein coming in second place.

Sinners is a gothic religious film powered by a great score and a talented performance by Michael B. Jordan, who plays a set of twins. The director, Coogler, also made 2018’s Black Panther.

“I have to say Sinners. There’s so many layers to that film. They didn’t hold back on the CGI. A lot of the practical stuff looks great. I think it’ll be the one to hold up,” said student Cameron Fazli on what movie will age best.

For the students, the Best Actor award was a toss up between Timothée Chalamet from Marty Supreme, which is about an anti-hero ping pong global superstar, and Jordan from Sinners.

Ultimately, Chalamet came out on top by only one vote in the class. Chalamet is the second-youngest actor to receive three Academy Award nominations for Best Actor behind Marlon Brando. He is still the favourite even after his recent controversial comments on ballet and opera.

Shockingly, Emma Stone from Bugonia ran away with the most votes for Best Actress, despite Jessie Buckley from Hamnet being the favourite after sweeping all major awards for Best Actress in other film awards.

“The SAG Awards, you look at the Golden Globes, those are the ones that technically give you a small prediction of what’s going on. Emma Stone did a great job, but I feel like Buckley had it with Hamnet. It was emotional,” said student Tristan Yelle.

Stone plays the role of a harsh corporate boss who is captured by conspiracy theorists accusing her of being an alien. She previously won Best Actress in 2024 for her role in Poor Things and in 2017 for La La Land.

Sinners and F1 were both available to watch at Algonquin College for free this year with last Wednesday’s F1 screening taking place at Algonquin Commons Theatre.

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Evan Mullen

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News briefs: Ottawa company building advanced drones for dangerous missions

Top stories in your community and around the world as noted by Algonquin Times journalists

Daniel Sundaresan

Photos:

March 13, 2026
Revised: March 13, 2026 9:08am

Local

Ottawa Citizen : An Ottawa company is looking to build drones to fly with F-35s. Ottawa company Dominion Dynamics started investing $50 million to develop advanced drones that can fly alongside fighter jets like the F-35 Lightning II.

These drones, called Autonomous Collaborative Platforms, are meant to help with dangerous missions, surveillance and electronic warfare which reduces risks for pilots.

The company’s founder Eliot Pence says Canada needs to start pushing more towards sixth generation air technology instead of debating which fighter jets to buy.

The drones are being designed to handle a lot of Canada’s unique challenges, especially operating in the freezing cold Arctic and covering long distances.

National

CBC: Nunavut MP Lori Idlout left the New Democratic Party and joined the Liberal Party of Canada, which has brought Prime Minister Mark Carney closer to having a majority government.

Carney welcomed her to the Liberal Party and said they plan to work together on issues affecting Nunavut and overall northern Canada.

Idlout said her decision came after thinking about several factors, including some concerns about Canada’s sovereignty and the well-being of people in the north.

With her defection, the Liberals have now reached 170 seats, just two seats short of a majority government. Upcoming byelections could potentially give them enough seats to reach a majority.

International

CBC: Air Transat charging more for flights to Europe as jet fuel prices weigh on airlines

Flights and airline ticket prices have increased because the cost of jet fuel has gone up during the war in the Middle East.

The conflict began when the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran on Feb. 26.

This has affected global oil supplies and caused fuel prices to rise rapidly. Airlines like Air Transat said they have added fuel surcharges and are raising prices on some flights, especially during busy travel periods.

Other airlines around the world, including Qantas Airways and Air New Zealand, have increased air fare ticket prices due to the inflation caused by the war.

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Daniel Sundaresan

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Demonstrators demand transparency from Algonquin College after more program cuts

Students, staff and community members ask the college to provide reports explaining the reasoning behind last week's program closures

Rory Haley

Photos: Rory Haley

March 11, 2026
Revised: March 11, 2026 4:59pm

Photo: Rory Haley

Demonstrators gather, holding flags and signs at the Show Your Work rally on March 10 at Algonquin College.

Over 100 demonstrators gathered on Woodroffe Avenue on March 10 demanding more explanations for recent program cuts at Algonquin College.

The rally was sparked by the Board of Governors’ March 2 vote to suspend 30 college programs starting in the fall. These cuts will affect programs such as law clerk, horticulture, music industry arts and journalism.

According to Tracy Henderson, president of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) Local 415, which represents educators, the ultimate goal of the Show Your Work rally was to draw attention to the college’s lack of transparency regarding major decision-making processes, such as program cuts.

“Show the public the efficiency and accountability report and show us numbers,” she said. “Show your work. We expect it of our students; we cannot ask anything of our students we wouldn’t expect of ourselves.”

These efficiency and accountability reports are expected to include important information such as the college’s sources of funding, revenue, potential liabilities, and student enrolment numbers.

Tracy Henderson carries an OPSEU flag at the 'Show Your Work' rally on Mar. 10. — Tracy Henderson, president of the faculty union, carries an OPSEU flag at the Show Your Work rally at Algonquin College on March 10. Photo credit: Rory Haley

Students who attended the rally wanted to bring attention to the lack of accountability from the college’s Board of Governors.

Dustin Larocque, a Level 2 illustration and concept art student and class representative, attended the rally to spread awareness about the cuts.

“Part of what I was trying to do personally as a class rep for my class was to get answers for my peers who were all very confused and scared of what’s happening,” Larocque said. “And even after cuts were made, we still haven’t gotten a single explanation. And so, when I found out about this rally, that is calling for exactly what we, what I, was looking for. “

Demonstrators hold signs in support of the law program at Algonquin College during the 'Show Your Work' rally on Mar. 10. — Demonstrators hold signs in support of the law program at Algonquin College during the 'Show Your Work' rally on March 10. Photo credit: Rory Haley

Sydney Sheftel, also a Level 2 illustration and concept art student, was frustrated with the college’s communication.

“It’s just so disheartening and so disappointing that the school is so unwilling and deliberately doesn’t want to listen,” Sheftel said. “It’s just very frustrating, and hopefully there’s something that we can do by making people aware of this.”

At the rally, speakers urged the college to provide more evidence regarding these cuts.

Colin Mills, co-ordinator of the music industry arts program, shared his concerns about the closure of the program. His program has a 92 per cent employment rate and an 82 per cent graduation rate, according to Mills.

“Those are numbers of a hulky quarter. Those are numbers of a program delivering for its students and employers,” he said. “And yet, in the same budget meeting, we heard a new term we’d never heard before: negative contribution. Hey, look at this, suddenly, a program that had been long considered healthy was being framed as a problem. Cite your sources.”

Colin Mills speaks to demonstrators at the 'Show Your Work' rally on Mar. 10. — Colin Mills speaks to demonstrators at the Show Your Work rally on March 10 at Algonquin College. Photo credit: Rory Haley

Henderson also publicly called for the college’s transparency at the rally.

“Major academic changes and decisions should not be made behind closed doors, no,” she said. “They should include students, employees and the community that they are here to serve.”

Algonquin College has attributed a lot of these cuts to the lack of international student tuition. In January 2024, the federal government implemented new caps on international student study permits.

Recently, the Ontario government announced a $6.4-billion investment over the next four years for post-secondary institutions. The province also ended a freeze on tuition fees.

Henderson pointed to the college’s lack of funding in an interview before the rally.

“The post-secondary system in Ontario is dead last in Canada. We have been chronically underfunded for decades,” she said. “As a result, we have had to rely on other creative funding solutions. It’s created overreliance on international tuition, and that makes us really vulnerable to policy changes like we see with IRCC decisions.”

The IRCC, or Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, is the federal department responsible for issuing study and work permits, as well as other travel, entry and status documents.

The Algonquin Times asked Algonquin College for comment but didn’t hear back before the publishing deadline.

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Rory Haley

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AC Book Club launched for readers across Algonquin College

Do you want to meet other readers? The club meets once a month to discuss a book.

Naomi Cabassu

Photos: Naomi Cabassu

March 11, 2026
Revised: March 11, 2026 3:27pm

Photo: Naomi Cabassu

The book club discussing the first third of a book.

Eliana Coleman and Lily Chown didn’t see a book club on campus last fall so they started one to find a community of readers.

The AC Book Club officially started in November.

Coleman looked back to her high school days and decided to start her college experience by launching a book club.

The book club after discussing the book. Photo credit: Naomi Cabassu

Other members joined for the social experience and for reading new books and new perspectives.

“I wanted to socialize. Also, to get introduced to new books,” Michael Vogl said.

Another book club member, Muhammed Rehman, also joined for the socialization.

“I wanted to be in a more social environment. To read more books and perspectives to enjoy college,” Rehman said.

Book clubs tend to teach readers how to read books outside of their comfort zones. The club drives discussions based on readers’ perspectives of the novels.

The book club information to see what is happening. Photo credit: Naomi Cabassu

The AC Book Club met for an hour on Feb. 21 to discuss the opening chapters of Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy.

The book is about a woman who arrives on an island near Antarctica, unconscious and looking for her husband. On the island, a father and his three kids live there to protect a seed vault.

The next meeting is scheduled for March 21 to discuss the second third of the book.

Anyone interested in joining the club can contact @acbookclubofficial on Instagram.

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Naomi Cabassu

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The ferocious world of wrestling takes over the Algonquin Commons Theatre

A new beginning emerges for women's wrestling as C4 Wrestling hosts its second-ever all-female event at the college

Nylah Henry

Photos: Nylah Henry

March 11, 2026
Revised: March 11, 2026 11:45am

Photo: Nylah Henry

Alexia Nicole holds up the Champions Belt after being crowned the first-ever C4 Wrestling women's champion.

The Algonquin Commons Theatre hosted C4 Wrestling’s Bring It On show on Feb. 19, a night full of adrenaline-fueled, all-female wrestling that had fans on the edge of their seats.

“I think having all-girl wrestling events is definitely a change that I love seeing. It just helps showcase powerful women in such a male-dominated sport,” said Hally Lauv, a diehard wrestling fan.

The three-hour-long, all-ages event showcased independent female wrestlers from all over North America. The large crowd created a roaring, lively atmosphere.

Billie Starkz jumps off the top rope onto Tiara James, who is lying on the ring floor. Photo credit: Nylah Henry

The second-ever all-female event hosted by C4 Wrestling helped bring recognition to independent female wrestlers who are currently dominating the wrestling scene.

Some of fans’ favourite independent wrestlers include Seleziya Sparx from Toronto, Ont., Tara Zep from Vancouver, B.C. and Alexia Nicole from Toronto, Ont., who just became the first-ever C4 Wrestling women’s champion.

“It’s so cool that these kinds of events exist,” said Alexa Volvo, an amateur wrestler and wrestling enthusiast. “When I first started wrestling, I was so fascinated by WWE, and I’m in awe that I got to experience something so similar, and it being all female wrestlers is the cherry on top.”

C4 Wrestling is scheduled to host its next show on March 13 at the Preston Event Centre on St. Anthony Street in Ottawa.

For upcoming C4 Wrestling events, visit c4wrestling.com.

For future events at the Algonquin College Theatre, visit algonquinsa.com/algonquin-commons-theatre/.

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OSAP changes disappoint students, concern advocates

The recent provincial government announcement sends worry and frustration across the Algonquin College community

Ryan Harkness

Photos: Ryan Harkness

March 11, 2026
Revised: March 11, 2026 10:41am

Photo: Ryan Harkness

Jackson Bedard-McQuaig, a film and media production student, uses a Friday night as studio time. OSAP changes could affect enrolment in all programs, including his.

The Ontario government on Feb. 12. announced major changes to the Ontario Students Assistance Program (OSAP), concerning Algonquin College students and student advocates.

Starting next fall, OSAP users will get a maximum 25 per cent of funding as grants and a minimum 75 per cent for loans. This new policy for the next academic year is a major change from the current formula of 85 per cent for grants and 15 per cent for loans.

The new formula means OSAP students will have to pay back more money. This is in addition to having the tuition freeze discontinued, allowing post-secondary institutions to raise tuition up to two per cent per year.

The province has said in a news release that the formula changes are to “strengthen the long term sustainability of OSAP and to bring it in line with other provinces.”

Student Central, location in the basement of C-building, is where students can access financial aid services. Photo credit: Ryan Harkness

The Algonquin College community has many students who rely on OSAP, using it as a crucial way to access post-secondary opportunities they could otherwise not afford. With rising unemployment, youth are looking for ways to make them more competitive for the job market.

Alyssa Barrett, an Algonquin College student, has enjoyed the benefits of OSAP throughout her post-secondary education.

“I rely on OSAP for probably the bulk of funding every year. It’s worked for me. It’s great,” said Barrett. “It’s really irritating to not have grants that I don’t have to pay back as an option.”

Barrett previously went to university before attending college and would like to go back to university after graduating from Algonquin. Less funding from OSAP grants and the removal of the tuition cap means she will be under harder circumstances at the end of her program.

“It really feels like they are setting us up for failure,” said Barrett. “You reduce the amount of grants that we get and then obviously colleges and universities are going to raise their tuition because they can, and they will. At the end of the day, they are businesses, so they will profit off of us.”

Alyssa Barrett looks through her notes while enjoying a Starbucks beverage in the Student Commons. Photo credit: Ryan Harkness

Other Algonquin College students who are eligible to get OSAP grants before the formula change are concerned about the impact to high-demand programs.

“I kind of think it’s disgusting,” said Jackson Bedard-McQuaig, an Algonquin College student. “They tell us to go into these programs. We need more technicians, we need more engineers, we need more nurses. We need all this, and you’re not giving the opportunity to do these things?”

Bedard-McQuaig has heard negative opinions from his fellow students about the government’s OSAP announcement.

“It’s been the talk of the town,” said Bedard-McQuaig. “I don’t think I have heard a single person be in support of this decision.”

Ontario already has one of the largest post-secondary sectors in the country and some of the highest tuition fees. In a written statement, Cyrielle Ngeleka, chairperson of the Canadian Federation of Students-Ontario, said other provinces have maintained stronger grant-based assistance and lower tuition.

“Ontario pairing a 2 per cent increase for the next three years and a shift in the OSAP structure with no new money invested in the program translates to students in the province graduating with more debt than their counterparts across the country,” said Ngeleka. “The province ranks last for per-student public funding.”

Ngeleka is concerned about students’ access to post secondary education being tied to their ability to pay off school debt.

“Let’s make it clear: that is not students’ burden to carry — it is the government’s responsibility. Yet Ontario has shown as clear as day their deprioritizing of the post-secondary sector, normalizing the currency of debt as the price of an education,” said Ngeleka.

Bedard-McQuaig would like to see more funds put towards post-secondary education.

“I’m not the one who knows the system, they do, but you don’t need to be able to make a film to say that a film is bad,” said Bedard-McQuaig.

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Ryan Harkness

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Food services could be outsourced by fall semester, college says

As the school continues carving expenses, Algonquin College food services employees worry for their jobs

Reilly Armstrong

Photos: Reilly Armstrong

March 10, 2026
Revised: March 10, 2026 11:38am

Photo: Reilly Armstrong

Students eating and studying outside The Fix, one of Algonquin's food service locations.

Algonquin College could outsource its food services by the fall semester, leaving many employees uncertain about their futures with the school.

Grant Perry, the college’s vice-president of finance and administration, announced on March 10 that the college is “entering the negotiation phase” with a supplier as they finalize a contract.

According to Perry’s message to the college community, food services would transition to the external company over the summer with full implementation done by the start of the fall semester. Perry didn’t identify the company in his message.

The outsourcing of food services applies to the services currently run by the college at the Ottawa campus. The plan doesn’t apply to any food outlets run by the Algonquin Students’ Association.

The college said last August it was looking into outsourcing food services, citing financial losses, rising operational costs and increased competition as reasons for the decision.

There was no news until March 9, when the college closed all its food services locations for 90 minutes so staff could meet.

“The meeting was just to say they are entering negotiations with a specific vendor. They would not divulge much more information than that,” said food service worker and Algonquin graduate Nick Weedon.

The decision is another in the college’s attempts to remain a financially viable institution.

Thirty-seven programs were suspended last year. Thirty more were suspended this year. Cuts have been made to the Centre for Accessible Learning staff.

Weedon says he understands the pressure the college is facing but has concerns about moving forward.

Nick Weedon thinks food service workers should be cautious, but not afraid, of the outsourcing. Photo credit: Reilly Armstrong

“They’ve got to make cuts. There’s no money,” said Weedon.

“(But) because we do have higher quality food, and (it’s) affordable, there’s value there. There’s quantity, there’s variety, all those big keywords. That is a draw for people wanting to come here and attend college, get a diploma from here. All of that factors in.

“And now, if you take all the programs out of it, and you change food service to something less desirable, allegedly less desirable, I’m trying to be diplomatic, right? But yeah, then it might make people think twice.”

Weedon graduated from the hospitality management program and found a job at his alma mater.

“There’s a lot of workplace morale and culture and everything, and because we’ve been working together for so long, there’s a lot of camaraderie there,” said Weedon. “We’ve been in the trenches with each other for a long time.”

Weedon’s concern comes from whether the company that buys the college’s food service contract will provide comparable salaries, hours and benefits packages for the current workers.

“I think that a lot of staff are concerned, obviously, about job security. If the new company comes in, what that’s gonna look like for their current contract, if it’s gonna be comparable to it,” said Weedon.

Weedon believes that during his decade-long employment at the college, Algonquin has upheld its four core values of caring, respect, integrity and learning.

“I would hope that any new company that comes in would uphold those values.” said Weedon.

Perry said the college will be holding information sessions for staff and making human resources available to answer questions about the transition.

“This decision does not reflect the dedication or professionalism of our Food Services team,” Perry said in his message.

“For many years, our in-house team has supported the daily needs of learners, employees, and guests, and the College is grateful for their longstanding service and continued commitment to the campus community.”

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Reilly Armstrong

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Students find a creative break during midterm week at Black History Month Paint Night

Students traded textbooks for paintbrushes at a Black History Month event led by Ottawa speed painter Allan André

Talitha Kumi Scott

Photos: Talitha Kumi Scott

March 9, 2026
Revised: March 9, 2026 12:18pm

Photo: Talitha Kumi Scott

Allan André standing in front of his finished artwork while showing students how to recreate it.

Algonquin College students gathered in the Observatory on Feb. 25 for a Black History Month Sip n’ Paint event hosted by Ottawa speed painter Allan André and the Students’ Association. The free event invited students to relax, learn from André and celebrate Black culture through art.

Held during one of the busiest weeks of the semester, the event was scheduled intentionally to give students a chance to relax, be creative and connect with culture outside the classroom, said organizer Ilona Goldfarb.

André, an Ottawa-based artist and founding member of the Ottawa Black Artist Collective, returned to campus for a third time to guide participants through a step-by-step painting session. Known for his live speed-painting performances, he also uses his work to support the community. One of his paintings recently raised $1,000 for the Ottawa Food Bank through a silent auction.

Allan André showing students step by step how to recreate his artwork. Photo credit: Talitha Kumi Scott

Throughout the evening, André encouraged students to focus less on perfection and more on the creative process.

“Art to me is like jazz — somehow all the crappy individual parts sound good together,” he told the class.

The reference painting created by Allan Andre that students replicated. Photo credit: Talitha Kumi Scott

The event drew students from a range of programs, everyone looking for a mental break from heavy workloads.

“We just came back from the lab and wanted to do something creative to de-stress,” said Winnie Demanou, a Level 2 biotechnology student who attended with her friend and classmate Brickelle Silvera.

For Silvera, the night also provided a meaningful way to reflect on her culture.

“In the Black community, a lot of our culture is in art, like music or dances, so it’s like connecting with our roots,” she said.

A closeup of one of the student's recreations in process. — A closeup of one of the student's paintings in process. Photo credit: Talitha Kumi Scott

Cecilia Che, an early childhood education student, said she attended for a similar reason — to relieve stress and learn something new.

The classroom atmosphere was relaxed, with students quietly painting, singing along to songs and encouraging one another as their canvases took shape.

By the end of the evening, many students left not only with finished artwork and a lighter mindset, but also with a deeper appreciation for the role of art in celebrating Black history, culture and contemporary voices — the central focus of Black History Month events across campus.

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Monthly Horoscope – March Energy

This month is all about reset, clarity, and quiet growth. You may feel pulled to reevaluate your priorities, especially around relationships, money, and long-term goals. Trust that any delays are […]

Lauren Levean-Allard

Photos:

March 5, 2026
Revised: March 5, 2026 6:25pm

Communication becomes important. Speak your truth, but also listen closely. Opportunities may show up in subtle ways, so stay observant. By the end of the month, you’ll feel more grounded, confident, and ready to move forward with a clearer vision.

Key themes: Boundaries • Self-worth • Fresh starts • Strategic moves

Your reminder this month: Not everything needs to be rushed. What’s meant for you will meet you halfway.

Aries March 21 – April 19

This month pushes you to slow down and rethink your next move. Behind-the-scenes planning will pay off soon. Protect your energy and don’t overcommit.

Taurus April 20 – May 20

Your social circle shifts. You may outgrow certain connections while stronger ones deepen. Say yes to collaborations that align with your future.

Gemini May 21 – June 20

Career and reputation take center stage. People are watching SO make sure your actions match your goals. Recognition is possible if you stay consistent.

Cancer June 21 – July 22

You’re craving something bigger — travel, learning, or a mindset shift. Trust your intuition and step outside your comfort zone.

Leo July 23 – August 22

Money, shared resources, and emotional boundaries are highlighted. Handle financial matters carefully and be honest about what you need.

Virgo August 23 – September 22

Relationships come into focus. Whether romantic or business, balance and communication are key. Don’t settle for less than mutual effort.

Libra September 23 – October 22

Daily routines and health need attention. Small changes now create big results later. Get organized your future self will thank you.

Scorpio October 23 – November 21

Creativity, romance, and self-expression are lit up. Do what makes you feel alive. Let yourself enjoy it without overthinking.

Sagittarius November 22 – December 21

Home and family matters take priority. You may be redefining what “security” really means. Make your space match your peace.

Capricorn December 22 – January 19

Conversations bring important clarity. Speak up — your voice matters more than you think. Networking opens unexpected doors.

Aquarius January 20 – February 18

Finances and self-worth are themes. Be smart with spending and confident in your value. A new income idea could show up.

Pisces February 19 – March 20

It’s your season — focus on yourself. Personal goals, appearance, and confidence get a boost. This is a fresh start energy.

Horoscopes

Lauren Levean-Allard

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Algonquin College’s Board of Governors votes to suspend 30 programs

The board voted unanimously in favour of the college's recommendation during an online meeting on Monday

Amanda Mcleod

Photos: Ernest Ko

March 2, 2026
Revised: March 3, 2026 8:44am

Photo: Ernest Ko

Algonquin College loses 30 more programs after March 2 Board of Governors vote.

The Board of Governors in an online meeting Monday voted unanimously in favour of cutting 30 programs at Algonquin College, citing ongoing financial shortfalls due to provincial and federal policy changes.

Speaking at the meeting, president Claude Brulé outlined the college’s stance that the decision could no longer be put off.

“At this juncture, time is of the essence,” Brulé said. “Delaying decisions materially increases expenditure levels, compounds program deficits and cost subsidization and reduces future flexibility to invest in deferred maintenance, deferred internal capacity and advancing innovative programming into key sectors.”

Academic senior vice-president Julie Beauchamp echoed the call for urgency.

“The recommendation before you is the result of a multi-stage and continuous evidence-informed review, and it is being brought forward because in the current environment we need to act decisively and rapidly to protect the college’s sustainability,” Beauchamp said.

Presenting a review of the college’s recommendation process, Beauchamp said the college must align with provincial education mandates, as well as deal with the effects of federal changes to student visas.

“We are seeing material declines in student enrolment…the budget shortfall related to unmet international enrolment alone is more than $4.7 million,” she said. “And the broader context matters. Over the past year, changes in federal and provincial policy have materially altered the environment for colleges.

“Delaying necessary action would carry greater financial risk and greater consequences for learners and employees if our position weakens further,” Beauchamp added.

The board vote was originally scheduled for an in-person board meeting in February but was delayed when the provincial government announced new funding for post-secondary institutions and ended the tuition freeze.

On Feb. 26, Brulé announced in an email statement that the vote would be rescheduled for March 2. He wrote that “financial mitigation efforts must continue to ensure the college’s long-term sustainability.”

Referring to the province’s funding increase, Board of Governors chair Rodney Wilson asked Brulé during the meeting on Monday how the college would allocate the provincial funding.

“Knowing the province hasn’t fully released the formula, but to what degree do you think the college is going to be able to direct some of that funding of its own accord?” Wilson said.

Brulé said funding from the government must be used in accordance with provincial mandates.

“The funding that were spoken of are indicative of where priorities of government lie, and towards that, we’re going to want to make sure we allocate sufficient dollars to ensure that those programs are fully viable,” Brulé said.

“There are strings attached to some of the funding we already receive, and those strings will remain in place,” Brulé added.

In an emailed statement following the vote, Beauchamp acknowledged concerns from current students.

“If you are currently enrolled in an impacted program, or have been admitted for the Spring 2026 term in an impacted program, you will be given the opportunity to complete your studies and graduate as planned, provided you meet all academic requirements,” Beauchamp said in the statement.

The board-approved recommendation cancels seven academic programs and suspends 23 programs, including one apprenticeship program.

The journalism program, which has long produced the Algonquin Times, is among the suspended programs.

The changes will come into effect starting in the Fall 2026 term. The full list of program suspension recommendations has been published on the college’s website.

It’s the second major wave of program suspensions at the college since the beginning of 2025.

In February 2025, the Board of Governors voted to suspend 37 programs and to close the college’s Perth campus. Spring 2026 will be the last term for all programs at that satellite campus.

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