Urgent Concerns: Okanagan College Faculty Spotlight Critical Contract Oversights

The Okanagan College Faculty Association (OCFA) is raising alarms about how the college administration is handling recent financial issues. They’re concerned that the administration is not honoring the collective agreements in place and lacks transparency in its decisions.

The OCFA, which represents over 300 faculty members, reports that Okanagan College is making major changes—like cancelling courses and sending out layoff notices—without following the proper procedures as outlined in their contract. Sharon Mansiere, the OCFA president, emphasized that ignoring these agreements isn’t just a labor problem; it reflects on the integrity of the institution. She highlighted the importance of fairness and transparency in decision-making, urging stakeholders to feel empowered and involved.

The situation has escalated with support from the Federation of Post-Secondary Educators of BC (FPSE), which has voiced its discontent regarding the college’s actions. Executive director Michael Conlon stated that it is disappointing for a pro-labor government to allow such breaches of contract to occur.

In March, Okanagan College announced it faced an $8.3 million deficit for the 2025-26 budget year, primarily due to reduced international student enrollment—a response to allegations of misuse within post-secondary institutions. The OCFA warns that these budget pressures may limit course offerings and eliminate in-person classes, particularly affecting smaller campuses that serve rural regions.

Mansiere articulated that students should receive education grounded in quality rather than just financial considerations. She expressed concern that Okanagan College, a valued institution in the community for decades, is undergoing significant changes without adequate consultation or access to the data backing these decisions.

The OCFA is demanding the following actions from the administration:

– Stop any planned faculty layoffs that disregard existing agreements.
– Honor the tradition of collegial governance as outlined in the Colleges and Institutions Act.
– Provide transparent financial and enrollment data justifying the changes.
– Work collaboratively with faculty and the community on planning efforts and consider re-establishing regional advisory committees.

These developments come during a period of broader discourse on educational funding and policy, especially as many colleges adapt to enrollment challenges exacerbated by government regulations. Recent statistics show that international student enrollment in Canada has fluctuated, with a notable decline in some regions—highlighting the need for institutions to rethink their strategies in both recruitment and program offerings.

The OCFA’s position highlights not just local affiliations but resonates with a larger narrative of educational institutions being held accountable for their commitments, especially in tough economic times. As conversations continue, the focus remains on how transparency and ethical practices can lead to better outcomes for faculty and students alike.



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