London NDP MPPs Slam Ford’s Underfunding as Fanshawe Cuts Threaten Jobs and Students

LONDON – Ontario NDP Shadow Minister for Colleges and Universities Peggy Sattler (London West), MPP Teresa Armstrong (London – Fanshawe) and MPP Terence Kernaghan (London North Centre) have released the joint statement following reports of program and funding cuts at London’s Fanshawe College:

“Fanshawe’s cuts mean our community is losing local jobs, and the supports students rely on every day,” said Armstrong. “When programs shrink, families lose opportunities and neighbourhoods lose stability. London deserves a college system that strengthens our community, not one forced into painful layoffs and service reductions across our city.”

“Ontario’s colleges and universities drive innovation and economic growth in our province,” said Sattler. “Chronic underfunding by Ford and his Conservatives has pushed institutions like Fanshawe to the brink, threatening programs, research, and student supports. The government must deliver stable, predictable funding so campuses can plan, protect jobs, and provide quality education for future generations across Ontario. Instead, Ford is forcing academic institutions to continue to cut.”

“These layoffs send a chilling message to young people in London and across Ontario,” added Kernaghan. “When we cut educators and staff, we limit training opportunities, weaken our workforce, and undermine the province’s long-term competitiveness. Doug Ford talks a big game about protecting Ontario and creating jobs, but in reality, he’s actively weakening the very pillars that support our province’s economic prosperity.