LaSalle College Adjusts Student Status Amid Language Quota Compliance

LaSalle College in Montreal has faced significant backlash after it notified dozens of students that their enrollment status would be changed from full-time to part-time just weeks before the start of the academic year. This decision, affecting around 90 students, stems from the college’s efforts to comply with Quebec’s language reform regulations, specifically the Charte de la langue française, which imposes quotas on English-language vocational programs.

Among those impacted is Alex Abraham, who is poised to enter the second year of his network management program. He expressed shock and disappointment upon receiving the email informing him of the status change. “We all came here with lots of expectations and dreams,” he said, emphasizing the detrimental effect on his plans to build a career in Quebec. As a part-time student, Abraham will lose eligibility for Canada’s post-graduation work permit and will not be allowed to work off-campus unless specific conditions are met.

Caroline Gervais, a spokesperson for LaSalle College, stated that the shift in status is a direct result of government-imposed caps on English-language AEC (Attestation d’études collégiales) programs. The college had exceeded its enrollment quota by 1,066 students during the 2023-24 academic year, which incurred a fine of $21,113,864. This fine was in addition to an earlier penalty of $8.7 million, bringing the total debt to the Quebec government to nearly $30 million. LaSalle College is currently contesting these fines in a civil suit before Quebec’s Superior Court.

The abrupt status change has left students like Abraham scrambling for alternative solutions. With part-time status, many students are concerned about their ability to meet financial obligations, including housing costs. “How can I meet my expenses?” Abraham asked, highlighting the uncertainty created by the college’s decision.

In a statement, Gervais acknowledged the stress and disruption caused by the changes. She clarified that the college had the resources to support these students as full-time learners but was constrained by the government cap. “We understand that such changes can be stressful and disruptive — especially for those whose graduation timelines, financial aid, or immigration status may be affected,” she stated.

LaSalle College noted that many affected students had either failed multiple classes or deviated from their academic pathways. However, neither scenario applies to Abraham, who feels that his inclusion in the group of affected students is arbitrary. He has been informed that the shift in status does not reflect his academic performance.

As students seek clarity, LaSalle College has organized a meeting with representatives from Immigration Canada to address concerns and provide guidance. Abraham hopes this forum will shed light on the situation. “I have the right to know the reason,” he stated. He expressed dissatisfaction with the possibility that the college’s actions are merely a tactic to avoid further fines, stressing, “I am not the reason for the fine. They did the wrong thing; they violated the rule.”

The situation at LaSalle College underscores the broader implications of Quebec’s language policies on international students, many of whom, like Abraham, come to the province seeking educational and career opportunities. The changes not only affect individual students but also raise questions about the future of English-language programs in Quebec as institutions strive to navigate complex regulatory landscapes.