Selkirk College’s Program Cuts Spark Urgent Staffing Concerns in Nelson

UPDATE: Urgent staffing concerns emerge in Nelson as Selkirk College announces it will no longer accept applications for its hospitality programs due to new federal immigration restrictions. This decision, made public earlier today, threatens to disrupt the local economy reliant on international graduates.

International students like Steven Mathews, who graduated from Selkirk College in 2022 and is now the kitchen manager at Finley’s Bar and Grill, are voicing their worries. Mathews experienced a supportive learning environment at Selkirk, which contrasts sharply with his previous education in India. “In my home country, mistakes would lead to punishment,” he said. “Here, instructors guide you to learn from them.” Mathews is now co-owner of the Florence Food Truck, which serves baked goods at local farmers markets, but he fears the impact of the program closure on future students and local businesses.

Over a decade, Selkirk College has provided a steady stream of skilled graduates to meet the staffing needs of Nelson’s restaurants and hotels. The end of this influx is alarming local business owners. Mathews warns, “Restaurants will face fewer applicants, and those that do apply may lack the necessary training and experience.” He believes that this staffing crisis could lead to a decline in food quality and ultimately reduce tourism, a vital economic driver for Nelson.

Personal stories of resilience are emerging from other international graduates. Leanne Vegara, now a housekeeping manager at Best Western, praised Selkirk’s support system that helped her adjust to life in Canada. “They’re not just about academics; they help us adapt to a new culture,” she emphasized. Vegara, who was offered her management position immediately after graduation, expressed her determination to succeed despite her youth.

Similarly, Lejani Sunga, a front desk manager at Best Western, shared her journey of returning to school at Selkirk with her 18-year-old son. “The supportive instructors made all the difference,” she recalled. Sunga, who previously managed a family restaurant in the Philippines, noted the cultural adaptability her background provided when interacting with diverse guests. “I love communicating with everyone and learning about their backgrounds.”

Meanwhile, Sulabh Mahajan, who works at the Adventure Hotel, highlighted the personal connections he builds through his role. “Meeting new people is the best part of my job,” he shared. Mahajan moved to Nelson to pursue his studies at Selkirk after 11 years of experience in hospitality in India. He stressed the importance of community support in his transition to life in Canada.

The implications of Selkirk’s program cuts extend beyond individual stories. Harmon Singh, who arrived in Canada six years ago, emphasized the local community’s warmth and the opportunities he found after graduating. He and a fellow student even purchased Tandoori Indian Grill and Lounge, showcasing the entrepreneurial spirit fostered by Selkirk’s programs. Singh expressed appreciation for the Canadian work culture, stating, “People are clear and straightforward; I love how Canadians do business.”

As the community grapples with the potential fallout from Selkirk College’s decision, local business owners are left to ponder how they will fill the staffing gaps left by the absence of international graduates. With tourism being a critical component of Nelson’s economy, the urgency of finding solutions grows.

What’s Next: Stakeholders in the hospitality industry are urged to explore alternative recruitment strategies and lobbying efforts to address the immigration challenges posed by new federal regulations. The local government may need to step in to support businesses facing staffing shortages as the flow of skilled labor diminishes.

The immediate future for Nelson’s hospitality sector hangs in the balance, and the community is left anxiously awaiting a resolution.