Urgent: CNC Cancels Kinesiology Program Amid Budget Cuts

BREAKING: The College of New Caledonia (CNC) in Prince George, B.C. has officially cancelled its kinesiology diploma program due to severe budget cuts, raising urgent concerns about the future of healthcare in the region. This decision, made during a special board meeting on October 23, 2023, is part of an alarming trend affecting educational institutions across Canada as they grapple with a staggering $8 million revenue shortfall linked to dwindling international student enrolment.

Former students are speaking out, emphasizing the profound impact of this program’s elimination on local health services. “That’s a huge loss for the health-care field as well as the community as a whole,” declared Katie Paolucci Townsley, a kinesiologist and 2015 graduate. The kinesiology program served as a crucial entry point into the bachelor of health sciences and various health-related careers, underscoring its significance in producing skilled professionals for the community.

The college’s statement confirmed that the program was one of eight eliminated, a move driven by decreasing enrolment from international students following new immigration regulations announced earlier this year. These changes have sparked fears that northern B.C. could lose not only foreign students but also essential workers.

“The longer-term viability of the program just isn’t there, unfortunately,” stated Bruce McKay, CNC’s vice-president academic. He noted that both domestic and international interest in the kinesiology program had been low, making its continuation unsustainable. However, many local professionals are expressing deep concern over this decision.

There is a notable demand for kinesiologists in northern B.C., as highlighted by Joel Walkey, an athletic therapist and 2016 graduate. He pointed out that many of his clients commute over 90 minutes for just a 45-minute session, showcasing the desperate need for kinesiology services in the area. “If that doesn’t tell you the desperation for the profession, I don’t know what does,” Walkey said.

Paolucci Townsley emphasized the repercussions this cancellation could have, stating that fewer kinesiologists would lead to fewer professionals available to aid in recovery from injuries, manage chronic illnesses, and help patients regain strength post-surgery. “There’s going to be fewer people being able to get back to living their normal lives,” she warned.

In response to the program’s cancellation, CNC has committed to supporting current students by providing clear pathways to complete their studies. Nevertheless, the broader implications for healthcare in the region are significant, as local communities may soon feel the strain of reduced healthcare resources.

As this situation develops, stakeholders within the community are calling for urgent discussions on how to address the gaps left by the program’s cancellation. The focus now shifts to how CNC and the provincial government will respond to the ongoing challenges facing educational institutions and the healthcare workforce in northern B.C.

Stay tuned for more updates on this rapidly evolving story as the community grapples with the implications of this significant educational cut.