McGill University to layoff about 100 employees, citing deficit linked to Quebec policies

McGill University is shown in Montreal on Oct. 13, 2023. (Ryan Remiorz / The Canadian Press)

McGill University says it will be forced to layoff 99 employees to address a $45 million operating deficit.

In February, the institution announced that it would need to reduce its workforce by around 350 to 500 workers. At the time, McGill said that it had hoped it would be able to achieve this through attrition but that now, the layoffs were “unavoidable.”

In an internal memo to university staff obtained by CTV News, McGill noted that its workforce accounts for approximately 80 per cent of its operating expenses and that it had informed Ministre de l’Emploi et de la solidarité sociale about the university-wide layoffs.

According to the school, workers affected by the layoff will be notified by end of April.

“The fact that this is necessary doesn’t make it any easier. The decision to lay someone off is heartrending, but it pales in comparison with the impact on the colleagues who will no longer be part of our teams,” McGill said in the memo.

“We’re committed to working with you through this difficult period, with empathy and respect for every person whose work has helped bring McGill’s academic mission to life.”

McGill has argued that the cuts are in part due to the Quebec government’s decision to increase tuition for out-of-province students and to claw back enrolment revenue.

With files from The Canadian Press