Algonquin College cuts have passed. Here is a look at the 41 programs cut

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Good morning! 

Will this snow finally stop? I know readers complain about my hate of winter, but surely you must be tired of it now, too. I’m ready for the green grass and leaves to return. 

Algonquin College has voted in favour of some drastic cuts that will severely cause a negative impact to students entering business or creative careers. I visited one of the courses impacted to hear about what this will mean. 

The political landscape in Ottawa is changing as three MPPs were elected last week. We take a look back at the rather complicated legacies of those who are departing. 

Let’s get to it!

— Charlie Senack, Ottawa Lookout managing editor

[email protected]

X: @Charlie_Senack

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WEATHER

Wednesday: 3 🌡️ 1 | ❄️ 🌧️ 

Thursday: 4 🌡️ -8 | 🌧️ 

Friday: -1 🌡️ -9 | 🌤️

📸 31,144: The number of tickets issued from Ottawa speeding cameras in January. The busiest photo radar spot was on King Edward Avenue, between Bolton Street and St. Patrick Street, with 3,336 speeding tickets issued during the first month of the year. [CTV]

💍 3,000 KM: The distance a ring travelled to be returned to a former Ottawa Police officer who lost it in the Dominican Republic. [CTV]

🚗 $560,000: The amount of money in fines Bylaw crews issued to Ottawa residents violating recent winter parking bans. [CTV]

🖥️ $7M: The amount of money the federal government is giving Ottawa’s tech sector to grow the Capital’s technology and artificial intelligence sectors. [CTV]

No more hope: It’s the end of the line for 41 programs at Algonquin College that are being cut in a drastic effort to save money. The college's board of governors approved the changes on Feb. 24. 

Admissions will be suspended to 37 active programs in Ottawa and Pembroke starting in September of this year. Four dormant programs — Anesthesia Assistant, Action Sports Parks Development, Office Administration and Spa and Wellness Management — are also being stopped, reported CTV. 

Students who are in the courses will have the opportunity to graduate, but no new students will be admitted. 

Why is this happening? The institution is strapped for cash. Algonquin president and CEO Claude Brulé said the college would face a budget deficit of at least $60 million in 2025-2026 and $93 million by 2026-2027 if nothing was done. He blamed the cuts on provincial tuition freezes and caps the federal government put on foreign students. 

The school also noted it would be "irresponsible" at this point to say no further cuts were coming, leaving the door open. Some of the programs being cut do have high domestic enrollment numbers but were not financially viable due to the tuition freezes. 

Campus closure: Algonquin’s Perth campus is closing altogether in spring 2026 after losing $2.1 million this year. Its entire budget is $3.3 million.

Police training facility moving: The Ottawa Police Service has been told by Algonquin College it’s terminating its lease to run a training facility at the campus after 20 years, reported Capital Current. 

The site was built in the early 2000s and features traditional classrooms and offices, along with study areas, a simulation lab, a defensive tactics studio and a firing range.  

Deputy Police Chief Steve Bell says they are considering relocating the training facility to a new police station being built in Barrhaven. They are also negotiating to retain access to Algonquin’s firing facility for five years.  

A total of 12 programs are being cut from Algonquin’s School of Media and Design. In some cases, students will need to move hours away to find an equivalent replacement. 

Former CBC weathercaster Teri Loretto is Algonquin College’s program coordinator for the performing arts and scriptwriting program, which are both on the chopping block. She told the Lookout it was unfortunate to see the decisions made so quickly and so firmly. 

”We were given notice at 9 o'clock on a weekday night to come in or go on zoom at nine the next morning,” said Loretto. “(There was) no opportunity to speak to individual merit, no opportunity to defend the programs or perhaps find other means of delivery that might be less financially straining and maintain the learner's ability to learn what they needed to learn.”

Loretto said she became a teacher later in life after 40 years of freelance work to pass her skills on to the next generation. But now they will need to travel further distances to access the same level of education — and in some cases out of Canada. 

One of those was the wastewater management program that was cancelled at the Ottawa campus last year and moved to Pembroke. It’s not available anywhere else in the region but plays a vital role for Indigenous communities where clean water is pivotal to their existence. 

For the scriptwriting program Loretto teaches, the Toronto Film School offers a similar program, but costs a lot more to attend. 

“You’d pay eight times more and do it all online,” she said, noting even then it’s not the same. 

“There's nothing that offers script writing. We do stage plays, comic books, game scenes, podcasts, social media, films, short films, and television shows. We are scriptwriters, not just screenwriters, and our work is everywhere across the industry,” said Loretto. 

Amatur Rahman Salam-Alada started the script writing program at Algonquin in September because it was cheaper than programs offered in university. She said her section was also based on Ottawa’s growing film industry which has hired many Algonquin students. 

“This program is very diverse in the sense it’s more than screenwriting. It teaches digital media writing like for writing ads, marketing, and also writing for content in general. You learn how to make self-produced content,” said Rahman Salam-Alada. “Getting a job is harder these days and you have to promote and market yourself more. You often need to get your own film business started.”

Rahman Salam-Alada also said it helps to get advice from people who have worked in the industry. During the course she’s started building a portfolio, worked on a number of short films, and is hoping to get recognized by an agent. 

The movie maker hopeful would like to see other students have the same opportunities and hopes the government will remove the caps on foreign students. 

“It feels kind of not cool for a country to say we're all about opportunity and culture but then won’t invest in education,” said Rahman Salam-Alada. “I know quite a few international students who came here and had to pay a lot. One of my friends came from Russia and she had to pay $30,000.”

“I am personally not a financial wizard, but some have suggested perhaps it's not time for management to take their bonuses this year. Perhaps it's not time to look at multimillion-billion dollar building projects that are supposed to begin imminently,” said Loretto. “I do agree with the college's decision to look at some retirement. There are some folks that have been fabulous, but they've been teaching for 50 years. It might be a time when they step away to allow two or three younger faculty members to retain their jobs and programs.”

Loretto would also like to see if some of the more specialty programs could perhaps be offered every second year with twice the number of students. 

The full list of programs can be found here.

This month, United Way East Ontario's program, Women United, is celebrating International Women’s Day and inviting you to make a difference.

All women deserve the supports they need to thrive but many face challenges that prevent them from reaching their full potential. Discrimination at work, violence at home, and struggles to break the cycle of poverty—these are just some of the stark realities facing women, girls, and gender-diverse people in our region today.

From safety and leadership to economic growth and empowering young mothers, Women United is at the forefront of tackling the most pressing local challenges, advocating for change, and creating a brighter future for women and girls.

Together, we can make a meaningful impact this International Women's Day and beyond!

Get involved with Women United this March and help us reach our $10,000 goal in support of women and girls. Discover how you can participate here.

There are three MPPs leaving Queen’s Park. Here is a look back at who they are, the legacies they leave behind, and what’s next for the departing politicians. 

When outgoing Carleton PC MPP Goldie Ghamari first decided to enter the race in Carleton, there was a lot of controversy. Actually, that’s an understatement. 

In an email leaked to the Ottawa Citizen in 2017, Nepean MPP Lisa MacLeod said Ghamari would lose and would be a bad MPP if she won the election. MacLeod had represented Nepean and Carleton up until this point, but it was being split into two separate districts. 

“For 22 years John Baird and I have kept Carleton deep Tory Blue and now that is at risk,” wrote MacLeod in the email.  “I chose a tougher, urban seat and I do not regret the choice, but I am gutted by what comes next in Carleton as I not only believe the current candidate will not win but worse, if she does win, she will not be a suitable representative for my constituents who I remain loyal to.”

Ghamari, who worked as a lawyer, went on to win the candidacy and then the election. But the drama was far from over. 

In January 2019, one of Ghamari's former clients pursued an investigation with the Law Society of Ontario for failing to take action on his complaint, which caused him to lose an investment in his restaurant business.

Ghamari informed the Law Society that she cut off communication with the client based on unsubstantiated rumours that he had ties in the past to a group designated by the federal government as a terrorist organization — an allegation not confirmed anywhere in the tribunal's ruling. 

The tribunal ruled that Ghamari had failed to co-operate with an investigation. The elected Carleton MPP said she was dealing with mental health issues after an unexpected divorce.  

Ghamari’s law licence was eventually suspended and was accused of "utterly stonewalling" the investigation over two years as the tribunal repeatedly attempted to collect relevant information, including Ghamari's calls and text logs with the client covering the six-month period in question. 

In November 2023, Ghamari came under controversy after the Canadian Muslim Public Affairs Council (CMPAC) and the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) alerted the Ontario cabinet about her racist social media postings. On X she wrote the Muslim prayer "Allahu Akbar" was a safety concern and said the hijab was a "symbol of the subjugation of women". The NCCM called for Ford to remove Ghamari from caucus, however he refused. 

But it eventually happened. In June 2024 Ghamari was removed from the PC caucus after meeting with Tommy Robinson, the founder and former leader of the far-right English Defence League, ostensibly to discuss the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The Carleton MPP apologized for the quick virtual chat and said she had no clue who Robinson was beforehand. 

Premier Ford cited repressed lapses in Ghamari’s character for her removal, and said in a statement, “it speaks volumes about her judgement and honesty.” 

On a local level, though, she did have some positive results. Ghamari was responsible for securing over half a billion dollars to build and expand 15 schools, including the first public high school in Riverside South. 

In a statement after announcing she would not seek re-election as an independent, Ghamari also took credit for bringing natural gas to York‘s Corners; securing over $3 million in funds to renovate and expand the Larry Robinson Arena in Metcalfe; and was part of ensuring that Conservation Authorities were not able to designate private property as "significant wetlands" based on what she called “false and hypothetical data.”

What’s next: In case you’re wondering who Ghamari voted for in this election, she hinted on X that she cancelled her ballot and told others it was okay to do. Ghamari, who is Iranian, has also been a big supporter of Israel after the war in the Middle East started and has been getting very involved in national politics. 

When Joel Harden first won Ottawa Centre for the NDP in 2018, he took it from the Liberals. The orange supporter was soon appointed the party’s Official Opposition Critic for Accessibility & Persons with Disabilities, Pensions and Seniors' Affairs.

In 2019, Harden called on Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to demand that Israel immediately release Khalida Jarrar, a member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), which Canada had designated as a terrorist organization.^[19] Jarrar was also a member of the Palestinian Legislative Council, and had been arrested by Israeli security forces and convicted of "promoting terror activities."

When the war in the Middle East occurred, Harden quickly threw his support behind Palestine. In a video blog he said the “single greatest origin of violence in the Middle East is unquestionably the state of Israel." That was quickly followed up by an apology for perpetuating an antisemitic stereotype. 

Then in January 2024, Harden was among eight people to receive noise violations from ByLaw for using a megaphone at a pro-Palestine demonstration, reported the Kitchissippi Times. 

“Using a small megaphone to advocate for Palestinian human rights gets a $490 fine? This has to stop,” Harden wrote on X at the time with hashtag #CeasefireNow.

In a final speech at Queen’s Park, Harden used it as an opportunity to not talk about his accomplishments, but instead as a thank you to the community. 

“Community organizers at home — too numerous to name in a five-minute speech — you inspire me every day to work harder, and demand more from politics. I feel the same way about the amazing people who work in our public institutions,” said Harden, according to the Kitchissippi Times. “Colleagues in the Official Opposition, thanks for your friendship and support. Thank you to others here (in government and opposition) who’ve done likewise.” To all the staff in this House, thank you for your service. Thanks for helping us.

What’s next: Harden is leaving Queen’s Park to run as the federal NDP candidate in Ottawa Centre instead. And it will be an interesting race to watch - he will be going up against Liberal MP Yasir Naqvi, who he reclaimed the legislative seat from back in 2018. 

Climate change, bridging divides, and transit are all part of Harden’s federal platform. 

It is hard to summarize PC MPP Lisa MacLeod’s legacy in a few words. That’s because it’s a long and complicated one. She first won the riding of Nepean-Carleton back in 2006 and was a fierce voice for Ottawa in official opposition. 

There were tragedies during her tenure like the 2013 VIA rail/OC Transpo bus collision in Barrhaven which killed six and injured 35. Many severe weather events including two tornadoes and a derecho. 

As passion projects, MacLeod launched two private members bills including Rowan’s Law and Nick’s Law. 

Rowan’s Law was created in memory of Rowan Stringer, a Barrhaven teen who died in the spring of 2013 after suffering three concussions in six days — all while playing rugby. The 17-year-old captain of John McCrae High School’s rugby team died from Second Impact Syndrome, which is swelling of the brain caused by a subsequent injury that occurred before a previous injury healed. 

Soon after her passing, Rowan’s parents Gord and Kathleen Stringer decided to open up about their daughter's death to raise awareness on concussions and sports safety. An inquest was held after her passing which brought forward 49 recommendations centred on keeping athletes away from playing after having a concussion. It has since become a national day. 

Nick’s Law was aimed at seeing 10 per cent of the provincial government’s marketing budget go towards opioid education and awareness. It was named in honour of 18-year-old Nick Cody, who died from an MDMA overdose in 2013, reported Ottawa Start. But it never fully took off. 

In power, MacLeod held a number of cabinet positions. First as the Minister of Children, Community, and Social Services, and Minister Responsible for Women’s Issues. She later became the Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism, and Culture Industries during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

But these rolls came with a lot of baggage. It began with MacLeod’s handling of the autism file. On February 13, 2019, the National Post reported that the Ontario Association for Behaviour Analysts (ONTABA) had received a threatening message from MacLeod's office. In the email, ONTABA was directed to make a public statement in support of the changes to the Ontario Autism Program or face "four long years". MacLeod further threatened that if the message of support was not forthcoming, her office would release a press statement labelling ONTABA as "self-interested".

In June 2019, at a Rolling Stones concert, MacLeod allegedly publicly said to then Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk: "I am your minister and you’re a f-ing piece of sh-t and you're a f-ing loser." Melnyk complained to the Premier and she apologized for using "blunt" language. The hockey team owner never accepted. 

Then during the 2022 Ontario election, the NDP revealed the Nepean Conservative riding association paid MacLeod $44,000 as a housing subsidy. It raised alarm bells because MPPs receive $26,000 in a housing allowance in addition to their salary.

MacLeod went on to win the election but barred the media from attending her victory party. Soon later she released a statement stating she was taking time off to address her mental health. MacLeod also never returned to cabinet. 

The Nepean MPP was very vocal about her mental health struggles during her time in office which included depression and bipolar disorder. In a mental health podcast episode released Sept. 16, MacLeod admitted the toll became so much that she tried to take her own life in May 2022.

“I didn’t want to live anymore,” she said. “I felt like I was living in a fishbowl and I couldn’t breathe.”

What’s next: MacLeod is planning to put her mental health challenges to good use and has joined the sleep and bipolar disorder clinic at The Royal Mental Health Centre as a community investigator. She’s also writing a book and doing a lot of cooking. 

🇺🇸 Tariffs imposed by the United States are coming and they will pose a negative impact on many Ottawa businesses. Lee Valley Tools says one-fifth of its business comes from the U.S. and notes its mission right now is to stay focused on its mandate. [Ottawa Citizen]

🚒 Fire stations in Manotick and Greely are set to get their own full-time crews after being volunteer-run. The plans are still a few years away, though. Manotick’s station will undergo renovations in 2027 with a full crew expected by 2028. For Greely, an expansion will occur in 2030 and should be staffed by 2032. [Ottawa Citizen] 

🗳️ City council will decide Wednesday what the next steps will be to replace Osgoode Coun. George Darouze who has been elected as the new PC MPP for Carleton. Mayor Mark Sutcliffe said the likely option is a by-election, though council could also decide to appoint someone to serve the rest of the term. [CTV]

❌ A motion put forward by Innes ward Coun. Laura Dudas to have the City of Ottawa stop using X was defeated after a lengthy debate. Dudas said the city could set a precedent by getting off the platform owned by Elon Musk, who has close ties to Donald Trump. But city staff argued their goal is to reach as many residents as possible. [CTV]

⛸️ The Rideau Canal is closing again for skating on Tuesday night because of the return of warm weather. Temperatures are expected to reach at least 5C on Wednesday and Thursday with rain likely. The NCC said it’s still optimistic the season isn’t over yet. [CBC]

🚘 Vehicles that were trapped inside a downtown Ottawa parking garage when it partially collapsed could be there for weeks. “GWLRA (property owner) is working closely with the city, emergency crews and a local team of experts to address the situation, render the site safe, and allow for the removal of vehicles,” said Indigo Park Canada Inc. [CBC]

🛌 Ottawa is in the midst of a homelessness emergency. The Ottawa Mission says it’s operating at 100 per cent capacity most of the time. But even when they aren’t, some individuals choose to remain outside due to past negative experiences in shelters, untreated mental health challenges, the perception that shelters are overcrowded, restrictions preventing them from bringing their pets, and more. Here’s a look at how different organizations are helping. [Kitchissippi Times]

🍀 The Ottawa St. Patrick’s Day parade has been cancelled again this year. Organizers say it’s just not possible due to difficulties obtaining a permit and higher costs. “I regret that I must inform you that after three months of discussions, a flurry of emails and numerous zoom meetings, we still do not have a permit in place to hold a parade from the City of Ottawa for our March 15, 2025 date,” wrote Tom O’Neill, president of the Irish Society of the National Capital Region, in a letter. [CTV]

🔥 Ottawa fire investigators are looking into what caused a blaze on the 1500 block of St. Laurent Boulevard Monday night. The fire occurred at Qaisar’s restaurant (which Capital Eats profiled last April). No one was injured, and it took about an hour to fully extinguish. [CTV]

👮‍♂️ Ottawa Police are investigating after shots were fired in the Lowertown neighbourhood Monday night. At this point, there are no reported victims. The guns and gangs unit is investigating. [CTV]

Pique | Club SAW, 67 Nicholas St | Mar. 7-8 | Multi-day edition of the signature music and arts festival featuring groundbreaking performances and exhibitions. Pay What You Can. 

Thievery Corporation | Bronson Centre, 211 Bronson Ave | Mar. 7 | Eclectic American electronic music duo, mixing dub, acid jazz, reggae, and more. Tickets $70.

Mack MacKenzie and Suzanne Nuttall | Meow! That’s Hot, 519 Bank St | Mar. 7 | Double-bill of two legendary songwriters hits Ottawa as part of their acoustic tour of intimate venues. Tickets $20. 

Aurora’s Reef | Night Oat, 750 Gladstone Ave | Mar. 8 | Six-piece reggae collective bring their fresh fusion of roots reggae, ska, and swing. Tickets $15. 

Angelique Francis| The Gladstone,910 Gladstone Ave| Mar. 9 |  Powerhouse performer known for her blend of Blues, Folk, Soul, Jazz, Roots, Rock, Gospel and Americana.Tickets $15+.

Listings for music shows are provided by OttawaGigs.ca, the best place to discover live music in Ottawa. Check out Ottawagigs.ca for full listings across the city.