FROM THE ARTICLE BY GABRIELLE HUSTON:
Carleton University is planning to slash its contract instructor workforce in half as it deals with a $32-million deficit, much to the dismay of the instructors’ union.
At a meeting on April 29, the university’s board of governors approved its 2025-26 budget, which saw its financial shortfall grow by $6 million over 2024-25 and which includes a plan to avoid a potential $80-million deficit by 2028-29.
But the steps being taken to stave off further financial woes are concerning, said Ryan Conrad, a contract instructor and president of Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) local 4600, which represents Carleton’s contract instructors, teaching assistants and research assistants.
“The working conditions of the faculty are the learning conditions of the students,” he said. “If Carleton becomes known for low-quality education, it’s kind of like a downward death spiral.”