Assiniboine College projects deficit
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BRANDON — Assiniboine College has projected a $2.109-million operating deficit for the 2026-27 academic year.
Assiniboine president Mark Frison said the institution remains confident it can return to a more stable financial position.
“Growth has been the No. 1 way for institutions to stay ahead of the curve,” he said. “Over the past decade, much of that growth was driven by increases in international student enrolment. Now, institutions must look to other sources of growth to make up the difference.”
The federal government has drastically reduced the number of international students who are permitted to study in Canada, which has placed a financial burden on the post-secondary sector.
The college’s budget, which was approved by the board of governors in April, projects total revenue of $89.376 million, with provincial and other government grants accounting for roughly 60 per cent of the college’s income.
Salary and benefit costs continue to dominate expenditures, representing about 70 per cent of the $91.485-million operating budget.
“The primary reasons for financial challenges across the post-secondary sector are that, over the last 30 years, wage increases generally outpace funding increases,” Frison said in an email.
Although the budget forecasts another deficit, Frison said the college has demonstrated its ability to manage its finances effectively.
“The college is fortunate that in 2025-26, despite a projected deficit, it was able to balance the budget,” he said. “The college’s board adopted a growth plan this past year that will hopefully help the college return to a more stable financial position.”
The college also welcomed the Manitoba government’s two per cent increase in operating funding, though Frison noted it does not fully offset rising costs.
Growing non-government revenue will play a significant role in the college’s long-term financial strategy.
Frison said market-driven training and continuing education programs allow Assiniboine to generate additional revenue while making education more accessible across Manitoba.
— Brandon Sun