Ottawa Daily Digest — 26 Dec 2025

Federal international‑student cap tightened — key numbers and timing

• Ottawa confirmed a lower federal cap on study permits: up to 408,000 study permits to be issued in 2026, down from 437,000 in 2025 and 485,000 in 2024. The move follows last year’s introduction of a cap to reduce Canada’s temporary population.

Ontario colleges suspend programs, announce cuts

• Colleges across Ontario have announced the suspension of dozens of programs in response to fewer international students. Many institutions rely on higher international tuition fees to balance budgets; suspensions have been accompanied by staffing adjustments and some layoffs.

Students face uncertain futures

• Ontario college students report cancelled intakes, reduced services and program closures. Student groups and campus staff warn of disruptions to pathways, credential completion and local training pipelines as colleges reconfigure offerings.

Financial and operational ripple effects

• With international tuition a major revenue source for many colleges, administrators say program suspensions and lower enrolment projections will force further cost‑cutting, timetable changes and potential consolidation of campuses or programs.

Boxing Day winter storm — Toronto and GTA

• Environment Canada issued a yellow snowfall warning for Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area: expected snowfall 8–12 cm on Boxing Day. Agency warned that snow will arrive in the morning and end west to east this evening, with locally heavy snow and reduced visibility.

Broader Ontario weather impacts and travel risk

• Northern corridors (Sault Ste. Marie toward just outside Thunder Bay) are also under yellow warnings. Parts of southern Ontario face snowfall or freezing‑rain warnings; officials warn of hazardous travel, possible power interruptions and variable conditions along the storm’s eastern edge.