NSCC budget balanced: operation efficiencies, role reductions 

May. 06, 2026 – Media Release

Halifax – Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) has tabled a balanced budget for 2026-27. As the province’s strategic workforce partner, the College is continuously working to focus on what is essential. This includes delivering career-oriented programs aligned with industry needs and supporting students to graduate ready for the workforce.

This year, NSCC was challenged with reconciling a significant shortfall of $15 million. This included $5.5 million in financial pressures related to rising costs and declining international tuition revenue, as well as a $9.4 million reduction in the 2026-27 Provincial operating grant. This deficit was addressed by finding operational efficiencies, reducing costs across departments, identifying future revenue generating opportunities, and by introducing structure changes that include position reductions.

While some roles have been eliminated, others have been added to strengthen student success and support operations. The net impact is 91 position eliminations (50 Management Confidential,15 Operational Support, and 26 Professional Support). Wherever possible, we addressed these through vacancies, term endings, and voluntary exits. In total, about 45 colleagues will be laid off, most of whom are Management Confidential employees located at the College’s central office.

Employees impacted by changes have been informed and provided with transition supports. Those within the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union or Atlantic Academic Union will be presented with options available under Collective Agreements. There are no impacts to Faculty positions.

“By prioritizing academic and student success, and efficiency, we have designed a leaner and more focused organizational structure and administration that still allows us to maintain our pan-provincial, College footprint and academic offerings,” says Stacey Baillie, Acting Vice-President, College Services and Strategy.

Acting President Anna Burke notes that while this year’s business planning and budget process was difficult, the decisions support sound financial stewardship and ensure the College can focus on its mission, with the success of NSCC students at the centre of this work. 

“We worked hard to reduce the number of people affected, but balancing the budget still required difficult decisions that impact team members who we know, respect and care about. This is the hardest part of the work,” Burke said. “Our colleagues have given a great deal to this College and to our students, and we are deeply grateful for their contributions.”

Contact

Kathleen Cameron
NSCC Communications

902-499-7844