Kirkpatrick discusses Loyalist’s future with Quinte News

The President of Loyalist College has sat down with Quinte News regarding major changes and a path forward for the school.

In a sit down with Quinte News Friday morning, Kirkpatrick discussed the crippling tuition freeze, the international perception that students are not welcome, with changes to the programs and staff reductions at the school.

Moving forward the school will run with about 2,300 to 2,500 students, with 85-per cent being domestic.

In fiscal 2026, the school will run a $14-million deficit and another $10-million in fiscal 2027.

We could have talked to the president for about five hours, as it is a complicated issue, nuanced, emotional, and sometimes tough to understand.

The most emotional question for the president to answer was about the staff reductions that he says were necessary to get back to a balanced position.

“I’ve said since I’ve worked here that the most amazing people, are the people at this institution.  They’ve done nothing wrong. They’re great people, they’ve did nothing that puts them through this.  Whether it’s the people we’ve had to say goodbye too or the people that have had to continue to work here.  I have nothing but respect, gratitude to all of them.”

In 2023, Loyalist was around 7,000 students between their campuses in Tyendinaga, Bancroft, Port Hope, Toronto, and Belleville.

He say back then they expected some changes federally, but they could not predict what was coming after.