Article content continued

“Although we have implemented cost reductions across almost every area, we have come to the difficult decision we need to eliminate a total of 230 positions,” reads the email.

In an emailed statement, SAIT spokesman Chris Gerritsen said the decision to lay off staff was hard for the institution.

“With the impact of the Government of Alberta’s budget cuts to the post-secondary sector announced last October, and reinforced in the government’s 2020 budget, our senior leadership has taken time to carefully review all possibilities to create a balanced budget that mitigates impact on the quality of instruction and student success,” read the statement.

“So, the difficult decision was made to eliminate a total of 230 positions, beginning next week through to the end of May, which includes 80 vacancies that won’t be replaced. These staff reductions are accompanied by spending cuts in other areas such as capital spending and administrative supports.”

Gerritsen said the school is committed to moving forward with “a strategy grounded in sustainable growth.” He also says the school is looking at developing independent revenue streams.