File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Doug Collins

One Man's Opinion

COLLINS: Government cutbacks for foreign students are already an issue

Feb 16, 2024 | 6:00 AM

A GOOD PORTION OF THE PROBLEMS in this country — and others — are caused by the lack of proper study. There are so many problems out there being addressed by government at all levels but so few fast fixes that really help, meaning we do more harm than good. Someone says, “Here’s a solution to the shortage of family doctors,” and, with very limited study, governments come up with a hastily conceived plan that takes us in the wrong direction. And like movie segments that don’t fit the plan, wind up on the cutting room floor.

A prime example of this illogical thinking is the recent move to limit the number of international students coming to study here. The housing problem is critical. And some lamebrain says, “If we cut down on the number of international students, we’ll be able to find more housing for addicts, those living on the streets, and other marginalized people.”

But these bureaucrats don’t look at the harm this move is already causing. Because, you see, international students pay a significantly higher amount of tuition than other students. They pay a huge price for the perceived advantage of getting a better education than they would in their own countries. Those higher fees play a significant role in a university’s budget. Now that those fees are being curtailed, universities are faced with the prospect of cutting their budgets, meaning programs that affect the entire student population — not just the international students — will be lost. Choices become more limited. That means we can train fewer doctors and nurses, fewer teachers, fewer tradespeople, and the list goes on. We cut off our nose to spite our face.

And my belief is that these cuts will not increase the number of available housing units.

Universities are already planning cuts because they won’t be able to sustain the programs they have, and purchase the state-of-the-art equipment to keep up with rapidly changing technology. Does that make sense? Of course it doesn’t. It’s just a slapdash way of making people think something is being done.

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: Culturally appropriate food goes beyond the ingredients on a plate

8h ago

Two and Out

PETERS: Whether building up or tearing down, Kamloops is what you make it

Dec 13, 2024

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: How to reduce food waste in Kamloops during the festive season

Dec 13, 2024

The only legitimate part of this effort is to try to regulate so-called ‘degree factories’ that take students’ money, give them virtually no education and eventually give them a piece of paper that qualifies them for nothing. We definitely need to get rid of the lowlifes who prey on students’ gullibility. But we could fix that problem by simply hiring more inspectors, not by creating angst both for the students and the institution.

The move is just the latest government smoke-and-mirrors effort to make us think something is being accomplished. Don’t buy it. Other than limiting courses being offered to your child or grandchild when they apply to enter TRU or UBC, this attempt to put a plan in place with no forethought and little intimate knowledge of the subject is typical of the way governments are trying to whitewash the issues.

Tom Sawyer, the master of whitewash, would be proud.

I’m Doug.Collins and that’s One Man’s Opinion.

——

Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.