Aurora College in the Northwest Territories has announced a delay in admissions for its early learning and child care program until the following year, citing the expiration of funding from a pilot initiative. While the territorial government points out that the specific pilot funding concluded in 2025, the college has been receiving base funding that could have been utilized instead.
In 2021, the Department of Education, Culture, and Employment (ECE) provided Aurora College with $800,000 in federal funding to support workforce development. This funding is in addition to the ongoing federal and territorial funding allocated to the college for delivering the post-secondary program as part of the federal initiative to enhance child care services.
According to Agata Gutkowska, a spokesperson for ECE, funding has been consistently provided since 2021 to cover the costs associated with the early learning and child care program at Aurora College, with an allocation of $800,000 for the 2025-2026 academic year. The department has communicated the funding availability clearly to the college since 2020.
Aurora College President Angela James, in an email response, explained that while the early learning and child care program is a priority, the college also manages other programs that do not receive base funding. She mentioned that funds were reallocated from other areas for the current academic year to mitigate the impact of reduced funding on existing students but emphasized that such measures are not sustainable. James stated that an additional $600,000 annually is required to maintain the program’s current operations.
Currently, there are 60 students enrolled in the program, with James assuring that support will be provided to ensure minimal disruptions to their studies. The college plans to reopen applications at some point in 2026, although a specific date has not been disclosed. The delay in admissions was initially reported by Cabin Radio.
James mentioned that the college is evaluating potential revisions to the program’s delivery schedule and is awaiting further information before reopening applications. Additionally, alternative funding sources are being explored to sustain the program effectively.
Gutkowska noted that discussions regarding program funding are ongoing between the territorial government and Aurora College as the institution transitions into a polytechnic. The N.W.T. Early Childhood Association expressed concerns over the potential impact of losing the early learning and child care program, emphasizing its significance for the entire territory.
The association highlighted that Aurora College’s handling of the program funding raises questions about its commitment to early childhood education. With 30 graduates in 2025 alone, the loss of the program is expected to affect families, aspiring educators, faculty members, and childcare centers across the Northwest Territories that rely on program graduates for quality services.