Sask Polytech Layoffs February 2026: What Affected Employees Should Know

Saskatchewan Polytechnic issued layoff notices to 23 full-time and part-time employees in early February 2026. This guide covers what affected staff need to know about their rights, practical next steps, and resources for moving forward.

What This Means for Affected Staff

Saskatchewan Polytechnic announced on February 4, 2026, that 23 employees received layoff notices. The institution cited ongoing challenges in international education and resulting revenue shortfalls as the primary reasons. The school also noted that additional workforce adjustments may be required in the spring.

The announcement did not specify which positions, departments, or programs were affected. However, the Moose Jaw campus is losing its Instrumentation Engineering Technology program, which will relocate to Saskatoon for the 2026-27 academic year. This follows earlier cuts in August 2025, when 14 out-of-scope positions were eliminated, and the October 2025 closure of the Moose Jaw campus bookstore.

Your Rights and Next Steps

If you received a layoff notice, understanding your entitlements and documentation requirements is essential. Saskatchewan employment standards and your employment contract determine much of what happens next.

• Review your employment contract for notice period and severance terms
• Request written confirmation of your termination date and any severance offered
• Document all communications with HR and keep copies of relevant paperwork
• Contact your union representative if you are a unionized employee
• Understand your benefits continuation options and timelines
• Consider consulting an employment lawyer if terms seem unclear

Important: Saskatchewan employment standards set minimum notice requirements, but your contract or collective agreement may provide additional entitlements. Get clarity in writing before signing any separation documents.

Practical Job Search Guidance

Starting your job search early gives you more options. Your skills in education, administration, or technical instruction transfer to many sectors across Saskatchewan and beyond.

• Update your resume to reflect your most recent accomplishments
• Identify transferable skills that apply to roles outside education
• Check internal postings at other Sask Polytech campuses first
• Network with colleagues and industry contacts in your field
• Research employers in your region hiring similar skill sets
• Explore roles at other Saskatchewan post-secondary institutions
• Track your applications systematically to follow up effectively
• Consider whether relocation expands your opportunities

Pro Tip: Technical instructors and program staff often find opportunities with private training providers, industry associations, or corporate learning departments. Frame your resume around learner outcomes and program development experience.

Mental Health and Wellbeing

Losing a job, even when you see it coming, is stressful. It is normal to feel uncertainty, frustration, or concern about what comes next. These reactions do not reflect on your professionalism or capability.

• Maintain daily structure to support focus and energy
• Talk with trusted friends, family, or colleagues about your situation
• Limit time spent on news and social media if it increases anxiety
• Engage in physical activity and activities you enjoy
• Seek professional support if stress feels unmanageable

Resources like the Government of Canada's mental health portal can help you find local support services.

What Yotru Can Do

Yotru's resume builder helps you create a clear, professional resume that reflects your experience in education and training. Whether you are applying for similar roles or exploring new directions, having an ATS-ready resume gives you a stronger starting point.

If you're looking for broader guidance on what to do after a layoff, Yotru offers practical resources to help you approach your job search with clarity. The sooner you start, the more options you will have.