Cost-of-living pressures, shifting demographics, and financial limitations have all played a role in the recent contract disputes at various universities in Nova Scotia. Dalhousie University faced a lockout of nearly 1,000 faculty members during contract negotiations in August 2025. The Dalhousie Faculty Association’s President, David Westwood, mentioned that most union members were content with the ratified collective agreement from the previous fall, despite the disruption to the start of the school year on Sept. 23.
The dissatisfaction among union members lingers due to the circumstances surrounding the lockout, impacting morale and mental well-being. This sentiment extends beyond Dalhousie, as part-time faculty at Saint Mary’s University, Mount Saint Vincent University, and workers at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design experienced strikes lasting several weeks. Ather Akbari, a labor economist and professor at Saint Mary’s University, attributed the increase in disruptions to declining university-aged populations in Nova Scotia, leading to lower enrollments from domestic students.
The gap left by domestic students has been partially filled by international students, although recent federal regulations limiting new student permits have caused a decrease in international student numbers. This decline, coupled with lower tuition revenue from decreased enrollments, has made universities less accommodating to employee demands. The rising cost of living has further incentivized unions to push for better deals, potentially leading to strikes.
Financial pressures were a significant factor in the dissatisfaction that prompted the lockout at Dalhousie, according to Westwood. The recent funding agreements in Nova Scotia provide a modest two percent increase in operating funds to universities, which does not fully offset inflation or the revenue loss from reduced international student permits, forcing universities to rely more on tuition fees.
While only part-time faculty went on strike at Saint Mary’s University, concerns loomed over potential academic governance changes proposed by the employer in the collective agreement. The agreement was eventually ratified, averting a strike. Looking ahead, Akbari does not anticipate further disruptions in the upcoming academic year due to recently signed multi-year contracts. However, ongoing financial challenges for universities and employees may lead to future uncertainties.