TORONTO – The Ontario government is appointing an administrator to manage Conestoga College after an audit found “significant financial misuse and governance failings” at the Kitchener, Ont., institution.
Colleges and Universities Minister Nolan Quinn announced that Linda Franklin will step in as administrator immediately, relieving the college’s board of governors of its responsibilities.
Quinn stated that regular operations will keep running smoothly at the college, with no interruptions expected. Franklin – who previously held the position of president and CEO of Colleges Ontario, which represents Ontario’s 24 public colleges – is anticipated to bring back “responsible fiscal decision-making.”
This action follows a thorough audit that uncovered “egregious financial decisions” lacking proper oversight from the college’s board. This includes the approval of a 55-per-cent salary increase for a former president, raising their pay to over $636,000 in 2024, according to the province.
The audit also revealed that three senior leaders at the college took a $23,000 trip to Italy among other similar excursions where business class airfare, luxury accommodations and premium transportation were covered by the school.
Additionally, there were instances of “repeated, ineligible hospitality expenses,” such as a $1,300 staff dinner where half of the pre-tax bill consisted of alcohol.
The government is exploring options to see if it “can bring that money back,” Quinn mentioned.
No other post-secondary institutions are undergoing similar audits currently; according to the minister, Conestoga is considered “an outlier.”
The province stated in a release that the “pattern of irresponsible decision-making” at Conestoga “has led to upheaval for students, staff and the local community,” including layoffs affecting more than 500 employees-one of Ontario’s largest layoffs in its college sector so far.
Earlier this year, Conestoga College laid off hundreds due to declining international student enrolment resulting from a federal cap on international students.
This report by The Canadian Press was first May 7, 2026.
Maan Alhmidi and Allison Jones, The Canadian Press
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