A Kitchener MPP says that students and staff should be the “top priority” for the administrator appointed by the Ontario government to manage operations at Conestoga College.
Deputy Green leader and Kitchener Centre MPP Aislinn Clancy stated that the financial issues at Conestoga College “has hurt students and workers in our community. Moving forward, their well-being must come first.”
She urged the administrator to collaborate “with staff, students, and community members to ensure that education remains a top priority.”
In 2025, the college reported a $121-million surplus for its 2024-2025 fiscal year, attributing it to “careful planning and responsible financial management.”
However, it also expressed concern over changes to the international student cap set by the federal government, indicating that this would lead to a fiscal deficit in 2025-26.
On Thursday, Ontario’s Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security Nolan Quinn announced an administrator had been appointed to oversee operations at Conestoga College after an internal audit found “evidence of serious financial and governance mismanagement.”
Linda Franklin, who is retired CEO of Colleges Ontario and has chaired various public sector boards, will serve as the administrator for Conestoga College.
In a message sent to students, staff, and faculty, interim college president Norma Mc Donald Ewing reassured everyone that the college’s “day‑to‑day operations will continue as normal. Students, faculty, and staff should expect no disruption to programs, services or supports.”
Union leaders were caught off guard by this development as they were not informed about the audit.
Leopold Koff is president of local 237 OPSEU/SEFPO representing faculty at the college. He shared on Thursday his worries about how this situation will affect students.
“I’m sure the students are going to be extremely nervous and their families will be nervous as to what is their future considering what this could mean,” he said.
Vikki Poirier, president of OPSEU/SEFPO Local 238 representing support staff at the college told students she was “so sorry that this is how you are entering into your post secondary. You know this is not how it should be.”
LISTEN | Union leaders react to province appointing an administrator at Conestoga College:
The Morning Edition – K-W8:17Province strips Conestoga College of its board after audit uncovers egregious financial decisions
The province is now overseeing operations at Conestoga College due to an audit revealing significant financial mismanagement. Vikki Poirier is president of OPSEU Local 238 representing support staff while Leopold Koff leads OPSEU Local 237 which represents faculty. They share their thoughts on this news.
“Our administration introduced new long-term funding models earlier back February aiming total infusion exceeding $6 billion dedicated across universities colleges indigenous facilities alike,” Giacoboni asserted further discussing outcomes resulting audits concluding shortfalls defining unacceptable use taxpayer contributions stressing urgency behind prompt removal preceding board appointments aimed restoring functional oversight protecting investments centered around pupil success”.
“Next steps exploring avenues pursuing repayment restitution fund allocations ought originally intended benefitting those truly deserving-students themselves!” replied minister when pressed if any plans exist retrieve excess payouts benefiting larger organization than individual profit motives targeted here only.”. Encouraging proper accountability showcased moving forward enabling sustainability crucial institutional functioning enhancing overall environment fosters growth opportunities available without sacrificing integrity trust amongst constituents served!
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College seen as ‘key partner’ within community
The website for Conestoga College mentions campuses located in Brantford, Cambridge, Guelph, Ingersoll, Kitchener, Milton, Stratford and Waterloo. Waterloo Coun. Julie Wright acted as mayor on Friday while Mayor Dorothy Mc Cabe was away; she remarked that Conestoga College adds “significant economic social and cultural value” to the city. “We consider them a key partner in our city and are thinking about all Conestoga College students and staff in our community while both province and college navigate through these challenges,” Wright said. Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic highlighted how vital a role the college has played in his city over nearly six decades as both an educator and employer. “The findings from the provincial audit are shocking; I am grateful that action was taken based on this information,” Vrbanovic told. “I believe that together with guidance from appointed supervisors along with interim leadership team we can address all operational concerns so that college can keep serving its students plus our community well into future.” A downtown Kitchener campus existed until mid-2025. (Cameron Mahler/CBC) ‘Years of warning signs,’ MPP Fife states NDP MPP Catherine Fife who represents Waterloo where one campus exists said provincial efforts aim towards fixing issues stemming from crisis initially created by them themselves. “Now communities workers alongside affected student bodies deal with repercussions whilst government pretends it’s someone else’s responsibility entirely.” What did they expect would occur?” Catherine emphasized individuals “are justified feeling upset” regarding finances tied up alongside reports detailing extravagant payouts whilst jobs dwindled among employees during poor times including “executive expenses”. This isn’t something sustainable nor fair!” she added insisting “government can’t overlook patterns observed through numerous warnings allowing colleges dependent solely upon foreign student funds just existing!” Pursuing accountability. Quinn’s press secretary Bianca Giacoboni labeled Fife’s statement “categorically false”.... “To make things abundantly clear we’ve invested heavily into postsecondary educational institutions historically ever since ongoing shifts happened federally negatively impacting Canadian academia,” she proclaimed when responding directly towards queries from.’“Our administration introduced new long-term funding models earlier back February aiming total infusion exceeding $6 billion dedicated across universities colleges indigenous facilities alike,” Giacoboni asserted further discussing outcomes resulting audits concluding shortfalls defining unacceptable use taxpayer contributions stressing urgency behind prompt removal preceding board appointments aimed restoring functional oversight protecting investments centered around pupil success”.
‘Minister believes ‘Conostaga stands apart’
Diving deeper Quinn elaborated during recent media rounds detailing irregularities surfacing involving major compensation granted prior leaving former head John Tibbits abruptly stepping down January followed by lavish travel arrangements made Italy complete with first-class flights lodging high-end costing meals tipping upwards $1300 comprised half alcohol proportions involved whilst still enjoying comfort excessive lifestyle choices contrasted against realities struggling daily lives posed everyone else attempting stay afloat financially!”“Next steps exploring avenues pursuing repayment restitution fund allocations ought originally intended benefitting those truly deserving-students themselves!” replied minister when pressed if any plans exist retrieve excess payouts benefiting larger organization than individual profit motives targeted here only.”. Encouraging proper accountability showcased moving forward enabling sustainability crucial institutional functioning enhancing overall environment fosters growth opportunities available without sacrificing integrity trust amongst constituents served!
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