The province has appointed an administrator to manage operations at Conestoga College in Kitchener, Ont., after uncovering “evidence of serious financial and governance mismanagement” at the institution.
Ontario’s Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security Nolan Quinn announced the decision on Thursday. This also means that the board of governors has been relieved of their duties “effective immediately.”
“With the administrator’s oversight, I expect responsible fiscal decision-making will return to Conestoga College, putting it back on track to produce the graduates Ontario needs.”
Linda Franklin, a retired CEO of Colleges Ontario who has chaired and served on various public sector boards, has been appointed as the administrator for Conestoga College.
In an email sent to students, staff and faculty, interim college president Norma Mc Donald Ewing mentioned they were notified about this change on Thursday afternoon.
“This decision comes after a ministry-led audit that raised serious concerns regarding the board’s ability to ensure strong governance, fiscal accountability and a sustainable future focused on student success at Conestoga College,” Mc Donald Ewing wrote.
“I want to assure our entire community that Conestoga’s day-to-day operations will continue as usual. Students, faculty, and staff should not expect any disruption in programs, services or supports.”
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‘Numerous egregious financial decisions’
The province indicated that the audit uncovered “numerous egregious financial decisions” which “lacked appropriate oversight” from the college’s board members. These included: Approval of a 55 per cent salary increase totaling over $636,000 in 2024 for former president John Tibbits. Termination payment for Tibbits “that totaled 83 times the president’s monthly salary.”A $23,000 trip to Italy taken by three senior leaders along with other similar trips where the school covered business class airfare, luxury accommodations and premium transportation. Repeated approval of ineligible hospitality expenses without proper oversight including a $1,300 dining expense for internal staff where half of the pre-tax total was spent on alcohol. “This pattern of irresponsible decision making has caused turmoil for students, staff and the local community including layoffs affecting more than 500 employees-one of Ontario’s largest layoffs in its college sector,” noted the ministry. Tibbits was expected to remain as president until December but unexpectedly retired in January.Union rep calls allegations ‘downright criminal’
Vikki Poirier, president of OPSEU/SEFPO Local 238-the union representing support staff at Conestoga College-described these financial revelations as “downright criminal.” “I’m furious when I see this information,” she said. “I’d like to see this audit. Where is this audit? How do we access it? How do we look it over?” Poirier mentioned they were unaware that an audit was taking place or that there were plans from the province regarding this intervention. “It’s embarrassing and extremely disrespectful given our roles with the college. We’re supposed to have a good labor relationship but we’ve been kept in the dark while our bargaining units have been decimated. It’s disgusting,” she expressed. Leopold Koff is president of local 237 OPSEU/SEFPO-the union representing faculty at Conestoga-and he’s currently in Toronto for meetings this week. He shared how quickly news spread through his group upon hearing about it.</s “It was shocking,” he remarked about learning what had happened. “First came news about finances then came word about appointing an administrator. It makes us wonder if this is just the first domino falling?”</s Koff voiced his concerns regarding what having an administrator would mean for Conestoga going forward and expressed hope that he could meet with Franklin soon alongside Poirier.</s Koff added he can’t imagine how students must feel right now.<s “They’re probably shocked too; I’m sure students will be really anxious and their families might be worried about what lies ahead considering these developments,” he said.<s Poirier reached out with a message for students stating: “I’m so sorry that this is how you are entering into your post-secondary journey. This isn’t how things should be.”<s Listen to CBC K-W’s The Morning Edition on Friday at 7:50 a. m. for more insights from Leopold Koff and Vikki Poirier regarding these updates.Source link
