Conestoga College, now under provincial supervision due to serious financial misconduct, was among six Ontario colleges that chose not to participate in a government-funded efficiency review program, newly released documents reveal.
The Ontario government established the efficiency and accountability fund in 2024 as part of a $1.3 billion investment to help post-secondary institutions adapt after federal authorities limited international student admissions. The program offered colleges and universities funding to hire external consultants to identify potential savings and operational improvements.
According to information obtained through freedom of information requests, several institutions declined to participate. On the college side, La Cite, Humber, Niagara, St. Clair, Sheridan, and Conestoga did not complete reviews. Five universities—McMaster, Ottawa, Waterloo, Western, and Université de l’Ontario—also opted out of the program.
The revelation is particularly significant for Conestoga, which has since become the center of a major financial scandal. Provincial authorities recently appointed an administrator to take control of the Kitchener-based institution after auditors uncovered what officials described as serious financial abuses, including a 55 percent salary increase for a former president that brought compensation above $636,000, and questionable travel expenses including a $23,000 trip to Italy for three senior leaders.
Colleges and Universities Minister Nolan Quinn stated he does not believe participation in the efficiency review would have prevented Conestoga’s problems. He noted that financial circumstances at several institutions have changed significantly since international student enrollment caps were implemented. The government recently announced tuition increases and additional funding for post-secondary institutions as the sector continues adapting to reduced international student revenue.
