Conestoga College. Source: X/Twitter
The Ontario government has removed the Board of Governors at Conestoga College and appointed an administrator following an audit that uncovered what the province describes as serious financial and governance failures.
The Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security announced Thursday that former Colleges Ontario president and CEO Linda Franklin will immediately assume oversight of the college.
According to the province, the audit revealed several controversial financial decisions approved without proper oversight.
Among the findings was a 55 per cent salary increase in 2024 for a former college president, bringing compensation to more than $636,000 annually. The audit also identified a termination payment equal to 83 months of salary, far exceeding limits permitted under provincial executive compensation legislation.
The government also cited spending on luxury travel, including a $23,000 trip to Italy involving three senior leaders, with business class airfare, premium transportation, and high-end accommodations covered by the college.
Additional concerns included hospitality expenses deemed ineligible under public sector rules, including a staff dining bill where roughly half of the pre-tax cost involved alcohol.
Provincial officials say the financial decisions contributed to major instability at the college, including layoffs affecting more than 500 employees, among the largest workforce reductions in Ontario’s college sector.
Despite the leadership changes, the province says students, faculty, and staff should not expect disruptions to programs or services.
Franklin will now oversee operations, replacing the Board of Governors while developing a plan aimed at restoring financial accountability and stronger governance at the institution.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
