Administrator Appointed to Conestoga College After Audit Uncovers ‘Egregious Financial Decisions’
Linda Franklin will oversee Conestoga College after an audit found serious financial and governance mismanagement, including more than 500 layoffs.
- On Thursday, Ontario's Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security Nolan Quinn dismissed the Board of Governors at Conestoga College, appointing Linda Franklin, former CEO of Colleges Ontario, as administrator.
- An extensive audit revealed "numerous egregious financial decisions" lacking board oversight, including a 55 per cent salary increase exceeding $636,000 for former president John Tibbits and a $23,000 trip to Italy for senior leaders.
- The "pattern of irresponsible decision-making" prompted the layoff of more than 500 employees; union president Vikki Poirier, representing support staff, called the revelations "downright criminal."
- Interim college president Norma McDonald Ewing assured students and staff that day-to-day operations will continue without disruption, while the government explores options to "can bring that money back."
- Minister Quinn characterized Conestoga as "an outlier," stating no other post-secondary institutions face similar audits, while Franklin is tasked to "restore financial prudence and appropriate governance" to the college.
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Inside Ottawa Valley
North Bay NipissingOPSEU/SEFPO calls for greater accountability in college governance structures following government-appointed administrator at Conestoga College
Toronto, ON, May 08, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/SEFPO) is condemning yesterday’s unprecedented announcement that the Ford government is putting Conestoga College under the administration of supervisor Linda Franklin.
Province appoints administrator to oversee Conestoga College operations after 'serious concerns' raised
Conestoga College in Kitchener, Ont., is now under a provincially appointed administrator after the Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security says there was "evidence of serious financial and governance mismanagement" at the school.
Trip to Italy, 'egregious' alcohol spending at Conestoga College: Audit
The provincial government is appointing a person to oversee Conestoga College after an audit discovered a “luxury” trip to Italy with “egregious” spending on alcohol and “premium” transportation. The government said the audit found “evidence of serious financial and governance mismanagement.” Linda Franklin will be the administrator for the college, a press release May 7 […]
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