Six of Ontario’s publicly-funded colleges chose not to apply to a government fund designed to identify operational efficiencies, including Conestoga College, which faces severe financial turmoil.The Ford government established the efficiency and accountability fund in 2024 as part of a $1.3-billion funding package to stabilize post-secondary institutions after federal restrictions on international student numbers reduced revenue.

Conestoga, now under provincial supervision following an audit revealing 'significant financial misuse and governance failings,' did not participate in the review process.

The audit uncovered excessive executive compensation, including a 55% salary hike for a former president to over $636,000, and lavish expenses like a $23,000 trip to Italy for senior leaders.

Colleges and Universities Minister Nolan Quinn acknowledged the challenges faced by institutions like Conestoga since international student caps were introduced but argued efficiency reviews wouldn't address international student impacts as they were based on pre-cap data.

Critics, including Ontario NDP MPP Peggy Sattler, questioned the effectiveness of the reviews, noting they are voluntary and lack enforcement mechanisms.

The government recently announced tuition fee increases and funding boosts for post-secondary institutions amid ongoing concerns about financial sustainability.