Conestoga College President Grilled in Urgent Federal Inquiry

UPDATE: Conestoga College’s president, John Tibbits, faced intense scrutiny during a federal committee hearing on February 15, 2025, focused on Canada’s international student policies. The Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration met on Parliament Hill to address the rapid growth of international student enrollment and the pressures it places on local resources.

This urgent inquiry follows a staggering 1,579 percent increase in Conestoga’s international student numbers over seven years, soaring from 763 students in 2014-15 to 12,808 students in 2021-22. However, recent data reveals a drastic decrease, with only 8,584 students enrolled for the upcoming spring semester, marking a 62 percent drop from last year’s 22,633 students, attributed to the federal government’s cap on study visas.

The meeting highlighted pressing concerns about housing and job availability in the region, with Conservative MP Michelle Rempel Garner leading the questioning. “It’s kind of a mess,” she stated, voicing frustration over the strain on local resources. Rempel Garner challenged Tibbits on his high salary of $636,106.70, questioning how he reconciles this with the ongoing issues related to foreign students.

In response, Tibbits defended the college’s practices, asserting that the institution has consistently focused on providing services to the community and aligning with immigration policies. “We believe this is the time to stabilize the system to build an international student program that is sustainable,” he emphasized during his video testimony.

Committee members pressed Tibbits on the implications of rapid international student growth. They cited a 2024 report where a local councillor reported that a Conestoga student had to share a home with 13 other students, raising concerns about living conditions. Despite this, Tibbits maintained that all students found housing, a claim met with skepticism from committee members.

The inquiry is particularly significant as it reflects broader concerns about Canada’s immigration consensus, which many believe is currently broken. “Do you take any responsibility for that?” Rempel Garner questioned Tibbits, highlighting the critical state of healthcare, housing, and job markets in the region.

Looking ahead, Tibbits stated that Conestoga College is investing heavily in housing solutions for its students, which he claims are necessary to meet community demands. However, the committee’s inquiries indicate a growing apprehension about the sustainability of such rapid enrollment growth.

As the federal committee continues its investigation, the outcomes could have lasting impacts on international student policies in Canada. Observers are urged to stay tuned for further developments in this pressing issue affecting education, immigration, and local communities across the country.

This inquiry underscores a pivotal moment for Conestoga College and raises essential questions about the future of international education in Canada, making it a critical topic for discussion among policymakers and community members alike.