Ontario has referred concerns about student financial assistance payments at private career colleges to the Ontario Provincial Police following an audit that identified what the government called “serious concerns” about possible criminal activity and the use of public funds.
Colleges and Universities Minister Nolan Quinn said the province began targeted inspections of career colleges last year amid concerns about Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) usage. KPMG began an audit in August.
Preliminary findings include concerns about common ownership, links between colleges and immigration services firms, inadequate verification of student enrolment and course outcomes, and unusually high concentrations of OSAP applications from certain areas.
The government notified the auditor general last week and referred the matter to the OPP on Friday.
The move follows allegations in court filings that third parties may have completed coursework for students at some career colleges, including entire courses in a single day. Some students allegedly could not identify their school or program. The colleges have denied most of the allegations, which have not been proven in court.
The government has paused OSAP payments for career college students while the audit continues, leaving schools and students uncertain about financial assistance.
Quinn said the province is considering low-interest loans with banks to help students in the meantime.
Career Colleges Ontario said the delays are disrupting schools and students and called for action targeting institutions involved in improper conduct rather than the entire sector.
The province also plans to introduce legislation this fall to make online-only programs at private career colleges ineligible for OSAP again.
