‘Finally did something right’: Unions react to Conestoga president’s retirement
Posted Jan 15, 2026 07:32:20 AM.
Last Updated Jan 15, 2026 10:19:07 AM.
The President of Conestoga College, John Tibbits, has unexpectedly left his role, ending his almost 40-year career as the leader of the local institution.
An email from the college’s Board of Governors, obtained by 570 NewsRadio, stated that John Tibbits decided to retire effective immediately after first moving into the role back in 1987.
“Serving Conestoga has been the privilege of my professional life,” said Tibbits in a statement. “I am confident the college is well-positioned for the future.”
The college announced in March that Tibbits’ contract had been extended until the end of 2026, but in September announced it had begun steps to find Tibbits’ replacement.
“He (Tibbits) had originally planned to retire in December 2024 and deferred his departure to support continuity during a period of transition,” said Conestoga College in a statement. “Conestoga remains focused on supporting students and employees, as well as delivering the programs and skills that meet the evolving needs of learners, employers, and communities.”
Tibbits has come under fire in recent years over various issues, including the number of international students accepted at the college and student housing scarcity.
That specifically led to a heated back-and-forth between Tibbits and the President of Sault College, David Orazietti, which resulted in a lawsuit.
During his tenure, Tibbits earned a series of accolades, including the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, Business Leader of the Year Award with the Greater K-W Chamber of Commerce, a Lifetime Achievement Award with the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, and more.
“John’s commitment to students and employees has shaped Conestoga and strengthened its role in preparing learners with the skills needed to support Ontario and Canada’s competitiveness,” said Chair Martha George with the college’s Board of Governors.
The board has begun the search for a new leader, which will be conducted by Boyden, a worldwide leadership and talent advisory firm.
In the meantime, Norma McDonald Ewing will serve as the interim president for the college. She most recently served as the Vice President of Institutional Strategy and Engagement, as well as the Chief of Staff and Secretary General to the college’s Board of Governors.
Union leaders react to the retirement of John Tibbits
Among the more recent controversies was a support staff strike which lasted over a month, stretching into the beginning of the most recent school year in 2025, as well as a round of layoffs just one week before Christmas.
It means that local union leaders have been heavily involved in discussions and debates centred around Conestoga in recent times, with their leadership now able to reflect following the official announcement of Tibbits’ retirement.
“I was literally surprised, quite literally surprised,” said Leopold Koff, President of OPSEU/SEFPO Local 237, which represents faculty members at Conestoga. “Then I thought for a moment, ‘Over the last few years, John Tibbits finally did something right.”
Other leaders, including Vikki Poirier, President of OPSEU/SEFPO Local 238, which represents support staff at the college, said it’s a move she would have liked to see well ahead of 2026.
“While I wish him all the best and hope that he’s healthy, and he has that time with his family,” Poirier stated. “I wish that this had taken place when we had originally requested it.”
Poirier stated that with Tibbits out of the position, those union leaders look forward to further productive discussions on the future of the college.
“I’m hoping it is a positive change that we will be able to move forward. Maybe the future will look a little brighter at Conestoga College with new leadership,” she said. “We have formally requested to meet with Norma to go over some decisions that were made and to see if we can move forward in a different direction.”
Koff gave a similar sentiment, saying that he looks forward to the change with a positive light, “without ego or other kinds of factors” having an impact on those discussions.
“Our goal is that this is an opportunity for redirecting the passage and route of Conestoga College. What’s been implemented just before Christmas, with the layoff notices and everything that’s happened, we can correct that,” Koff mentioned. “We can look at alternatives with the new interim president to pursue other options.”
