Another round of layoffs at Conestoga College, nearly 400 full-time staff cut
Posted Mar 27, 2026 07:38:54 AM.
Last Updated Mar 27, 2026 07:49:41 AM.
Conestoga College has completed the layoff of nearly 400 employees as of last week as the school continues to adjust to declining international student enrolment.
According to Leopold Koff, president of OPSEU Local 237, the union representing faculty at the college, 181 faculty members and 197 support staff have either left the college completely or been forced into part time roles out of “desperation.”
“It was complete devastation for almost 400 people, plus those are left behind trying to figure out how to get the work done that’s still there,” said Koff.
Koff noted that the cuts are being made to improve the economic viability at the college and not because of a lack of workload. “I don’t know how the operation is going to be able to function,” said Koff.
In addition to a steep decline in international student enrolment, Koff said that the school’s financial woes could be down to mismanagement and the fact that Conestoga College runs 12 campuses across Ontario.
“It seems to have been about building a vast empire rather than focusing on the delivery of education,” added Koff.
The school is going through a period of transition after the retirement of their former president John Tibbits.
Tibbits, a controversial figure, spent nearly four decades with the college and had his contract extended until the end of 2026, but decided to enter retirement in early January.
Norma McDonald Ewing is serving as the interim president for the college as a consulting firm searches for a new president and CFO for Conestoga College.
“She set up a forum for presidents of the local unions and top executives so we can at least exchange thoughts, which should have happened before, but never did under John,” said Koff.
Union heads will be involved in the decision making process behind choosing a new president and CFO.
Koff added that he believes more cuts to jobs are on the way, however dates and numbers are confidential at this point.
