The Ford government's efficiency and accountability fund, a $1.3-billion initiative, has sparked debate among Ontario's publicly-funded colleges and universities. While most institutions applied, six notable absences include McMaster, Ottawa, Waterloo, Western, and the provincially-supervised Conestoga College. This article delves into the implications of these non-applicants, particularly Conestoga, which has faced financial turmoil due to the cap on international students. The provincial government's appointment of an administrator following an audit of financial misuse and governance failings raises questions about the effectiveness of the efficiency fund. Minister Nolan Quinn argues that the reviews were based on outdated data, but the NDP MPP Peggy Sattler suggests they were a mere distraction from funding concerns. The article concludes by questioning the true impact of these efficiency reviews and the government's motives, leaving readers with a sense of uncertainty about the future of these institutions.
