Ontario To Fine Illegal Colleges

 
 

October 28, 2009 10:15 AM

McGuinty Government Protecting Students, Strengthening Education

Starting November 1, 2009, illegal Private Career Colleges in Ontario will face financial penalties of up to $250,000 for taking advantage of students.

The fines will be levied on businesses that misrepresent themselves as colleges and on private colleges that offer unapproved programs and fail to comply with the Private Career Colleges Act.

To further protect students, the province is also:

  • Appointing new provincial offences officers to inspect Private Career Colleges.
  • Launching a student awareness campaign to help students choose a government-approved Private Career College program before enrolling.

Students can search for approved programs and registered Private Career Colleges at Ontario.ca/pcc, call 1-866-410-PCCS or check out the Private Career Colleges in Ontario page on Facebook.

QUICK FACTS

 
  • Penalties will range from $250 to $1,000 for a first offence. The penalties can be imposed daily and can escalate with repeat offences to a maximum of $250,000.
  • There are 580 registered Private Career College campuses in about 70 communities across Ontario.
  • Students at Private Career Colleges can train for jobs in a range of fields, from marketing and graphic design to welding and dental hygiene.

CONTACTS

  • Ralph Benmergui
    Minister's Office
    416 326-1628
    ralph.benmergui@nullontario.ca
  • Tanya Blazina
    Communications Branch
    416-325-2746
    tanya.blazina@nullontario.ca



Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities
ontario.ca/postsecondary


 

"We will use every enforcement tool at our disposal to protect students and put a stop to illegal businesses masquerading as legitimate colleges. Most Private Career Colleges offer excellent training and education. We're taking action to make sure these businesses put student protection first."

 – John Milloy
Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities and Minister of Research and Innovation

 
 
 
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