Alberta MP calls out president of Conestoga College on Parliament Hill

An MP from Alberta requests president of Conestoga College, John Tibbits, to attend a committee meeting on an international student study. CTV's Heather Senoran

An Alberta Member of Parliament called out Conestoga College president John Tibbits during a committee meeting on Parliament Hill this week.

It happened Tuesday at a Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration meeting, where Conservative MP Michelle Rempel Garner serves as vice-chair. The committee examines laws, programs and policies related to citizenship and immigration.

Earlier this month, the committee agreed to study Canada’s immigration system, with a specific focus on the international student program and study permits. The goal is to identify systemic issues and explore long-term solutions.

Tuesday marked the first meeting for the study. According to the committee minutes, members were expected to submit their proposed witness lists.

Rempel Garner said she was “shocked” Tibbits was not present. While it remains unclear if Tibbits was formally asked to attend, Rempel Garner made it clear she wanted him there, tabling a notice of motion to summon him.

“So I am hoping I don’t have to move this motion. I think it is fairly embarrassing that he would choose not to come to this committee,” she said.

Conestoga College’s international student enrolment grew by 1,579 per cent in seven years, from 763 students in 2014-15 to 12,808 in 2021-22, according to a 2024 report from Ontario’s Big City Mayors.

Following the federal government’s cap on study visas earlier this year, Conestoga reported 8,584 international students enrolled for the 2025 spring semester — a 62 per cent drop from 22,633 students at the same time last year.

At Tuesday’s meeting, Rempel Garner levelled sharp criticism over how the college has managed its international student program.

“Conestoga College has had numerous stories about abuse of foreign students,” she said. “All of the media stories I’ve heard [are] that under his leadership, Conestoga College has expanded profit but forced students out into food banks [and] has created a massive housing crisis in the region, and the fact that he is ignoring this committee tells me only one thing — that I am right.”

This year, Conestoga College reported a $121-million surplus, down from $252 million the previous year. The school also reported spending $436 million on salaries and benefits, an increase of $37 million from the year before.

The motion to summon Tibbits was not moved Tuesday or at the following meeting on Thursday. The next meeting is scheduled for Oct. 9, when the matter could resurface.

CTV News has reached out to Conestoga College for comment but has not received a response.