OTTAWA, ON, Oct. 8, 2026 /CNW/ — Willis College commends Minister Nolan Quinn and the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security for taking concerns about fraud and abuse within the Ontario Student Assistance Program seriously. Protecting students, safeguarding public funds, and holding bad actors accountable are essential to maintaining confidence in Ontario’s postsecondary education system.
“Fraud has no place in career education,” says Henry Devlin, President and CEO at Willis College. “Institutions entrusted with students’ futures and taxpayer-supported assistance must demonstrate uncompromised integrity, transparency, and operational responsibility.”
As the Ministry advances its review, Willis College urges government leaders to invite established, credible institutions to the table–specifically career colleges with a proven track record of quality instruction, ethical administration, and strong graduate outcomes.
With an educational legacy dating to 1866, Willis College has provided career-focused training to more than 180,000 Canadians. Through campuses in Ontario, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia – plus national, instructor-led online learning – Willis aligns practical training with critical labour market demands across healthcare, technology, business, education, and trades.
Demonstrating the tangible contribution responsible career colleges make to workforce and defense priorities, Willis College’s track record includes:
- National & International Defense: Delivering cybersecurity training for the Canadian Armed Forces and leading a DND-funded project to train the Jordanian Armed Forces in cyber defense.
- Youth & Skilled Trades: Executing an Ontario government-funded initiative to equip youth with in-demand skilled trades qualifications.
- Veteran & Military Support: Providing dedicated education, practicum placements, and career pathways for active military personnel and Veterans.
This institutional experience brings a responsibility to help elevate the broader career college sector. Willis College stands ready to collaborate with the Ministry on two immediate priorities:
- Developing Stronger, Measurable Sector Standards: Willis College is prepared to assist in building rigorous nationwide benchmarks for admissions, enrollment verification, transparent reporting of graduate outcomes, clear complaint resolution processes, and effective oversight. Credible institutions welcome high standards that highlight educational quality and expose misconduct early.
- Establishing a Safe Path Forward for Eligible Students: The Ministry and responsible institutions must work together on clear review criteria, timely decision-making, and safeguards that protect legitimate students. Qualified students should be allowed to continue their studies uninterrupted at institutions where full compliance is demonstrated.
“Students make life-changing commitments when they enroll – whether they are starting a first career, retraining, or supporting a family,” says Devlin. “When education is abruptly disrupted, it shatters livelihoods, delays paycheques, and leaves real people caught in the crossfire just as they’re on the cusp of changing their lives.”
Strong enforcement and continued access to credible education must advance together. Willis College welcomes an early meeting with Minister Quinn and Ministry officials to contribute its sector experience and help develop workable solutions.
“For 160 years, our purpose has been to prepare people for work and opportunity. We stand ready to help the Ministry ensure that this opportunity remains credible, accountable and accessible for Canadians.”
About Willis College
Established in Ottawa in 1866, Willis College is Canada’s oldest registered career college, with a 160-year legacy of building meaningful, practical careers that strengthen communities and power the workforce. Leveraging a national network of campuses, diverse program offerings, and deep-rooted relationships with national defense and private industry, Willis College seamlessly connects modern learners to the mission-critical jobs of today and tomorrow.
www.williscollege.ca
SOURCE Willis College
