Private northern Ont. college accused of taking tuition, but not offering courses
A private career college in North Bay is under intense scrutiny from students and former teachers.
The students say the school has taken money from them while aware they can’t finish -- or even start -- their courses. The school offers in-person and online classes.
Amanda Weichel said she was excited to enroll in a one-year human resource management course at the Native Education and Training College. She paid $6,100 to cover expenses, including tuition and books.
“I was supposed to start the program, but you have to have an access code for your books and your course,” she said.
“But my access code did not work.”
In a response to a critical Google review, school owner Larry Stewart blamed the issue on a “hack” to its Canvas Learning Management System, saying the school is now using a new online system and that it is currently transferring students to the new system.
But Weichel eventually discovered the school was facing deep financial problems.
Some students say Native Education and Training College in North Bay has taken money from them while aware they can’t finish -- or even start -- their courses. The school offers in-person and online classes. (Eric Taschner/CTV News)
Irregular pay
Former Health Sciences teacher Tammy Jackson sounded the alarm, saying issues began in March 2023 with irregular pay.
“I actually can't find any paystubs since August,” Jackson said.
“I thought I had one from October somewhere, but I can't seem to find it … No T4s, no T2200s, no ROE.”
Jackson, who has filed a complaint with the Labour Relations Board, said three teachers quit because of the pay issue, which left the college with no professors.
She’s aware of at least 11 students who were locked out of their studies and two students who have been waiting for graduating documents, including Robin Woodhouse.
“It's been over two months. I've been finished the program. They ignore me,” Woodhouse told CTV News from Hamilton.
“I'm out of my certificate. I can't get that PSW job.”
Jackson said the school continues to claim that it’s “up and running,” while it’s still trying to hire new professors.
“Their website, their Facebook page is active. You have no instructors. I'm confused,” she said.
“So how do you keep in-taking people with no instructors?”
An online search states the college is “permanently closed,” according to Google’s school listing.
CTV News has learned that there is a note on the door of the school’s McIntyre Street West administration office door, which shows the college owes nearly $18,000 in rent.
The note sates the locks have been changed and the landlord has repossessed the property.
Weichel said students deserve to know the truth.
Some students say Native Education and Training College in North Bay has taken money from them while aware they can’t finish -- or even start -- their courses. The school offers in-person and online classes. (Eric Taschner/CTV News)
College officials declined comment
“Do a public statement to all of your students,” she said.
“Let them know the struggles that you're going through so we all know what to do, what the next steps are.”
CTV News contacted the school several times seeking comment. But our requests were declined and we were referred instead to an April 2 statement.
“We can confirm that our institution is still operational as a private career college,” admissions and recruitment manager Lee Stewart wrote.
“We are actively working to rectify this situation and ensure minimal disruption to our services. While we cannot comment on specific student cases due to privacy regulations, we can affirm that our institution is required to adhere to all applicable laws and regulations governing fee collection, refunds and student contracts as outlined by the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005.”
Weichel has been trying to get a refund since January, under the college’s 30-day policy.
“On Jan. 12, I spoke to the school and asked for a refund,” she said.
“They had agreed to give me the refund (but) I’ve yet to see the refund … The school had replied and said that they would give me a credit for my course instead.”
- Download our app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
Ontario’s Ministry of Colleges and Universities said the superintendent of career colleges is working to facilitate a resolution between the parties.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
MPs to vote on motion to oust House Speaker Greg Fergus over allegations of partisanship
Members of Parliament will be voting Tuesday on a Conservative-led motion to oust House of Commons Speaker Greg Fergus, amid renewed concern over his 'alleged lack of impartiality.'
Why young people keep getting caught in debt traps and how to break the cycle
Canadians are feeling the squeeze between incomes that haven't kept up with the cost of living, housing crises in markets across the country and rising interest rates brought in to control inflation. Experts share some tips for managing debt and spending.
Richard Dreyfuss' comments about women, LGBTQ2S+ people and diversity lead venue to apologize
The actor Richard Dreyfuss showed up in a dress at a 'Jaws'-themed event in Massachusetts, where the blockbuster 1975 movie he starred in was shot, and then proceeded to make demeaning remarks about women, LGBTQ2S+ people and diversity.
Severe thunderstorms, 15 cm of snow: Canadian weather forecast highlights
Well into spring, some parts of Canada could experience a wintry comeback, while other areas are bracing for severe thunderstorms, according to local forecasts.
WATCH Airline pilot treated to stunning northern lights show during U.S.-Portugal flight
An airline pilot got quite a show on May 11 while flying from San Francisco to Lisbon when a solar storm caused stunning auroras.
Tornado touches down west of the Island of Montreal
Emergency services in the town of Rigaud, Que. are investigating after a tornado touched down shortly after 5:30 p.m.
At least 60 reports of Lyme disease so far as Ontario enters tick season
Peak tick season is only just beginning but reports of bites – and tick-borne illnesses – are already higher than normal in Ontario.
Spy watchdog's foreign interference review finds 'unacceptable gaps' in accountability
The Canadian Security Intelligence Service and Public Safety Canada lacked a system for tracking who received and read specific intelligence on foreign interference, creating 'unacceptable gaps in accountability,' the national spy watchdog has found.
Man convicted in attack on Pelosi's husband back in court after judge's error
A man who assaulted U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's husband in 2022 will have another day in court on Tuesday after the federal judge overseeing the case failed to allow him to speak during his sentencing hearing earlier this month.