A year ago, the halls of Biztech College in Mississauga were bustling with students in various programs, but today, the classrooms and training labs sit empty. The college, facing accreditation challenges, has left students in limbo.
College founder Harpal Dharna expressed frustration as the college lost accreditation for its Cardiac and General Sonography programs, leading to a $1.5 million refund obligation for students. Despite efforts to meet standards, the college faced repercussions from Accreditation Canada and the Ministry of Colleges.
Students like Hareetinder Gill, close to program completion, feel the impact of lost time and opportunities. Many students, including Manpreet Sodhi, preferred the opportunity to finish the program over immediate refunds.
The Ministry of Colleges has stood firm on the accreditation issue, urging students to seek credit transfers elsewhere, while Biztech continues its legal battle. Dharna fears losing more programs, like the Paramedic Academy, due to financial strain.
Despite Accreditation Canada’s willingness to reassess, the Ministry remains unmoved, citing legal obligations to safeguard students’ education standards. The ongoing legal battle leaves the college and students in uncertainty.