Regulation - LGIC
Modernizing Private Career College Regulatory Requirements
Regulation Number(s):
415/06 — Section 12 (2) and Section 28
Instrument Type:
Regulation - LGIC
Bill or Act:
Private Career Colleges Act, 2005
Summary of Decision:
O. Reg. 415/06 (General) under the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005 has been amended to:
a) Remove references to the outdated term "distance education" and revoke a separate tuition refund process for a category of programs ("distance education" programs) which no longer exists; and
b) Insert more flexible language into the regulation regarding program approval duration, enabling the ministry to develop options to minimize burden on businesses.
The regulatory changes came into force on January 1, 2024.
a) Remove references to the outdated term "distance education" and revoke a separate tuition refund process for a category of programs ("distance education" programs) which no longer exists; and
b) Insert more flexible language into the regulation regarding program approval duration, enabling the ministry to develop options to minimize burden on businesses.
The regulatory changes came into force on January 1, 2024.
Analysis of Regulatory Impact:
The amendment will not result in any new direct or indirect compliance costs to career colleges.
Further Information:
O. Reg. 415/06: GENERAL under Private Career Colleges Act, 2005
Policy directive for training programs with online or hybrid delivery formats
Operating a private career college: Program approval
Proposal Number:
23-MCU002
Posting Date:
April 3, 2023
Summary of Proposal:
1. Distance education programs: In March of 2022, the Superintendent of Private Career Colleges issued a policy directive for training programs with online or hybrid delivery formats which rendered the category of "distance education" programs in the regulation obsolete.
Section 28 of Ontario Regulation 415/06 references the now outdated term "distance education" and prescribes a separate tuition refund process for that category of programs. Revoking the section would limit confusion for students and operators and simplify administration and enforcement of the refund process.
2. Renewals of program approval: Section 12 (2) of the regulation sets the term of a program approval at five years or less. To allow for development of suitable policy options, the ministry is proposing more flexible language in the approval timeframe. Operators who offer programs in highly regulated vocations or in vocations subject to clear industry standards could benefit from terms of approval longer than five years and fewer requests to renew program approval.
Section 28 of Ontario Regulation 415/06 references the now outdated term "distance education" and prescribes a separate tuition refund process for that category of programs. Revoking the section would limit confusion for students and operators and simplify administration and enforcement of the refund process.
2. Renewals of program approval: Section 12 (2) of the regulation sets the term of a program approval at five years or less. To allow for development of suitable policy options, the ministry is proposing more flexible language in the approval timeframe. Operators who offer programs in highly regulated vocations or in vocations subject to clear industry standards could benefit from terms of approval longer than five years and fewer requests to renew program approval.
Contact Address:
77 Wellesley Street West
Box 977
Toronto ON M7A 1N3
Box 977
Toronto ON M7A 1N3
Effective Date:
January 1, 2024
Decision:
Approved