A police investigation into the bribery allegations was launched after the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities raised concerns over the validity of diplomas and certificates being issued by Goodwin College.
The Ministry alleges that money was offered to an official in exchange for a report that would have stated the college was in compliance with provincial standards. The report was never done.
Goodwin College is authorized only to offer "personal support worker," "business administration" and "early childcare assistant" programs, Toronto Police said.
But, according to the college's website, the school "is dedicated to provide a wide range of specialized and professional and certificate training programs and practical skills training in health care, business, languages, engineering, and technology." The website also says that the college offers on-site training for "pharmaceutical analysis" and "auto technicians."
Goodwin College has been operating across the GTA since 2002. It has campuses in the Dundas Tower at 165 Dundas St. W. in Cooksville at Confederation Pkwy., as well as locations in Scarborough and Toronto. Two of the phone numbers listed on the website are now out of service. A woman who answered a third number said that Goodwin College was not currently operating out of its Toronto location.
Zhenxiang "Gordon" Yi, 45, of Toronto is charged with two counts of bribery. He is scheduled to appear in court on July 4.
Police are asking anyone who has received a certificate or diploma from Goodwin College to contact them to confirm its validity.
jstewart@mississauga.net
