Minutes of Council Meetings
Council Meeting
Via Videoconference
December 3-4, 2020
Minutes of the Council Meeting of the Ontario College of Teachers held on December 3-4, 2020 via Videoconference
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Call to Order/Welcome
2. Agenda and Approval of Preparation Time
3. Conflict of Interest
4. Minutes
4.1 Meeting, October 1-2, 2020
5. Committee Reports (with motions)
5.1 Governance Committee (Timed Item: 10:50 a.m.)
6. Public Presentation
7. Risks and Strategic Priorities
7.1 Registrar’s Report
7.2 Financial Report
7.3 Chair’s Report
8. Committee Reports (with motions) (cont’d)
8.1 Finance Committee (Timed Item: 1:35 p.m.)
8.2 Standards of Practice and Education Committee
9. Address by Minister of Education (Timed Item: 2:30 p.m.)
10. New Business
10.1 College Scholarship 2020-2021 Awards (Timed Item: 3 p.m.)
11. Committee Reports (with motions) (cont’d)
11.1 Governance Committee (Continued)
12. Committee Reports (with motions) (cont’d)
12.1 Human Resources Committee (Timed Item: 9:05 a.m.)
12.2 Governance Committee (Continued)
13. Committee Reports (without motions)
13.1 Editorial Board
13.2 Ad Hoc Committee on College Membership for
Private School Teachers
14. New Business (cont’d)
14.1 College Bylaw Amendment
15. Next Meeting(s) of Council
16. Adjournment
Minutes of the Council Meeting of the Ontario College of Teachers held on December 3-4, 2020 via Videoconference
Present: Charles Dimitry Abraham, OCT; Diane Ballantyne, OCT; Chantal Bélisle, OCT (Deputy Registrar); Paige Bennett, OCT; John Cammarata; Bob Cooper, OCT; Chantal Côté, OCT; Irene Dembek, OCT; Elizabeth Edgar-Webkamigad, OCT; Richard Filion; Rebecca Forte, OCT; Melissa Gaffen, OCT; Tim Gernstein, OCT (Vice-Chair); Erin Glen, OCT; Mary Ellen Gucciardi, OCT; John Hamilton, OCT; Jacqueline Karsemeyer, OCT; Timothy Kwiatkowski, OCT; Todd Lalonde; Colleen Landers; Élaine Legault; Mary-Anne Mouawad, OCT; Sara Nouini, OCT; Bonnie Oakes Charron; Wanda Percival; Tom Potter; Nicola Powadiuk, OCT; Vincent Rinaldo, OCT; Jonathan Rose; Nancy Saunders, OCT; Kara Smith, OCT (from 10:50 a.m.); Stéphane Vallée, OCT; Nicole van Woudenberg, OCT (Chair); Jennifer Wyatt, OCT
Regrets: Stephen Zimmermann, OCT
Presiding Officer: Lori Lukinuk
Staff: Kim Bauer; Tan Crombie; Roch Gallien, OCT; Linda Lacroix, OCT; Richard Lewko; Charlie Morrison; Linda Zaks-Walker, OCT
1. Call to Order/Welcome
The Presiding Officer, Lori Lukinuk, called the meeting to order at 10:45 a.m. Members were reminded that all requests to speak on a matter would need to be made through the speaker button on eScribe and not through the chat feature.
It was noted that Tim Gernstein and Colleen Landers comprised the Steering Committee.
The Chair of Council, Nicole van Woudenberg, opened the meeting by acknowledging that Council members were gathered from various lands that were the traditional territory of the Wendat, the Anishnaabeg, Haudenosaunee, Métis and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.
The Chair welcomed all Council members, staff and members of the public to the meeting. She asked meeting participants to note that December 6 was designated as the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.
Council paused for a moment of silence in recognition of the recent passing of former appointed Council member, Michelle Miner Seal, whose term on Council had ended on November 28, 2020.
2. Agenda and Approval of Preparation Time (GC20201203-120)
Requests were made to remove from the consent agenda the minutes of October 1-2, 2020, and the reports of the Editorial Board Report and the Ad Hoc Committee on College Membership for Private School Teachers.
It was moved by Steering, and
CARRIED,
That the Agenda for the December 3-4, 2020 Council meeting be approved, as amended.
For: Charles Dimitry Abraham, Diane Ballantyne, Paige Bennett, John Cammarata, Bob Cooper, Chantal Côté, Irene Dembek, Elizabeth Edgar-Webkamigad, Richard Filion, Rebecca Forte, Melissa Gaffen, Tim Gernstein, Erin Glen, Mary Ellen Gucciardi, Jacqueline Karsemeyer, Timothy Kwiatkowski, Todd Lalonde, Colleen Landers, Élaine Legault, Mary-Ann Mouawad, Sara Nouini, Bonnie Oakes Charron, Wanda Percival, Tom Potter, Nicola Powadiuk, Vincent Rinaldo, Jonathan Rose, Nancy Saunders, Stéphane Vallée, Nicole van Woudenberg, Jennifer Wyatt
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Result
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For: 31
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Against: 0
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Abstain: 0
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Absent: 2
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Preparation time of one day was confirmed.
3. Conflict of Interest
No conflicts were declared.
4. Minutes
4.1 Meeting, October 1-2, 2020 (GC20201203-121)
A Council member indicated that she found the minutes from the October Council meeting unclear. She requested that an additional sentence be added to clarify the result of the motion passed related to the mandate of the Ad Hoc Committee on College Membership for Private School Teachers.
The Presiding Officer confirmed that, with the addition, the minutes for the October 1-2, 2020 Council meeting were approved as amended.
5. Committee Reports (with motions)
5.1 Governance Committee (Timed Item: 10:50 a.m.) (GC20201203-144)
The Chair of the Governance Committee, Tom Potter reviewed the committee’s work to fill the Faculty of Education position on Council, which had become vacant following the resignation of a Council member in July. He presented the committee’s recommendation to appoint Kara Smith, OCT to the position.
The Chair of the Governance Committee reported that no applications had been received for the Supervisory Officer position and as a result, it remained vacant.
It was moved by Tom Potter, and
CARRIED,
That Council appoint Kara Smith, OCT to the Faculty of Education position for the duration of the term of Eighth Council.
For: Charles Dimitry Abraham, Diane Ballantyne, Paige Bennett, John Cammarata, Bob Cooper, Chantal Côté, Irene Dembek, Elizabeth Edgar-Webkamigad, Richard Filion, Rebecca Forte, Melissa Gaffen, Tim Gernstein, Erin Glen, Mary Ellen Gucciardi, John Hamilton, Jacqueline Karsemeyer, Timothy Kwiatkowski, Todd Lalonde, Colleen Landers, Élaine Legault, Mary-Ann Mouawad, Sara Nouini, Bonnie Oakes Charron, Wanda Percival, Tom Potter, Nicola Powadiuk, Vincent Rinaldo, Jonathan Rose, Nancy Saunders, Stéphane Vallée, Nicole van Woudenberg, Jennifer Wyatt
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Result
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For: 32
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Against: 0
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Abstain: 0
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Absent: 1
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The Chair of Council extended a warm welcome to newly appointed Council member Kara Smith and noted that she had previously served during the sixth Council term.
6. Public Presentation
Charline Grant, from the organization Parents of Black Children, made a presentation to Council on the need to better address systemic racism in the province’s classrooms. A question and answer session followed.
The Presiding Officer thanked Ms. Grant for her presentation.
7. Risks and Strategic Priorities
7.1 Registrar’s Report (GC20201203-138)
The Deputy Registrar, Chantal Bélisle, presented the Registrar’s Report and responded to questions. The Deputy Registrar also provided information on two matters that were additional to the previously distributed report, including:
- an update on legislation related to the funding for therapy and counselling program launched in January 2020, noting that the increased rates announced by the Minister of Health in April 2020 would result in a slight increase to the College’s forecasting to provide for approximately $17,000 per victim rather than $16,000
- notification that in response to Council’s request for amendments to the Teachers’ Qualifications Regulation, the College had recently approved three new Additional Qualification course guidelines.
7.2 Financial Report (GC20201203-139)
The financial report for the period ended September 30, 2020 was received.
7.3 Chair’s Report (GC20201203
The Chair of Council, Nicole van Woudenberg, presented her report and responded to questions. The Chair noted that during a recent meeting with the Deputy Minister of Education, the discussion had focused on Bill 229 and the status of Council’s governance recommendations. She indicated that the appointment of a transition supervisory officer was likely to occur following proclamation of the Bill.
8. Committee Reports (with motions) (cont’d)
8.1 Finance Committee (Timed Item: 1:35 p.m.) (GC20201203-141)
The Chair of the Finance Committee, Diane Ballantyne presented the committee’s report and provided an overview of the budget development process. She and the Controller, Fred Towers, responded to questions.
It was moved by Diane Ballantyne, and
CARRIED,
That Council approve the 2021 budget proposal with no adjustments to the membership fee currently set at $170.
For: Diane Ballantyne, Paige Bennett, John Cammarata, Bob Cooper, Chantal Côté, Irene Dembek, Richard Filion, Rebecca Forte, Melissa Gaffen, Tim Gernstein, Erin Glen, Mary Ellen Gucciardi, John Hamilton, Jacqueline Karsemeyer, Timothy Kwiatkowski, Colleen Landers, Élaine Legault, Mary-Ann Mouawad, Bonnie Oakes Charron, Wanda Percival, Tom Potter, Nicola Powadiuk, Jonathan Rose, Nancy Saunders, Stéphane Vallée, Nicole van Woudenberg, Jennifer Wyatt
Against: Tim Gernstein, Todd Lalonde, Kara Smith
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Result
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For: 27
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Against: 3
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Abstain: 0
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Absent: 4
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8.2 Standards of Practice and Education Committee (GC20201203-142)
The Chair of the Standards of Practice and Education Committee, Mary-Anne Mouawad, presented the report.
It was moved by Mary-Anne Mouawad, and
CARRIED,
That Council recommend to the Minister of Education that a new Anti-Audism Additional Qualification course be enacted in Schedule C of the Teachers’ Qualifications Regulation.
For: Charles Dimitry Abraham, Diane Ballantyne, Paige Bennett, John Cammarata, Bob Cooper, Chantal Côté, Irene Dembek, Elizabeth Edgar-Webkamigad, Rebecca Forte, Melissa Gaffen, Tim Gernstein, Erin Glen, Mary Ellen Gucciardi, John Hamilton, Jacqueline Karsemeyer, Timothy Kwiatkowski, Todd Lalonde, Colleen Landers, Élaine Legault, Mary-Ann Mouawad, Sara Nouini, Bonnie Oakes Charron, Wanda Percival, Tom Potter, Nicola Powadiuk, Jonathan Rose, Nancy Saunders, Kara Smith, Stéphane Vallée, Nicole van Woudenberg, Jennifer Wyatt
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Result
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For: 31
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Against: 0
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Abstain: 1
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Absent: 2
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The Chair of the Standards of Practice and Education Committee continued presentation of the committee’s report.
It was moved by Mary-Anne Mouawad, and
CARRIED,
That Council recommend to the Minister of Education that a new Supporting Cultures of Well-Being Additional Qualification course be enacted in Schedule D of the Teachers’ Qualifications Regulation.
For: Charles Dimitry Abraham, Diane Ballantyne, Paige Bennett, John Cammarata, Bob Cooper, Chantal Côté, Irene Dembek, Elizabeth Edgar-Webkamigad, Rebecca Forte, Melissa Gaffen, Tim Gernstein, Erin Glen, Mary Ellen Gucciardi, John Hamilton, Jacqueline Karsemeyer, Timothy Kwiatkowski, Todd Lalonde, Colleen Landers, Élaine Legault, Mary-Ann Mouawad, Sara Nouini, Bonnie Oakes Charron, Wanda Percival, Tom Potter, Nicola Powadiuk, Jonathan Rose, Nancy Saunders, Kara Smith, Stéphane Vallée, Nicole van Woudenberg, Jennifer Wyatt
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Result
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For: 31
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Against: 0
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Abstain: 1
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Absent: 2
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The Chair of the Standards of Practice and Education Committee continued presentation of the committee’s report.
It was moved by Mary-Anne Mouawad, and
CARRIED,
That Council appoint Mary-Anne Mouawad, OCT as Chair of the Standards of Practice and Education Committee for the balance of the term of 8the Council.
For: Charles Dimitry Abraham, Diane Ballantyne, Paige Bennett, John Cammarata, Bob Cooper, Chantal Côté, Irene Dembek, Elizabeth Edgar-Webkamigad, Richard Filion, Rebecca Forte, Melissa Gaffen, Tim Gernstein, Erin Glen, Mary Ellen Gucciardi, John Hamilton, Jacqueline Karsemeyer, Timothy Kwiatkowski, Todd Lalonde, Colleen Landers, Élaine Legault, Mary-Ann Mouawad, Sara Nouini, Bonnie Oakes Charron, Wanda Percival, Tom Potter, Nicola Powadiuk, Jonathan Rose, Nancy Saunders, Kara Smith, Stéphane Vallée, Nicole van Woudenberg, Jennifer Wyatt
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Result
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For: 32
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Against: 0
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Abstain: 0
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Absent: 2
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The Chair of the Standards of Practice and Education Committee continued presentation of the committee’s report.
It was moved by Mary-Anne Mouawad, and
CARRIED,
That Council appoint Mary-Anne Mouawad, OCT as Chair of the Standards of Practice and Education Committee for the balance of the term of 8th Council.
For: Charles Dimitry Abraham, Diane Ballantyne, Paige Bennett, John Cammarata, Bob Cooper, Chantal Côté, Irene Dembek, Elizabeth Edgar-Webkamigad, Richard Filion, Rebecca Forte, Melissa Gaffen, Tim Gernstein, Erin Glen, Mary Ellen Gucciardi, John Hamilton, Jacqueline Karsemeyer, Timothy Kwiatkowski, Todd Lalonde, Colleen Landers, Élaine Legault, Mary-Ann Mouawad, Sara Nouini, Bonnie Oakes Charron, Wanda Percival, Tom Potter, Nicola Powadiuk, Jonathan Rose, Nancy Saunders, Kara Smith, Stéphane Vallée, Nicole van Woudenberg, Jennifer Wyatt
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Result
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For: 32
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Against: 0
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Abstain: 0
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Absent: 2
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9. Address by Minister of Education (Timed Item: 2:30 p.m.)
The Chair of Council welcomed and introduced the Honourable Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education.
The Minister thanked Council for the College’s work in supporting student safety by ensuring students are taught by highly competent, qualified and regulated teachers, particularly during the current pandemic.
The Minister also reviewed some of the changes that would take effect with the passage of Bill 229 to modernize the College’s governance structure. He noted that the changes would enhance the College’s ability to effectively regulate the teaching profession. The Minister’s Parliamentary Assistant, Sam Oosterhoff, provided a brief summary of the Minister’s remarks in French.
A question and answer session followed the Minister’s address.
The Vice-Chair of Council, Tim Gernstein, thanked the Minister for addressing Council.
10. New Business
10.1 College Scholarship 2020-2021 Awards (Timed Item: 3 p.m.)
The Chair of Council noted that the Ontario College of Teachers’ Scholarship Program recognizes and supports excellence in teacher education by awarding scholarships to prospective teachers whose achievements and characteristics model those values.
The Chair welcomed and noted the achievements of Kai Butterfield of OISE/UT, recipient of the 2020-2021 Joseph W. Atkinson Scholarship. Ms. Butterfield addressed Council and expressed her gratitude for the award.
The Chair welcomed and noted the achievements of Melena Hope of Lakehead University, recipient of the 2020-2021 Ontario College of Teachers Primary/Junior or Junior/Intermediate Scholarship. Ms. Hope addressed Council and expressed her gratitude for the award.
The Chair welcomed and noted the achievements of Damon O’Shea of Western University, recipient of the 2020-2021 Ontario College of Teachers Intermediate/Senior Scholarship. Mr. O’Shea addressed Council and expressed his gratitude for the award.
11. Committee Reports (with motions) (cont’d)
11.1 Governance Committee (Continued)
The Chair of the Governance Committee continued his presentation of the Governance Committee Report and its attachments.
A lengthy discussion followed.
The meeting recessed at 4 p.m.
Session 2 – Friday, December 4, 2020
Present: Diane Ballantyne, OCT; Chantal Bélisle, OCT (Deputy Registrar); Paige Bennett, OCT; John Cammarata; Bob Cooper, OCT; Chantal Côté, OCT; Irene Dembek, OCT; Elizabeth Edgar-Webkamigad, OCT; Richard Filion; Rebecca Forte, OCT; Melissa Gaffen, OCT; Tim Gernstein, OCT (Vice-Chair); Erin Glen, OCT; Mary Ellen Gucciardi, OCT; John Hamilton, OCT; Jacqueline Karsemeyer, OCT; Timothy Kwiatkowski, OCT; Colleen Landers; Élaine Legault; Mary-Anne Mouawad, OCT; Sara Nouini, OCT; Bonnie Oakes Charron; Wanda Percival; Tom Potter; Nicola Powadiuk, OCT; Vincent Rinaldo, OCT; Jonathan Rose; Nancy Saunders, OCT; Kara Smith, OCT; Stéphane Vallée, OCT; Nicole van Woudenberg, OCT (Chair); Jennifer Wyatt, OCT
Regrets: Charles Dimitry Abraham, OCT; Todd Lalonde; Stephen Zimmermann, OCT
Presiding Officer: Lori Lukinuk
Staff: Kim Bauer; Tan Crombie; Roch Gallien, OCT; Linda Lacroix, OCT; Richard Lewko; Charlie Morrison; Linda Zaks-Walker, OCT
Presiding Officer Lori Lukinuk called the meeting to order at 9 a.m.
12. Committee Reports (with motions) (cont’d)
12.1 Human Resources Committee (Timed Item: 9:05 a.m.) (GC20201203-143)
The Vice-Chair of the Human Resources Committee, Timothy Kwiatkowski presented the committee’s report.
It was moved by Timothy Kwiatkowski, and
CARRIED,
That Council move in camera to discuss a Human Resources matter with only Council members, the Presiding Officer, the Deputy Registrar and the Council and Committees Officer present.
eScribe vote:
For: Diane Ballantyne, Paige Bennett, John Cammarata, Bob Cooper, Chantal Côté, Irene Dembek, Richard Filion, Rebecca Forte, Melissa Gaffen, Tim Gernstein, Erin Glen, Mary Ellen Gucciardi, Jacqueline Karsemeyer, Timothy Kwiatkowski, Colleen Landers, Élaine Legault, Sara Nouini, Bonnie Oakes Charron, Wanda Percival, Nicola Powadiuk, Vince Rinaldo, Jonathan Rose, Nancy Saunders, Kara Smith, Stéphane Vallée, Nicole van Woudenberg, Jennifer Wyatt
Against: Tom Potter
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Result
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For: 27
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Against: 1
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Abstain: 0
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Absent: 6
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Council moved in camera at 9:05 a.m. and moved out of the in camera session at 11:05 a.m.
The Vice-Chair of the Human Resources Committee reported out on a motion passed during the in camera session:
That Council appoint Dr. Derek Haime, OCT to the position of Registrar and Chief Executive Officer for a four-year term, effective January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2024.
12.2 Governance Committee (Continued)
The Chair of the Governance Committee continued his presentation of the committee report. He extended a special acknowledgement to the previous chair of the Governance Committee, Matthew Kavanagh for his work in initiating the College governance review.
It was moved by Tom Potter: That Council approve the Competencies and Other Qualities for Council and committee members as outlined in Attachment 1 to Document 144.
It was moved by Tom Potter, seconded by Tim Gernstein, and
CARRIED,
That the motion be amended by the addition of "and that Council approve the insertion of a notation in the margin of Document GC20200305-31 indicating a subsequent update to the competencies and attributes has occurred" after "Document 144".
eScribe vote:
For: Diane Ballantyne, Paige Bennett, John Cammarata, Bob Cooper, Chantal Côté, Irene Dembek, Elizabeth Edgar-Webkamigad, Richard Filion, Rebecca Forte, Melissa Gaffen, Tim Gernstein, Erin Glen, Mary Ellen Gucciardi, John Hamilton, Jacqueline Karsemeyer, Timothy Kwiatkowski, Colleen Landers, Élaine Legault, Mary-Anne Mouawad, Sara Nouini, Bonnie Oakes Charron, Wanda Percival, Tom Potter, Nicola Powadiuk, Vincent Rinaldo, Nancy Saunders, Kara Smith, Stéphane Vallée, Nicole van Woudenberg, Jennifer Wyatt
Against: Jonathan Rose
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Result
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For: 30
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Against: 1
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Abstain: 0
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Absent: 3
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Debate on the main motion as amended continued.
It was moved by Tom Potter, but
LOST,
That Council approve the Competencies and Other Qualities for Council and committee members as outlined in Attachment 1 to Document 144, and that Council approve the insertion of a notation in the margin of Document GC20200305-31 indicating a subsequent update to the competencies and attributes has occurred.
The vote was conducted via eScribe, however due to technical difficulties, only the voting result information is available and not the detailed summary.
The Chair of the Governance Committee continued his presentation on the development of guiding principles outlined in Attachment 2 to the committee’s report. He noted that the intent of the seven principles was to provide guidance to the Transition Supervisory Officer (TSO) and to a future Selection and Nominating Committee.
It was moved by Tom Potter, and
CARRIED,
That Council approve the Principles for TSO Consideration as outlined in Attachment 2 to Document 144.
eScribe vote:
For: Diane Ballantyne, Paige Bennett, John Cammarata, Bob Cooper, Chantal Côté, Irene Dembek, Elizabeth Edgar-Webkamigad, Richard Filion, Rebecca Forte, Melissa Gaffen, Tim Gernstein, Erin Glen, Mary Ellen Gucciardi, John Hamilton, Jacqueline Karsemeyer, Timothy Kwiatkowski, Colleen Landers, Élaine Legault, Mary-Anne Mouawad, Sara Nouini, Bonnie Oakes Charron, Wanda Percival, Tom Potter, Nicola Powadiuk, Jonathan Rose, Nancy Saunders, Kara Smith, Stéphane Vallée, Nicole van Woudenberg, Jennifer Wyatt
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Result
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For: 30
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Against: 0
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Abstain: 0
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Absent: 4
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13. Committee Reports (without motions)
13.1 Editorial Board (GC20201203-129)
Council members shared their concerns regarding the selection for the cover of the December issue of Professionally Speaking, which highlighted the release of a professional advisory on professional boundaries.
During a lengthy discussion that followed, the Chair of the Editorial Board, Chantal Côté, the Deputy Registrar and the Director of Corporate and Council Services, Richard Lewko responded to questions.
13.2 Ad Hoc Committee on College Membership for
for Private School Teachers (GC20201203-131)
The Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee, Nicola Powadiuk, presented the committee’s report and responded to questions. She summarized the committee’s plan to seek input from College members, education stakeholders and the public, with a final report and recommendation scheduled to be presented at the March 2021 Council meeting.
14. New Business (cont’d)
14.1 College Bylaw Amendment (GC20201203-145)
Membership Analyst Nancy Tran reviewed the proposed amendment to the College bylaws to reflect member teacher education qualifications and work experience on the public register. A question and answer session followed.
In response to a member’s question, the Deputy Registrar indicated that the option to reflect other certificates on the public register could be pursued by the incoming Registrar and a future Council.
The Presiding Officer reminded Council members that a notice of motion for the bylaw change had been read into the minutes of the October 1-2, 2020 meeting.
It was moved by Steering, and
CARRIED,
That Section 25, Contents of the Register, of the College bylaws be amended by addition and deletion, as follows:
25.01 In addition to the information prescribed by section 23 of the Act, the register shall contain:
(…)
l. any certificate, diploma advanced diploma or certificate of apprenticeship granted to the applicant related to their technological education qualifications;
m. any acceptable work experience and competence demonstrated by the applicant related to their technological education qualifications;
The vote was conducted via eScribe, however due to technical difficulties, only the voting result information is available and not the detailed summary.
15. Next Meeting(s) of Council
- March 4-5, 2021
- June 3-4, 2021
16. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 3:35 p.m.
