Minutes of Council Meetings
Minutes of the Council Meeting of the Ontario College of Teachers held on December 4-5, 2007 in the Council Chambers, 6th Floor, 121 Bloor Street East, Toronto
Table of Contents
1. Call to Order/Welcome
2. Agenda
3. Conflict of Interest
4. Minutes
5. Business Arising
6. Registrar’s Report
7. Address by the Minister of Education
8. Registrar’s Report (Continued)
9. Chair’s Report
10. Committee Reports
11. Correspondence
12. New Business
13. Notices of Motion
14. Next Meeting of Council
15. Adjournment
Session 1: Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Present: Danny Anckle, Gabrielle Blais, Paul Brazeau, Don Cattani (Chair),
Brian Doubleday, Cynthia Farrar, Dean Favero, Laura Featherstone, Rosemary Fontaine, Nick Forte, Helen Fox, Mel Greif, Brent Hamelin, Gordon Hough, Garry Humphreys, Annilee Jarvis (Vice-Chair),
Bill Kirkwood, Rollande Lavictoire, Anne Marie Levesque,
Bill Matheson, Heather Nagy, Jacques Pavesi, Ijaz Rauf (from 1:10 p.m.), Tanya Roberts, Susan Robertson, Tianna Travaglini-Babic,
Jacques Tremblay, John Tucker, Henry Tyndorf, Don Watson,
Hanno Weinberger, John Wells, Sharon Young Kipp, Brian P. McGowan (Registrar)
Regrets: Peter Joong, Ruth Ann Penny
Presiding Officers: Douglas McCarthy, George Merrett,
Guests: Minister of Education, Kathleen Wynne (from 4:00 p.m. to 4:35 p.m.)
Staff: Kim Bauer, Francine Dutrisac, Myrtle Herzenberg, Joe Jamieson,
Richard Lewko, Charlie Morrison, Katherin Platt, Lise Roy-Kolbusz (Deputy Registrar), Michael Salvatori, Linda Zaks-Walker
1. Call to Order/Welcome
The Presiding Officer, George Merrett, called the meeting to order at 1:05 p.m. and welcomed all present.
The Presiding Officer noted the revisions to the Agenda and the materials to be distributed.
It was noted that Annilee Jarvis and John Tucker comprised the Steering Committee.
2. Agenda (GC20071204-177, Revised)
It was agreed to amend the Agenda by the addition of the following item under New Business: Environmentally Conscious and Socially Friendly Meeting Practices.
It was moved by Steering, and
CARRIED,
That the revised Agenda for the December 4-5, 2007 Council meeting be approved as amended.
No conflicts were declared.
4.1 Meeting, October 1-2, 2007 (GC20071204-178)
It was moved by Steering, and
CARRIED,
That the Minutes of the Council Meeting held on
October 1-2, 2007 be approved.
5.1 Council Member Travel Policy — Personal Meal Expenses (GC20071204-180)
The Registrar spoke to the recommended changes to the personal meal expenses in the Council Member Travel Policy. He advised that he had received correspondence from the Ministry of Education indicating that detailed receipts outlining specific costs incurred were required for appointed member expenses and noted that recommendations were being brought forward to harmonize the practice between appointed and elected members.
A question and answer session followed.
It was moved by Steering, “That Council amend the Council Travel Policy dated October 2, 2007 as follows: By adding on page 13, “… upon submission of the original detailed receipt showing the date, items consumed, applicable tax, gratuities and total. Credit card receipts showing only the total are not acceptable for reimbursement.”
By adding on page 16 in the final bullet, “which clearly detail the date, items consumed, applicable tax, gratuities and total. Credit card receipts showing only the total are not acceptable for reimbursement.”
It was moved by Brent Hamelin, seconded by John Wells, and
CARRIED,
That the question be put re the Personal Meal Expenses.
A vote was taken on the main motion, and it was
CARRIED,
That Council amend the Council Travel Policy dated
October 2, 2007 as follows:
By adding on page 13, “… upon submission of the original detailed receipt showing the date, items consumed, applicable tax, gratuities and total. Credit card receipts showing only the total are not acceptable for reimbursement.”
By adding on page 16 in the final bullet, “which clearly detail the date, items consumed, applicable tax, gratuities and total. Credit card receipts showing only the total are not acceptable for reimbursement.”
5.2 External Review of Job Descriptions for the Registrar, Deputy Registrar and Chair of Council (GC20071204-181C, -182)
The Registrar advised that the External Review of Job Descriptions for the Registrar, Deputy Registrar and Chair of Council related to personnel issues that were of a confidential nature and for that reason recommended that Council move into an in camera session pursuant to section 8(3).of the Ontario College of Teachers’ Act, to deal with the item.
It was moved by Steering, and
CARRIED,
That Council receive the report 10 Years of Self-Regulation: A review of the governance-leadership nexus in an in-camera session at its December 4-5, 2007 meeting.
It was moved by Steering, and
CARRIED,
That Council move into an in camera session with members of Council, the Registrar and Deputy Registrar present.
Council moved into an in camera session at 1:35 p.m.
Council moved out of the in camera session at 2:30 p.m.
5.3 French Advisory Groups — Tabled Motion(GC20071204-183, -184)
The Registrar noted the reason for bringing the tabled motion to Council’s attention.
The Presiding Officer addressed the issue of tabling a motion versus postponing a motion.
It was moved by Steering, and
CARRIED,
That Council consider the following motion at its
December 4-5, 2007 meeting:
That Council approve that College-sponsored French advisory groups include at least one French-language speaking member of Council.
It was moved by Steering, but it was
LOST,
That Council approve that College-sponsored French advisory groups include at least one French-language speaking member of Council.
5.4 Report on the Ad Hoc Committee on Stabilization of Facility Costs (GC20071204-185, -227)
The reports of the Ad Hoc Committee on Stabilization of Long Term Facility Costs were received. Paul Brazeau, Chair, Ad Hoc Committee on Stabilization of Long Term Facility Costs, spoke to the reports.
Douglas McCarthy assumed the role of Presiding Officer.
6.1 Report (GC20071204-186,-187, -188)
The Registrar’s Report was received. The Registrar, Brian P. McGowan, spoke to the report and answered questions.
The Registrar provided information on the activities undertaken to date relating to the review of Fair Registration Practices.
The Registrar advised members that with respect to the Mutual Recognition Agreement for the Teaching Profession in Canada, he was providing this information to Council as an advisory because some of the input provided by the Labour Mobility Coordinating Group (LMCG), if integrated into the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA), may require regulatory changes to Regulation 184/97, Teachers Qualifications.
The Registrar advised members that as of January 2008 the Professional Affairs Department will be renamed the Standards of Practice and Accreditation Department.
The Registrar agreed to provide members with the results of an electronic survey detailing the responses from volunteers on the Teachers’ Network in a future Registrar’s Report.
7. Address by the Minister of Education(Timed Item: Tuesday, December 4, 2007, 4:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
Four members of Council, Laura Featherstone, Jacques Tremblay, Danny Anckle and Gabrielle Blais, introduced the Minister of Education, the Honourable Kathleen Wynne, who addressed Council. Her address was followed by a question and answer session.
The Chair, Don Cattani, thanked the Minister.
8.1 Report (GC20071204-186,-187, -188)
The Registrar responded to further questions to his report.
9.1 Report (GC20071204-189)
The report of the Chair was received. The Chair, Don Cattani, spoke to the report and answered questions.
It was agreed that a letter of response to George Heighington would be written by the Chair of Council re Technical Studies and that this letter would be made available to all Council members.
The meeting recessed at 5:05 p.m.
Session 2: Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Present: Danny Anckle, Gabrielle Blais, Paul Brazeau, Don Cattani (Chair),
Brian Doubleday, Cynthia Farrar, Dean Favero, Laura Featherstone, Rosemary Fontaine, Nick Forte, Helen Fox, Mel Greif, Brent Hamelin, Gordon Hough, Garry Humphreys, Bill Kirkwood, Rollande Lavictoire, Anne Marie Levesque, Bill Matheson, Heather Nagy, Jacques Pavesi (from 10:00 a.m.), Ruth Ann Penny Ijaz Rauf, Tanya Roberts,
Susan Robertson, Tianna Travaglini-Babic, Jacques Tremblay,
John Tucker, Henry Tyndorf, Don Watson, Hanno Weinberger,
John Wells, Sharon Young Kipp, Brian P. McGowan (Registrar)
Regrets: Annilee Jarvis (Vice-Chair), Peter Joong
Presiding Officers: Douglas McCarthy, George Merrett,
Guests: Gail Lilley, Chair, Public Interest Committee (from 10:00 a.m. to 10:50 a.m.)
Staff: Kim Bauer, Francine Dutrisac, Myrtle Herzenberg, Joe Jamieson,
Richard Lewko, Charlie Morrison, Katherin Platt, Lise Roy-Kolbusz (Deputy Registrar), Michael Salvatori, Linda Zaks-Walker
The meeting resumed at 9:05 a.m.
Douglas McCarthy assumed the role of Presiding Officer.
The Chair, on behalf of Council, thanked staff for the holiday reception the previous evening. Special thanks were paid to Richard Lewko, Executive Coordinator, and Barrie Piffero, Catering Assistant, for their contributions to the reception. The Chair especially thanked Josie Peretti, Executive Secretary to the Chair and Council, for her support of Council members during the past year.
The Chair informed members that Annilee Jarvis would not be in attendance as she was attending to her mother who is not well.
Rosemary Fontaine agreed to act as a member of the Steering Committee.
It was noted that the Steering Committee comprised of Rosemary Fontaine and
John Tucker.
10.1 Executive Committee (GC20071204-190)
The Executive Committee report was received. The Chair, Don Cattani, spoke to the report.
10.2 Investigation Committee (GC20071204-191, -192)
The reports of the Investigation Committee were received. The Chair,
Paul Brazeau, spoke to the reports.
10.3 Discipline Committee (GC20071204-193, -194, -195, -228)
The reports of the Discipline Committee were received. The Chair,
Jacques Tremblay, spoke to the reports.
It was moved by Jacques Tremblay, Chair, Discipline Committee, “That Council request that the Minister of Education amend Regulation 437/97, Professional Misconduct to list in four separate clauses the forms of abuse that currently comprise section 1. (7) of the regulation, to read:
Section 1 — The following acts are defined as professional misconduct for the purposes of subsection 30 (2) of the Act:
7. Abusing a student physically.
8. Abusing a student sexually.
9. Abusing a student verbally.
10. Abusing a student psychologically or emotionally.
The list of acts previously beginning with 8 would then continue and be renumbered appropriately.”
It was moved by Brent Hamelin, seconded by Don Watson, and
CARRIED,
That the question be put re the amendments to the Misconduct Regulation.
A vote was taken on the main motion, and it was
CARRIED,
That Council request that the Minister of Education amend Regulation 437/97, Professional Misconduct to list in four separate clauses the forms of abuse that currently comprise section 1. (7) of the regulation, to read:
Section 1 — The following acts are defined as professional misconduct for the purposes of subsection 30 (2) of the Act:
7. Abusing a student physically.
8. Abusing a student sexually.
9. Abusing a student verbally.
10. Abusing a student psychologically or emotionally.
The list of acts previously beginning with 8 would then continue and be renumbered appropriately.
10.4 Fitness to Practise Committee (GC20071204-196, -197)
The reports of the Fitness to Practise Committee were received. The Chair, Rosemary Fontaine, spoke to the reports.
10.5 Registration Appeals Committee (GC20071204-198, -199)
The reports of the Registration Appeals Committee were received. The Chair, Dean Favero, spoke to the reports.
10.6 Finance Committee (GC20071204-200, revised)
The report of the Finance Committee was received. The Chair, John Tucker, spoke to the report. He thanked Peter Brown, Controller, for his support and contribution to the Finance Committee and noted that the Controller would be retiring on March 31, 2008.
10.6.1 Financial Report — October 2007(GC20071204-201)
The Ontario College of Teachers Financial Report for the period ended October 31, 2007 was received.
10.7 Standards of Practice and Education Committee(GC20071204-202)
The report of the Standards of Practice and Education Committee was received. The Chair, Nick Forte, spoke to the report.
10.8 Accreditation Committee (GC20071204-203)
The report of the Accreditation Committee was received. The Chair,
Gord Hough, spoke to the report.
10.9 Accreditation Appeal Committee
There was no report of the Accreditation Appeal Committee.
10.10 Human Resources Committee (GC20071204-204)
The report of the Human Resources Committee was received. The Chair,
Paul Brazeau, spoke to the report and answered questions.
10.11 Editorial Board (GC20071204-205)
The report of the Editorial Board was received. The Vice-Chair, Dean Favero, spoke to the report and answered questions.
10.12 Election Committee (GC20071204-206)
The report of the Election Committee was received. The Chair, Tanya Roberts, spoke to the report and answered questions. She noted the attachment to the report, “2009 Council Election Schedule”.
It was moved by Tanya Roberts, Chair, Election Committee, and
CARRIED,
That the 2009 Council Election be held on April 14, 2009.
10.13 Nomination Committee (GC20071204-207)
The report of the Nomination Committee was received. The Chair, Laura Featherstone, spoke to the report.
10.14 Quality Assurance Committee (GC20071204-208)
The report of the Quality Assurance Committee was received. The Chair, Sharon Young Kipp, spoke to the report. She noted that it was the Quality Assurance Committee that had recommended that the Registrar brief Council members on the Teachers’ Qualifications Regulation (TQR) Project.
The following items of correspondence were received for information:
- Letter to Minister of Education re Public Appointee Resignation (GC20071204-209)
- Letter to Minister of Education re Fair Registration Practices Review
(GC20071204-210)
- Letter of Congratulations to the Minister of Education re her reappointment and an Invitation to address Council (GC20071204-211)
- Letter from Minister of Education re Attendance at Council Meeting
(GC20071204-229)
12.1 Bylaw Amendments re Section 18 — College Publication re Discipline Decisions (GC20071204-212, -213)
It was moved by Jacques Tremblay, Chair, Discipline Committee, That Council approve that the College Bylaws be amended by the addition of a new subsection to Section 18 — College Publication, immediately following subsection 18.02, to read as follows:
18.03 Notwithstanding subsection 18.02 above, publication of decisions, findings, and orders of a Discipline Committee shall be subject to the approval of the committee.
And that the remaining subsections be renumbered accordingly.
It was moved by Steering, and
CARRIED,
That Council approve that the above motion be amended as follows:
That the College Bylaws be amended by the addition of a new section to Section 18 — College Publication, immediately following subsection 18.02, to read as follows:
18.03 (a) Notwithstanding subsection 18.02, any publication of a decision, finding or order of a panel of the Discipline Committee, whether pursuant to section 30(5), paragraph 3 or otherwise, shall be subject to the approval of the panel of the committee that heard and determined the matter.
18.03 (b) Where there is a dissenting opinion prepared by a member of the panel and the decision, finding or order of the committee is to be published, in detail or summary, any publication will include the dissenting opinion, and the publication shall be subject to the approval of the member of the panel who prepared the dissenting opinion.
And that the remaining subsections be renumbered accordingly.
A vote was taken on the main motion as amended, and it was
CARRIED,
That Council approve that the College Bylaws be amended by the addition of a new section to Section 18 — College Publication, immediately following subsection 18.02, to read as follows:
18.03 (a) Notwithstanding subsection 18.02, any publication of a decision, finding or order of a panel of the Discipline Committee, whether pursuant to section 30(5), paragraph 3 or otherwise, shall be subject to the approval of the panel of the committee that heard and determined the matter.
18.03 (b) Where there is a dissenting opinion prepared by a member of the panel and the decision, finding or order of the committee is to be published, in detail or summary, any publication will include the dissenting opinion, and the publication shall be subject to the approval of the member of the panel who prepared the dissenting opinion.
And that the remaining subsections be renumbered accordingly.
12.2 Public Interest Committee Work Plan (GC20071204-221)
(Timed Item: Wednesday, December 5, 2007, 10:00 a.m.)
The Chair of Council welcomed the Chair of the Public Interest Committee,
Gail Lilley, to the meeting.
The proposed work plan of the Public Interest Committee was received.
Gail Lilley spoke to her report and invited comments. The Chair of the Public Interest Committee noted that the regulation required consultation with Council on the Committee’s work plan.
It was moved by Don Cattani and seconded by Jacques Tremblay, “That Council express its support for sections 1 and 3 of the Public Interest Committee work plan as indicated in document GC20071204-221.”
It was moved by Steering, and
CARRIED,
That Council consider the following motion:
That Council express its support for sections 1 and 3 of the Public Interest Committee work plan as indicated in document GC20071204-221.
It was moved by Don Cattani, seconded by Jacques Tremblay, and
CARRIED,
That the motion to support sections of the Public Interest Committee work plan be split.
A vote was taken on the first part of the split motion, and it was
CARRIED,
That Council express its support for Section 1 of the Public Interest Committee work plan as indicated in document GC20071204-221.
A vote was taken on the second part of the split motion, but it was
LOST,
That Council express its support for Section 3 of the Public Interest Committee work plan as indicated in document GC20071204-221.
The Chair of Council thanked Gail Lilley for her presentation. Gail Lilley left the meeting at 10:50 a.m.
It was moved by Nick Forte, seconded by Bill Matheson, and
CARRIED,
That the Agenda be amended to allow consideration of an additional motion related to the Public Interest Committee.
It was moved by Nick Forte, seconded by Bill Matheson, and
CARRIED,
That Council consider the following motion at this time:
That Council express its support for Section 2 of the Public Interest Committee work plan as indicated in document GC20071204-221.
It was moved by Nick Forte, seconded by Bill Matheson, “That Council express its support for Section 2 of the Public Interest Committee work plan as indicated in document GC20071204-221.”
It was moved by Don Cattani, seconded by Brent Hamelin, and
CARRIED,
That Council put the question re support of Section 2 of the Public Interest Committee work plan.
A vote was taken on the main motion, but it was
LOST,
That Council express its support for Section 2 of the Public Interest Committee work plan as indicated in document GC20071204-221.
12.3 Regulation 184/97, Teachers’ Qualifications — Proposed Amendments (Sections 31-35 & 40)(GC20071204-214, -214C, -215)
The Registrar spoke to the proposed amendments to Regulation 184/97, Teachers’ Qualifications, and advised members that the proposed amendments would widen the scope of the eligibility of certificate holders to complete additional qualifications.
It was moved by Steering, and
CARRIED,
That Council approve the proposed amendments to Regulation 184/97, Teachers’ Qualifications relating to Sections 31-35 & 40 as outlined in document GC20071204-214C, attachment 1.
12.4 Teachers’ Qualifications Review (TQR) — Non Regulatory Activities - Colloquium (GC20071204-216, -217)
The Registrar advised members that one of the 66 recommendations relating to the review of Regulation 184/97, Teachers’ Qualifications, required that “a provincial colloquium be held in partnership with faculties of education, the teacher’s federations and other education partners on the role of the associate teacher and of the faculty advisor in the delivery of the practicum component in the program of professional education.” He reported that the Ontario Teachers’ Federation had declined to participate in the colloquium and in so doing frustrated the original motion passed by Council. As a result the Registrar was seeking direction from Council on how to proceed with the motion.
It was moved by Steering, “That Council approve that the College and the partners who have confirmed their participation continue to plan for the colloquium to be held in 2008.”
It was moved by Rosemary Fontaine, seconded by Brent Hamelin, and
CARRIED,
That Council postpone consideration of the following motion to the March 27-28, 2008 Council meeting:
That Council approve that the College and the partners who have confirmed their participation continue to plan for the colloquium to be held in 2008.
12.5 Regulation 184/97, Teachers’ Qualifications — Proposed Amendments — Degree Duration for Initial Certification and Master’s Degree Definition(GC20071204-218, -219)
The Report and Issue Sheet relating to the Amendments to Regulation 184/97 — Degree Durations were received. The Registrar spoke to the amendments and answered questions.
It was moved by Steering, and
CARRIED,
That Council approve proposed amendments to Regulation 184/97 —Teachers Qualifications to clarify that an acceptable post-secondary degree for the purposes of initial certification be an acceptable post-secondary degree that is a degree that comprises at least 90 credits, or equivalent.
It was moved by Steering, “That Council approve proposed amendments to Regulation 184/97 —Teachers Qualifications defining a master’s degree, for the purpose of entry to the Principal’s Qualification Program and the Supervisory Officer’s Qualifications Program, as an acceptable post-secondary degree which consists of graduate post-secondary course work completed in addition to the academic and professional requirements for initial teacher certification. Normally, such a degree will consist of a minimum of 30 credit/semester hours.”
It was agreed to add the following words to the end of the sentence, “or the equivalent”, as a friendly amendment.
A vote was taken on the main motion, as amended, and it was
CARRIED,
That Council approve proposed amendments to Regulation 184/97 —Teachers Qualifications defining a master’s degree, for the purpose of entry to the Principal’s Qualification Program and the Supervisory Officer’s Qualifications Program, as an acceptable post-secondary degree which consists of graduate post-secondary course work completed in addition to the academic and professional requirements for initial teacher certification. Normally, such a degree will consist of a minimum of 30 credit/semester hours, or the equivalent.
It was moved by Brent Hamelin, seconded by Bill Matheson, and
CARRIED,
That the Agenda be amended to allow for the continuation of the business of the day rather than take a lunch break at this time.
12.6 Teacher Supply and Demand (GC20071204-220)
The Registrar provided an update of his meeting with the Ministry on
November 28, 2007, related to Teacher Supply and Demand and recommended postponement of this issue to the following Council meeting.
It was moved by Steering, “That Council consider the Teacher Supply and Demand options as presented in the Registrar’s Report (GC20071204-186).”
It was moved by Brent Hamelin, seconded by Paul Brazeau, and
CARRIED,
That Council postpone consideration of the following motion to the March 27-28, 2008 Council meeting:
That Council consider the Teacher Supply and Demand options as presented in the Registrar’s Report
(GC20071204-186).
12.7 Ad Hoc Committee re Strategy to enhance the quality of College relationships with College Members and College Partners (GC20071204-222)
It was moved by Don Watson, seconded by Mel Greif, and
CARRIED,
That Council approve that an Ad Hoc Committee composed of two appointed members and three elected members be struck to investigate and make recommendations to Council on a strategy to enhance the quality of College relationships with College members and College partners.
The Chair requested those members who were interested in serving on the Ad Hoc Committee to notify him in writing by December 7, 2007.
12.8 Environmentally and Socially Conscious Meeting Practices
It was moved by John Wells, seconded by John Tucker, and
CARRIED,
That Council consider the following motion at this time:
That the Registrar undertake to investigate options and implement changes to Council and committee meetings that are more environmentally and socially conscious.
A vote was taken on the motion, and it was
CARRIED,
That the Registrar undertake to investigate options and implement changes to Council and committee meetings that are more environmentally and socially conscious.
The following notice of motion was read into the Minutes for consideration at the
March 27-28, 2008 Council Meeting:
13.1 Bylaw Amendment — Nomination Committee
Moved by Laura Featherstone:
That Council approve that bylaw 6:04 (d) be amended by the addition of a new section (iii), to read:
6:04 (d) (iii) in conjunction with the Chair of Council, select members of ad hoc committees from a pool of applicants.
15. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 12:35 p.m.
Signed: Chair, Don Cattani |
|
Signed: Registrar, Brian P. McGowan |
Dated: |
|
Dated: |
