Council Meeting Details

Minutes of the Council Meeting of the Ontario College of Teachers held via videoconference on May 28, 2026

Present: Joseph Fiorino (Chair); Linda Lacroix, OCT (Registrar); Natacha Akineza, OCT; Valerie Fontenelle, OCT; Charles Kouassi, OCT (as of 12:10 p.m.); Teresa Mormile, OCT; Stephen Sliwa, OCT; Tammy Webster, OCT

Regrets: Mark Baxter; Karen Restoule; Jeff Rutledge; Robert Waxman

Staff: Stefanie Muhling, OCT; Anna-Marie Nielsen, OCT; Saran Ragunathan, OCT; Jamie Robertson, OCT; Hollis Sinker; Tan Crombie; Saeed Walji; Libbey Dresser, OCT (Recorder)

1. Call to Order/Welcoming Chair Remarks

The Chair, Joseph Fiorino, called the meeting to order at 12:04 p.m. He welcomed everyone present and members of the public joining online. The Chair provided a commitment to Truth and Reconciliation. The Chair also provided a thank you for Tammy Webster’s service as a Council member, noting that she would be resigning from her position on Council effective July 6, 2026. The Chair concluded his opening remarks with a welcome to Teresa Mormile, the newly appointed OCT Council member.

2. Approval of the Agenda

It was moved by Stephen Sliwa, seconded by Valerie Fontenelle, and

CARRIED,

That the Agenda for the May 28, 2026 Council meeting be approved.

Preparation time of one half-day was confirmed.

3. Correspondence

The Chair noted that for Council’s reference, the Minister’s letter and the College’s response regarding the required regulatory amendments O. Reg. 347/02 Accreditation of Teacher Education Programs and O. Reg. 176/10 Teachers’ Qualifications was included in the Council package. The Chair asked that Council members hold their questions on this item until following the presentation, which would speak to the correspondence.

4. Conflict of Interest

No conflicts were declared.

5. Strategic and Regulatory Activities

5.1 Update: Bill 101 – Putting Student Achievement First Act

The Registrar, Linda Lacroix, introduced the item, noting that the purpose of the Special Council meeting was to provide Council with information regarding changes to initial teacher education programs, the College’s current activities, and anticipated next steps.

Council received a PowerPoint presentation from Saran Ragunathan, Director of Policy, Governance and Tribunals, focusing on Bill 101 and the Minister-requested amendments, particularly in relation to the College’s certification and accreditation work.

Following the presentation, Council members asked questions regarding the Minister’s letter and the proposed amendments to O. Reg. 347/02 Accreditation of Teacher Education Programs and O. Reg. 176/10 Teachers’ Qualifications. Linda Lacroix and Saran Ragunathan responded to these questions.

6. Future Meeting Date(s)

• June 11, 2026 (Virtual – 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.)
• September 29, 2026 (In-Person – 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.)
• December 10, 2026 (Virtual – 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.)

7. Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 12:35 p.m.