Minutes of Council Meetings

Minutes of the Council Meeting of the Ontario College of Teachers held via Videoconference on June 12, 2025

Present: Tammy Webster, OCT (Interim Chair); Linda Lacroix, OCT (Registrar); Natacha Akineza, OCT; Mark Baxter; Charles Kouassi, OCT; Valerie Fontenelle, OCT; Elaine Lajeunesse; Imran Syed, OCT; Robert Waxman

Guests: Christine Forsyth, Chair of the Registration Appeals Committee; Martin Green; Geoff Owen

Staff: Jamie Robertson, OCT; Anna-Marie Nielsen, OCT; Elicia Persaud; Saran Ragunathan, OCT; Fred Towers; Libbey Dresser, OCT (Recorder)

1. Call to Order/Welcoming Chair Remarks

The Interim Chair, Tammy Webster, called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. She welcomed everyone present and members of the public joining online. The Chair reflected on Indigenous Peoples month, specifically noting the importance as an Indigenous person herself. The Chair also congratulated the newest member of Council, Charles Kouassi, on his appointment. 

2. Approval of the Agenda

It was moved by Natacha Akineza, seconded by Mark Baxter, and

CARRIED,

That the Agenda for the June 12, 2025 Council meeting be approved.

Preparation time of one half-day was confirmed.

3. Approval of the Consent Agenda

It was moved by Imran Syed, seconded by Charles Kouassi, and

CARRIED,

That the Consent Agenda for the June 12, 2025 Council meeting be approved.

4. Conflict of Interest

Tammy Webster declared a potential perceived conflict of interest related to agenda item 6.1.2 Selection and Nominating Subcommittee Report, specifically in relation to motion 3. To address this perception, she noted that Mark Baxter, Council member and member of the SNS, would be present the report on behalf of the subcommittee.

5. Strategic and Regulatory Activities

5.1 Registrar’s Report

The Registrar, Linda Lacroix summarized highlights from the first quarter of the year discussed within the Registrar’s Report. One of the highlights included an update on the new professional advisory, Addressing Hate and Discrimination and its relation to the College’s second strategic goal. The Registrar also provided an update on the final report of the 2024 Focus on Teaching survey as well as an appendix published on the College website. Council was informed that the College is preparing the 2025 Focus on Teaching survey. Following the Registrar’s presentation, the Registrar responded to questions from Council.

5.2 Strategic Plan Presentation – Foresight Strategic Advisors

The Registrar, Linda Lacroix, introduced Geoff Owen and Martin Green from Foresight Strategic Advisors who presented a PowerPoint presentation on the College’s 2024-2028 strategic plan. The presentation specifically focused on the process of creating the College’s strategic plan and how the role of strategy fits within the regulatory framework. Geoff and Martin then presented an overview of the College’s strategic plan, its purpose, goals as well as its enablers. Following the presentation, Linda spoke to the role that the strategic plan has played in the College’s projects including improvements to the application portal for applicants, the Focus on Teaching survey as well as the implementation of legislative amendments to name a few. Linda Lacroix also responded to questions posed by Council.

5.3 Professional Advisory – Addressing Hate and Discrimination

Anna-Marie Nielsen, Director of Standards of Practice and Accreditation spoke to the new Professional Advisory on Addressing Hate and Discrimination that was approved by the Standards of Practice and Education Committee. This advisory allows members of the College to understand their professional obligations on this topic. It was developed in consultation with teachers as well as experts, education partners, parents/caregivers and students, in order to create a relevant advisory with practical advice for Ontario Certified Teachers when addressing hate and discrimination within the school environment. A series of case-studies will accompany this professional advisory with guiding questions and real-life scenarios. These resources will be made available this summer

6. Council Business and Governance

6.1 Subcommittee Reports

6.1.1 Audit and Finance Subcommittee Report

The Chair of the Audit and Finance Subcommittee, Valerie Fontenelle, presented the Audit and Finance Subcommittee report to Council. The presentation included an update on the quarterly financials of the College, which reflected consistent revenue collections and spending patterns. The Subcommittee approved the retirement of a College mortgage through the use of the College reserve fund. The Subcommittee also approved a request from the Membership Services Department to hire 5 full-time equivalent positions within the department. Following the presentation, the Controller, Fred Towers, responded to questions from Council before approving of the motions.

It was moved by Robert Waxman, seconded by Imran Syed, and

CARRIED,

That the Audit & Finance Subcommittee recommends that Council approve the retirement of a College mortgage with BMO-Bank of Montreal by using $5,457,550 from reserves due and payable on June 30, 2025.

It was moved by Mark Baxter, seconded by Charles Kouassi, and

CARRIED,

That the Audit and Finance Subcommittee recommends that Council approve at its June 12, 2025 meeting, the Membership Services department’s request for approval of five full-time equivalents (FTEs). For 2025 existing sources of funding within the 2025 budget would be allocated up to $144,691 and the net new funding for 2026 would require a College reserve allocation of $383,432.

6.1.2 Selection and Nominating Subcommittee Report

Mark Baxter, member of the Selection and Nominating Subcommittee presented the Subcommittee report on behalf of the Subcommittee. Mark presented key highlights of the report, going over the reasoning behind each motion being brought forward for Council’s approval.

It was moved by Elaine Lajeunesse, seconded by Mark Baxter, and

CARRIED,

That the Selection and Nominating Subcommittee recommends that Council appoint Natacha Akineza, OCT, to a Council position for a 2-year term commencing October 5, 2025, in accordance with the provisions of the Ontario College of Teachers Act, 1996 and regulations made thereunder, as applicable.

It was moved by Elaine Lajeunesse, seconded by Mark Baxter, and

CARRIED,

That the Selection and Nominating Subcommittee recommends that Council appoint Natacha Akineza, OCT, to the Selection and Nominating Subcommittee and Charles Kouassi, OCT, to the Audit and Finance Subcommittee both for a 2-year term commencing June 12, 2025.

It was moved by Elaine Lajeunesse, seconded by Mark Baxter, and

CARRIED,

That the Selection and Nominating Subcommittee recommends that Council confirms Tammy Webster, OCT, as the Acting Chair of Council until December 31, 2025.

6.2 Committee Reports

6.2.1 Registration Appeals Committee Report

Christine Forsyth, Chair of the Registration Appeals Committee presented the committee report.

7. Future Meeting Date(s)

• October 7, 2025
• December 11, 2025

8. Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 11:00 a.m.