Ontario Teachers College Shares Concerns Regarding Bill 88

 On March 29, Interim Registrar & CEO Chantal Bélisle, OCT and Membership Analyst Nancy Tran addressed the provincial government’s Standing Committee on Social Policy to share concerns regarding proposed amendments to the Fair Access to Regulated Professions and Compulsory Trades Act (FARPACTA).

The proposed changes would “establish tight and unyielding timelines in which regulators must respond to domestic labour mobility applicants for certification in Ontario.”

While the College supports expediency in licensing Canadian certified professionals moving to Ontario for work, we must also ensure that the process:

• remains fair and equitable for all applicants,
• does not negatively impact employment opportunities for labour mobility applicants from other Canadian jurisdictions,
• provides flexibility for the College to handle emergency situations,
• is consistent and implemented smoothly, and, most importantly,
• continues to protect one of Ontario’s most vulnerable populations – the more than two million students attending elementary or secondary school in the province.

See the Ontario Teachers College’s written submission here.

Ontario College of Teachers

The Ontario College of Teachers, governs and enforces the standards of practice for the teaching profession.

The College:

• issues teaching certificates / licenses teachers
• sets and enforces the standards of practice and conduct for teachers
• provides for the ongoing education of teachers
• investigates and hears complaints against teachers
• accredits teacher education programs and additional qualifications programs

Teachers in publicly funded schools must be members in good standing with the College. Many private schools also require their teachers to be College members.

Shortage of Ontario Certified Teachers During Pandemic

 

Shortage of Ontario Certified Teachers During Pandemic Hello,We sincerely hope that you and your loved ones are safe and well during these challenging times.As you know, students and teachers throughout the province are returning to learning environments that look and feel far different from previous years. Schools are implementing health and safety measures to keep students, staff and communities safe. At the same time, teachers are moving ahead to provide high-quality education for every student in Ontario building on high standards of practice and the expertise they bring.Ontario is currently experiencing a shortage of certified teachers, which has been magnified by smaller class sizes during the pandemic to improve physical distancing and reduce the risks of spreading the COVID-19 virus.In short, you are needed. Your significant and specialized knowledge and skills are needed.Our records indicate that you are either suspended for non-payment of fees or retired.We highly encourage you to pursue these new employment opportunities within your local school board or private school. You also may want to consult with your pension provider.School boards in Ontario often recruit teachers through the following sites:• Apply to Education• Education Canada• Jobs in Education• WorkopolisOnce employment is confirmed, you can return to good standing with the College by reinstating your membership online. REINSTATEMENT You can reinstate your membership directly on the College’s website and receive your Certificate of Qualification and Registration.You will need your College registration number. You can find your registration number through our public register on www.oct.ca under Find a Teacher.For students everywhere, life has changed drastically in recent months. They were isolated from classmates, friends and extended families. If you have always wanted to make an impact in the lives of children and young adults, now is the time.You have a unique opportunity to make an important contribution to the learning environment and assist in a time of critical need.You would also be helping to ensure students have qualified and competent teachers as they return to school during an exceptional time.If you have questions on how to reinstate your membership with the College, our Client Services staff would be pleased to answer any questions you may have between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, at 416-961-8800 or toll-free in Ontario at 1-888-534-2222. You can also reach us by email.Ontario’s teaching profession has always been united by our ethical standards of care, trust, respect, and integrity. Our collective traits – the way we collaborate with others, commit to students’ well-being and persist in the face of challenges – are needed now more than ever.Please continue to take good care of you and yours. Sincerely, Nicole van Woudenberg, OCT Chair Chantal Bélisle, OCT Deputy Registrar

Advice to Canadian Teachers in China

The Alberta woman who is being detained is Sarah McIver. She has been teaching in China for months.

The National Post reported that she was teaching at a school in China when she was detained due to visa complications and that arrangements were being made for her return to Canada.

A friend of Sarah said "The Chinese government could be reacting to Meng Wanzhou, the chief financial officer of tech giant Huawei's arrest by creating bureaucratic inconveniences for Canadians and includes cracking down on people who have overstayed their visas while awaiting their renewal. Canadians who study or do business in China may want to lie low and keep a low profile and avoid taking any risky activities because the political environment is just not conducive."

Read the whole story at Canadian Press

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying wouldn’t confirm McIver had been detained, but said on Thursday that the Canadian had received an “administrative penalty (for) illegal employment.”

Hua added that McIver’s situation was different from the two other Canadian detainees. “The previous two have been put under compulsory measures by state security on suspicion of endangering China’s national security. This person was given administrative penalty,” she said.

Those detentions were seen by many as retaliation for Canada’s December 1 arrest of Meng Wanzhou, the chief financial officer of Chinese technology giant Huawei, at the request of the US over alleged violations of Iran sanctions.

There has been no official confirmation the detentions were linked to Meng’s case but the Chinese government has made clear its anger at her arrest, with numerous furious editorials in state-run media.

Trudeau says third Canadian detained in China