We have to protect our children; Ontario government changes to the Ontario College of Teachers Act

BY PAUL JUNOR

There are many changes that the Ontario government has implemented in order to deal with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as to deal with other issues. An important change that was announced in a statement on February 22^nd, 2021 has to do with the revocation of the licenses of teachers who are involved with sexual misconduct with students.

The Ontario government as part of Budget 2020 announced this change, and it came into law on December 8^th, 2020. The statement reads, “These reforms will help to keep schools, childcare and early years safe in the province by preventing individuals unfit to practice from continuing to work directly with students and children.”

Minister of Education, Stephen Leece has expressed on numerous occasions his desire to get rid of teachers who are bad apples. He states in the press release on February 22^nd, 2021 that,

“Our number one priority is the safety and security of all students and children. We took action to ensure no educator found guilty of sexual abuse can practice their professions with children and students by keeping these individuals out of our education and early childhood systems. Importantly, this move is retroactive and will ensure individuals found guilty of past sexual abuse are removed from our school, childcare, and early years settings permanently.

We will continue to protect every child in this province, which us why our governments have made these changes apply retroactively and the OCT and ECE have revoked certification of members who are found guilty of sexual abuse involving touching or physical relations and published all disciplinary decisions on their website. With these changes, our government is making clear that we will take a zero-tolerance approach by preventing these individuals from teaching ever again in this province. We will continue to stand up for victims and protect the most vulnerable children.”

It was in 2002 that the first Professional Advisory was issued by the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) titled, “Professional Misconduct Related to Sexual Abuse and Sexual Misconduct.” It was sent to all the Ontario certified teachers in OCT’s monthly magazine, “Professionally Speaking.” The Student Protection Act was amended so that the Ontario College of Teachers Act clearly defines sexual abuse as:

• Sexual intercourse or other forms of physical sexual relations between the member and a student
• Touching of a sexual nature, of the student by the member, or
• Behaviour, or any remarks of a sexual nature by the member toward the student

The details of this can be seen at the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario’s website at etfo.ca.

There has been a lot of media attention that has exposed educators who have sexually abused students over the years.

In its February 2021 issue monthly magazine titled, “Professionally Speaking,” it was revealed that Bill 229 was approved by the Ontario legislature, which includes:

• Stronger penalties and broader definitions for acts of professional misconduct related to sexual abuse and child pornography, which strengthens the College’s mandate to protect public interest
• A mandatory sexual abuse presentation program that parallels the College’s focus on furthering teacher assessment
• Mandatory medical assessments to ensure accuracy during our investigation and hearing process
• Keeping disciplinary decisions public bolsters, the College’s commitment to public accountability and transparency

Many people are supportive of these changes. They believe that they will show that the province is serious about this vital issue. The safety and security of students must be protected at all times. This is something that is sacrosanct at all times and is inviolable.