Conflict puts trust after trauma in question

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This article was published 14/02/2025 (254 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The discovery that Manitoba’s new independent commissioner of teacher discipline was simultaneously still advocating for educator’s rights in another province will prevent parents and students from reporting cases of professional misconduct, warns the Canadian Centre for Child Protection.

“We are deeply concerned to learn that Manitoba’s new Commissioner of Teacher Professional Conduct — a body tasked with investigating complaints from students and parents over serious allegations involving teachers — is also simultaneously acting as the head of a provincial teachers’ union and advocacy group. This is highly inappropriate and a clear conflict of interest,” read a statement by Noni Classen, Director of Education and Support Services at the centre.

“Of most concern, however, is the undermining of public trust in this new office going forward and the real possibility that it may discourage students, parents, and school staff from reporting serious professional misconduct involving teachers. Fostering a strong sense of confidence in these accountability systems is crucial to ensuring individuals being victimized feel empowered to come forward and seek help.”

The statement comes a day after the Free Press learned that Bobbi Taillefer was working as Manitoba’s new commissioner of educator misconduct while at the same time fulfilling her duties as executive director at the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation.

Critics called it a major conflict of interest that brings into question the independence and impartiality of Manitoba’s new teacher oversight commission.

“Independence and transparency were core principles that guided the conceptualization and establishment of Manitoba’s public body tasked with investigating complaints about misconduct by teachers,” said Classen.

“The need for such a system came into sharp focus over time as it became apparent gaps in the ways teachers were disciplined in Manitoba were failing parents and students. Among the most concerning issues was the inherent conflict of interest of having a labour and advocacy group representing the interest of teachers also being directly involved in professional disciplinary matters.”

A provincial spokesperson initially indicated Thursday morning the NDP government was unaware Taillefer was still working as STF’s executive director.

Manitoba Education Minister Tracy Schmidt told the Free Press late Thursday that Taillefer’s last day was Friday, which was contrary to the December newsletter from Samantha Becotte, president of the Saskatchewan union, who stated Taillefer would be with the federation until March.

The STF confirmed that Taillefer’s last day was Friday and that she was no longer aiding in the transition of a new executive director. Her photo has been removed from the union’s website and replaced with a picture of Angela Banda, who was hired to take over the role earlier this month.

Taillefer also scrubbed her X account of any STF-related content dating back to Jan. 6 — the same day she officially assumed the role of Commissioner of Teacher Professional Conduct and the same day the Manitoba government rolled out its new certified teacher registry, which indicates whether an educator’s licence is in good standing, suspended or cancelled.

Her profile picture that featured an “I AM STF” logo was also removed.

Taillefer provided consultant support, assisted and advised the Education Department on policies and procedures and met with various stakeholders after being named commissioner last fall, Schmidt said.

A government spokesperson said that Taillefer has earned $25,000 for her services to date.

As Manitoba’s inaugural commissioner, Taillefer is responsible for overseeing complaints about teacher misconduct and unprofessionalism and uses her discretion to probe or dismiss cases. The registry has received five complaints so far, Schmidt said.

Critics had reservations last fall about Taillefer’s hiring and whether she could act with impartiality given her close association to teacher unions. Prior to working for the Saskatchewan union, Taillefer spent years in the same role with the Manitoba Teachers’ Society.

Paul Bennett, who is an education consultant in Nova Scotia and has done extensive research in teacher misconduct across Canada, said the person assigned to be an independent commissioner doesn’t need, and shouldn’t have, experience working in the school system, if they hope to earn credibility with the public.

“In all my reports I’ve recommended that they be totally independent,” Bennett said.

“It should be somebody from another profession, a bona fide professional — from the legal profession, from the medical profession, from the dentistry profession — someone from a self-governing profession that understands the importance of having clear separation and how important it is not to be tied to one side or the other.”

jeff.hamilton@freepress.mb.ca