Statement: Manitoba’s Commissioner of Teacher Professional Conduct continued employment with teachers’ union undermines public trust in new student-victim complaint office

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.

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.

This prior context is precisely why 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.

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.