For additional information: Contact the OTBU Durham at: Julia.McCrea@d13.osstf.ca
EXECUTIVE ELECTIONS
The following nominations were received by the deadline of May 11, 2026. Active members may be nominated for up to two positions. The nominated candidates for election are presented in alphabetical order by last name. Election Literature will be posted in the OTBU UPDATE Newsletter prior to the Annual meeting.
Elections will occur at the Virtual Annual General Meeting, May 20, 2026, at 5.30 p.m.
CANDIDATE INFORMATION
PRESIDENT – 1 (one) to be elected
Nominee for President: JULIA MCCREA
I bring experience, leadership, and results. A 30-year educator and 18-year OSSTF leader, I serve in Professional Development, Human Rights, Political
Action, Finance, and Health & Safety roles. As current OTBU President, I support members 24/7 leading initiatives that deliver real gains: organizing
over 1,000 members through union communications, improving salaries, benefits, and paid PD through bargaining, and increasing OTBU revenues through
partnerships with District 13, OSSTF/FEESO, OTIP, and CIBC.
I listen, research, consult, and problem-solve helping members navigate workplace issues. I represent members at DDSB in bargaining, grievances,
investigations, WSIB claims, salary grid placement, benefits, respectful workplace concerns, and health and safety matters.
I welcome your vote to continue as your President — together, we win improvements for ALL!
Nominee for President: ALEX THERRIEN
17 year career in DDSB with many
years of District 13 service:
GSA/Human Rights Committee: 5 years
Equity and Human Rights Committee: 2 years
Branch President: 2 years
Strike Captain
CBC Representative: 2 years
Currently in first year of retirement and served OTBU as:
Equity, Anti-Harassment, Anti-Oppression Officer
Attended Human Rights Training, and Anti-Harassment Officer Training
FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT – 1 (one) to be elected
Nominee for First Vice-President: JACQUELINE HARRIS
With 14 years of experience as an OT in District 13 — working in both daily placements and LTO positions
— I bring deep understanding of the challenges we face, including financial instability, job security
concerns, and equitable access to work. I am currently serving as Treasurer of the OTBU (2025–present).
This role has strengthened my commitment to transparent leadership and effective member support.
Our OT pool includes retired teachers, new graduates, and career occasional teachers — each playing a
valuable role. My priorities are:
• Clear communication and strong member support
• Fairness and equity in work distribution and contract protections
• Unified advocacy to improve our working conditions
I will continue to listen, collaborate, and deliver results for all OTs.
I respectfully ask for your support and vote.
Nominee for First Vice-President: DAVID LEWIS
Greetings to all, effective union leadership requires deep-rooted governance experience. Within District 13, I served 15 years as a health and safety branch
representative and school Branch President, resolving conflicts and representing educators locally. My leadership includes 23 years with Scouts Canada,
concluding as District Commissioner for Whitby, Brooklin, and Ashburn, and 40 years on a children’s camp board managing business, legal, and finance,
including 12 years as Chairman.
As First Vice President, my goal is to support our President, unite our executive team, and fiercely advocate for every member of the district 13
Occasional Teachers Bargaining Unit. I am ready to bring my conflict resolution and servant leadership to this role to build a stronger union.
Thank you.
SECOND VICE-PRESIDENT – 1 (one) to be elected
Nominee for Second Vice-President: DAVID LEWIS
Thank you for your consideration during the first vice presidential election. My absolute dedication to the Occasional Teachers Bargaining Unit remains
unchanged, which is why I am proudly running for Second Vice President. One of my greatest strengths is gathering vital resources through networking to
support our members. The Second Vice President coordinates professional development and social activities. My lifelong leadership in scouting,
children's camps, and as a District 13 Branch President aligns perfectly with this, as I have successfully delivered these exact initiatives.
I ask for your vote to put my proven experience to work for you.
Nominee for Second Vice-President: JULIA MCCREA
The 2 nd VP has an important responsibility for professional development which is critical to the success of OTs. Under my leadership, the OTBU
surveys member interests and then works with provincial OSSTF/FEESO Educational Services to offer workshops supportive of OT interests. This year
Classroom Management was a repeat success. I served the OTBU since 2016 as Treasurer and 2 nd VP. I also served as Chair of district 13 Professional
Development Committee for 2 years organizing and facilitating the OSSTF/DDSB professional development. I have also lobbied for BMS training
which would provide members with de-escalation skills to manage complex situations in classrooms. I welcome your vote to continue to serve the OTBU in
this role if not elected to the role of President.
Nominee for Second Vice-President: URETA RAMJIAWAN
With over 20 years of teaching experience, I have dedicated my career to supporting students, empowering educators, and building strong learning
communities. My teaching journey includes local and international experience, which has strengthened my ability to connect with diverse learners and
colleagues. Last December, I published a book on values education for younger students, reflecting my passion for character development and inclusive education.
I am a collaborative team player who believes in service, integrity, and mutual respect. As Second Vice President, I am committed to supporting teachers
through effective collective bargaining, meaningful representation, and professional development opportunities for educators at every stage of their
careers. I bring experience, dedication, professionalism, and a strong commitment to strengthening our union and supporting our members with great pride.
TREASURER – 1 (one) to be elected
Nominee for Treasurer: PAUL CASSELL
Nominee for Treasurer: JACQUELINE HARRIS
SECRETARY – 1 (one) to be elected
Nominee for Secretary: VERONIKA LABIB
EQUITY, ANTI-RACISM, ANTI-OPPRESSION, and
SOCIAL JUSTICE LEAD (E,AR,AO, & SJ Lead) – 1
(one) to be elected
Nominee Equity Lead: PATRICK SIN
As a candidate for the anti oppression, anti racism, and inclusion executive position, my goal is to listen to the membership and strive to allow a more
inclusive workplace. I've been working various LTO, occasional supply teaching and experience in leadership positions in two nonprofits. As part of the
executive team, I'll strive to reach out with our OTBU colleagues to better understand the diversity and needs of our membership.
REPRESENTATIVES to the ANNUAL MEETING of the
PROVINCIAL ASSEMBLY (AMPA) 2027 of
OSSTF/FEESO – 2 to be elected
Nominee for AMPA 2027 Representative: JACQUELINE
HARRIS
Nominee for AMPA 2027 Representative: JULIA
MCCREA
Nominee for AMPA 2027 Representative: URETA
RAMJIAWAN
ON TIME MOTIONS:
Motions for the D13 OTBU Annual Meeting May 20, 2026
- PROC 01-26
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the agenda for the OTBU AGM 2026 be adopted as presented.
- PROC 02-26
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Minutes of the D13 OTBU 2025 Annual General Meeting be approved (as amended).
On-time Constitutional Amendments – 2/3 vote required.
- PROC 03-26 ½ vote count
BE IT RESOLVED THAT CON 01-26, CON 02-26, CON 03-26, CON 04-26, CON 05-26, CON 06-26, CON 07-26, CON 08-26, CON 09-26, and CON 10-26 be considered en bloc.
CON 01-26
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the constitution Article 1.4.8 Definitions be amended by the deletion of (FEO).
Rationale: Page 2 Housekeeping, this eliminates a duplication.
CON 02-26
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the constitution Article 2.1 be amended by substitution of the word “objectives” for the word “objects”.
Rationale: Page 2 Housekeeping. The word more accurately reflects intended meaning.
CON 03-26
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the constitution Article 3.1.b be amended by deletion.
***
Rationale: page 3. Housekeeping: The D13 OTBU Constitution and Bylaws must be consistent with the D13 District Constitution and Bylaws/Regulations. As such Article 3.1. b., which deals with additional D13 OTBU representatives to District Council, is no longer needed since the D13 District Constitution and Bylaws/Regulations now only includes the president of each D13 bargaining unit, including the OT bargaining unit.
***
ARTICLE 3 - ORGANIZATION
- There shall be an Executive consisting of:
- the following non-voting members:
- Additional Representatives to District Council when the number of delegates specified in the District Constitution and Bylaws exceeds 2.
CON 04-26
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the constitution Article 3.3 be amended by deletion.
***
Rationale: page 3 Housekeeping: The D13 OTBU Constitution and Bylaws must be consistent with the D13 District Constitution and Bylaws. Since District 13 no longer has District committees in its constitution, then Article 3.3. needs to be deleted since the language is no longer actionable.
***
ARTICLE 3 – ORGANIZATION
3.3 The Unit may elect or appoint one representative to each of the following District Committees:
a) Communications
b) Educational Issues/Political Action
c) Health and Safety
d) Human Rights
e) Professional Development
f) Public Relations
g) Constitution
CON 05-26
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the constitution Article 3.4 be amended by the addition of the words “or designate” after Vice-President to read:
New Wording: There shall be a Unit representative to the District Executive. The Unit representative to the District Executive shall be the Unit President or the Unit Vice-President or designate, in the absence of the Unit President.
***
Rationale: page 3 There can be situations that arise where both the president and first vice president may be in the same meeting or occupied or there is no first vice-president and this ensures representation of the OTBU in District executive meetings.
CON 06-26
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the constitution Article 3.5 be deleted.
***
Rationale: page 4 Housekeeping. The District 13 Council, according to the District constitution, no longer includes multiple representatives from each bargaining unit and only includes the president of the OT bargaining unit.
***
Article 3 – Organization
3.5 There shall be representatives to the District Council. The Representatives to the District Council, in addition to the President, shall include the following four (4) members of the executive: First Vice-President, Second Vice-President, Treasurer, and the Equity, Anti-Racism, Anti-Oppression and Social Justice Lead. Should any of these executive members be unable to attend the Secretary or and any other member appointed by the executive may attend District Council in their place.
CON 07-26
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the constitution Article 3.6 be amended by the addition of the words “or designate” after the word “Vice president” to read
New Wording: There shall be a Provincial Councillor. The Provincial Councillor shall be the Unit President or the Unit Vice-President or designate, in the absence of the Unit President.
***
Rationale: page 4 Housekeeping There can be situations that arise where both the president and first vice president may be in the same meeting or occupied or there is no first vice-president and this ensures representation of the OTBU in Provincial Council meetings.
CON 08-26
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the constitution Article 3.7 be amended by addition of the words “Employer-Employee Occupational” after the word “Joint”.
New Wording: Article 3 – Organization
3.7 There shall be a Unit member and alternate of the Joint Employer-Employee Occupational Health and Safety Committee. The Unit member and alternate of the Joint Employer-Employee Occupational Health and Safety Committee shall be members of the Unit executive.
***
Rationale: page 4 Housekeeping: This clarifies that it is the JOSH committee with the employer and not a committee of the bargaining unit or district.
CON 09-26
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the constitution Article 3.8 be amended by deletion of 3.8 f) Pay Equity Representative and the addition of “3.8.1 Should any of the positions in 3.8 above be unfilled, then the duties associated with their positions will be assigned to the D13 OTBU President or another OTBU executive member.”
***
Rationale: page 4 Housekeeping Regulation 19.1.6. mandates what positions, elected or appointed, that all Bargaining Units must have as part of their executive. Regulation 19.1.6.11 states “a Pay Equity Officer, where Pay Equity negotiations and maintenance are required; and (A.16)”. For Teacher and Occasional Teacher bargaining unit, this is not needed since the Pay Equity Act does not apply to teachers. .
***
3.8 There shall be the following elected or appointed positions of the Unit:
a) Communications Representative
b) Political Action Representative
c) Constitution Representative
d) Educational Services Representative
e) Health and Safety Representative
f) Pay Equity Representative
CON 10-26
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Article 1.4 DEFINITIONS be amended by the addition of a definition of “DAY” shall mean a work or school day and that all references to “week” in the Constitution & Bylaws be converted to the equivalent number of days.
Rationale: With statutory holidays, their may be a different number of school days in any given week. As such, to ensure clarity as to the time frame for submitting a nomination or applying for a committee position, the specific number of days should be used. If this motion passes, the editorial team for producing the final version of the amended constitution, bylaws, policies, and procedures shall complete the edits to the document.
5. PROC 04-26 2/3 vote count
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the motions in PROC 03-26 be approved.
6. PROC 05-26 2/3 vote count
BE IT RESOLVED THAT BYL 01-26 to BYL 25-26 be considered en bloc.
BYL 01-26
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Bylaw B.1.1.h be amended by deletion.
Rationale: page 5 The District 13 Council, according to the District constitution, no longer includes multiple representatives from each bargaining unit and only includes the president of the OT bargaining unit.
BYL 02-26
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Bylaw B.1.2.i be amended by substitution of the words “designate, in consultation with the Unit executive,” for the word “appoint”.
Rationale: Page 7 This language aligns with words in the constitution. The President is an automatic representative to the Annual Meeting of the Provincial Assembly and to operate inclusively.
BYL 03-26
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Bylaw B.1.2.k be amended by addition of the words “in consultation with the Unit executive” after the word “designate”.
Rationale: Page 7 Housekeeping, to operative inclusively
BYL 04-26
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Bylaw B.1.3.b be amended by deletion.
Rationale: Page 8 Housekeeping District Council does not include additional representatives
BYL 05-26
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Bylaw B.1.4.b be amended by deletion.
Rationale: Page 8 Housekeeping District Council does not include additional representatives
BYL 06-26
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Bylaw B.1.6.e be amended by deletion.
Rationale: Page 9 Housekeeping District Council does not include additional representatives
BYL 07-26
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Bylaw B.1.7 be amended by deletion.
Rationale: Page 9 Housekeeping District Council does not include additional representatives
BYL 08-26
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Bylaw B.2.2 be amended by addition of the words “in consultation with the Unit executive” after the word “President” in subsections a, c, and d.
Rationale: Page 13 To promote practice that is inclusionary.
BYL 09-26
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Bylaw 2.5 c) i), be amended by the addition of the words “ Unit President in consultation with the Unit Executive”
after the word “the”
Rationale: page 14 to promote practice that is inclusionary.
BYL 10-26
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Bylaw 3.1 a) i) f) be amended by deletion.
Rationale: page 15 Housekeeping District Council does not include additional representatives
BYL 11-26
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Bylaw 3.1 a) iii) be amended by deletion.
Rationale: page 15 Housekeeping There are no District 13 committees.
BYL 12-26
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Bylaw 3.2 b) be amended by addition of the words “or unit” after the word “District”...
Rationale: page 15 The unit anticipates having its own website to direct member information to.
BYL 13-26
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Bylaw 3.2 d) be amended by substitution of the words “Unit ” for the word “District” where it occurs.
Rationale: page 15 The unit is in charge of the elections process not the district.
BYL 14-26
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Bylaw 3.2 d) be amended by addition of the words “or Chair of the Unit Annual meeting or Unit returning representative” after the words “submitted to the”.
Rationale: page 15 The unit is in charge of the elections process, and these options have been used in the past.
BYL 15-26
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Bylaw 3.2 e) be amended by addition of the words “of Chair of the Unit Annual Meeting” after the word “Representative” and substitution of the word “Unit Office or Chair of the Annual Meeting” for “District 13 Office”.
Rationale: page 16 The unit is in charge of nominations.
BYL 16-26
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Bylaw 3.3 a) be amended by substitution of the words “two (2)” for the words “five (5)”.
Rationale: page 16 This brings various dates in alignment for informing members.
BYL 17-26
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Bylaw 3.3 b) be amended by deletion of the word “and” after the word “newsletter” and addition of the words “or the Unit website” after the words “District 13 website”.
Rationale: page 16 The Unit anticipates having a unit website in addition to unit digital newsletter.
BYL 18-26
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Bylaw 3.3 c) be amended by substitution of the words “13 Durham or Unit website” after the word “District”.
Rationale: page 16 Unit This anticipates having a unit website.
BYL 19-26
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Bylaw 3.3 c) be amended by substitution of the words “two (2)” for the words “five (5)”.
Rationale: page 16 This brings dates in alignment with other notifications of members.
BYL 20-26
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Bylaw 3.3 e) be amended by addition of the words “or Chair of the Unit Annual Meeting after the word “representative.
Rationale: page 16- 17 This reflects current practice.
BYL 21-26
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Bylaw 3.4 m) be amended by the addition of the words in the Unit digital newsletter or on the Unit website or “after the word “posted.
Rationale: page 17 - This increases information and communication options to members
BYL 22-26
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Bylaw 5.1 a) be amended by the addition of the words “unit website or” after the words “posted on the”.
Rationale: Page 18 The Unit anticipates Unit website to increase communication to members.
BYL 23-26
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Bylaw 5.1 e) be amended by the addition of the words “by the deadline for voting” after the words “voting”.
Rationale: Page 18 -This includes a deadline for voting having been established for members.
BYL 24-26
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Bylaw 7. c) be amended by the addition of the words “Unit and” after the words “appropriate”.
Rationale: Page 19 – Budgets exist for both Unit and the District and funds are transferred from one to the other. There shall be a district budget for this cost.
BYL 25-26
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Bylaw 9.1 c) be amended by the addition of the words “by Unit digital newsletter, or email or posting on the unit website” after the words “prior to the Annual Meeting”.
Rationale: Page 20 – This will provide clarification of dates and methods of communicating amendments to members.
7. PROC 06-2026 2/3 vote count
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the motions in PROC 05-26 be approved.
BYL 26-26
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Bylaw 7 (Release Time) be amended to include:
Release time utilisation for President, and for all D13 OTBU members, is to be transparent. As such, all paid time release days will be published monthly in the executive meeting minutes.
Release time for President is capped at two days per week. Any day above that limit must be approved by the executive, prior to them being taken. The President will be required to provide sufficient details to all members of the executive of the reason for each supplementary day requested, so that the executive can make an informed decision on the approval of the request submitted in writing.
All release time granted to members of the executive, including the President, or any other member of the Bargaining Unit, shall be logged and made available to the executive at their meetings, to members at the Annual General Meeting and, every three months, in a member communication.
Details to be provided for each time release day shall include the date of the time release taken, the percentage of the day (1.0, 0.5, 0.33), the reason for the release time, the location of any meeting, and the number of kilometers that were claimed for any travel, if applicable.
Rationale: The current process related to time release for D13 OTBU members has some oversight from the treasurer but does not have transparency in how the days are allocated and used. Available release time for the President and other members of the executive may still be granted, but the reporting of the reasons for the request, will provide more accountability. The reporting requirements shall not divulge the names of members, except for those who are provided with time release to work on the behalf of the members of D13 OTBU.
Policy Resolutions
9. POL 01-26
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the current Policy 1 be deleted and the following policy substituted:
Anti-Harassment and Anti-Discrimination Policy
Let us not take thought for our separate interests but let us help one another.
A member of OSSTF/FEESO has the right to a workplace and union environment free from harassment and bullying.
Harassment and discrimination are not joking matters. They have a destructive effect on the workplace environment, individual wellbeing, and union solidarity. Such actions are not only destructive, but they can also be illegal.
Harassment and discrimination can take many forms and may be verbal, physical, or psychological. They can involve a wide range of actions including comments, gestures or looks, pictures, messages, touching, or more aggressive actions. These acts may be indirect or overt; they may be isolated or repeated.
Inadvertent, hidden, and systemic harassment and discrimination must be identified and addressed. The roots of systemic harassment and discrimination include but are not limited to racism, sexism, and homophobia and transphobia. OSSTF/FEESO does not condone harassment or discrimination on the basis of age, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, socio-economic status or mental or physical disability.
Acts of harassment and discrimination are always degrading, unwelcome and coercive. They are always unacceptable.
As members of OSSTF/FEESO, our goal must be to protect human rights, to promote mutual respect and trust, and to foster inclusion.
We cannot condone or tolerate intimidating, demeaning, hostile and aggressive behaviour against another member. We cannot condone these behaviours when we witness them.
As OSSTF/FEESO members, we must speak out against this conduct and stand together to protect human rights. We must take action.
OSSTF/FEESO is committed to strengthening member solidarity, and in addition to representing members’ interests in the workplace, takes seriously its own responsibility to ensure that members are treated with respect and dignity at all OSSTF/FEESO events and meetings.
Any member who feels targeted by harassment or discrimination must be able to speak up and know their concerns will be responded to immediately in accordance with OSSTF/FEESO Bylaws and the Resolution and Complaint Process as found in the OSSTF/FEESO Policies and Procedures.
Anti-Harassment and Anti-Discrimination Procedure
A member who believes they have been the target of harassment or discrimination at an OSSTF/FEESO meeting or event is encouraged to take immediate action to ensure this behaviour is stopped.
As a first step, the member should make it clear to the perpetrator that they find the behaviour offensive and ask that it be stopped.
This can be done personally, either in writing or verbally, or with the assistance of a third party.
If the behaviour recurs or persists, or if the member does not feel safe in approaching the perpetrator directly, they should speak with the designated representative and ask them to act.
If no representative has been designated, the member should speak with the executive member in charge to ask that one be appointed.
The designated representative(s) will investigate the complaint promptly, including separately interviewing the parties involved and any witnesses, with a view to resolving the problem informally. During this process, the designated representative(s), with the approval of the executive member in charge, may remove the respondent temporarily from the meeting if circumstances warrant.
The investigation shall be handled confidentially; however, all complaints will be reported by the designated representative(s) to the Unit Executive.
If the complaint cannot be resolved informally, the complainant will be asked to put the complaint and all relevant information in writing.
If the complainant chooses to provide such a written complaint, it will be submitted to the Unit Executive for action and it shall be the joint responsibility of those in charge to conduct an investigation, determine if the behaviour falls under the definition of harassment, and decide on appropriate remedial action. While conducting the investigation, the Unit executive will be informed by an understanding of the systemic roots of discrimination and harassment as expressed in the OSSTF/FEESO Equity Statement.
The parties involved will receive a written report stating the findings and any action taken.
Resolutions may include but are not limited to apologies, mediation, warnings, temporarily limiting access, or removal/exclusion from the meeting or event. The Unit Executive shall keep a confidential file of all records and reports related to the investigation of written complaints for a period of five years.
None of the above restricts a member’s right to file a complaint with the Ontario Human Rights Commission or make a complaint to police.
Rationale: This is modeled on the current Provincial OSSTF/FEESO policy and is updated including references to human rights.
- BUDG 01-2026 ½ vote count
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the proposed budget for the 2026-2027 financial year be approved as presented.