For more information 
regarding members’ 
rights and obligations 
call ETFO staff in 
professional relations 
at 416-962-3836 or 
1-888-838-3836. 

Remember ... a caring professional relationship always helps a student to learn. But this relationship has 
boundaries of time, place, purpose and activity.

Members are advised to consult their local president or professional relations staff (PRS) in protective 
services at 416-962-3836 or 1-888-838-3836 for additional advice.

Professionalism and Ethics

Regulation made under the Teaching Profession Act – Ontario Teachers’ Federation

Section 18 (1) (b) of the regulation made under the Teaching Profession Act states that a member shall, 
“on making an adverse report on another member furnish him (her) with a written statement of the 
report at the earliest possible time and not later than three days after making the report.”

What is meant by an “Adverse Report?”

An adverse report is a negative report made about a member to an individual in a supervisory position who 
has authority to impose discipline or work sanctions against the member, or to make recommendations 
for discipline or work sanctions. The report may be verbal or in writing, and will contain criticisms of the 
member’s performance and/or conduct.

An adverse report is NOT idle gossip or nasty, pejorative comments made amongst colleagues.

Does this include principals and vice-principals?

Principals and vice-principals are not members of the Ontario Teachers’ Federation and therefore Section 
18 (1) (b) does not apply to them.

However, members are advised that it is inappropriate to make adverse comments about principals and 
vice-principals.

Ontario College of Teachers

Principals and vice-principals are members of the Ontario College of Teachers. A principal or vice-principal 
could make a complaint of professional misconduct concerning another member of the College if they 
believe that a member has not acted ethically.

Does Section 18 (1) (b) apply to teachers in their role as parents?

Yes, if members, who have parental concerns about their child’s teacher, make an adverse report about 
the teacher to the principal, the parent/teacher would have to inform the teacher in writing within 
72 hours as required in Section 18 (1) (b) of the Regulation made under the Teaching Profession Act. 
If members have concerns they should go to the teacher to discuss whatever concern exists. This is 
what members would expect any parent to do first, rather than going to the principal. It may be that 
the concerns can be cleared up at this point. If not, the option of going to the principal still exists, but 
the substance of the conversation must be provided in writing within three days, assuming that this 
conversation is critical of the teacher. It would also be appropriate for members to inform a colleague if 
they intend to discuss matters further with the principal. It is also possible to include the teacher in the 
meeting with the principal.

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