Annual Report 2024
From Our Leaders
Message from the Board Chair
As Chair of the Board, I am honoured to present the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO)’s 2024 Annual Report. This year has been marked by significant progress, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to protecting the public interest.
In 2024, we reinforced CMTO’s dedication to maintaining high standards of professional conduct in the Massage Therapy profession. CMTO was proud to be a leading and original participant in the Health Professions Discipline Tribunals Pilot (HPDTP). Through this pilot project, CMTO was able to introduce legally trained adjudicators to its discipline process and further strengthen the independence between its Discipline Committee and Board, enhancing fairness and consistency in proceedings. This progressive approach to advancing regulatory justice demonstrates CMTO’s commitment to being at the forefront of public interest protection in Ontario – and in Canada.
Our Board also continued its commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). We established an EDI Standing Committee and updated our EDI Questionnaire for applicants to Board and Committee roles to better understand the composition of our governance from an EDI perspective. We selected an EDI consultant to develop a comprehensive EDI strategy and workplan, focusing on identifying barriers and recommending strategies to promote access, representation, and inclusion for registrants and clients. In 2024, we solidified CMTO’s governance processes through the work of our Governance Committee, while advancing succession planning to ensure strong, stable leadership for the future.
In the coming year, we look forward to completing the final objectives of our multi-year Strategic Plan (2023-25). Collaborating with provincial health regulators, government, Massage Therapy employers, educators, and others, we will continue to reach for excellence in public protection and regulatory oversight, while strengthening the public’s trust and confidence in the Massage Therapy profession.
As I conclude my term as Board Chair, I want to express my gratitude to the Board, committees, and staff for their dedication to CMTO’s mission. I am confident that incoming Chair Sean Adderley, will continue to uphold our shared commitment to public protection and regulatory excellence. I look forward to supporting Sean in his new role as I continue serving as a Public Member of the Board.
​
Sincerely,
​
Jay Mathers, Public Member, Board Chair
About Us
CMTO is the regulator established by the provincial government to protect the public interest by regulating and overseeing the registration, conduct and ongoing quality assurance efforts of Registered Massage Therapists/Massage Therapists (RMTs/MTs) in Ontario. CMTO is dedicated to excellence in protecting the public’s interest, guiding its registrants, and promoting the highest quality of Massage Therapy care. CMTO is not a school and does not advocate on behalf of RMTs/MTs.
CMTO achieves its goals through:
Setting and enforcing Standards of Practice to guide RMTs/MTs practice and conduct as well as providing guidance and resources to support RMTs/MTs in delivering high-quality care;
Administering Quality Assurance programs to support ongoing professional development; and
Maintaining a public register of authorized RMTs/MTs to help Ontarians verify the person they are visiting for Massage Therapy treatment is a registrant of CMTO;
Addressing concerns and complaints and taking disciplinary action when appropriate.
2024 Highlights
Prevention of Sexual Abuse
In 2024, CMTO prioritized identifying meaningful solutions to prevent sexual abuse in Massage Therapy practice by focusing on educational settings.
CMTO’s Prevention of Sexual Abuse Seminar
CMTO held its second Prevention of Sexual Abuse Seminar on November 15, 2024. Educators from Massage Therapy programs across Ontario shared their perspectives, exchanged ideas, and learned about effective strategies for sexual abuse prevention from expert guest speakers. The day included:
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A presentation on understanding gender-based violence (GBV) from WomanACT, a charitable organization working towards eradicating GBV through research, education and advocacy [1].
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A panel discussion on how various healthcare professions incorporate sexual abuse prevention at the educational level. The panelists were:
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Irene Cohen: a retired MD and family physician, former investigator for the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario;
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Pam Fitch, M. Ad. Ed., RMT/MT: a former RMT/MT educator at Algonquin College; and
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Brenda Mori, BScPT, MSc, PhD: Physical Therapy Professor, Director of Clinical Education & Community Affairs at the University of Toronto.
-
-
A review of case studies and facilitated discussions about:
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The power dynamics that exist between clients and RMTs/MTs;
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Identifying and addressing gaps in sexual abuse prevention in education;
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Recognizing signs of sexual abuse and the significance of trauma-informed care; and
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Solutions for preventing sexual abuse of Massage Therapy early in an RMT's/MT’s academic and professional career.
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In 2025, CMTO will continue its work on preventing the sexual abuse of clients by: Hosting another Prevention of Sexual Abuse Seminar; Increasing engagement with Massage Therapy education programs regarding sexual abuse, professionalism, ethics, reporting, and boundaries; and Raising awareness of the important issue of sexual abuse in the Massage Therapy profession through CMTO’s outreach efforts.
[1] Over the past five years (2019-2023), CMTO received 352 cases (complaints and reports) related to sexual abuse. Those 352 cases were against 248 registrants. While only 23% of RMTs/MTs identify as male, 71% of sexual abuse allegations from 2019-2023 were against male RMTs/MTs. This demographic data makes gender-based violence an important topic related to sexual abuse in Massage Therapy.
Confidential Support Person for Sexual Abuse Complaints
CMTO recognizes that reporting sexual abuse is a difficult decision and that navigating the College’s investigation and discipline processes can be challenging. To support survivors, CMTO now offers the option of having Dr. Ruth Gallop, a support person, who helps understand and navigate these processes confidentially. This underscores CMTO’s commitment to supporting those affected by sexual abuse.
Client-Focused Poster
As part of its commitment to preventing sexual abuse of clients, CMTO developed an educational poster providing tips about what clients should expect from their Massage Therapy treatment and covering their rights. The poster is available on CMTO’s website for download and CMTO distributed physical copies at the 2024 Town Halls. This poster lets clients know they have the right to:
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Voice their consent or lack of consent;
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Feel covered and safe;
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Ask for what they need; and
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Contact CMTO with any questions or concerns.
CMTO encourages RMTs/MTs to hang this poster in their practice settings where clients can easily see and read it.
Engagement and Partnerships
Meaningful engagement and strong partnerships form the cornerstone of effective regulation. In 2024, CMTO continued strengthening connections with Massage Therapy clients, RMTs/MTs, educators, employers, Ontario’s health regulators, and other stakeholders.
​2024 Town Halls
In May 2024, CMTO and the Registered Massage Therapists’ Association of Ontario (RMTAO) welcomed 300 attendees, including RMTs/MTs and students, at jointly organized Town Halls. These events took place in St. Catharines, Guelph, Peterborough, Kingston, Ottawa, Thunder Bay, and Toronto. Maureen Boon, CMTO’s Registrar & CEO, shared updates on regulatory changes and upcoming initiatives, while Michael Feraday, RMTAO’s Executive Director & CEO, highlighted RMTAO’s advocacy efforts. The events offered registrants and students a unique opportunity to engage directly with CMTO and RMTAO leadership, ask questions, and gain clarity on regulatory updates impacting their education and practice.
To view a recording of Toronto’s Town Hall, visit CMTO’s YouTube channel.
​CMTO Introduces Massage Matters: Newsletter for Clients and Students
In April 2024, CMTO launched Massage Matters, a new publication designed to inform the public, clients, and students about the latest developments in Massage Therapy regulation.
Massage Matters highlights topics such as:
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CMTO activities and initiatives that advance its public protection mandate;
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Insights for Massage Therapy students and graduates, including helpful tips, guidance and resources for those nearing graduation and beginning their careers in Massage Therapy; and
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Updates on regulatory changes impacting the Massage Therapy landscape.
Massage Matters serves as a valuable resource for clients and the general public, helping them understand their rights and what to expect from Massage Therapy care. For students and aspiring RMTs/MTs, it provides practical advice and regulatory updates to support their journey into the profession. By bridging the gap between CMTO and the public, the newsletter fosters transparency and trust in Massage Therapy regulation. Read the latest Massage Matters articles on CMTO’s website.
Championing Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
CMTO embeds equity, diversity, and inclusion into its operations to better serve Ontario’s communities. By aligning programs, policies, and reporting with EDI principles, we foster accountability and ensure Massage Therapy meets the needs of all clients.
New EDI Standing Committee
Following the formation of an EDI Standing Committee, CMTO issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to engage an EDI consultant in developing an EDI-informed strategy and workplan. This strategy will be integrated across all CMTO’s programs and processes to reflect the College’s Strategic Plan goal related to EDI.
With the Committee’s guidance, CMTO developed an EDI questionnaire for Board and Committee applicants to better understand the composition of its governance through an EDI lens. Throughout 2024, the Committee focused on fostering an inclusive environment for Massage Therapy clients and RMTs/MTs who interact with the College. In 2025, CMTO will conduct an EDI survey to gain insights into the diverse needs of RMTs/MTs serving various communities across Ontario.
Internal Staff Committee on EDI
CMTO established an internal EDI Committee at the staff level to ensure diverse perspectives are heard and represented within the College. The Committee conducted a survey amongst CMTO staff to assess their views and needs related to EDI.
Regulatory Excellence
CMTO is advancing regulatory excellence by modernizing governance, enhancing decision-making processes, and collaborating with the government on regulatory reform. With an unwavering commitment to public protection, efficiency, and effectiveness, CMTO continues strengthening oversight while fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organizational culture.
New Social Media Guidelines
CMTO is committed to upholding high professional standards and promoting safe, ethical Massage Therapy practices. To support this, CMTO released new Social Media Guidelines in 2024 for RMTs/MTs, providing clear expectations for responsible social media use while ensuring compliance with professional obligations.
Key areas covered include:
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Professional Interactions: Establishes clear expectations for how RMTs/MTs should conduct Massage Therapist-client interactions online, particularly regarding advertising, reviews, and testimonials.
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Confidentiality and Boundaries: Emphasizes the importance of maintaining client confidentiality, establishing professional boundaries, and avoiding conflicts of interest in digital communications.
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Professionalism Online: Encourages RMTs/MTs to present themselves professionally on social media, fostering respectful engagement and openness to diverse opinions.
Health Professions Discipline Tribunals Pilot
In 2024, CMTO continued its participation in the innovative Health Professions Discipline Tribunals Pilot (HPDTP). The HPDTP model is a progressive approach to managing cases of professional misconduct referred for discipline hearings.
Through its participation in the Pilot, CMTO:
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Demonstrated regulatory leadership and collaboration by testing innovative approaches in partnership with other Ontario health regulators;
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Refined the independence between CMTO’s Board and its Discipline Committee to ensure continued objectivity and fairness in discipline proceedings involving allegations of sexual abuse; and
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Leveraged the expertise of individuals trained as lawyers, with specialized knowledge in adjudicating discipline cases, to support the efficient management of discipline hearings and related costs.
Registration Regulation Update: Supporting the Profession
In 2024, CMTO’s updated Registration Regulation under the Massage Therapy Act, 1991 came into force. The key changes are:
Massage Therapy Education for Registration
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Starting January 1, 2027, the Registration Committee will be responsible for approving the Massage Therapy programs for graduates who will be eligible to register with CMTO.
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Accreditation with the Canadian Massage Therapy Council for Accreditation (CMTCA) will be required for program approval.
Practice Hours for General Certificate
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Previously, to maintain their General Certificate, RMTs/MTs were required to provide a minimum of 500 hours of direct client care in the previous three years. Now, RMTs/MTs will require 500 hours “practising the profession”, which includes time spent teaching at an approved Massage Therapy program. This change will make it easier for educators to maintain their General Certificate.
Ontario Practice Location Requirement Removed
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RMTs/MTs with a General Certificate no longer need to maintain a practice location in Ontario, improving labour mobility.
Inactive Class Registration
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First-time registrants can apply for Inactive Certificate status if they meet all requirements but haven’t secured employment. They must switch to General registration status, however, before practising.
These updates simplify the registration process and enhance professional mobility while providing greater flexibility for new registrants and reflect CMTO’s commitment to fostering a modern and supportive environment for RMTs/MTs in Ontario.
Professional Misconduct Regulation Update: Upholding Standards of Practice
In 2024, CMTO implemented updates to the Professional Misconduct regulation under the Massage Therapy Act, 1991. The amendments reflect CMTO's dedication to professional integrity and accountability, while ensuring clarity and consistency. Key updates include:
Sexual Abuse Update
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The revised regulation contains a new section which states that failing to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual abuse of a client by any person working under the registrant’s direction or supervision is considered professional misconduct.
Removal of Irrelevant Provisions and Repetition
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Outdated regulations that no longer apply have been corrected or eliminated, streamlining the framework for professional conduct.
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Provisions already covered in the College’s by-laws or other relevant legislation have been removed to avoid redundancy and enhance clarity.
Consistent Terminology
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The language used in the regulation has been updated to align with existing legislation and other regulatory health colleges in Ontario.
These updates reinforce the importance of maintaining professional standards, ensuring that the legislation which governs RMTs/MTs promotes accountability and protects public trust in the profession.
Snapshot of Massage Therapy in Ontario
(As of December 31, 2024)
RMTs/MTs registered with CMTO
General Certificate
Inactive Certificate
Total
15,553
633
16,186
Total Number of RMTs Year-Over-Year
From 2013 to 2024 there has been a 34% increase in the number of RMTs/MTs in Ontario.
Gender of RMTs/MTs
Female
12,495
77.2%
Male
3,657
22.6%
"X"*
34
0.2%
1,023 new RMTs/MTs registered
* “X” is not directly associated with male or female, including but not limited to Trans, TwoSpirit, Non-Binary, and/or Binary people. CMTO recognizes that there may be more terms that represent the diverse and unique forms of gender expressions/identities, including those of the LGBTQ2S+ community, and we will continue to respond to developments.
Most RMTs/MTs are between 41 and 50 years old
Age
Number of RMTs
<31
31 - 40
41 - 50
51 - 60
>60
2,138 (13.2%)
4,689 (29%)
4,898 (30.3%)
3,281 (20.3%)
1,180 (7.3%)
Top 3 practice settings
7,709 RMTs/MTs (50%)
Clinic Setting
(e.g., multi-disciplinary clinic, hospital, urgent care clinic, rehabilitation facility)
4,216 RMTs/MTs (27%)
Solo Practice
1,373 RMTs/MTs (9%)
Spa
(e.g., home-based and solo office practice)
Note: These represent the top 3 most common practice settings, the remaining 14% of RMTs/MTs holding a General Certificate of Registration practise in 17 other practice settings.
Most asked practice questions of 2024
In 2024,
1,277
practice questions were received by CMTO’s practice specialist.
Email:
865
Phone:
412
The Practice Specialist answered questions from RMTs, Massage Therapy students, clients, employers, and insurance companies on the topics of:
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Preparing a receipt paid for by gift card/certificate
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Discharging a client
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Collecting health history (e.g., updates, at events)
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Scope of Practice and modalities (e.g., is it in Scope?)
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Resigning & leaving a Practice
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Releasing records and access
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Cancellation and no-show policies
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Professional boundaries
Executive Committee Report
Committee Mandate
The Executive Committee supports the Board with key responsibilities including financial monitoring, risk management, strategic planning, managing the Registrar/CEO’s performance, and governance. It adheres to the College’s Code of Conduct, policies, by-laws and regulations.
Committee Members
Jay Mathers
Public Member, Chair
Sean Adderley
RMT/MT
Jalpa Patel
Public Member
Howard Shears
Public Member
Summary of 2024 Accomplishments
Recommended the reappointment of the Inaugural Governance Committee to update its Terms of Reference and implement a staggered appointment process to ensure continuity and improvements in governance processes.​​​​​
Provided feedback on the Health Professions Discipline Tribunals (HPDT) Report to modernize the discipline process.
Recommended the reappointment of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee to ensure continuity of its work.
Selected a consulting firm for Board Evaluations, CEO Performance Assessment, and Governance Support.
Appointed the Auditor for 2024.
The Executive Committee reviewed the following items for the Board’s approval:
Governance
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By-Law No.2 Electoral District amendment;
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Reappointment of the Governance Committee and EDI Committee Members.
Strategy/Issue Management
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HPDT pilot evaluation report and next steps; and​​
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Workplan & KPIs.
Financial/Risk
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Organization risk register;
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2023 Q4 financial report & preliminary year-end;
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2023 draft audited financial statements;
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2024 financial reports;
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2025 annual fee review; and
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2025 budget.
In 2024, the Committee oversaw the following items:
Pre-audit communication
Investment portfolio
Alternate fee collection approaches
Professional misconduct regulation amendments
CPMF summary
Next steps in the prevention of sexual abuse
Registrar/CEO Oversight
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Performance evaluation criteria; and
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Governance support and CEO’s performance assessment process.
Registration Committee Report
Committee Mandate
The Registration Committee is responsible for determining the eligibility for registration of all applicants where there is a question about capacity, training, experience or education, and/or when the Registrar believes that terms, conditions, or limitations should be imposed on a Certificate of Registration.
Committee Members
Sean Adderley
RMT/MT, Chair
Suja Biber
RMT/MT
Jasmeet Cheema
RMT/MT
Brian Highgate
Public Member
James Johnson
RMT/MT, non-Board Member
Elisabeth Mathers
RMT/MT
Jay Mathers
Public Member
Ellen Scott
RMT/MT
Summary of 2024 Accomplishments
Recommended the Board approves the Practice Hours Requirement Policy, which was amended to reflect the updated Registration Regulation. Previously, to maintain their General Certificate, RMTs/MTs were required to provide a minimum of 500 hours of direct client care in the previous three years. Now, RMTs/MTs will require 500 hours of “practising the profession”, which includes time spent teaching at an approved Massage Therapy program. This change will make it easier for educators to maintain their General Certificate.
Recommended that the Board approves the 2025 Certification Examination Content Outlines effective January 1, 2025.
Reviewed the Committee’s Terms of Reference.
Amended the Language Fluency Policy to include additional assessments recognized by the federal government, and gender-inclusive language, CPR, and First Aid policies to align with the process in the Initial Registration Guide and the website.
Reviewed the 2023 Fair Registration Practices (FRP) Report and outcome of the Risk-Informed Competency Framework (RICF) Questionnaire.
Reviewed the updated Massage Therapy Education and Credential Assessment (MTECA) process.
Reviewed quarterly Certification Examination Reports.
Quick Stats
CMTO registered 1,021 new registrants to General Certificate and two registrants to Inactive Certificate in 2024.
In 2024, three applications for registration were referred by the Registrar to the Registration Committee for review and decision. Reasons for a referral included not meeting the examination requirement for registration, and a proposal to register with terms, conditions and limitations (TCLs) on the Certificate of Registration.
Registration Committee Decisions
Application Decisions
Direct the Registrar to refuse to issue a Certificate of Registration - 1
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Approve registration with TCLs proposed by the Registrar - 2
Other Decisions
Category 3 Refresher Course Requests
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2 requests approved
-
1 denied
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Extension to the validity of the education requirement
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1 request denied​
Modification to the language fluency requirement
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1 request denied
Quality Assurance Committee Report
Committee Mandate
The Quality Assurance Committee is responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of a Quality Assurance Program in accordance with the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and College regulations.
Committee Members
Christin Mandalentsis
RMT/MT, Chair
Brian Highgate
Public Member, Vice-Chair
Sandra Fattibene
RMT/MT, non-Board Member
Sasha Goudriaan
RMT/MT
Brianne Lalande
RMT/MT, non-Board Member
Jianjiang Li
RMT/MT, non-Board Member
Robyn Libby
RMT/MT
Jennifer McGill
RMT/MT
Dawn Ricica
RMT/MT, non-Board Member
Carolyn Watt
Public Member
Summary of 2024 Accomplishments
2024 marked the first time that STRiVE – the Quality Assurance Program followed the intended cycle and timelines since the launch of Risk-based Assessment (RBA) in 2023. The 2024 select Standards of Practice were incorporated into all components of STRiVE – the Quality Assurance Program.
The Program introduced tracking initiatives to improve administrative efficiencies in the areas of invoicing and Program outcomes.
The Committee approved policies to promote consistency in approach and application of deferrals, extensions, and waivers for extenuating circumstances.
The Quality Assurance Committee approved the 2025-2027 Risk-based Assessment Blueprint to guide the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of STRiVE’s Risk-Based Assessment (RBA).
The Quality Assurance Committee reviewed and approved the 2025 Practice Assessment Decision Guidelines for implementation outlining the decision rules for selecting RMTs/MTs for the 2025 Practice Assessment.
STRiVE Update
A total of 14,347 RMTs/MTs completed the Practice Profile as part of the RBA. The 2024 completion compliance rate was 99.9%.
479 Practice Assessments were completed as part of RBA, including first attempts (437) and second attempts (42).
A total of 15,082 RMTs/MTs completed the Be the Best You Can Be part of STRiVE in 2024. This reflects a compliance rate of 98.5%.
2024 RBA Practice Assessment Outcomes
479
Total RBA Practice Assessments Completed
395
Had a Satisfactory Assessment Outcome After 1 Attempt
32
Had a Satisfactory Assessment Outcome After 2 Attempts
*10
After 2 Attempts Were Referred to the QAC For Review
*469 of the 479 total attempts resulted in no further action.
2024 Quality Assurance Committee Matters Reviewed and Outcomes – Total: 83
17*
No further action
21
Recommendations or Remedial Activities
13
Other
(deferrals, notices, acknowledgements)
1*
Specified Continuing Education or Remediation Program (SCERP)
1
Terms, Conditions and Limitations
30
Referrals to the ICRC for Professional Misconduct (non-compliance)
*Includes 13 Other Practice Assessments/Reassessments but excludes the 2024 RBA Practice Assessment outcomes referenced in the table above.
With the first full completion of the intended timelines for STRiVE, the Program and its Committee were better able to:
Complete the 2024 RBA Practice Assessment of eligible RMTs/MTs by year-end.
Consider alternative remedial options to address the outcomes of STRiVE, including unsuccessful RBA Practice Assessments.
Improve administrative efficiencies of complex outcomes for Program and Committee activities.
Reduce the number of Specified Continuing Education or Remediation Program (SCERP) requirements.
In addition, the Quality Assurance Program and Committee has started and continues to:
Clarify and simplify the Quality Assurance Committee’s decision letters to encourage continuous improvement, enhance clarity, and reduce the use of regulatory terminology.
Client Relations Committee Report
Committee Mandate
The Client Relations Committee has responsibility for all programs and measures that are designed to address preventing or dealing with sexual abuse of clients by registrants. This responsibility has been extended to address any aspect of relations between registrants and their clients.
Committee Members
Ravara Van Vliet,
RMT/MT, Chair
Brian Highgate,
Public Member
Shannon Teekah-Lam,
RMT/MT, non-Board Member
Summary of 2024 Accomplishments
The Committee met 3 times over the year.
The Committee received and reviewed 13 applications for funding for therapy/counselling.
The committee approved 13 applications for funding for therapy/counselling.
CMTO held its second Prevention of Sexual Abuse Seminar on November 15, 2024:
Last year’s Seminar highlighted the need to prioritize sexual abuse prevention and awareness within Massage Therapy education programs. As such, participants in the 2024 seminar were Massage Therapy educators and representatives from five private and six public career colleges.
The event featured a presentation from WomanACT about gender-based violence and sexual abuse from a survivor’s perspective, a panel discussion about sexual abuse prevention, and case studies.
Participants agreed on the need for RMTs/MTs to practice trauma-informed care, educating students about power dynamics in the RMT/MT-client relationship, and RMTs/MTs to have ongoing training in professionalism, ethics, and boundaries.
CMTO maintained its review cycle, providing updates to existing supporting documentation for the therapy/counselling program. Through this review, CMTO ensured processes and supporting documentation remain modern, providing transparency, fairness, consistency, and timely access to clients who wish to receive therapy following allegations of sexual abuse.
Educating the public about CMTO’s approach to preventing and addressing sexual abuse of clients by:​
Updating CMTO’s Illegal Practitioners webpage with a list of individuals who have entered into an undertaking to resign and never reapply. This helps advance CMTO’s public protection mandate by ensuring this information is readily available on its website.
Continuing the Look Before You Book Campaign, an annual campaign that promotes CMTO’s public register, urging the public to look up an RMT/MT before booking a Massage Therapy treatment. In 2024, the campaign received over 2.5 million impressions and directed 80,000 clicks to the public register.
In 2024, CMTO also released new videos, “What is the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario” and “Why You Should See a Registered Massage Therapist”. These videos encourage the public to visit only regulated healthcare professionals for their Massage Therapy care and raise awareness about reporting their concerns to CMTO, leading to over 1000 views.
Presentation to the College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Ontario’s (CMLTO) Patient Relations Committee:
On November 14, 2024, CMTO’s Manager of Compliance presented CMTO’s funding for therapy/counselling program to CMLTO’s Patient Relations Committee.
CMTO’s program is recognized as a leading initiative of its kind, and sharing its components helps other health regulators adopt best practices for addressing sexual abuse cases across various healthcare professions.
Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee Report
Committee Mandate
The Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee is responsible for handling registrant specific concerns regarding professional misconduct, incompetence, and incapacity from various sources (e.g., formal complaints, mandatory reports, and information coming to the attention of the Registrar).
Meetings
In 2024, the Committee’s work was completed by three Panels, each comprised of five Committee members. The Panels met 26 times over videoconference and 10 times over email.
Committee Members
Carolyn Watt
Public Member, Chair
Tammy Contois
RMT/MT, Vice Chair
Simon Adeseko
RMT/MT, non-Board Member
Sandra Cina
RMT/MT, non-Board Member
Rebecca Cleaveley
RMT/MT, non-Board Member
Krista Cranston
RMT/MT, non-Board Member
Imelda Garce
RMT/MT, non-Board Member
Neven Jeftic
RMT/MT, non-Board Member
Jim Marinow
RMT/MT, non-Board Member
Yvonne Marrello
RMT/MT, non-Board Member
Dawn Oehring
RMT/MT
Jalpa Patel
Public Member
Howard Shears
Public Member
Karalyn Van Aken
RMT/MT, non-Board Member
Ashley Van Zelst
RMT/MT
Number of New Complaints/Reports Cases by Type
44
Sexual abuse
59
Professional conduct & behaviour
4
Billing and fees
3
Harassment/boundary violations
21
Intent to mislead, including fraud
23
Competence / patient care
1
Record keeping
1
Other (complaint re: incapacity)
15
Communication
2
Unauthorized practice
6
Advertising
179
Total cases
Incapacity Cases
8
New Cases Received in 2024
7
Cases Disposed of in 2024
Details of the Disposed Cases
1
Referral to Fitness to Practise Committee
1
Accepted Undertaking
5
No further action
Decisions: Complaints and Registrar’s Reports
20
Specified Continuing Education or Remediation Program (SCERP)
62
No further action
7
Oral caution
50
Recommendation and/or advice
16
SCERP with an oral caution
1
Initiate incapacity inquiry
32
Referral to discipline
15
Undertaking/Agreement – resign and never reapply
203
Total decisions
Requests for Review of Complaints to the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board (HPARB)
6
New HPARB Reviews in 2024
6
HPARB Reviews Completed in 2024
6
Details
Decision upheld
Discipline Committee Report
Committee Mandate
The Discipline Committee is responsible for hearing and determining allegations of professional misconduct or incompetence against registrants.
Committee Members
All Board Members
Bobbie Flint
RMT/MT, non-Board Member, Co-Chair
David Wright
non-Board Public Member, Co-Chair
Raj Anand
non-Board Public Member
Allie Bisset
RMT/MT, non-Board Member
Jennifer DaPonte
RMT/MT, non-Board Member
Shayne Kert
non-Board Public Member
Sherry Liang
non-Board Public Member
Sophie Martel
non-Board Public Member
Amy McElroy
RMT/MT, non-Board Member
Jennifer McGill
RMT/MT
Alpa Patel
RMT/MT, non-Board Member
Jennifer Scott
non-Board Public Member
Eric Wu
RMT/MT, non-Board Member
Summary of 2024 Accomplishments
All of the Committee’s 31 decisions were issued in line with its decision release time standards, ensuring parties received reasons for decision in a timely manner.
Continued education and training of Members remained a priority. This included:
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Periodic updates on case law relevant to the Committee’s work;
-
Continued training on the role of Panel Members in deliberations, reasons writing and review, and in managing hearings with self-represented parties;
-
Training on implementing compassionate regulation and trauma-informed practices in disciplinary processes;
-
Through continued participation in the Health Professions Discipline Tribunals (HPDT) pilot, Committee Members attended HPDT’s Annual Conference and participated in mock hearing deliberations; and
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Circulation of HPDT monthly newsletters.
Hearings
15
Contested
16
Uncontested
31
Total
Cases Open in 2024, by Primary Allegation
36
Sexual abuse
9
Professional conduct & behaviour
4
Unauthorized practice
1
Competence / Patient care
5
Intent to mislead, including fraud
55
Total cases
Findings of Misconduct from 25 Closed Matters
3
Conduct unbecoming
5
Convicted of an offence relevant to suitability to practise
18
Disgraceful, dishonourable and unprofessional conduct
13
Failure to maintain professional standards
4
Falsifying records or documents
9
Sexual abuse
Penalty Outcomes from 25 Closed Matters
20
Reprimands
16
Revocations
12
Reimbursement for therapy funding
6
Suspensions
6
Terms, conditions or limitations
12
Security for therapy funding
Discipline Decisions
Decisions and reasons issued in the 25 matters closed in 2024 are linked below. On occasion, two or more discipline matters related to the same registrant are heard at the same hearing. In these cases, a single decision is issued that sets out the outcome for multiple matters.
7. Jain, Ujjwal
13. Long, Oliver
17. Prosperi, Andrew
19. Rodrigues, Gerard (3 matters closed)
21. Stark, Amanda
​8. Janik, Wioletta
10. Le, Thu Thi
12. Liu, Yu
14. Outram, Colin (Penalty)
16. Pitts, Jeffrey (Penalty)
18. Registrant C
20. Syal, Yatin (Liability); Syal, Yatin (Penalty)
22. Witz, Peter
Fitness to Practise Committee Report
Committee Mandate
The Fitness to Practise Committee is responsible for hearing and determining allegations of incapacity made against a registrant.
Committee Members
Jalpa Patel
Public Member, Chair
Bobbie Flint
RMT/MT, non-Board Member, Vice-Chair
Sean Adderley
RMT/MT
Suja Biber
RMT/MT
Allie Bisset
RMT/MT, non-Board Member
Tammy Contois
RMT/MT
Brian Highgate
Public Member
Robyn Libby
RMT/MT
​Christin Mandalentsis
RMT/MT
Jay Mathers
Public Member
Jennifer McGill
RMT/MT
Susan Royko
RMT/MT, non-Board Member
Dawn Oehring
RMT/MT
Howard Shears
Public Member
Ravara Van Vliet
RMT/MT
Ashley Van Zelst
RMT/MT
Carolyn Watt
Public Member
Summary of 2024 Accomplishments
The Committee has historically maintained a small caseload, and this continued in 2024. The Committee completed one hearing and issued the following decisions:
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A decision containing a finding that a registrant was incapacitated; and
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A decision setting out the Committee’s order to restrict the registrant’s practice in the public interest as a result of its previous finding that the registrant was incapacitated.
To support continuing education, Committee members participated in an annual orientation session that covered the following topics:
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The definition of incapacity and how it differs from misconduct or incompetence;
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Fundamental differences with the discipline process; and
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The role of expert evidence in Fitness to Practise proceedings.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee Report
Committee Mandate
The EDI Committee supports CMTO’s strategic plan and commitment to promoting and upholding the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion in its practices, policies, and programs.
Committee Members
Tiffany Fearon
non-Board Public Member, Chair
Simisola Johnson
non-Board Public Member
Supriya Latchman
non-Board Public Member
Jalpa Patel
Public Member
Ashley Van Zelst
RMT/MT
Summary of 2024 Accomplishments
As the first step for this new Committee, members participated in orientation and discussed the Committee’s Terms of Reference, EDI as a pillar of CMTO’s Strategic Plan, environmental scan results, and long-term goals.
Updated a CMTO EDI Questionnaire for applicants to Board and Committee roles to better understand the composition of its governance from an EDI perspective and support the Governance Committee’s nomination process.
Selected an EDI consultant to support the development of an EDI strategy and workplan. The consultant brings expertise to identify barriers, recommend actionable strategies, and ensure CMTO’s practices promote equitable access, representation, and inclusion for registrants and clients.
Inaugural Governance Committee Report
Committee Mandate
The Inaugural Governance Committee (IGC) assists the Board in establishing, developing, and implementing modern governance processes. It also selects Committee Members based on Board approved competencies and experience to ensure the College Committees effectively serve the public interest.
Committee Members
Kevin McCarthy, Chair
non-Board Public Member
David Janveau
RMT/MT
Marlene Kesler
non-Board Public Member
Anne Resnick
non-Board Public Member
Kim Westfall-Connor
RMT/MT
Summary of 2024 Accomplishments
Reviewed applications for the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee, interviewed shortlisted candidates, and selected the final Committee Members for CMTO’s Board approval. In 2025, the EDI Committee will help advance the College’s strategic goals and promote equity, diversity, and inclusion across all policies and programs.
Recommended the reappointment of its IGC Members to update its Terms of Reference and implement a staggered appointment process to ensure continuity and improvements in governance processes.
Reviewed the proposed Governance Handbook revisions outline to reflect the College’s strategic objectives, enhance clarity, and facilitate a stronger understanding and adherence to governance processes.
Reviewed the non-Board selection criteria and process for appointing applicants to non-Board Committees.
Provided feedback on the Health Professions Discipline Tribunals (HPDT) Report to collaborate and modernize the discipline process.
Evaluated non-Board applications and recommended the 2025 Committee slate to the Board.
Reviewed Statements of Intent for Board Chair and Vice Chair positions and conducted interviews with candidates for the Executive Committee.
2024 Board
(As of December 2024)
Jay Mathers, Public Member, Board Chair
Sean Adderley, RMT/MT, Vice Chair
Suja Biber, RMT/MT
Tammy Contois, RMT/MT
Brian Highgate, Public Member
Robyn Libby, RMT/MT
Christin Mandalentsis, RMT/MT
Jennifer McGill, RMT
Dawn Oehring, RMT
Jalpa Patel, Public Member
Howard Shears, Public Member
Carolyn Watt, Public Member
Ashley Van Zelst, RMT/MT
Ravara Van Vliet, RMT