Citation: Ontario College of Teachers v Cridland 2021 ONOCT 53

Date: 2021-05-25

IN THE MATTER OF the Ontario College of Teachers Act, 1996 and the Regulation (Ontario Regulation 437/97) thereunder;

AND IN THE MATTER OF a discipline proceeding against

Charles Murray Cridland, a member of the Ontario College of Teachers.

BETWEEN:

ONTARIO COLLEGE OF TEACHERS

– and –

CHARLES MURRAY CRIDLAND (REGISTRATION #266438)

PANEL: Élaine Legault, Chair

Jessica Saffran Reimers, OCT

Hanno Weinberger

HEARD: May 25, 2021

Ava Arbuck and Nicholas Fitz, for the Ontario College of Teachers

Sheilagh Turkington, for Charles Murray Cridland

Erica Richler, Independent Legal Counsel

1On May 25, 2021, counsel for the Ontario College of Teachers (the “College”) brought a motion to seek leave from a panel of the Discipline Committee (the “Panel”) to withdraw the allegations against Charles Murray Cridland (the “Member”) set out in a Notice of Hearing dated December 21, 2018 (Exhibit 1). In accordance with rule 8.01 of the Rules of Procedure of the Discipline Committee and of the Fitness to Practise Committee, this proceeding was heard electronically.

2The Member did not attend the proceeding but had legal representation.

A. SUBMISSIONS OF COLLEGE COUNSEL

3College Counsel sought the Panel’s permission to withdraw the allegations set out in the Notice of Hearing, given that the Member’s case has already been dealt with by another Committee of the College and that the Member has agreed to the withdrawal of the Notice of Hearing.

B. SUBMISSIONS OF MEMBER’S COUNSEL

4Member’s Counsel agreed with College Counsel’s submissions.

C. DECISION

5Upon hearing the submissions of the parties and given the consent of the parties, the Panel authorizes the College to withdraw the allegations against the Member set out in the Notice of Hearing dated December 21, 2018.

D. REASONS FOR DECISION

6The Panel has jurisdiction to make the order requested pursuant to Rule 13.13 of the Rules of Procedure of the Discipline Committee and of the Fitness to Practise Committee. In light of the Member’s case having previously been dealt with by another Committee of the College and the parties’ agreement, this Panel finds that the withdrawal of the Notice of Hearing in these circumstances is reasonable and serves to protect the public interest.

Date: May 25, 2021

Élaine Legault

Chair, Discipline Panel