Complaints and Investigations

Responding When the Complainant Is Your Employer

Many matters begin when an employer terminates or disciplines someone and then reports to the regulator. The regulator decides independently, but the employer’s file often shapes the investigation.

  • Topic Complaints and Investigations
  • Sources checked November 10, 2026
Draft for legal review. This page has not yet been reviewed by Ryan J. Manilla.

Key Takeaways

  • Health care employers and facilities must report terminations and privilege restrictions for misconduct, incompetence or incapacity within 30 days (Code, s. 85.5).
  • Teacher and ECE employers must report terminations, suspensions and restrictions for misconduct, and certain charges and conduct (OCT Act, ss. 43.2–43.3; ECE Act, ss. 49.1–49.2).
  • Teachers must receive a copy of an employer’s s. 43.3 report (OCT Act, s. 43.3(1.2)).
  • Grievances and settlements do not stop the regulator.

Who Must Report

Reports are mandatory under several statutes, including the Code (s. 85.5), the OCT Act (ss. 43.2–43.3), the ECE Act (ss. 49.1–49.2) and the SWSSW Act (s. 41). Some also cover resignations made in place of termination (e.g. Code, s. 85.5(2); SWSSW Act, s. 41(2)).

What the Regulator Does

The report usually leads to a registrar’s investigation or is treated as a complaint (OCT Act, s. 43.3.1). Investigators often obtain the employer’s investigation file and interview managers and witnesses.

Responding

  • Get the employer’s report and investigation file if you can.
  • Identify where the employer’s account is incomplete or wrong, with documents.
  • Show what has changed since, such as training, supervision or health treatment.
  • Keep union or grievance materials consistent with your regulatory response.

Frequently Asked Questions

My grievance settled. Does that end the College matter?

No. The regulator has an independent public-protection role.

Can I see what my employer reported?

Teachers must receive a copy of an employer’s s. 43.3 report. Otherwise, ask the regulator for the information relied on.

Sources

Statutory references are to the provisions listed below, as consolidated on e-Laws when this page was prepared.

  1. Health Professions Procedural Code (RHPA, Sched. 2), s. 85.5 — Checked November 10, 2026.
  2. Ontario College of Teachers Act, 1996, ss. 43.2–43.3.1 — Checked November 10, 2026.
  3. Early Childhood Educators Act, 2007, ss. 49.1–49.2 — Checked November 10, 2026.
  4. Social Work and Social Service Work Act, 1998, s. 41 — Checked November 10, 2026.

Keep Learning About Your Proceeding

Read how Ontario regulatory proceedings typically unfold, or compare how other regulators handle complaints, hearings and appeals.