The Vanier College Teachers’ Association
🖐️ WELCOME BACK FROM THE VCTA!
We hope you had a restful summer and that your semester is off to a strong, positive start.
As always, the VCTA is here to support you. Whether you need information, advice, or representation, we are only a phone call or email away. Before making decisions such as turning down work, we strongly encourage you to consult with us first so you fully understand the implications for your workload, seniority, and rights.
How We Can Help
Our team is available to assist with a wide range of matters. We can help you understand your rights and options related to workload, seniority, and priority, as well as answer questions about salary, benefits, leaves, and absences. We can also provide guidance on insurance and pension plans; assist with schooling and experience re-evaluation requests; explain how to access Professional Development Funds; support you in reporting and resolving health and safety concerns; and help you navigate College policies, committees, structures, and procedures.
When to Contact Us Immediately
Some situations call for prompt action. Please reach out to us right away if:
- The administration intends to proceed with an administrative evaluation of your work
- You are summoned to meet with an administrator
- You feel your rights may have been violated
- You are facing a stressful or difficult workplace situation
- You experience disrespectful or discriminatory interactions with colleagues
Please note: you have the right to union representation at any formal meeting with the administration. When in doubt, contact us before the meeting takes place. All consultations with the VCTA are strictly confidential.
As your union, we remain committed to advocating for your rights, supporting your professional needs, and building a strong, united community. Stay informed by keeping an eye on our News Bulletins, emails, and announcements for upcoming General Assemblies.
Wishing you a productive and rewarding semester ahead!
⌚ OFFICE HOURS & EXECUTIVE AVAILABILITY
Connecting with us is easy. Simply drop by during office for executive hours in C-101, or schedule a confidential appointment by email.
Executive Fall 2026 Schedule
| Day | Executive | Time |
| Monday | Florian Duquerroix | 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. |
| Hakim Loudyi | 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. | |
| Tuesday | Sandi Mak | 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday | Anne Bernard | 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. |
| Hakim Loudyi | 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | |
| Thursday | Katie Rose | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. |
| Friday | Florian Duquerroix | 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. |
| Anne Bernard | 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. |
Union Lounge Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Contact & Location
- Location: Room C-101
- Website: www.thevcta.qc.ca
- Phone: Ext. 7053
- Email: vcta@vaniercollege.qc.ca
- Office Personnel (Sheree Sitahal) Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (closed for lunch 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.)
🚨 UPDATE: COLLEGE DIRECTIVE ON BILL 9 (LOI SUR LE RENFORCEMENT DE LA LAÏCITÉ AU QUÉBEC)
The VCTA wants to keep members informed about a new College directive tied to Bill 9, the provincial secularism legislation passed on April 2, 2026, and to explain what it may mean for you starting September 1st.
What the Directive Says
Beginning September 1st, individuals receiving services from the College (including students) will be required to keep their faces uncovered, subject to certain exceptions provided for under the Act.
The College has indicated that faculty may, but are not required to, use the days leading up to September 1st to remind students that this measure is coming into effect.
Importantly, faculty members are not being asked to confront or take action against a student who is not in compliance. If you observe a situation on or after September 1st that appears to violate the Act, the directive asks that you refer it to College security rather than intervene directly.
How This Applies to Faculty
The VCTA wants to ensure members are clear on how this applies to faculty:
- No Policing Role Required: The College does not require teachers to confront students or act against a student at fault. Instead, the directive specifies referring such situations to College security.
- Alternative Channels: For members who feel uncomfortable contacting security directly, reaching out to Student Services for support is an alternative way to handle situations and minimize potential friction.
- College Communication: To alleviate pressure on teaching staff, the union is asking the College to clarify what direct communications have already been sent to students, ensuring teachers do not feel obligated to independently reiterate these measures.
Union Support & Advice
The VCTA is closely monitoring this new policy, its implementation, and any potential impacts on our members. While we always advocate for and support our members, we must remind you that disregarding official College directives exposes teachers to potential disciplinary measures under the collective agreement.
Every situation is unique, and union consultations remain strictly confidential. If you have questions, concerns, or find yourself facing a difficult workplace situation regarding this directive, please reach out to the VCTA office or consult with an executive member before taking action.
💚 JOIN THE VCTA!
Are you a new teacher at Vanier? We warmly invite you to become a member of the Vanier College Teachers’ Association (VCTA).
The VCTA represents all teachers in both the Day Division and Continuing Education. By joining, you become part of a democratic organization dedicated to defending your rights, protecting your working conditions, and strengthening our collective voice.
Membership is simple: a one-time fee of $2 (payable in cash or by e-transfer) gives you full membership rights and responsibilities for as long as you teach at Vanier.
A Union Governed by Its Members
The VCTA belongs to you and your colleagues:
- The General Assembly of all VCTA members is the union’s highest decision-making body.
- Every member has the right to attend, participate, and vote at General Assemblies.
- Your voice and your vote directly shape the direction of our union and ensure teachers’ perspectives are heard.
Joining the VCTA isn’t just a way to safeguard your own rights; it’s a way to stand with your colleagues in building a strong, supportive, and united teaching community.
Haven’t joined yet? Stop by Room C-101 or email us atvcta@vaniercollege.qc.ca.
💸 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUNDS
Did you know that all faculty, full-time and part-time, can apply for Professional Development (PD) funds?
These funds are overseen by the PD Committee, which has equal representation from the VCTA and the administration. They support a wide range of activities, including: graduate studies (Master’s or PhD) or other studies/research in your area of specialization; PERFORMA and other education courses; studies in French or English as a second language; Conferences, colloquia, workshops, or in-house training.
For a full list of eligible activities, visit our website: www.thevcta.qc.ca/professional-development-pd
Key Things to Know
- THE PD Year: Runs July 1 – June 30.
- Timing: Applications must be submitted at least two weeks before your activity. No retroactive funding is possible.
- Combining Funds: Tenured teachers may request to combine two years’ worth of funds to attend a conference.
- Forms: All application and expense report forms are available online at https://www.thevcta.qc.ca/pd-forms/
- Reimbursement: After your activity, submit an expense report with receipts to be reimbursed for eligible costs. Reimbursements are processed through your paycheck and typically take 4–6 weeks to appear.
Questions? Stop by the VCTA office in Room C-101 or send us a quick email, and we’d be happy to help.
👉 FABSS VACANCY ON ACADEMIC COUNCIL
The VCTA is seeking a FABSS representative to fill a vacancy on Academic Council.
What Does Academic Council Do?
Academic Council is a permanent body that makes recommendations to the College on the maintenance, improvement, and development of academic life, including programs and courses in both the Regular and Continuing Education divisions. It must also provide an opinion to the Board of Directors on any matter the Board submits that falls within the Council’s jurisdiction.
The College is required to consult Academic Council on a broad range of academic matters. These include institutional policies on the evaluation of learning and programs of study; procedures for certifying studies; proposals for new programs or changes to existing program grids; and the selection of learning activities within the College’s jurisdiction. The Council is also consulted on proposed by-laws or policies governing student admission and registration, the academic elements of the College’s strategic plan, and academic policies and procedures under the Academic Dean’s purview.
Its mandate further includes proposed changes to academic structures, such as faculties, departments, and programs; modifications to academic spaces; the academic calendar; memoranda of understanding with other institutions; and any decision that could significantly affect teaching and learning.
Interested in Representing Your Colleagues?
This is an excellent opportunity to take an active role in representing your colleagues and shaping the direction of our collective academic work.
If you would like to serve on Academic Council, please submit your candidature or expression of interest to vcta@vaniercollege.qc.ca by Friday, September 4th (4:00pm)
📅 UPCOMING MEETINGS
Association Council (Thursdays, 1:30 – 3:30; F-216)
- September 17
- October 15
- November 19
- December 2 (special time at UB)
Academic Council (Fridays, 1:00 – 4:00; F-216)
- September 25
- October 30
- November 27
- December 18
CRT (Thursdays, 2:00 – 4:00; TBA)
- September 24
General Assembly (Wednesdays, 12:30 – 2:00)
- August 26; B 223
- September 23; N 521
- October 21; TBA
- December 16 TBA
Board of Governors(Tuesdays, 6:00 – 8:30; register using link in Intercom)
- September 29