Role Descriptions

Jennifer MacInnis is our General Counsel.  Reporting directly to the President, and as part of an overall accountability that includes managing an internal team of lawyers and other professionals, the General Counsel is responsible for assessing legal risks on matters involving, but not limited to, business and commercial contracts, academic affairs, intellectual property, human rights, employment and labour law, real estate and construction, privacy issues, governance, student issues and legislative/regulatory concerns.

Grace O’Malley is the Legal Counsel at Ontario Tech.  Grace provides support to all areas of the University. Her portfolio includes, but is not limited to, contract review and drafting, commercial matters, litigation support, human rights, privacy, employment and student academic and non-academic appeals. 

Candi Thayer is the Senior Legal Counsel, Corporate/Research, at the University, where she provides comprehensive legal advice on a wide range of commercial and corporate matters. Her role includes supporting the review and negotiation of various agreements, such as those related to research, procurement, leases, assignments, licenses, continuing education, and donor arrangements. Additionally, Candi advises on legal issues involving intellectual property, privacy, liability, regulatory compliance, real estate, academic research, and the University's internal programs and services. 

Niall O’Halloran is the Manager, Privacy and Policy. Niall is responsible for overseeing the University's policy management and compliance through the implementation and administration of the university's Policy Framework. He is also responsible for advising and educating on information governance including records management and privacy, as well as coordinating compliance with other legislation including the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation. In addition, Niall is the main administrator for the university's contract tracking software, configuring to meet user needs and providing training on the system. 

Melanie Wong is the Privacy and Contract Management Officer who ensures the university’s compliance with privacy legislations, institutional policies and contractual obligations regarding the collection, use and disclosure of personal information. Her role includes evaluating data protection measures, advising on privacy best practices, and working closely with various units to mitigate risks.

Andrew Sunstrum is the Director, Human Rights Office.  Andrew champions a respectful campus environment by providing leadership and complaint resolution support on human rights matters related to discrimination, harassment and formal reports of student sexual violence.  The Human Rights Office supports prevention, training/education, de-escalation, dialogue, facilitated discussions and formal investigations.  Its confidential services are available to all University members, including Students, Faculty, Staff and Visitors.  The Human Rights Office also maintains a webpage with Policy instruments, Annual Reports and other informational resources to help campus members understand their rights and responsibilities.

 

Jill Treen-Reber is a Human Rights Specialist working in our Human Rights Office.  She is responsible for ensuring compliance in the administration and coordination of legislative requirements related to the University’s gender-based violence program - student sexual violence, workplace sexual harassment and discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. Jill is also responsible for developing strategies around gender-based violence response and education on campus and will work with students, staff and faculty to provide support and information in accessing resources and the dispute resolution framework.

Barb Hamilton is the Legal Executive Assistant providing executive level assistance to the General Counsel, and assists in the administrative responsibilities of the office.