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Ontario Tech acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.

We are thankful to be welcome on these lands in friendship. The lands we are situated on are covered by the Williams Treaties and are the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation, including Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi. These lands remain home to many Indigenous nations and peoples.

We acknowledge this land out of respect for the Indigenous nations who have cared for Turtle Island, also called North America, from before the arrival of settler peoples until this day. Most importantly, we acknowledge that the history of these lands has been tainted by poor treatment and a lack of friendship with the First Nations who call them home.

This history is something we are all affected by because we are all treaty people in Canada. We all have a shared history to reflect on, and each of us is affected by this history in different ways. Our past defines our present, but if we move forward as friends and allies, then it does not have to define our future.

Learn more about Indigenous Education and Cultural Services

Role Descriptions

Sara Gottlieb 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.

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. 

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.

 

John O’Reilly is the Senior Legal Counsel, Labor & Employment, which supports all aspects of employment and labour relations involving the university at both a staff and faculty level.  John provides legal support to the management and conduct of grievances, mediations and arbitrations with the three main unions associated with the University. John also supports human rights legal issues as well as other administrative law matters.

 

Grace O’Malley is the Legal Counsel at Ontario Tech.  Grace’s role is broad with an emphasis on contract review and drafting, including IT and privacy agreements, procurement agreements, commercial agreements and alike.  Grace works closely with the Privacy and Policy Officer, Human Rights Office and serves as interim Judicial Officer, supporting student appeals.

 

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