Hamburger Menu Button
Link to Search Page
Collapse Expand Button
Pam Duesling presented the Auditor’s Report on the financial statement for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023, providing an overview of revenue and expenses. She noted that the Institute is meeting all its financial targets and goals, in keeping with a high-performance organization. It is the opinion of Kriens LaRose that there were no material deficiencies in the accounting records or processes and that the Statements fairly represent the Institute’s financial position in accordance with Canadian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles or GAAP. P. Duesling reported that, historically, the Executive Committee managed the audit function. However, in alignment with best practices, it was deemed more appropriate to establish an independent committee to oversee this process. Accordingly, an Audit Committee was formed in compliance with the Institute’s recruitment guidelines, and the committee’s terms of reference were developed. The Audit Committee was tasked with managing the request for proposal (RFP) process and conducting a comprehensive review of submissions for audit services for the 2024–2025 fiscal year. While all vendors were found to be qualified, the current vendor, Kriens LaRose, stood out due to their extensive experience, in-depth understanding of the existing scope of work, and competitive pricing. It was noted that the Audit Committee, performing their audit role, received the first draft of the Statements and held a meeting with Mr. Kriens to discuss any recommendations he might have and/or any concerns he felt should be addressed. Following the audit committee meeting, OPPI Council members received and approved the draft statements, after a presentation by Tom Kriens, at the May Council Meeting. At the Council meeting on September 24, 2025, Eugene Park, Director of Finance & Operations and Susan Wiggins, Executive Director, presented the 2025Operational Plan and Budget which was approved the 2025 Operational Plan and Budget at the Council meeting on Tuesday, September 24, 2024.
For PSB, Mary-Lou Tanner was put forth as OPPI’s recommended candidate for the PSB Board and Rory Baksh as OPPI’s representative on the Standards Advisory Committee. Both candidates were accepted and have already begun their work with PSB. Three names for the PEEC Committee were put forth to provide PSB with the opportunity to select the candidate who helps them ensure a balanced committee. Courtney Heron-Monk was appointed by PSB to a four-year term to PEEC. Uzo Rossouw advised that for the OPPI Council positions, after a very thorough process of reviewing and interviewing each candidate, the G&N committee recommended to Council that an election by acclamation was the best way forward.
The Council Members acclaimed is equal to the number of open positions. They were: Council Directors elected by acclamation are:
They join the following Council members:
And the Executive Committee:
At the first Council Meeting of the new governance year, the Council will elect from among the council members a new Executive Committee member to replace Bev Hillier who will be leaving Council this year.
One additional item was added to the agenda. It was submitted by a member who was concerned that our message about the shortage of planners and a focus on new planning programs was not reflective of what the individual was experiencing.
The comment was in consideration of the number of junior planners who have not been able to secure employment post-graduation. The member asked OPPI Council to consider issuing a survey to student and candidate members about the current job market and their pursuit of meaningful employment.
Claire Basinski relayed the ways that OPPI is addressing this issue, including the newly approved member census to all membership categories with the aim to gain greater insight into the job market prospects and success rates for those individuals’ seeking employment in Ontario, among other wider membership awareness goals and objectives. 9. Acknowledgements Claire Basinski thanked all OPPI members, returning Council and incoming Council, volunteers and staff for their work and support throughout the year. Claire took a few moments to acknowledge and thank outgoing Council members Colleen Sauriol from the Eastern District and Bev Hillier from the Northern District.
Chair-Elect Andria Leigh and Claire Basinski shared in celebrating the 25-year member and Life Members. 10. Adjournment Claire Basinski thanked the members for attending the AMM. She called for a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Motion to adjourn the 2024 AMM. Moved by Colleen Sauriol. Seconded by Bev Hillier. Carried.