Head of Quebec CEGEP placed on paid leave following toxic workplace allegations

The campus director for Champlain College Lennoxville has been placed on temporary paid leave effective immediately following allegations of psychological harassment and a motion of non-confidence from the teachers' union.

The resolution came during a special meeting of the Champlain Regional College's board of governors on Wednesday evening. It follows CBC's investigation into ongoing hearings about Nancy Beattie at Quebec's labour tribunal. 

Board chair Matthew Mazur read out the resolution, stating that the board will provide a paid leave of absence until the "conclusions of the different investigations are brought to the board of governors."

According to a letter obtained by CBC, Quebec's minister of higher education has launched an investigation into the management and finances at Champlain College Lennoxville and the regional college as a whole.

Four people who reported to Beattie at the college have testified against her under oath at the Tribunal administratif du travail, including one person who is the plaintiff in the case.

During the hearings, several current and former employees at the college — which is located in the Lennoxville borough of Sherbrooke, Que. — said the working environment made it difficult for them to do their jobs. Some testified that they felt humiliated and experienced challenges when they tried to escalate complaints.

Mazur said on Wednesday that it is the responsibility of the board to ensure the college and its constituent colleges "fulfil their obligations to maintain a safe and healthy workplace for all."

Champlain College Lennoxville is one of three campuses under Champlain Regional College.

'Happy that there was recognition,' says union's president 

A teacher who works at Champlain College Lennoxville says they're glad that the board did something. 

CBC News is keeping the employee's identity confidential because they fear workplace repercussions after being asked not to speak to the media.

They said they're unsure anything meaningful will come from this but say that Wednesday's decision was due.

"You don't keep somebody on site with an active complaint ... I'm not sure that this is something you can come back from," they said. 

"When somebody has — or when an institution has — crossed a certain line, you have to change things."

Although the board is awaiting the results of an investigation, the teacher says they don't think any result would allow Beattie to return and "lead with any success." 

"There's too much accumulated baggage," they said. "Nancy has a lot of skills and Nancy has a lot of abilities that would be excellent in a different environment. I think the problem comes down to her style of leadership and her style of management."

On Dec. 14, union members overwhelmingly approved a resolution of non-confidence against Beattie "signifying a unified call for action on pressing concerns within the institution," said the Syndicat de l'Enseignement du Collège Champlain Lennoxville (SECCL) in a statement.

The union's president, Brigitte Robert, said the vote of non-confidence was not something to be taken lightly. She is reassured by the board's decision.

"We're really happy that there was recognition," said Robert. "It's a step in the right direction toward restoring the confidence of our teachers and the reputation of our institution and also contributing to a healthier working climate." 

She said it's still unclear who will be replacing Beattie during her suspension. 

The board's resolution said the director general of Champlain Regional College will work with the director of constituent college Lennoxville to ensure a smooth transition. 

Beattie was present at the board meeting, which was held online.