Dear OMEA Members, 

After the unanimous vote by members on the special resolution presented at AGM in November 2021, the OMEA began the process of moving our organization to federal jurisdiction (CNCA). This involved a new set of bylaws, and some new policies and procedures to support that bylaw. With support from our lawyers, we are pleased to inform you that as of March 9th 2022, the Ontario Music Educators’ Association made a successful continuance to a new legal framework, is now a federal not-for-profit organization (number 1372775-1), and now officially operates under the legal framework of the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act (S.C. 2009, c. 23). The OMEA remains a registered Canadian charity with the Canada Revenue Agency (charitable number: 119248755 RR 0001) and we are working with them now to finalize related changes as they relate to our charitable status.

The OMEA has established charitable purposes as follows:

  1. To advance education by developing and providing educational resources, publications, workshops, seminars, and conferences on subjects relating to school music education.
  2. To advance education by providing scholarships, bursaries, awards, and other forms of financial assistance to enable members of the public to study music and music education at post-secondary educational institutions in Canada.
  3. To promote the practice of music education and maintain high standards in music education, by developing or providing funds for training programs.
  4. To receive and maintain a fund or funds and to apply all or part of the principal and income therefrom, from time to time, to qualified donees as defined in subsection 149.1(1) of the Income Tax Act (Canada).

The OMEA is also grounded in various transparent policies and procedures that drive our work, and make our audited financial statements available online to members. They are available to members at the Policies, Procedures and Financial Statements section of the OMEA website (login required). You’ll continue to find new policies and procedures at this location as they are completed and finalized. 

As our organization evolves and grows, you may find the most up to date information about the OMEA, our values, our board, our commitment to equity, and our history using the ‘about’ drop down menu on the OMEA website

These foundational changes will set the stage for another 100+ years of sustainable and equitable support for music education in Ontario, and member feedback is always welcome as we progress forward as an organization. The OMEA Board wishes to thank our members, the OMEA Legal committee, and the OMEA Equity, Diversity and Inclusion committee for their tireless efforts to serve and support the important work that we all do together. 

Yours sincerely, 

Isaac Moore
Past President / Policies and Procedures
Ontario Music Educators’ Association (OMEA)