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ANNUAL REPORT : 2025 Annual Report
Board of Directors' & Administrative Reports
PRESIDENT - CAMILLE LAPIERRE
Welcome to all of the new members who have joined us this past year and hello to all my dedicated colleagues. My focus as President for 2025 continued to have MTAS as the lead on the Saskatchewan College of Massage Therapists (SCMT) Working Group and advancing the collaborative work toward legislation.
Legislation
The SCMT Working Group has achieved some important milestones this past year. The group has completed important documents necessary for the new regulatory College. The draft documents under the legal review process include the Administrative Bylaws, the Regulatory Bylaws, and the Standards of Practice.
Spring did not bring the proposed Regulated Health Professions Act(RHPA) into force. With the RHPA still in the works, we were assured by the government that this should not halt the Massage Therapy Act from being proclaimed. We met in person with the Ministry of Health in May 2025 and received a very helpful consultation with Meagon Young from the department in November 2025 giving us the steps needed in approving and submitting our documents. We are currently revising the draft SCMT policies. A big thank you to Ken Ansell, Todd Rintoul and Lori Green for your dedication to this tedious work.
MTAS
Conscious of all of our volunteer Board members’ time, we adopted in September a new meeting format. Following a new Consent Agenda format has proved to be very time saving and effective. The meeting materials are all expected to be read in advance and we move straight to identifying and tackling action items identified in the submitted reports.
We had a successful Strategic Planning session in June 2025. Our brainstorm revolved around our valued membership and how we can better serve our members’ needs and assure the continued growth of MTAS; the Saskatchewan-based association solely dedicated to massage therapists.
In order to show our appreciation for our long-standing members, the Board of Directors proposed 2 new categories of membership: Senior and Retiree. These were successfully adopted at the last AGM and were put into immediate effect. The Board continues to be dedicated to advocating for you on a provincial and national level; all for the advancement of the massage therapy profession.
CMTA
The CMTA has undergone significant restructuring which included a new set of bylaws and a new Board composition. The Board now consists of an Executive with the remaining directors as delegates from each member association. I, Camille, was designated as the delegate for the CMTA board whereas Lori was assigned as the delegate’s consultant. This has alleviated her time commitment in attending the monthly meetings. We did attend the face-to-face meeting hosted by the PEIMTA in Charlottetown in October 2025. At the meeting, we were informed on the progress of FOMTRAC’s Competency Framework Modernization Project. The Interjurisdictional Professional Competency and Performance Indicators document has not been revised since 2016. The other pressing action identified was the push for GST/HST exemption for massage therapy services. Although individual RMT’s in Canada have initiated great efforts in this matter, the CMTA still emphasizes the power of speaking as one voice and being the organization that represents RMT’s at the national level.
Acknowledgements
“Don’t wait for things to be easy. Because they won’t. Things will always be hard. Make yourself a person that can handle hard better.” - Kara Lawson, Duke University women's basketball coach
We may have had such thoughts as : “If I reach a certain point in my practice, then it will get easier. Or, if I learn a new technique, or if I change workplace, or if I change this or that”…the list is endless. As our province moves closer and closer to legislation, things will be a challenge. As our own association goes through staffing changes, this will be a test as well. However, I am confident in my fellow colleagues’ resilience and ability to tackle hard things. We have dealt with hard situations in the past which will help us deal with the future, better.
Thank you to my fellow Board members, Jordan Smith, Aileen Tran-Mapletoft, Pascale Gleisberg, Natalie Cargan, and Lara Brierley. Your contributions over the past year have been tremendously appreciated. You all truly make an amazing team!
We had the difficult task of saying goodbye to our Member Services Manager, Jayne Little in January. Your dedication to our association has been second to none. Your friendly greeting on the end of the line will truly be missed. And now we receive the heartbreaking news of our Executive Director, Lori Green’s retirement. The words fail me to describe how much you have done in your 21 years with MTAS. You poured your heart and soul in this organization and it showed in the many ways you interacted with members, welcomed and worked with numerous Board members as well as the countless individuals you’ve networked with across Saskatchewan and Canada. We are forever grateful for what you have accomplished for the massage therapy profession in Saskatchewan.
Respectfully submitted,
Camille Lapierre, RMT, President of the MTAS Board of Directors.
VICE PRESIDENT - JORDAN SMITH
Today
Hello and good morning, everyone. I wish to take this time as your Vice President to thank our members joining us today in person and online. I also want to thank those members that have made the previous year a success with your engagement in the MTAS sponsored and hosted events.
We had overwhelming positive feedback with the first Canadian Massage Conference held in Saskatchewan. MTAS was a proud sponsor to bring the first ever conference here. To our members that came out to the conference, without you the conference would not have been a success.
Our ongoing cadaver labs at the University are always in high demand, for those that travel throughout the province to attend these labs, thank you. Your enthusiasm for these incredibly learning opportunities shows. Thank you for supporting this ongoing MTAS hosted event.
It was a busy year on the continuing education committee. If I recall from Lara and her report, this year was one which seen a higher level of courses looking for approval. It is a process, and as a membership-based organization, we are always striving to streamline the processes as much as possible for you, our members.
Moving towards tomorrow
As many of you are aware, over the last year and a half, we have been focusing on bringing our website up to date making it easier navigation, and a cleaner overall presentation. At times, Jayne, Lori and I became cross-eyed from looking at the screen so much. It has been an incredible process to build a new foundational website, one that can carry us towards tomorrow and one our members can navigate better. A website that can act as a central hub for the public and new membership information. Once launched, we will continue to update any changes, as necessary, adding content and resources as they become available to us.
As we move towards the future, we also say goodbye to someone incredibly special. Jayne has retired from MTAS and her role as Member Services Manager. Throughout her unwavering dedication to the membership, her presence at MTAS events, and her diligence at our AGM, Jayne has made an extraordinary contribution to the organization. Replacing someone of her calibre will not be easy. While she will be clearly missed, she has truly earned the chance to enjoy her retirement. Thank you, Jayne, for your support, guidance, and friendship over the last 15 years.
In conclusion, I always wish to put my name forward to run again for another term on the Board of Directors.
Thank you and Respectfully Submitted
Jordan R. Smith RMT - Vice-President
COMPLAINTS AND INVESTIGATION - NATALIE CARGAN
Greetings to all MTAS members, both returning and new.
The 2025 year was a focused and productive period for the Complaints and Investigations Committee, with attention given both to complaint resolution and to ongoing improvements in the clarity and consistency of our processes.
I would like to thank the MTAS Board of Directors and for their continued support. I also extend sincere appreciation to the members of the Complaints and Investigations Committee for their professionalism, thoughtful engagement, and commitment to fair and thorough review. Finally, I want to say thank you and farewell to Jayne and Lori. MTAS has worked as well as it has for as long as it has because of both of you. Both your institutional knowledge and calm leadership have provided continuity in moments that were complex or uncertain. I hope you know how deeply appreciated that consistency has been. It has shaped MTAS in lasting ways and set a standard that will continue well beyond your time here. Thank you for the care, responsibility, and professionalism you brought to this work.
Complaints and Investigations Activity — 2025
During the 2024-2025 reporting year:
Formal Complaint
One formal complaint was submitted and fully investigated.
Following review, the Committee determined that the complaint did not have merit as stated.
No discipline or corrective action was imposed.
Informal Complaint
One informal complaint was received and addressed through informal resolution.
The matter was resolved to the satisfaction of all parties involved.
All matters were handled in accordance with MTAS bylaws, policies, and established procedures, with careful attention to confidentiality, procedural fairness, and due process.
Committee Work and Ongoing Focus
In addition to complaint resolution, the Committee spent time this year:
- Working toward cleaner, clearer, and more consistent processes for the intake and handling of complaints
- Reviewing internal procedures to support transparency and fairness
- Improving clarity around the scope, role, and limits of the complaints process for members and complainants
This work is ongoing and reflects the Committee’s commitment to continuous improvement and public confidence in the profession.
Committee Membership
The Complaints and Investigations Committee consisted of the following members:
- Natalie Cargan, Chair
- Chrystal Dubois, Committee Member
- Dalyce Oja, Committee Member
- Isaac Dagenais, Committee Member
Member Resources
Members are reminded that the MTAS Bylaws and Code of Conduct are available on the MTAS website at
www.saskmassagetherapy.com Members are encouraged to review these documents regularly to ensure ongoing compliance and to support ethical, professional practice.
Respectfully Submitted,
Natalie Cargan - Complaints and Investigations Chair
COMPETENCY/CONTINUING EDUCATION - LARA BRIERLEY
This year the Competency Committee approved 123 courses that were submitted for assessment, which is 42 courses more than last year. This increase is due in part to the popularity of online learning and ease of access to online courses. While the continuing education committee does have a list of requirements that course providers need to submit prior to their course being accepted, we are unable to audit any course. It is encouraged that MTAS members do their due diligence and research the courses they are interested in prior to signing up.
Thank you to Jayne Little for her continued guidance and insight. You have been my saviour throughout my time on the board, and you will be missed by myself and everyone who has had need of your knowledge.
Thank you, Lori Green. Your ability to multitask and remember people and discussions is unparallelled. MTAS is so lucky to have you making it famous in the health care fields here in Saskatchewan and Canada.
Thank you to my current committee members Jordan Smith and Jenandra Maher for making time in your busy schedules to do committee work, and to the Board for your constant diligence and intelligence. A big thank you as well to the membership for helping MTAS continue to be the best Association in the province.
Lara Brierley, RMT, CLT-LANA - Competency Chair
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - LORI GREEN
Overview
This past year has been a period of change and maintenance for the organization. There were no major program expansions or significant operational changes, and the focus remained on sustaining core functions, supporting ongoing commitments, and ensuring continuity of operations while working on achieving proclamation of the Saskatchewan College of Massage Therapy.
Operations
Day-to-day operations continued as expected throughout the year. Administrative responsibilities, financial oversight, and organizational compliance were maintained, ensuring the organization remained in good standing. While activity levels were modest, essential work continued to support the organization’s mandate as outlined in the Strategic Plan.
We were pleased to see the updated MTAS website launch in February and hope to continue with additional commentary and information in the next year.
Conference
MTAS ventured into a new concept in being the platinum sponsor for the CMC (Canadian Massage Conference) event in hopes of delivering a hands-on learning opportunity for our MTAS members. We also valued the social component for all massage therapists in attendance after a significant long pause since our last large gathering. The feedback of those who attended was very positive; I have to date received nothing but accolades and excited responses. Event grade A+! Participants along with vendors did observe that the overall attendance was at the low end. Thank you to all of you who assisted in the set up and take down of the MTAS booth, attended the Conference and participated in the social media activities. We count on you to spread the word and gather more of your colleagues to attend this type of conference in the future.
Staffing and Leadership Transition
A significant development this year was the retirement of Jayne Little, Member Services Manager (January 2026) and my upcoming retirement as Executive Director (June 2026). After over twenty years of service, we will be concluding our roles with the Association.
Thank you to Jayne who kept this boat sailing through the many storms we have shared in and thank you to Mieka Dueckman for your work on the examination and MTAS activities.
This transition represents an important moment for reflection and planning. While change can be challenging, it also presents an opportunity for the organization to review its structure, priorities, and future leadership needs.
Board Support
The continued support and guidance of the Board throughout the year have been greatly appreciated, particularly during this period of limited activity and as retirement planning has progressed. The Board’s role will be especially important in overseeing the upcoming transition and ensuring organizational continuity. My time with the Association has been shaped by the dedication of its Board, members, and staff, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have served alongside them.
I would like to recognize and thank Camille Lapierre, Jordan Smith, Aileen Tran Mapletoft, Lara Brierley, and Natalie Cargan for their ongoing service. I would also like to acknowledge our interim directors, Kelsey Gramson and Tyrone Francis, who were appointed to the Board in January. Your fresh perspectives and new outlook on the Association are sincerely appreciated.
Looking Ahead
Although this reporting period was relatively quiet, the coming year will be one of transition. With thoughtful planning and clear direction, the organization is well positioned to move forward under new leadership and into a new era of being an Association in a regulated environment.
Strategic Summary Report
Click here to download the Strategic Summary Report as a .pdf file.
Click here to view the above graphic as a .pdf file.
It has been a privilege to serve the organization, and I extend my sincere thanks to the Board, members, and you the stakeholders for your support over the years.
Respectfully submitted,
Lori Green, Executive Director
MEMBER SERVICES
Membership Composition as of September 24, 2025 (just prior to renewal time):
30 - Students.
7 - Auxiliary.
5 - Honourary.
46 - Non-practicing.
26 - Non-resident practicing.
712 – Practicing.
TOTAL: 826
Changes between November 1, 2024, and October 31, 2025:
1 deceased.
14 retired.
10 changed careers.
5 switched to NHPCA/CMMOTA (changed focus of practice).
5 relinquished membership - moved out of province.
4 removed by MTAS for non-payment of fees.
16 members switched from practicing to non-practicing status.
15 members switched from non-practicing to practicing status.
1 member switched from practicing to auxiliary status.
We reinstated 3 members who had previously let their membership lapse.
We welcomed 13 new members.
Current number of members (January 2025): 810
Membership Pins
This year we have mailed out 118 long-service pins to our members:
5 years – 19 members (2021- reg. numbers)
10 years – 29 members (2016- reg. numbers)
15 years – 21 members (2011- reg. numbers)
20 years – 21 members (2006- reg. numbers)
25 years – 28 members (2001- reg. numbers)
Congratulations and thank you to all for your continued loyalty to the only Saskatchewan-based massage therapy association and for your long-term commitment to the profession. The complete list of pins awarded is available to download here.
EXAMINATION - MIEKA DUECKMAN
For those of you who I do not already know, my name is Mieka Dueckman and I am the chief examiner for MTAS and have been for 10 years. Throughout this time, my role has focused on maintaining examination standards, supporting our contractual obligations, and contributing to the long-term sustainability of the Association.
This report outlines significant and ongoing challenges related to the exam process, candidate preparation, examiner capacity, fiscal impact, and the lack of timely decision-making required to address these issues.
For a while now, I have brought forward concerns to the Board regarding the sustainability of our current exam model. These concerns are:
- The Association incurs financial losses each time exams are offered, due to declining candidate numbers and fixed operational costs.
- The exam schedule requires significant administrative effort for increasingly small candidate groups.
- Other associations allow immediate membership without exam wait times, making it more attractive for new grads to start their career sooner.
In addition, many candidates are aware that once the College is established, they are likely to be grandfathered in, further reducing incentive to challenge our exam. As MTAS members we have prided ourselves on higher standards, the attentiveness about being in Saskatchewan and the exclusive contract with SGI and WCB. To maintain our SGI and WCB contract we are required, as members, to pass an examination. In recognition of the declining viability of the traditional exam model, and at the Board’s request to explore possibilities, an assessment-based checklist tool was developed. This onboarding tool was designed to maintain compliance with SGI and WCB contractual requirements, reduce financial losses, allow graduates to have an immediate start with their career and to increase membership numbers. This proposal was presented to the Board as a problem-solving measure intended to protect both professional standards and Association resources. Following a meeting with the Board to review these concerns and the proposed assessment model, communication ceased. While the initial discussion indicated a willingness to solve problems no subsequent direction, decision, or follow-up has been provided.
Candidate participation continues to decline. In 2025, a total of 12 candidates challenged the exam. Of those, 9 candidates mastered. While pass rates alone do not fully reflect the issue, the low overall candidate numbers raise significant concerns about the relevance, accessibility, and sustainability of the exam. Examiners have consistently raised concerns regarding the level of education and skill preparedness of candidates. These issues have led to increasing frustration among examiners, who are repeatedly placed in the position of evaluating candidates who are not adequately prepared despite meeting educational program requirements. I want to thank each and every examiner for their continued commitment to the exam. You have been amazing!
It is my opinion that the current examination model is no longer sustainable in its present form. challenges and placed unnecessary strain on examiners, candidates, and Association resources. Clear and decisive direction is needed regarding the future exam process.
As Chief Examiner, I remain committed to supporting solutions that uphold professional standards and protect the Association’s interests. However, continued inaction poses increasing risk to financial stability, examiner retention, and the Association’s ability to move forward.
Mieka Dueckman
NOMINATIONS REPORT - JORDAN SMITH
The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year MTAS Board of Directors consisted of 7 members.
The 2024–2025 Fiscal Year MTAS Board of Directors consisted of the following members:
- Camille Lapierre – President
- Jordan Smith – Vice President
- Aileen Tran-Mapletoft – Secretary
- Pascale Gleisberg – Finance
- Natalie Cargan – Complaints and Investigation
- Lara Brierley – Competency / Continuing Education
- Kim Regier – Social Media (resigned during the term)
I would like to sincerely thank and acknowledge the dedication and many hours of service contributed by our Board members throughout the year.
Since the end of the last fiscal year, the Board appointed two interim directors to fill vacancies. In accordance with our bylaws, these individuals have been serving in an interim capacity and are standing for election at this AGM.
Four directors are continuing their second-year terms:
- Camille Lapierre
- Aileen Tran-Mapletoft
- Natalie Cargan
- Pascale Gleisberg
The following directors are letting their names stand for another term:
- Jordan Smith
The two interim directors who wish to continue serving on the Board and are therefore standing for election are:
- Kelsey Gramson
- Tyrone Francis
The nomination form is included in this AGM package. Members interested in running for the Board of Directors are asked to submit their completed nomination form to the office no later than March 11, so nomination information can be distributed to the membership in advance of the AGM.
Bylaws
3.1 Number and Term of Board Members
The Board shall consist of not less than five (5) Board members, four (4) of whom shall also be the officers of the Association and no more than ten (10) Board members. Subject to the Act and the Articles, the Members may, by ordinary resolution passed at an annual general meeting, increase the number of Board members.
Elected officials may serve a maximum of two consecutive terms (4 years) in the same position. Elected officials serving on the Executive may serve a maximum of three consecutive terms (6 years) in the same position.
Upon completing the maximum allowable terms, an individual must step down from their current position and may not serve again in that same position until a subsequent election cycle. This term limit policy shall apply to all positions within the MTAS unless otherwise specified by special bylaws or provisions.
The offices of the Association shall be President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Past-President. The Board members at the first meeting of the Board shall choose the President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer. The first board meeting will occur after the Annual General Meeting. Notwithstanding Section 3.3, the Member who held the office of President of the Association for the term of office immediately prior to an annual general meeting at which a new President is elected shall, if willing to do so, continue to act as a Director/Officer of the Association, without election by the Members, for the next ensuing term of office and shall hold the office of Past President.
3.2 Eligibility for Election
Any practicing Member or Non-resident Practicing Member with voting rights, in good standing, with the exception of an owner or operator of a massage therapy training school, or director of another massage therapy association, who is qualified to act as a director pursuant to the Act shall be eligible for election to the Board. A retiring Board Member shall be eligible for re-election. All interested applicants who are eligible for election or re- election to the Board of Directors must have the MTAS application form submitted a minimum of twenty-one days prior to the Annual General Meeting. All applicants’ biographies will be provided in the Annual General Meeting reports.
3.3 Election at Annual General Meeting
At each annual general meeting of the Association the Members shall elect Board Members to fill the vacant board positions. Each Board Member that has served for the immediately preceding term shall retire at the dissolution or adjournment of the annual general meeting and the Members entitled to vote thereat shall elect Board Members to replace such retiring Board Members. The Member who held the position of President immediately prior to the election of a new Board at an annual general meeting shall be deemed to have been elected as a Board Member of the Association and shall hold the office of Past-President.
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