Ottawa, Ontario – January 2026 – The Canadian Association of Management Consultants (CMC–Canada) is pleased to announce the successful completion of a pro bono advisory engagement for the Ottawa Pastoral Counselling Centre (OPC), a respected non-profit organization dedicated to providing compassionate counselling and mental health support within the Ottawa community.
Through the CMC–Canada Pro Bono Consulting Program, Thomas Burnie, CMC, volunteered his expertise to assist OPC with the development of a comprehensive three-to-five-year strategic plan and to provide executive coaching support to the organization’s leadership.
The engagement included facilitation of a SWOT analysis, development and drafting of the strategic plan, stakeholder consultations, and delivery of a strategic planning workshop for the organization’s Management Board. Following the planning session, additional support was provided through post-workshop review and guidance to help refine the organization’s strategic priorities.
In addition to the strategic planning work, Burnie conducted six executive coaching sessions with the Executive Director between May and November 2025, offering guidance on addressing operational challenges and strengthening organizational decision-making.
“Previously, I had little experience with strategic planning. Tom explained the function, purpose, and steps involved, then facilitated the day of planning,” said Heather Fawcett, Executive Director of the Ottawa Pastoral Counselling Centre. “He also took the time to learn about OPC and understand our rather unique position. The tools he introduced to our Management Board were quite effective, and I now feel equipped to lay the groundwork when it is time to prepare for our next strategic plan.”
Fawcett also noted the value of the coaching engagement, highlighting Burnie’s ability to listen carefully to organizational challenges while offering practical guidance and encouragement to leadership.
This engagement demonstrates the impact that experienced management consultants can have in strengthening the governance, leadership, and long-term sustainability of community-based organizations.
About the Ottawa Pastoral Counselling Centre
The Ottawa Pastoral Counselling Centre (OPC) is a community-based organization that provides counselling, education, and support services to individuals, couples, and families. Rooted in compassionate care and respect for diverse spiritual and cultural perspectives, OPC works to improve mental health and well-being by offering accessible counselling services and programs that help individuals navigate life’s challenges and strengthen personal resilience.
About Thomas Burnie, FCMC
Thomas Burnie, FCMC, is a Fellow Certified Management Consultant who advises organizations on governance, strategy, and sustainable growth. Through the CMC Canada Pro Bono Program, he provides professional consulting services to strengthen non-profit and community-based organizations.
About CMC-Canada Pro Bono Program
The CMC-Canada Pro Bono Consulting Program connects skilled volunteer consultants with non-profit organizations to provide strategic planning and operational support at no cost. For more information about the program or to apply for assistance, please visit https://www.cmc-canada.ca/Pro-Bono-Consulting-Program, or contact: pro-bono@cmc-canada.ca.
About CMC-Canada
The Canadian Association of Management Consultants (CMC-Canada) fosters excellence and integrity in the management consulting profession. CMC-Canada administers, and its provincial Institutes confer, the Certified Management Consultant (CMC) designation in Canada. The Association and its 2500+ members advocate for the CMC designation and are dedicated to advancing the profession and delivering the benefits of these efforts to the client community. CMC-Canada is a founding member of the International Council of Management Consulting Institutes (ICMCI), now CMC-Global, a global network of management consultants of 49 member countries.
CMC is dedicated to strengthening Canadian communities by providing pro bono consulting services to non-profit organizations that serve diverse populations and address critical social needs. For more information about CMC Canada, contact: membership@cmc-canada.ca.
