“Publicly funded education is a Canadian success story, but Ontario’s future is being put at risk yet again by an education funding announcement (Core Education Funding 2026-27) that makes real cuts to critical resources and supports that our students need to succeed.

The proposed funding for the 2026-27 school year falls well below the rate of inflation and uses accounting tricks to manufacture increases where none exist. Instead, we are seeing real cuts to critical funding that students and families depend on, like special education, classroom staffing, and learning resources.

The Ontario Science Centre has been an educational staple in Ontario since it first opened its doors in 1969, providing engaging learning opportunities to students and classes who have visited its exhibits over the years. Despite the Ford Conservative government pushing messaging around the importance of hands-on learning opportunities, it has decided to abruptly close the centre due to safety concerns. 

"It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, a shepherd of peace, humility, and unwavering compassion. Like St. Francis of Assisi, the saint after whom he took his papal name, Pope Francis was a tireless advocate for the poor and marginalized and leaves behind a legacy rooted in love, justice, and mercy.

"TORONTO – “As Catholic teachers, we see the negative impact of Ford’s cuts on students and their families in our classrooms every day. Cuts that have left students with 3,500 fewer teachers, more than 2,000 schools in disrepair, and $1,500 less in per-student funding – over $3 billion in cuts to schools across Ontario.”

TORONTO, ON – L'Association des enseignantes et des enseignants franco-ontariens (AEFO), Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO), Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA), Ontario School Board Council of Unions (CUPE-OSBCU), and Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF/FEESO) issue the following statement ahead of this Wednesday’s Provincial Day of Action:

“On April 29, more than 255,000 AEFO, ETFO, OECTA, CUPE-OSBCU, and OSSTF/FEESO members will participate in a Province-wide Day of Action. This coordinated effort represents a powerful show of unity among Ontario’s teachers and education workers at a time when publicly funded education continues to face significant challenges.
 

Toronto, ON – L'Association des enseignantes et des enseignants franco-ontariens (AEFO), Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO), Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA), Ontario School Board Council of Unions (CUPE-OSBCU), and Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF/FEESO) issue the following joint statement in response to Ontario’s budget announcement:
 

“Catholic teachers are deeply concerned by Minister of Education Paul Calandra’s anti-democratic plan to centralize control at Queen’s Park, reduce the role of locally elected school board trustees, and disrupt the collective bargaining process. If implemented, the government’s proposed legislation would remove critical education experience and local voices from the bargaining table.

Our parents, teachers, education workers, and local communities are instrumental to the success of our publicly funded education system. Their voices are critical and cannot be ignored as we work to ensure our schools are equipped to best support students.

“Catholic teachers welcome the government’s decision to move forward with a condensed, 12-month teachers’ college education program with enhanced in-class practicum opportunities. Teacher recruitment and retention is an issue Ontario educators have been raising for some time. While it is encouraging to see government action being taken, we know this change alone will not solve the crisis.

“Violence has become the ‘new normal’ in classrooms across the province. Students and teachers have the right to learn and work in a safe and healthy environment, yet too often that basic expectation is not being met.
Findings from A System Under Strain: Violence and Harassment in Ontario Schools, a province-wide survey of Catholic teachers, confirm that violence against teachers in Ontario schools is no longer rare, isolated, or unexpected. It has become a daily reality for both school staff and students, and chronic underfunding of the education system plays a big role in making the situation even worse.

“$750 does not make up for $6.3 billion in chronic government underfunding of our schools over the past eight years. While we have advocated for supports, once again, teachers are being asked to show up for students and in the face of gaps left by the government’s refusal to properly support publicly funded education in Ontario.

Teachers should never have to pay out of pocket to make sure that their students have the basic supplies they need to thrive and succeed, so any measure that acknowledges this reality also acknowledges that Ontario classrooms are severely underfunded.

"Minister of Education Paul Calandra wants to examine EQAO and conduct a comprehensive review of how to support student academic achievement. Catholic Teachers call on the Minister to appoint classroom teachers to this body, to ensure that the review is conducted with the input of frontline professionals that know our schools best."
This review is ambitious and tackles critical topics, like ensuring that teachers have the tools and resources they need to teach and best support student success – something Catholic teachers have long advocated for.
 

Toronto, ON – L'Association des enseignantes et des enseignants franco-ontariens (AEFO), Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO), Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA), Ontario School Board Council of Unions (CUPE-OSBCU), and Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF/FEESO) have issued the following joint statement calling on the Ford government and Minister of Education Paul Calandra to start the bargaining process as soon as possible, to best support students, families, teachers, and education workers.

“As Catholic teachers, we are proud to honour Black History Month in our classrooms, schools, and communities. This is a time to celebrate the rich histories, achievements, and cultural contributions of Black people, and to recognize the vital role they continue to play in shaping a more just, compassionate, and inclusive society. It is also a moment to acknowledge that these contributions have too often gone unrecognized.
 

“Minister of Education Paul Calandra should be asking: ‘does standardized testing best support Ontario students?’ The facts, research, and Ontario teachers that know our schools best definitively say ‘no.’

If the Minister is serious about examining EQAO through an advisory body, then he should be working meaningfully alongside parents, teachers, and other education partners and experts to do so.

“Minister of Education Paul Calandra thinks that there is something wrong with the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO). Catholic teachers agree.
The Minister’s decision to delay the release of EQAO results provides an opportunity for the Ford government to rethink its reliance on this outdated measure of student learning. While Minister Calandra says he wants to take time with the EQAO results, we hope he will be reflecting on the well-documented consequences of standardized testing on students’ health, well-being, learning, and performance.

TORONTO, ON — L'Association des enseignantes et des enseignants franco-ontariens (AEFO), Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO), Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA), Ontario School Board Council of Unions (CUPE-OSBCU), and Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF/FEESO) have issued the following joint statement on the expected passage of Bill 33, the Supporting Children and Students Act:
 
“Ontario’s schools are facing real crises: overcrowded classrooms, rising violence, crumbling infrastructure, and deep cuts to special education. Bill 33 serves to distract from every one of these problems and will likely only make them worse.

As Catholic teachers, we support every effort to help families be heard, but today’s announcement is yet another example of the Ford government missing that mark.

Instead of investing in students, addressing the $6.3 billion in chronic underfunding, and ensuring the voices of parents and families are heard across the province, the government is planning to create call centres, seemingly more concerned with business metrics than actually supporting the families of the students we serve.

TORONTO, ON — L'Association des enseignantes et des enseignants franco-ontariens (AEFO), Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO), Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA), Ontario School Board Council of Unions (CUPE-OSBCU), and Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF/FEESO) have issued the following joint statement:
 
“We stand in full solidarity with our colleagues, the teachers of Alberta, who have been fighting for a fair deal to ensure better learning and working conditions for teachers, education workers, and students alike.
 

TORONTO, ON — As the provincial legislature returns, l'Association des enseignantes et des 
enseignants franco-ontariens (AEFO), Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO), Ontario 
English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA), Ontario School Board Council of Unions (CUPEOSBCU), and Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) have issued the following 
joint statement:
The Ford government introduced Bill 33, the Supporting Children and Students Act, earlier this year. 
It is a regressive piece of legislation that does nothing to support students and everything to 
consolidate power in the hands of the Minister of Education.

Applications are currently being accepted by the Provincial Executive for active or retired OECTA members to act as tellers at the 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM). Successful applicants will work under the direction of the provincial staff to assist in conducting official AGM business. Tellers will be assigned duties throughout the meeting, including supporting delegates during electronic voting. AGM 2026 will take place at the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel from March 14 to 16, 2026. The deadline to apply is November 14, 2025.

October 5 is World Teachers’ Day — a global celebration of the teaching profession and the profound difference teachers make in our world. Since its inception in 1994, this day has reminded us of the essential role teachers play in shaping lives and strengthening communities.

On the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we honour the Survivors of residential schools, the families and communities who still carry the weight of this history, and the children whose lives were stolen. Wearing orange on this day is more than a symbol — it is a public acknowledgment of the injustices that were carried out and a collective commitment to ensure these truths are never forgotten.

“Happy Pride month!
Catholic teachers proudly stand in solidarity with 2SLGBTQIA+ communities — our students, colleagues, families, and neighbours — to celebrate diversity, affirm human dignity, and commit ourselves anew to the work of justice.
 

The Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) welcomes the opportunity to provide input on behalf of 45,000 teachers working in publicly funded Catholic schools in Ontario, in response to the Ford Conservative government’s proposed changes to the Revised Regulations of Ontario (RRO) 1990, Regulation 298 and Regulation 304.

The Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) welcomes the opportunity to provide input on behalf of 45,000 teachers working in publicly funded Catholic schools in Ontario, in response to the government’s proposed legislation, Bill 33, the Supporting Children and Students Act, 2025.

The proposed legislation introduced by Minister of Education Paul Calandra is broad and farreaching, and would make changes to the Education Act; the Child, Youth, and Family Services Act; the Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities Act; and the Ombudsman Act. This submission focuses attention on proposed changes to the Education Act, specifically as it relates to Ontario school board governance and operations.

“Each June, National Indigenous History Month invites us to reflect on the enduring presence, strength, and cultural richness of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities. This month is more than a commemoration — it is a call to action. It challenges each of us to deepen our understanding of Indigenous histories, celebrate their diverse traditions, and confront the hard truths of our country’s past and present.
 

The recent legislation introduced by Education Minister Paul Calandra is another example of how the Ford government is slowly and intentionally eroding local democracy in an attempt to distract from key issues in publicly funded education in Ontario.
 

SASKATOON – Canada’s teacher organization presidents met in Whitecap, Saskatchewan, May 25 and 26, 2025, to discuss protecting public education across Canada. The discussion focused on two critical concerns: the ongoing challenges with teacher retention and recruitment, and the rising incidents of violence and aggression in schools.

With the release of its education funding announcement for 2025-26 (Core Education Funding), the Ford Conservative government continues its disingenuous claim that it is providing ‘record funding’ to schools.
This could not be further from the truth. This year’s modest increase does not begin to make up for almost eight years of chronic underfunding.

The Ford Conservative government’s proposed budget fails to address more than seven years of relentless cuts to schools – chronic underfunding that has failed students, teachers, and all Ontarians.

“Catholic Education Week is an invitation to pause and reflect on the mission and impact of Ontario’s world-class publicly funded Catholic education system. Throughout this week, we join Catholic school communities across the province in celebrating the values, traditions, and collective work that define our shared vocation.
 

The Ontario Teachers’ Federation (OTF) and its Affiliates are encouraged by the research and community work conducted by the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) to understand and address anti-Black racism in education. Anti-Black racism has been experienced by students, communities, and education workers for generations. Anti-Black racism is fueled by race-based bias and prejudice that has insidiously infiltrated policies and processes to perpetuate a culture of schooling that prevents Black students from experiencing the full promise and benefits of publicly funded education in Ontario.

“The Ontario Human Rights Commission’s (OHRC) report lays bare what Black teachers, education workers, students, and families have long understood: despite years of awareness, commitments, and consultation, there remains a serious lack of oversight, accountability, and coordination in how anti-Black racism is addressed across Ontario’s publicly funded school system. The issue is not whether actions are being taken, but whether they are taken consistently, intentionally, and with lasting impact.

While Catholic teachers welcome the Honourable Paul Calandra into the role of Minister of Education, we would be remiss if we failed to mention that this is Ontario’s fourth education minister in less than a year.

As Catholic teachers, we are always ready to work collaboratively with the government to best support students and strengthen publicly funded education, but the revolving door of ministers makes us question whether the Ford government shares these priorities. We are disappointed that not one of the education ministers that have passed through Queen’s Park over the last year have engaged meaningfully with us to address the critical issues affecting our schools.

“I am deeply disappointed by Prime Minister Mark Carney’s decision to eliminate the positions of Minister of Diversity, Inclusion, and Persons with Disabilities, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, and Minister for Women and Gender Equality (WAGE). This move is a step backward in the progress these portfolios have made.
 

TORONTO – René Jansen in de Wal has been re-elected President of the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) at OECTA’s Annual General Meeting in Toronto. René will begin his two-year term on July 1, 2025.

TORONTO, ON — The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO), Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA), and the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF/FEESO) have released the following statement, in response to today’s ruling from the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) that upheld the Court of Appeal for Ontario’s decision to strike down provisions of Bill 307, the Protecting Elections and Defending Democracy Act. The SCC’s decision concurs with the Court of Appeal, finding that the Ford Conservative government’s extended limits on third-party advertising violate fundamental democratic principles and cannot be justified.

A high quality publicly funded education system should be the priority of any government. It has a direct correlation to how to succeed as a society, province and country, and how we compete in an increasingly global economic environment. Publicly funded education is fundamental to the maintenance and support of a democratic society that informs and engages all students in becoming active and well-informed citizens of Ontario and of Canada.

“As February unfolds, it brings with it an important opportunity to celebrate the diversity and achievements of Black people in Canada and reflect on the vital contributions they have made to our shared history and culture. For our Association, it is also a time to recognize and honour our Black Catholic teachers – those who go above and beyond to inspire and nurture their students, create inclusive spaces, and strengthen our Catholic school communities through their commitment to equity and excellence.

"Our schools need help – there is no viable plan from this government to save them. Ontario students and families deserve better. This needs to be a wake-up call, before Doug Ford’s neglect and damage become irreversible.”

October 5 is World Teachers' Day – a time to celebrate you, and the dedication, passion, and resilience of teachers across Ontario and around the world! This day reminds us of the essential role teachers play to help future generations learn, grow, and succeed.

On the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we wear orange to honour residential school Survivors, their families, and the children who did not return home. We are called to confront the devastation that residential schools have inflicted on Indigenous communities and renew our commitment to addressing the systemic anti-Indigenous racism that exists in our society.

Forty-six students in publicly funded Catholic schools across Ontario, from Kindergarten through Grade 12, have been recognized by the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) for excellence in writing. The Young Authors Awards/Prix jeunes écrivains acknowledge English and French writing in categories ranging from poetry and short stories, to plays and non-fiction. This year marks the 39th year in which Catholic teachers have supported and celebrated student writing and achievement through the awards program.

The Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) welcomes the Honourable Todd Smith to the role of Minister of Education.

The Ford Conservative government’s newly announced financial literacy graduation requirement raises significant concerns regarding its implementation and impact on students. While Catholic teachers champion the importance of financial literacy, the approach taken by this government lacks clarity and fails to provide adequate support for students and teachers alike.

June is National Indigenous History Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the diverse heritage and invaluable contributions of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples. This month provides an opportunity for us to listen, learn, and understand while committing to championing meaningful reconciliation.

Catholic teachers, alongside our families, students, and allies in the labour and social justice movements, proudly join 2SLGBTQIA+ communities in celebrating Pride Month this June. As we champion the strength and well-being of these communities, we continue to strongly condemn the surge in discrimination against them across Canada.

The Ford Conservative government’s newly announced Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program stream, Focused Apprenticeship Skills Training (FAST), pressures students to make big career decisions early on, potentially limiting their learning and growth by locking them into narrow job paths. While Catholic teachers continue to support the exposure of students to the skilled trades and job readiness, we strongly urge the Ford Conservative government to reconsider its approach. This announcement raises far more questions than answers – a fact that is too often the case with this government and its flawed decision making. Students deserve more informed and thoughtful policy.

The Ford Conservative government’s new cellphone policy is more smoke and mirrors. It attempts to deflect attention away from the serious impact of recently released grants that continue to chronically underfund education, as well as the government’s repeated policy failures, which stem from its refusal to listen to, work with, and respect teachers.

The Ford Conservative government has cut education funding every year since taking office in 2018. Its education funding announcement for the 2024-25 school year is nothing more than a thinly-veiled rebranding scheme, a blatant attempt to obscure their unbroken, six-year underfunding streak.

The Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) has released the following statement from President René Jansen in de Wal, announcing that the Association’s 45,000 Catholic-teacher members have ratified the agreement on central terms for a new contract.

The Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) has issued the following statement from President René Jansen in de Wal in response to the announcement of the 2024 provincial budget:
“Not once does the Ford Conservative government’s proposed budget mention the word ‘teacher’ in the body of its ‘plan’ to build a ‘better Ontario,’ with the only passing references relegated to the footnotes. 

Toronto – The Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) has issued the following statement from President Barb Dobrowolski in response the announcement of the 2023 provincial budget:

“The Ford government has once again betrayed students, educators, families, and all Ontarians with a proposed budget that fails to keep up with inflation and threatens to erode the quality of publicly funded education."

The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO), Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA), and Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF/FEESO) issued the following statement today in support of the decision by the Ontario Teachers’ Federation (OTF) not to extend the re-employment limit for retired teachers and administrators from 50 to 95 days. Students, families, and educators need a real solution to the teacher recruitment and retention crisis, not more band-aids and half-measures.

The Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) has released the following statement from President René Jansen in de Wal, announcing that the Association has reached a tentative agreement for its 45,000 Catholic-teacher members with the Government of Ontario and the Ontario Catholic School Trustees' Association (OCSTA).

Minister of Education Stephen Lecce and the Ford government have finally admitted that they have a teacher recruitment and retention problem. In an article published in the Toronto Star on February 21, the minister said to reporters that the province is looking at “every option available” to help ease the shortage of teachers in school boards across Ontario. The government faces the same challenges with recruiting and retaining education workers who provide services and supports to students as well.

Today, in another victory for workers and all Ontarians, the Court of Appeal for Ontario has upheld the Ontario Superior Court’s 2022 ruling on Bill 124 – OECTA et al. v. His Majesty the King – which found the legislation unconstitutional.

As Catholic teachers, we are honoured to celebrate Black History Month in our classrooms, schools, and beyond. The rich histories, many achievements, and extraordinary cultural contributions of Black people, who have helped to build a more diverse, prosperous, compassionate, and beautiful society, are too often unrecognized.