OECTA Statement on the Ford Government’s Lack of Planning for Safe Schools
"The Ford government likes to present the false choice of school buildings being either open or closed..."
OECTA Statement Calling for Province-wide School Closures
“Premier Ford’s rhetoric about a province-wide crisis, including skyrocketing cases for children and youth, does not align with his government’s decision to keep some schools open and allow in-person learning for students with special education needs in others without putting in place all necessary safety measures.
OECTA Submission on 2021-22 Grants for Student Needs
The Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association welcomes the opportunity to offer input for the development of the 2021-22 Grants for Student Needs.
Stolen History: Online course for OECTA members
Do you teach about residential schools to students in Grades 6 – 12? This course may be of interest to you.
Education Unions Call for Comprehensive Plan from Ford Government
The Association des enseignantes et des enseignants franco-ontariens (AEFO), the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO), the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA), and the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF/FEESO) released the following statement today.
Catholic Teachers Pre-Budget Brief to the Ministry of Finance and Fall 2020 Budget Consultation
Each year, the Association provides input into the budget consultation and development process undertaken by the Government of Ontario.
Health Experts Show Need for Provincial Health and Safety Protocols in Schools
In August, Ontario’s four major education unions, the Association des enseignantes et des enseignants franco-ontariens (AEFO), the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO), the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA), and the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF/FEESO) requested a meeting with the Minister of Labour to discuss concerns with the government’s “Guide to Re-Opening Ontario’s Schools.”
Experts share their views on province’s flawed return to school plan
In the aftermath of the disappointing decision by the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB) to dismiss, on jurisdictional grounds, the health and safety complaints regarding the re-opening of schools, Ontario’s four major education unions gathered, to make public, information that would have been presented at the hearing.
An Open Letter from OECTA President Liz Stuart
Education Affiliates Respond to the Cover of Professionally Speaking Magazine
“If there was any doubt remaining as to whether the Ontario College of Teachers truly served as a voice of the profession, the issue has surely been settled with the cover of the latest edition of Professionally Speaking...."
OLRB dismissal of unions’ case leaves Ontario’s flawed back to school plans without legal scrutiny
Ontario’s four major education unions are deeply concerned by the decision of the Chair of the Ontario Labour Relations Board to dismiss our health and safety case on the re-opening of schools based on jurisdictional grounds without even hearing the substantive evidence.
Teacher and education worker unions taking legal action as Ford government fails to meet health and safety obligations
Following the failure of the Ministry of Labour to adequately respond to their requests for appropriate health and safety standards in publicly funded schools, Ontario’s four major teacher and education worker unions say they have been left with no choice but to file formal appeals with the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB).
OECTA Statement on Federal Government Funding for School Reopening
“Catholic teachers recognize that even though education is clearly a provincial responsibility, the federal government has stepped up to help supplement the Ford government’s incomplete school reopening plan. We thank them for responding to the serious and sincere concerns of students, parents, and educators. However, we need to make sure that rather than letting the Ford government off the hook for their lack of leadership, Ontarians are intensifying the pressure on Premier Ford and Minister Lecce to finally live up to their responsibility to protect our communities.
Ontario’s return to school plan fails to meet legal health and safety requirements - Education unions
Ontario’s four major education unions have requested an immediate meeting with the Minister of Labourand representatives from the Ministry of Education,contending that the government’s “Guide to Re-Opening Ontario’s Schools” fails tomeettherequirements set out in the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Ford government jeopardizing safety of all Ontarians with underfunded return to school plan
The Ford government is jeopardizing the safety of students, educators and all Ontarians by severely underfunding a safe return to school this September, say Ontario’s four major education unions representing the province’s elementary and secondary teachers and education workers.
Free Mental Health Literacy Course for Elementary Teachers
School Mental Health Ontario recently released a new MH LIT – Mental Health in Action literacy course. This course provides elementary educators with basic knowledge and information related to mental health, social-emotional learning, strategies to enhance student mental health, and everyday practices for use in the classroom. The free course will help you to:
OECTA Response to Government Announcements on School Reopening and Education Funding
“With the support of millions of Ontarians, teachers and education workers fought for more than a year against this government’s plans to implement devastating cuts to publicly funded education...
OECTA Statement on the New Math Curriculum
“We all want to help students excel in math. But the revised math curriculum represents a significant change, one that will require a great deal of time, resources, and supports for teachers to understand and master..."
Education Unions’ Joint Statement On Introduction of Ontario Math Curriculum
TORONTO – The Association des enseignantes et des enseignants franco-ontariens (AEFO), the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO), the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA), and the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF/FEESO) released the following statement today.
OECTA Statement on Anti-Black Racism
“Ontario’s Catholic teachers have watched in dismay over the past several weeks...
Parent Resource – Encouraging Math Learning at Home Part I
Parents are important partners in ensuring a child’s mathematical success. A warm, inviting numeracy-rich learning environment at home is the first step to fostering a love of mathematics in children.
Parent Resource – Encouraging Math Learning at Home Part 2
This guide is for parents and their children, particularly those in the junior grades. As a parent you have the task of helping your child develop a positive disposition towards the learning of mathematics.
OECTA Statement on Extended School Closures and Plans for Re-opening
"Our Association agrees with the need to take a cautious approach to re-opening schools, while continuing to do what we can to foster students’ development and well-being..."
Statement from OECTA President Liz Stuart on “Synchronous Learning”
“It is disappointing that the government continues to disregard the input of professional, frontline teachers. Our Association has been trying to work collaboratively with the Ministry of Education, to help respond to the COVID-19 emergency in a way that respects students’ diverse learning needs. Most especially, we have conveyed to them the many equity, privacy, and security issues that are created with the use of live video or audio.
OECTA Responds to COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken over our lives so quickly it can be difficult to comprehend just how much has changed.
Catholic Teachers Ratify Agreement on Central Terms
Members of the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) have ratified
the agreement on central terms for a new contract.
COVID-19 Update
The COVID-19 emergency is taking its toll on everyone. From health concerns, to economic shocks, to the challenges of social distancing and self-isolation, we are all affected.
OECTA Statement on Reaching Tentative Agreement
OECTA has reached a tentative agreement with the Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association and the Government of Ontario on central terms for a new collective agreement.
Catholic Teachers Postpone Annual General Meeting in response to COVID-19 concerns.
The Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) has announced that as a result of concerns related to the spread of COVID-19, the OECTA Annual General Meeting (AGM), scheduled to take place March 14 to 16 in Toronto, has been postponed.
OECTA Submission to the Ontario Human Rights Commission Right to Read Inquiry
The Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s Right to Read inquiry.
OECTA Statement on Bargaining
Liz Stuart, President of the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association, has issued the following statement on the status of contract negotiations with the Ford government.
Spring AQ Registration is Now Open
Registration closes on Sunday, March 15, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. Courses start on Monday, March 30, 2020 and end on Friday, June 19, 2020.
Statement from OECTA President Liz Stuart on February 24 Negotiations
Catholic teachers have met more than 40 times with the government and the Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association, made significant progress with the trustees on major issues, and offered flexible solutions to the government to help protect publicly funded education in Ontario.
OECTA to Hold Province-Wide Walkout March 5
The Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) has announced that it is planning a one-day, province-wide walkout on Thursday, March 5.
OECTA Submission to the Ontario Human Rights Commission Right to Read Inquiry
The Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s Right to Read inquiry.
Catholic Teachers to Begin Rotating Strikes February 24
The Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) has announced that if an agreement is not reached, members will participate in rotating full withdrawals of service the week of February 24.
On February 21, Elementary and Secondary Educators Across Ontario Will Stand Up Against Cuts to Public Education
On Friday, February 21, elementary and secondary teachers and education workers represented by the four major education unions in Ontario will stand up to the Ford government’s education cuts by participating in a one-day walkout across the province.
OECTA to Enhance Administrative Job Action
The Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) has announced that members will be enhancing their administrative job action beginning Tuesday, February 11.
Catholic Teachers Planning Second Province-Wide Walk Out
The Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) has announced that it is planning a second one-day, province-wide walkout on Tuesday, February 4.
Social Media: A “how to” guide for members
Check out Social Media: A “how to” guide for members.
The December issue of Catholic Teacher is now available
Check out the December issue of Catholic Teacher Magazine.
Catholic Teachers Taking Province-Wide Strike Action on January 21
The Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) has announced that all of its members will be engaging in a one-day full withdrawal of services on Tuesday, January 21.
Government Inaction Leads to Talks with Catholic Teachers Breaking Down
The Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) is greatly disappointed that collective bargaining discussions with the government and the Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association have broken down.
Catholic Teachers to Launch Job Action
The Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) has announced that unless a tentative agreement is reached, members across the province will be taking administrative job action beginning Monday, January 13.
2020 OTIP Teaching Awards
Nominations open!
Cuts Hurt Kids
See the cuts the government has made so far...
Education Unions Launch Charter Challenge Against Ford Government
TORONTO – Today, four unions representing teachers and education workers across Ontario’s publicly funded education system have filed court challenges against the Ontario government’s Bill 124, the Protecting a Sustainable Public Sector for Future Generations Act.
No-Board Report Should Be Another Wakeup Call To Government, Catholic Teachers Say
A “no-board” report has been issued with respect to negotiations between the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA), the Government of Ontario, and Catholic school board trustees. The release of this report means Catholic teachers will be in a legal strike position as of December 21.
Statement From OECTA President Liz Stuart On The Education Consultation
"It has always been obvious why the Ford government was trying so hard to hide these results. Ontarians clearly reject the government’s education agenda, and with good reason..."
OECTA asks for “no-board” report as government continues to insist on cuts to education
The Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) met today with representatives of the government and Catholic school board trustees, to continue negotiations for a new collective agreement.
Time to End the Chaos and Get Serious About Contract Negotiations
An Open Letter from Catholic Teachers to Premier Doug Ford and Minister of Education Stephen Lecce
Catholic Teachers File For Conciliation As Government Dismisses Its Own Bargaining Team
The Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) has filed a request with the Minister of Labour to have a conciliator appointed to assist in collective bargaining with the government and school board trustees.
97.1 % Strike Vote Shows Catholic Teachers’ Resolve To Fight Government Cuts To Education
In a province-wide vote conducted this week, members of the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) delivered an overwhelming strike mandate, with 97.1 per cent voting in favour of authorizing strike action.
Ontario Education Unions Condemn the Passage of Bill 124
Four Ontario unions, representing teachers and education workers across Ontario’s publicly-funded education system, strongly condemn the passage of Bill 124 by the Doug Ford government today.
Recognizing the Human Rights of Students and Staff in Catholic Schools
As Catholic teachers, we strive every day to live the Gospel values for our students. Chief among
these is the foundational belief that every one of us is a child of God.
KnowMore.ca
Yesterday, Minister of Education Stephen Lecce once again attempted to mislead the public about the government’s education cuts.
Responding to the Government’s Cuts to Education
The Association has made many attempts to engage the Ford government in genuine dialogue about how our schools work and what our students need to succeed, but their regressive education agenda is being driven entirely by their desire to cut spending on public services.
OECTA moves forward with province-wide strike vote
The Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) has announced it will conduct a province-wide strike vote.
OECTA Response To HPE Curriculum Announcement
We will need some time to review the specifics of the new curriculum documents, but it is unfortunate that the Ford government’s haphazard approach has resulted in so much chaos and confusion.
OECTA Response Regarding OTPP Investment in GEO Group, Inc.
OECTA is outraged by the news that the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan (OTPP), at any point, held shares in GEO Group, Inc.
Catholic Teachers Announce 2019 - 2021 Provincial Executive
The Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) welcomes its 2019-21 Provincial Executive, which takes office on July 1, 2019.
Statement from Liz Stuart on wage legislation
With the introduction of this legislation, the Ford government is once again trampling on public services and Ontarians’ legal rights.
Joint Statement on Education in Ontario
Teachers and education workers in Ontario have formed a common front to defend a strong publicly funded education system that is of high quality and accessible to all.
Government Playing Games Around Education Sector Bargaining
The government should be ashamed of the games they are playing with the collective bargaining process and our publicly funded education system, says the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ ssociation (OECTA).
PC Government Creating Crisis In Education
Budget will erode quality education.
Rally for Education
Tens of thousands of teachers, education workers, parents, and concerned community members came together on Saturday April 6 at Queen’s Park in Toronto to defend high-quality publicly funded education, and the optimal learning conditions that all students need and deserve! Check out our photo gallery of the event. See what people are saying about the rally on social media.
Increasing Class Sizes A Blow To Student Learning, Teachers’ Bargaining Rights
Today’s announcement by Minister of Education Lisa Thompson was supposedly about modernizing classrooms, but in reality the government is continuing to move backward on publicly funded education and collective bargaining rights, says the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA).
More Education Cuts Hurting Ontario’s Most Vulnerable Students
The Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) is extremely alarmed by a government memo to school boards, recommending that boards stop hiring teachers and other staff, including hiring needed to fill vacancies for retirements and leaves, pending further announcements on education funding.
Submission to the Standing Committee on Social Policy Bill 48, the Safe and Supportive Classrooms Act
The Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) is writing to present issues that are of importance to our 45,000 members as the Standing Committee on Social Policy reviews and considers amendments to Bill 48, the Safe and Supportive Classrooms Act.
Provide your input - proposed changes to the OCT
Provide Your Input – Proposed changes to the OCT
Submissions on Class Size, Full-day Kindergarten, and Fair Hiring Practices
Submissions on Class Size, Full-day Kindergarten, and Fair Hiring Practices
David Church Appointed Next General Secretary of Catholic Teachers’ Association
The Ontario English Catholic Teacher’s Association (OECTA) is pleased to announce that David Church will be taking on the role of General Secretary as of June 1, 2019.
Pre-Budget Brief : Submission to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affiars
The Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) welcomes the opportunity to provide input for the development of the 2019 provincial budget.
OECTA Response to OCT Governance Review
In November 2018, the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) quietly released a Governance Review Report.
Ontario Government’s Education Funding Cuts Put Student Well-Being In Jeopardy
The Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) is alarmed that the government is cutting millions of dollars in education funding, mostly from programs meant to serve vulnerable students.
OECTA Submission to the 2019-20 Grants for Student Needs Consultation
OECTA Submission to the 2019-20 Grants for Student Needs Consultation
OECTA Submission to the Ministry of Education Consultation
OECTA Submission to the Ministry of Education Consultation
What you need to know about cancelling your LTD coverage
Most members are in a highly vulnerable financial position when they are confronted with a loss of income during a lengthy or permanent disability.
OECTA Email Collector
Keep up-to-date on Provincial Bargaining news. Update your personal email address.
Government Needs To Explain Real Plans For Ontario College Of Teachers
The Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) is greatly concerned about proposed changes to the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) contained in Bill 48, the Safe and Supportive Classrooms Act, which threaten to transform the OCT from a self-regulatory body into an arm of the government.
Government Announcement on Revised HPE Curriculum and Parent Consultations
President Liz Stuart responds to latest government announcement on revisions to the HPE curriculum and government consultations with parents.
Health and Physical Education Curriculum
Following the government’s decision to revert to the old Health and Physical Education curriculum, there has been a great deal of misinformation and confusion about how teachers should proceed when the school year begins.
New Report from Labour Law Experts on OECTA Grievance Settlement
New analysis from Lancaster House, a leading publisher on labour, employment, and human rights law, offers important perspective on the recent grievance settlement between the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) and the Government of Ontario.
Statement on the Repeal of the Health and Physical Education Curriculum
The Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) expresses great disappointment with the government’s decision to revert to the outdated Health and Physical Education curriculum.
Catholic Teachers Announce 2018-19 Provincial Executive, 75Th Anniversary Celebrations
The Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) welcomes its 2018-19 Provincial Executive, which takes office on July 1, 2018.
Pharmacare: A Plan for Everyone
Canadians are rightly proud of our universal health care program. It enables everyone to get the care they need, regardless of their employment status or economic circumstance.
OECTA Occasional Teachers Benefit Plan Now Available
As of April 1, all daily Occasional Teachers in Catholic school boards are now eligible to enrol in OECTA’s OECTA Occasional Teachers Benefit Plan.