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.

“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.
 

“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.

On behalf of the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association, I want to congratulate Pope Leo XIV on his historic election as the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church. As he steps forward, we hope for a future rooted in compassion, justice, and service to others.

“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.
 

"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.

“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.

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.

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, 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.

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.

“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.

"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.”

"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 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. 

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.

The Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) has released the following statement from President René Jansen in de Wal, announcing that the Association is in the process of filing for conciliation, to continue to work towards a fair, negotiated collective agreement that supports all teachers and students.

In a province-wide vote conducted on October 18 and 19, Catholic teachers – the members of the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) – delivered an overwhelming strike mandate, with 97 per cent voting in favour of authorizing strike action, if necessary.

Wear Orange to School on Friday, September 29.

“Premier Ford’s recent comments – which accused school boards and teachers of “indoctrinating” students, by protecting students’ right to use gender pronouns of their choice – are shameful, disrespectful, and potentially harmful.

The Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) has released the following statement from President René Jansen in de Wal, announcing that OECTA will conduct a province-wide strike vote on October 18 and 19.

The Association des enseignantes et des enseignants franco-ontariens (AEFO), Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO), and Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) issued the following statement today, in response to the announcement that the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF/FEESO) will be entering into binding arbitration with the Government of Ontario.

Two weeks ago, ETFO and OECTA filed unfair labour practice complaints with the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB), asserting that the Ford government violated its legal obligation to bargain in good faith by implementing Program/Policy Memorandum (PPM) 168: Reading Instruction and Early Reading Screening, as this issue has been a topic of discussion at the bargaining table.

The Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) has issued the following statement from President Barb Dobrowolski in response to Education Minister Stephen Lecce’s announcement of changes to literacy and math instruction, and the Ford Conservative government’s introduction of the ironically-named Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act.

The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) and Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA), the unions representing more than 125,000 teachers and education workers in publicly funded schools across Ontario, have released the following statement in response to the new Policy/Program Memorandum 168 – Reading Instruction and Early Reading Screening (PPM 168), which was released Friday without notice by the Ford Conservative government.

The Ford Conservative government has continued its baffling and disrespectful tradition of announcing a major curriculum overhaul in late June, leaving teachers without the time, resources, and supports necessary to understand and master the new material, before the start of next school year.

TORONTO – Forty-five 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.

“June is National Indigenous History Month – a time where we recognize and celebrate the diverse heritage and invaluable contributions of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples.

“Catholic teachers join with 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, as well as our families, students, and labour and social justice allies, in championing and celebrating Pride Month this June.

“The growing mental health and well-being issues for students and educators are among the most significant and troubling long-term consequences of the pandemic...

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 a ruling of the Court of Appeal for Ontario that strikes down Bill 307, the Protecting Elections and Defending Democracy Act, which saw the Ford government invoke the notwithstanding clause to override Ontarians’ Charter rights; attempt to silence its critics; and limit the voices of workers, labour unions, and all Ontarians to participate during the democratic election process.

New research released by People for Education paints an alarming picture of the current state of the mental health and well-being of students and staff in Ontario schools – with reports of a woeful lack of resources and supports available to address students’ mental health and well-being concerns, and a growing rate of “burnout” among teachers and education support staff.

“As Catholic teachers, we have a duty to embrace Black History Month in our classrooms, to celebrate the rich history and contributions of Black people, who have helped to build a more diverse, prosperous, and beautiful society, and to address and reflect upon Canada’s history of racism.

Father John Francis (Frank) Kavanagh of the OMI Lacombe Canada Province, died peacefully on December 20, 2022.

Today, the honourable Justice Markus Koehnen rendered a decision declaring the ironically named Bill 124, the Protecting a Sustainable Public Sector for Future Generations Act, unconstitutional, determining that it violated Ontarians’ rights under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Today’s announcement from the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) confirms that draconian legislation and the use of oppressive tools, such as the notwithstanding clause, are not necessary to achieve fairly negotiated agreements.

Catholic teachers offer our deepest condolences and prayers to those affected by the tragic shooting in Colorado Springs this past weekend, which targeted members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Catholic teachers are pleased to learn that, following relentless advocacy by CUPE education workers and our broader communities, the Ford government will rescind Bill 28 in its entirety.

Catholic teachers join in solidarity with the Ontario School Board Council of Unions’ (OSBCU) 55,000 Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) education worker members, as they fight for a fair agreement that supports their frontline education workers and the students they serve, free from the Ford government’s heavy-handed legislative interference.

“On September 30, as we commemorate and recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, we encourage teachers, students – everyone – to wear orange to acknowledge and confront the devastation that Canada’s residential school system has inflicted on Indigenous communities, and to honour Survivors and their families, as well as the children who did not return home.

“Pope Francis’s historic Canadian visit, to make a papal apology directly to Survivors and Indigenous peoples for the Catholic Church’s role in Canada’s residential school system, is a significant step forward that supports the efforts required to achieve the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action.

Sixty-two 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.

“Throughout June, we recognize National Indigenous History Month, and we honour and celebrate the invaluable contributions that Indigenous peoples have made and continue to make.

“Catholic teachers join with our 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and labour and social justice allies in celebrating Pride Month this June, and we look forward to safely participating in and supporting Pride celebrations throughout Ontario.

The Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) has issued the following statement from President Barb Dobrowolski in response to the announcement of the 2022 provincial budget.

TORONTO, ON — Ahead of the release of the 2022 provincial budget, the Association des enseignantes et des enseignants franco-ontariens (AEFO), Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO), Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA), and Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF/FEESO) are calling attention to the Ford government’s inadequate investment in publicly funded education and demanding real action to support students.

Students deserve safer, healthier schools and a robust learning recovery program after pandemic-related disruptions

TORONTO, ON – On Monday, April 25, at 9:15 a.m., leaders from Ontario’s unions representing teachers and education workers will hold a press conference ahead of the provincial government’s budget announcement to underscore the importance of adequate, fair, and necessary funding for public education.

The Association’s Professional Development (PD) department, in keeping with our commitment as a union to improving accessibility, inclusion, diversity, and equity (AIDE) in our classrooms and communities, is working to develop courses with an AIDE lens to support the needs of all Catholic teachers

TORONTO - The Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) has issued the following statement from President Barb Dobrowolski, calling on Ontarians to join OECTA in demanding that the Ford government immediately reinstate the masking mandate in Ontario schools:

“Catholic teachers welcome Pope Francis’s apology for the Catholic Church’s role in Canada’s residential school system.

“Catholic teachers welcome the announcement of a $10-a-day child care agreement in Ontario.

“Catholic teachers are concerned that the Ford government’s decision to drop school masking requirements after March Break is ill-timed, and seemingly motivated by politics rather than science.

Today’s announcement from Minister of Education Stephen Lecce is yet another underfunded initiative that fails to provide teachers and education workers with the time and resources necessary to properly implement these rushed curriculum changes.

The Association has lost a dear friend and valued leader, James “Jim” Carey died on February 27, 2022, at the age of 83.

“Catholic teachers are deeply concerned by the news that police were called to a Waterloo region school to address a situation involving a young Black student.

“Catholic teachers stand with the people of Ukraine and denounce the Russian invasion that has led to needless violence and loss of life, taking a devastating toll on Ukrainian children and families.

Dear Minister Lecce

We are writing on behalf of 200,000 educators in Ontario’s publicly funded education system to offer our expertise and service as the government prepares to implement de-streaming in Ontario schools.

TORONTO – The Ford government’s announcement of the 2022-23 Grants for Student Needs (GSNs) fails students, educators, and all Ontarians, yet again. Catholic teachers call on the Ford government to use the GSN formulas, which form the core element of the education budget, to make a real investment that will support student mental health, well-being, and a robust learning recovery.

Black History Month is an important opportunity for teachers, students, and our communities to celebrate the rich history and contributions of Black people, and to address and reflect upon Canada’s history of racism.

The Association fosters the development of confident, competent professionals, while promoting our members’ personal and spiritual growth.

TORONTO, ON — Today, the Association des enseignantes et des enseignants franco-ontariens (AEFO), Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO), Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA), and Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF/FEESO) issued the following statement regarding the government’s decision to move forward with reopening schools on January 17:

“Students, families, teachers, and education workers – everyone – we all want students back in school, safely enjoying the benefits of in-person learning.

TORONTO, ON – Teachers and education workers only learned of the provincial government’s decision to delay school re-opening when it was announced this afternoon.

TORONTO, ON – Today, the Association des enseignantes et des enseignants franco-ontariens (AEFO), Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO), Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA), and Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF/FEESO) are issuing the following statement in support of school boards providing teachers and education workers with rapid tests for COVID-19 to make schools safer for students and their families:

The Ford government must implement the measures called for by education and public health experts for a safe and sustainable return to school

On December 16, to protect our schools, communities, and families, we wrote you requesting the implementation of a number of measures to stem the surge of the highly infectious Omicron variant.

In response to the Ford government’s plan to cut $12.3 billion from schools over the next decade, the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) is launching Stop School Cuts, a new campaign calling on the government to invest in publicly funded education and student success.

“Catholic teachers are committed to reconciliation.

TORONTO, ON—Ontario’s teacher unions recently learned that the Ministry of Education will not be funding numerous initiatives the unions proposed in March 2021 that would address and confront systemic racism in Ontario’s publicly funded education system.

TORONTO – Today, the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) is calling on the Ford government to invest in student success and our publicly funded education system with its latest campaign, Say No to Hybrid Learning.

TORONTO – In response to the Ford government’s incomplete and inadequate back-to-school plan, the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) has launched Safe Schools Now, a new campaign calling on the Ford government to invest in and implement the safety measures called for by education and public health experts for a safe and sustainable school year.

Today, the Association des enseignantes et des enseignants franco-ontariens (AEFO), Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO), Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA), and Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF/FEESO) issued the following statement in support of mandatory vaccinations in schools:

TORONTO, ON—Today, the Association des enseignantes et des enseignants franco-ontariens (AEFO), Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO), Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA), and Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF/FEESO) issued the following statement in response to the Ford government’s release of its back-to-school plan

“The Ford government has had more than 18 months to develop and implement a real plan to address COVID-19 in our schools and communities and to make the investments necessary for a safe and sustainable learning environment.
 

TORONTO, ON—The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO), Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA), and Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF/FEESO) are individually filing Charter challenges against the Ford government to protect Ontarians’ basic democratic rights.

TORONTO – Fifty-eight 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.

As students receive their end of year report cards, Ontario parents are giving the Ford government an “F” for their mishandling of publicly funded education in Ontario.

“Premier Doug Ford has failed. His inappropriate use of the notwithstanding clause to override the Charter and silence Ontarians is a thinly veiled attempt to hide the magnitude of his failures and the pain they have caused.

“Catholic teachers have always supported efforts to eliminate racism, discrimination, and all systemic barriers in our schools, and we will continue to offer our perspectives on how to implement destreaming successfully.

The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO), Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA), and Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF/FEESO) respond to reports that the Ford government plans to invoke the notwithstanding clause and annul Justice Edward M. Morgan’s recent decision, striking down restrictions on third-party advertising during elections:

TORONTO, ON—The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO), Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA), and Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF/FEESO) have won their constitutional challenges against the Ontario government’s Bill 254, Protecting Ontario Elections Act, 2021. They issued the following statement:

Catholic teachers are deeply saddened by the horrific Islamophobic attack in London, Ontario that claimed the lives of four family members, and left the fifth, a nine-year-old boy, in the hospital with serious injuries.

Premier Doug Ford’s decision to keep schools closed to in-person learning for the rest of the school year is a direct result of this government’s continued failure to address COVID-19 in our schools and communities..."

“Catholic teachers join with our LGBTQ2SI+ communities and labour and social justice allies in celebrating Pride Month this June.
 

“Catholic teachers mourn the loss of 215 children, whose remains were found at the site of the Kamloops Indian Residential School in the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation..."

Yesterday, Premier Ford wrote to healthcare and education stakeholders requesting input into the potential reopening of schools.

“Our Association has been trying for over a year now to engage this government on how our schools can operate safely and effectively during this pandemic..."

“Following from the 2021 provincial budget, the Ford government’s Grants for Student Needs (GSNs) underfund education with almost $1 billion less for publicly funded schools for the upcoming year...

Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO), Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA), and Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF/FEESO) have individually filed constitutional challenges against the Ontario government’s Bill 254, Protecting Ontario Elections Act, 2021.

ETFO holds press conference alongside education partners to share concerns about government’s plan to make virtual learning permanent

The Ford government’s 2021 budget, which passed in the legislature today with almost $1 billion less for publicly funded schools, favours austerity at the cost of student well-being.

"This announcement is perfectly illustrative of the Ford government’s approach to the COVID-19 emergency. It is too little, too late, and someone else is doing the bulk of the work...

After months of advocacy by the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) and other unions on behalf of teachers and education workers, the Ontario government has finally decided to close schools to in-person learning.

Delegates to the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) Annual General Meeting have elected the Provincial Executive for 2021-23.

The Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) is calling on the Ford government and public health units to immediately prioritize the vaccination of teachers, education workers, and other essential workers, particularly in hot spot public health units, and to move schools in these regions from in-person to virtual learning until this process is complete.

Association des enseignantes et des enseignants franco-ontariens (AEFO), Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Ontario, Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO), Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA), and Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF/FEESO) released the following statement today in response to the Ontario budget announcement.

We are writing on behalf of the Association des enseignantes et des enseignants franco-ontariens (AEFO), the Ontario School Board Council of Unions - CUPE Ontario, the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO), the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA), and the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF/FEESO) and the more than 250,000 education workers we collectively represent.

Ontario’s publicly funded education system should not be subjected to a poorly timed experiment in large-scale, online assessment, especially during a pandemic. Yet, the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) is forging ahead with plans to administer the Grade 10 Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT).

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.

Together, the 45,000 members of the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association celebrate Black History Month, and honour the legacy of Black Canadians, including the many challenges faced by Black people in Canada.

“It is baffling that the Ford government continues reopen schools without first putting in place the measures necessary to make in-person learning safe and sustainable, and without providing any details whatsoever about the benchmarks for their decision-making...

 

"The Ford government likes to present the false choice of school buildings being either open or closed..."

The Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association welcomes the opportunity to offer input for the development of the 2021-22 Grants for Student Needs.

“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.

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.

Do you teach about residential schools to students in Grades 6 – 12? This course may be of interest to you.
 

Each year, the Association provides input into the budget consultation and development process undertaken by the Government of Ontario.

"The dam is bursting...

“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...."

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.

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.”

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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:

“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..."

“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...

“Ontario’s Catholic teachers have watched in dismay over the past several weeks...

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.

"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..."

“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.

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.

Members of the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) have ratified
the agreement on central terms for a new contract.

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 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.

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.

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.

The Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s Right to Read inquiry.

The Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) has announced that it is planning a one-day, province-wide walkout on Thursday, March 5.

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.

The Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s Right to Read inquiry.

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 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.

The Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) has announced that members will be enhancing their administrative job action beginning Tuesday, February 11.

The Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) has announced that it is planning a second one-day, province-wide walkout on Tuesday, February 4.

Check out the December issue of Catholic Teacher Magazine.

Check out Social Media: A “how to” guide for members.

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.

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.

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.

See the cuts the government has made so far...

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.

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.

"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..."

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.