Joint Statement From Canada’s Education Leaders

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.

The presidents affirmed their shared commitment to public education and called for governments to invest in teachers, student supports, and safer school environments.

The presidents’ stance is reinforced by recent findings from the Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF/FCE). Results of the CTF/FCE 2024 Parachute Survey highlight the seriousness of the situation:

• Nearly 80 percent of teachers report difficulty managing unpredictable and increasing workloads; and 70 percent identify poor working conditions as a significant factor.
• 95 percent of educators observe that staff shortages are negatively affecting students, with the most serious impacts being unmet academic needs and reduced access to specialized supports.
• 55 percent of educators report having experienced violence or aggression in the past year.
• Of those who reported incidents, only 25 percent indicate that appropriate action was taken by safety committees or officers, while school administrators report being overwhelmed.

These findings reflect mounting pressure on teachers and the broader public education system. Teachers and students across Canada deserve safe, supportive environments for working and learning, yet many continue to face difficult conditions and challenges that affect both student well-being and learning outcomes. Without immediate action, the profession risks losing more qualified, experienced teachers, making it challenging to recruit and retain new educators. Current challenges are pushing educators out of the profession and making it less appealing to those considering it.

It’s not too late to turn this around but growing issues like school violence need urgent attention.
Together, the presidents are calling on all provincial and territorial governments as well as the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada to take immediate action for the good of students across this country.
The presidents and the organizations they represent stand ready to collaborate with government to improve public education. Key priorities include:

• Reducing class sizes to allow for meaningful instruction and student support.
• Increasing numbers of education specialists and support staff in schools.
• Addressing class complexity and ensuring safer learning environments.
• Transparent reporting of violent incidents, including actions taken.

Together, these priorities reflect what’s urgently needed to create conditions where students and teachers can succeed. Access to high-quality public education for all students is a cornerstone of Canadian culture and values and contributes to a strong economy and democracy.

Signed by:

Jason Schilling – The Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA)
Gabrielle Lemieux – Association des enseignantes et des enseignants franco-ontariens (AEFO)
Stéphanie Babineau – Association des enseignantes et des enseignants francophones du Nouveau-Brunswick, Fédération des enseignants du Nouveau-Brunswick (AEFNB/FENB)
Clint Johnston – British Columbia Teachers’ Federation (BCTF)
Heidi Yetman – Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF/FCE)
Mona-Élise Sévigny – Éducatrices et éducateurs francophones du Manitoba (ÉFM)
Karen Brown – Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO)
Lillian Klausen – The Manitoba Teachers’ Society (MTS)
Peter Lagacy – New Brunswick Teachers’ Association, New Brunswick Teachers’ Federation (NBTA/NBTF)
Trent Langdon – Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association (NLTA)
Peter Day – Nova Scotia Teachers’ Union (NSTU)
Justin Matchett – Nunavut Teachers’ Association (NTA)
Rita Mueller – Northwest Territories Teachers’ Association (NWTTA)
René Jansen in de Wal – Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA)
Karen Littlewood – Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF/FEESO)
Mike Foulds – Ontario Teachers’ Federation (OTF)
Andy Doran – Prince Edward Island Teachers’ Federation (PEITF) Samantha Becotte – Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) Ted Hupé – Yukon Association of Education Professionals (YAEP)