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Politics

Bill 115 Victory

In April, ETFO and other education unions won a major victory at the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. The court found that the Ontario government’s Bill 115, imposed in the fall of 2012, was a violation of the collective bargaining rights of education unions.

Cross-Country Check-Up

Vivian McCaffrey

Given that education unions have memberships that are predominantly female, austerity in the education sector is clearly a women’s issue.

Conversation with Cindy Blackstock

Voice in conversation with Cindy Blackstock, Executive Director, First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada

Voice in conversation with Cindy Blackstock, Executive Director, First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada.

What Kind of Citizen?

Vivian McCaffrey

Westheimer’s view is that the goals of education have shifted away from preparing students to be active and engaged citizens. Through standardized curriculum and standardized testing, schools have moved to a more narrow focus on career preparation and individual economic gain.

Our Journey Into Reconciliation

Rachel Mishenene

On June 1, 2008, just days before the Prime Minister’s public apology to residential school survivors and their families and communities, the Indian Residential Schools Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was established.

“I Stand with My Union”

Vivian McCaffrey

Participation in political rallies gives ETFO members an important opportunity to support their union’s bargaining position; it gives them a public voice on how contract provisions directly affect classroom working and learning conditions. ETFO members find themselves once again compelled to protest the government and employer stance at the bargaining table.

Walking With Our Sisters

Erin Marie Konsmo and Krysta Williams

ETFO’s annual leadership conference for women, … and still we rise (ASWR), is known for providing inspiring ideas women educators can use to make a difference in their classrooms and communities.

What's at Stake if the Harper Government Is Re-Elected? Have a Say in Canada’s Future

Vivian McCaffrey

ETFO traditionally has focused its political activities at the provincial level; the provincial government has the most direct impact on education policies and our members’ working conditions. Increasingly, however, ETFO has become concerned about the impact of federal policies on both our members’ welfare and the very fabric of Canadian society.

Change the Conversation About Taxes

Vivian McCaffrey

This compelling collection of articles takes up the challenge of turning the dial on the negative view of taxes that has come to characterize our political discourse. We’ve reached the point in Canada, including Ontario, where political leaders believe it would be suicide to raise the spectre of higher taxes.