Spring Representative Council 2024

ETFO’s spring Representative Council meeting was held on May 15 and 16 at the Provincial Office. President Brown spoke to the delegation, reflecting on the unilateral changes the government made this spring to the funding formula. “We have long advocated for a full independent review of the funding formula,” she said. “Instead, the Ford government decided to make arbitrary changes to the way education funding is allocated, behind closed doors, and without any meaningful consultation with key education stakeholders. They have collapsed and combined many of the funding streams and renamed them. The thing that hasn’t changed is they are not providing funding that keeps up with inflation. We all know that means more cuts from school boards as they struggle to make the numbers work.”

Speaking to the importance of continued solidarity, President Brown said, “In the courts, at the bargaining table and at the ballot box we need to continue to defend our members and public education. Our gains are the result of our collective action and our solidarity. We need to build on that sense of solidarity and purpose to keep pushing for the schools our students and members deserve. Let’s make sure we recognize our successes and recommit to the work that still needs to be done.”

Representative Council welcomed York University Labour Studies professor Dr. Stephanie Ross as the guest speaker. Ross talked about how ordinary people make social change through their collective action. Reflecting on the next provincial election, she stressed the importance of labour coalitions in achieving outcomes that will benefit working people. She stressed the value of continuing to run issuebased campaigns across sectors, the importance of mobilizing women and youth because they tend to be more progressive and to think of the next provincial election in the context of ETFO’s 2026 round of collective bargaining. “The increased willingness to fight for workers’ rights translates into the political realm,” she concluded, “which is an incredibly powerful resource for unions.”

Pride 2024

Pride is an opportunity for everyone to celebrate with those who identify as 2SLGBTQ+ and to come together to support the ongoing fight against homophobia, transphobia, and the broad range of intersectional oppression experienced by members of the queer community. Pride is also an integral part of inclusive classrooms and the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario continues to work towards creating safe and inclusive spaces in all Ontario's public schools and classrooms. Check out the list of local Pride events at etfo.ca.

Rainbow Week of Action Rally

On May 17, local leaders, provincial Executive and staff joined the 519 Community Centre for a rally at Barbara Hall Park in Toronto to amplify the urgent plea for support for 2SLGBTQ+ refugees. This rally was part of the Rainbow Week of Action (May 11 to 17) being observed across Canada, to unite communities, allies and partner organizations serving 2SLGBTQ+ refugees to call on elected officials at all levels of government to defend the rights and safety of 2SLGBTQ+ Canadians, including refugees and newcomers.

National Indigenous Peoples Day

In co-operation with national Indigenous organizations, the Government of Canada designated June 21 National Indigenous Peoples Day. This date was chosen because it corresponds to the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, and because for generations, many Indigenous groups have celebrated their culture and heritage at this time of year. National Indigenous History Month in June is an opportunity to teach students about the cultural diversity of the First Nations, Métis and Inuit in Canada and to celebrate the unique contributions of Indigenous Peoples. You can find great resources at etfofnmi.ca.