Teachers: Pillars of Democracy

Each new school year brings with it the excitement of fresh faces in the classroom, smiles and laughter, and the shared energy of learning together.  September inevitably zooms by, and, as teachers, we find ourselves once again completely immersed in the work of teaching and learning, and in the life of our school communities. Teaching and learning are foundational to building and maintaining a democratic society.  This year, on Oct. 5, World Teachers’ Day will once again be celebrated around the globe.  This year’s theme in Canada is: “Teachers: Pillars of Democracy.”  This year, as it does every year, the Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF) continues to promote the values of a democratic society. Priority of voice CTF’s “Hear My Voice” campaign, launched earlier this year, has called on the Harper government to hear the voices of all Canadians as officials develop policies and legislation, not just the voices of those individuals and groups with whom they agree. This year, CTF’s advocacy work continues on several fronts, including aboriginal education, cyberbullying, child poverty, mental health, French as a First language in minority settings, and democracy - just to name a few. Last July in Ottawa, the CTF President’s Forum 2013 examined Aboriginal Education from a wide spectrum of perspectives while grounding its focus on equity. Over 200 participants heard passionate speakers such as:

• Mary Simon, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami;
• Sheelah McLean, Idle No More movement;
• Tim Thompson, Assembly of First Nations Education Director;
• Clément Chartier, Métis National Council
• Charlene Bearhead, Project of Heart;
• Françoise Ducros, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
• Dr. Pamela Toulouse, Laurentian University, and
• Shelly Tootoosis and Michael Gatin, Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation

They all echoed the pressing need for equitable funding and the respectful inclusion of Indigenous leaders when decisions are being made about how Aboriginal children will be educated in Canada.  Given the disastrous history of Aboriginal education policies in Canada, particularly the impact of residential schools, there was agreement at the Forum that action is imperative. CTF defending labour rights CTF has also focussed on defending labour rights, particularly with respect to Bill C-377, which, in the name of transparency and accountability, is seeking to weaken collective organizations -- including teacher organizations -- by imposing undue administrative and financial burdens that are not required of other professional associations in Canada. On the positive side, the Conservative-dominated Senate blocked the Bill and sent the amended bill back to the House of Commons when it resumes later this fall.  As one of the founding members of  the Canadian Foundation for Labour Rights, CTF will continue to work closely with labour organizations to stop this private member’s Bill. Human Rights CTF is working to support and advocate for respect for human rights in Canada through its "Canadian Defenders for Human Rights,” an Imagineaction project in cooperation with the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Come and visit our project website for more information. What does this mean for you as a teacher?   It means that, every day, CTF is working hard to make your voice heard on a wide range of issues important to teachers at the national level, so that the children in your classrooms can learn, free from the negative impacts of poverty and homelessness. Every day, CTF is working to advance the dialogue on Aboriginal education, so that Aboriginal children can experience the education they deserve.  Every day, CTF is working to defend the benefits and protections that your teacher organization/union has fought so hard for: pensions, health and dental benefits, legal protection, and the like. Every day, CTF is working to ensure that, in our Canadian society, every person is respected and every child is valued. Happy World Teachers’ Day and thank you for being a pillar for democracy!