Your Federation Spring 2026
February Representative Council
President David Mastin welcomed delegates to February Representative Council. In recognition of Black History Month, he affirmed the importance of celebrating Black excellence and committed to the ongoing work of equity and justice, including dismantling anti-Black racism within public schools, ETFO and beyond. President Mastin went on to discuss the challenges and instability created by the Trump administration as well as Bill 33 and the future of trustees. He reflected on provincial pre-budget hearings and the upcoming round of collective bargaining.
Representative Council participants took part in a “smaller class. BIG DIFFERENCE” class size action to inspire engagement from members and the public in pursuit of the Federation’s bargaining goals.
Guest speaker Amanda Sussman, author of The Art of the Possible: A Handbook for Political Activism, shared advocacy tools with delegates intended to inspire change through government action.
School Board Takeover
ETFO has raised urgent concerns about the Ford government’s escalating and unjustified takeovers of school boards across Ontario. These interventions represent egregious government overreach, a troubling centralization of power and – with the removal of elected trustees – a direct threat to local democracy in Ontario’s public education system.
There is growing concern that these takeovers are part of a broader plan to seize control of school board finances and real estate across the province. This treats public education as a profit making enterprise rather than a vital public service meant to serve every child. ETFO called on educators, parents and communities to join together to prevent lasting damage to our high-quality public education system.
Read the statement at etfo.ca and download tools and resources on the political action page in ETFO secure.
Black History Month
February was Black History Month, but any time of year is a good time to talk about Black excellence, history, accomplishment and joy. The images in this year’s Black History Month poster by Destinie Adelakun titled We Didn’t Cross the Waters Alone span generations and continents to tie the past, the present and the future. It features traditional West African folklore, imagery and concepts with curriculum-based African Canadian history and focuses on the importance of looking to the future. Learn more and download the poster at etfo.ca.
International Day of Pink
International Day of Pink is Wednesday, April 8, 2026. Day of Pink is an international effort to wear pink in solidarity against bullying, discrimination, homophobia, transphobia and transmisogyny. The theme for this year is Solidarity in Every Shade, which emphasizes that supporting 2SLGBTQ+ individuals requires diverse, unified action across all communities, genders and backgrounds to foster safer environments.
April 29, 2026 Provincial Day of Action for Public Education
As we prepare for a challenging round of central bargaining, visible and coordinated action is essential. ETFO has called for a provincial day of action to raise awareness about the urgent need for increased investment in public education and smaller class sizes. We want to demonstrate unity, build momentum and show the government that educators across Ontario are organized and ready to act together. Make sure you are subscribed to the ETFO and bargaining enewsletters for the most up-to-date information and all the latest news.
ETFO Climate Action Resources
Elementary educators are uniquely positioned to influence the next generation’s understanding of and response to climate and environmental challenges. ETFO has developed a rich suite of resources to support environmental and climate justice education. Find all the resources at etfo.ca.
