Your Federation: Summer 2026

May Representative Council

President David Mastin welcomed delegates to May Representative Council. Reflecting on the upcoming bargaining year, he spoke about the importance of the education affiliates working together and the fact that this work is happening at every level. He also spoke about the June 6 Day of Action, when educators across the province were set to connect with community members to talk about the importance of investing in public schools. Mastin commended members province-wide for their work to ensure that trustees weren’t eliminated, and noted that these efforts by ETFO and others ultimately protected the positions.

Naolo Charles, founder and executive director of the Black Environmental Initiative was the Representative Council guest speaker. Charles talked about how already vulnerable communities are most affected by the impacts of climate change and the importance of addressing environmental racism. “In Black communities, cancer caused by pollution causes more deaths than gun violence,” he said. “The environmental justice movement is about human rights.” Charles concluded by urging educators to use environmental education resources that have been developed by the communities that have historically been excluded from environmental protections.

The Heart and Art of Teaching and Learning Blog

The Heart and Art of Teaching and Learning website offers a dynamic and reflective space for teacher and occasional teacher members in their first five years and beyond. Monthly blog posts explore topics such as wellness, social justice, assessment and inclusive practices, while sharing practical, classroom-ready strategies. Reaching both local members and an expanding international audience, the blog supports meaningful professional learning grounded in everyday teaching experiences. You can check out the blog at heartandart.ca.

Apply for Student Debt Relief

The Canadian Teachers’ Federation has successfully secured the expansion of the Canada Student Loan Forgiveness program for teachers and early childhood educators working in rural and remote communities.

If you worked the entire 2025–26 school year (September 2025 to June 2026) and are planning to claim it as your first year of loan forgiveness, the window to apply is from July to the end of September 2026 for eligible educators.

For details about eligibility requirements and the application process, visit ctf-fce.ca.

Apply to Join the ETFO Humanity Fund Board of Directors

The ETFO Humanity Fund board is looking for two members to serve as member-directors. All active ETFO members are eligible to apply. The Humanity Fund board is responsible for approving donations to charities that apply for funding. The board meets twice a year at the ETFO provincial office to consider applications. The term of office for member-directors is two years, renewable for an additional two years.

The application form is available now. The deadline for applications is June 30, 2026.

If you are interested in supporting local and international communities, please consider joining the Humanity Fund board!

Pride 2026

Pride is an opportunity for everyone to celebrate those who identify as 2SLGBTQ+ and to come together to support the ongoing fight against homophobia, transphobia and a broad range of intersectional oppressions experienced by members of the rainbow community. Pride is also an integral part of inclusive classrooms. ETFO continues to work to create safe and inclusive spaces in Ontario’s public schools and classrooms. Check out the list of local Pride events at etfo.ca.

National Indigenous People's Day

Thirty years ago, in co-operation with national Indigenous organizations, the federal government 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.