Your Federation: Winter 2024
Fall Representative Council
Karen Brown welcomed local leaders to fall Representative Council. Reflecting on a probable early spring election in Ontario, Brown spoke about the importance of representing the effects of cuts to public education on educators across the province. “We want to hear from members about the issues they face in schools and to collectively strategize how we can best fight for the improvements educators and students deserve.” Speaking to a province-wide listening tour, she said “this is also about getting ready for the next round of central bargaining. It’s about building our capacity and leadership at all levels of the Federation so that we have the power to effect change.”
Executive Director at Equal Voice, Chi Nguyen, was the guest speaker. Equal Voice is Canada’s only multipartisan organization dedicated to electing women to all levels of government. Nguyen talked about the beginnings of Equal Voice around a kitchen table, where a group of women decided that they would organize to ensure there are more women in politics. Reflecting on the systemic changes we need to help keep women in politics, she asked members of Representative Council to consider what we can do to make sure there are more women in elected office. “Ask women to run, get involved in Equal Voice chapters and call for gender inclusive policies,” she concluded.
How Much Did Ford Cut From Your Local Schools?
The PC government has cut $1,500 in funding, per student since 2018. What does that mean for the schools near you? Building BetterSchools.ca has a new search tool that will show just how much money is missing from your local school because of cuts from the Ford government. Share with anyone who needs to see the impact locally through social share buttons or print out a flyer with detailed local information.
Newsly Updated: 2SLGBTQ+ Resources!
The Suggested Resources for Gender Independent Children and Trans Youth/ Adults webpage has been updated with new websites and information on upcoming events, community groups and support services for individuals, families and communities.
The 2SLGBTQ+ Resource bank has also been updated. ETFO members have curated a bank of resources and websites for 2SLGBTQ+ education, teaching, learning and support. We encourage all members to go to etfo.ca to find sites that can help support learners as well as to develop pedagogical awareness and practice throughout the year.
ETFO Awards Program: Apply Today!
The ETFO Awards Program recognizes distinguished academic achievements and outstanding contributions to education and the Federation by members and others. ETFO distributes more than $120,000 annually through the program. Members can nominate themselves, their colleagues and/or community members, as applicable. Learn more at etfo.ca/awards and apply before February 1.
ETFO Fall Membership Meetings
This fall, thousands of ETFO members attended meetings in their locals to talk about their experiences of cuts to public schools and what they hope educators can achieve in the upcoming year and in anticipation of a spring provincial election. Learn more about the impact of cuts to your local school and ETFO’s priorities for public schools at BuildingBetterSchools.ca.
