General Secretary's Message

Welcome back to the start of another school year! I hope you had a well-deserved rest, and were able to refresh and recharge over the summer.

The women’s issue of Voice is one that is close to my heart.

With bargaining, public campaigns, government submissions, programs and all of the other work that ETFO does in service to our members, the fall has been an extremely busy time.

You are the heart of Ontario’s world-class public education system. I want to welcome you back to a school year full of promise and challenge, both in the classroom and at the bargaining table.

Since the fall, ETFO has been working to respond to government consultations on education. At the same time, we have been planning our own mobilization and engagement efforts, working in solidarity with parents and other allies, and doing the important day-to-day work of the federation – workshops, conferences and services to members.

ETFO’s 20th anniversary is an opportunity to look back on our remarkable legacy as an organization. Since our formation in 1998, we have worked tirelessly to ensure the health and safety of our members and our students and made important gains for our members through collective bargaining.

Our commitment to equity and the environment means that we must elect a government in Ontario that takes justice and fairness seriously.

ETFO has made important gains through advocacy and action and through local and provincial meetings with government officials and MPPs.

The fall is a time of new beginnings. As members settle into a new school year, we at provincial office are getting our programs up and running, working on implementing the motions delegates passed at the annual meeting and ensuring we have the best services in place for you, the members.

The women’s issue of Voice is special. It acknowledges the important role that women, women’s programs and women’s organizing play in the Federation.