Your Member News
January 11, 2023
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It is another year, and we wish you a healthy and prosperous 2023! Over the last month, a lot has happened in Ontario. Our first 2023 newsletter provides you with important updates and announcements about exciting upcoming events.
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Update on Payment for Bill 115 Remedy
The review process for payment distribution is underway. Eligible members are expected to receive payments after April 1, 2023, and sometime during the spring.
It is important to note that school boards are responsible for sending affected members their compensation payments. Listed below is an excerpt outlining the next steps in the remedy.
By February 1, the Crown will calculate the payment per eligible member and provide payment to school boards within 90 days.
By April 1, school boards are to receive funding from the Ministry and are responsible for issuing payments to entitled members. Eligible members are expected to receive payments sometime in the spring.
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OCT Outrageous Increase
At its December 8 meeting, the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) Governing Council approved its 2023 budget, including a membership fee increase from $170 to $200 per member. That’s an outrageous and indefensible 17.64% increase.
The fee increase was a surprise. In response, the Ontario Teachers’ Federation (OTF) and its affiliates, including ETFO, issued a
statement to call on the OCT to reverse its 2023 fee increase and find better, more accountable, and cost-effective ways to carry out its mandate.
With a united voice for educators, we stand in defence of members who will feel the burden of this indefensible fee increase.
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Bargaining, Step-by-step
In the latest episode of the Elementary podcast, ETFO General Secretary Sharon O'Halloran and Deputy General Secretary Lisa Mastrobuono take us through the collective bargaining process in the education sector, step-by-step.
The Elementary podcast can be found on most podcast apps or at etfo.ca.
Plus, don’t miss the opportunity to be part of the Elementary podcast for ETFO members. Two elementary school-aged children introduce each podcast; if you know a child who would like to participate, email [email protected] to find out more.
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Prevent Slips, Trips and Falls
What’s underfoot on floors, stairs, sidewalks, playgrounds, and parking lots can cause serious injuries, including broken bones and a concussion. Report any slippery or uneven surfaces to your principal as slip, trip and fall hazards. If your concerns are unresolved, seek support from your steward, health and safety representative or ETFO local.
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Enough is Enough
Are you fed up with:
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wages that can’t pay the bills?;
- getting gouged at the grocery store and the pump?; and
- a government that has billions for developers but won’t stop the collapse of our health care system?
We’re fed up, too. So, we’re saying: Enough is enough!
On Saturday, January 28, join the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) to learn how to fight for and win the Ontario we all need.
Be part of the campaign launch and training provided by the OFL. Register now.
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Awards deadline is fast approaching!
The nomination deadline for all ETFO Awards is February 1.
Nominate yourself or another educator for a contribution made to public education. There are a variety of award categories to acknowledge achievements.
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Stay Up-to-date
Our dedicated members' website gives you access to resource videos, updates on bargaining, event listings, and opportunities to get involved with your union. You can find it all at members.etfo.ca.
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Professional Learning Events in 2023
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February 22
ETFO invites women members to register for a one-day professional learning opportunity led by Right To Play. This introductory session will explore trauma-informed practices and experiential play-based learning to support educators in their instructional practice. Learners will leave with an introductory overview of trauma-informed practice and the opportunity to lead students in play-based activities.
The registration deadline is January 20.
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March 1 and 2
This Professional Relations Services conference focuses on rights and responsibilities related to professionalism and employment. This year’s theme is human rights and the associated rights and responsibilities of educators and features a keynote, workshops, and opportunities to network with other women members from across Ontario.
There is a $50.00 registration fee.
Please register between January 16 and 30.
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April 18 and May 10
Participants must attend both sessions.
Members will explore what research says about the importance of engaging girls (grades 4 - 8) in the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) fields, network with colleagues, and experience practical STEAM activities to use with girls in their schools.
This program is open to members who identify as women. Please review the flyer on the members-only website for further selection criteria. There is a $50 registration fee.
The registration deadline is February 24.
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Early Childhood Educator News
Starting January 1, the Ontario government has declared that individuals who applied for a letter of certificate from the Association of Early Childhood Educators Ontario or the Association francophone à l’éducation des services à l’enfance de l’Ontario, no later than December 31, 2010, and received their approved letter of certificate by February 23, 2014, are no longer considered to have met the necessary education and training required to become a member of the College of Early Childhood Educators.
The Ontario government is amending the licensing requirements under the Child Care and Early Years Act to streamline the child care licensing process.
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Apply for a Committee
Join one of ETFO’s provincial Standing Committees and provide your perspective and expertise in developing provincial policies, positions, programs, and initiatives. Vacancies for the 2023-2025 term are listed on the website.
The deadline to apply is March 1.
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Start the New Year Off with Savings
The price you pay for insurance can vary by hundreds of dollars, so how can you get the best value for your money?
OTIP has advice on 10 ways you may be eligible to save on your home and auto insurance and start your new year off right. Read more at OTIP.
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Diane Kim reveals a Winter Gift and reminders for conversing with ELL parents.
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Kelly McLaughlin encourages us to appreciate the power of an experience in Reflections of 2022.
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The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario
represents 83,000 teachers and education workers.
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