Your Member News
August 10, 2022
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Annual Meeting 2022 is Here!
Next week for the first time in two years, members will be meeting in person for the ETFO Annual Meeting in downtown Toronto. The Annual Meeting is the highest decision-making body of our union.
Delegates in attendance will have the opportunity to discuss, debate and vote on policy direction and constitutional changes, the annual budget and hear reports.
We have set up a dedicated website to keep every member informed about this democratic decision-making process and the meeting highlights.
Check annualmeeting.ca regularly for updates, blog posts, photos and announcements of this year’s award winners. You will also find copies of the meeting reports available online.
If you are on social media, follow #ETFOAM2022 and join the conversation!
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Lecce is Fear-Mongering
At the end of July, ETFO President Karen Brown decisively addressed, both in the media and on social media, misleading public statements made by the Minister of Education, Stephen Lecce, about bargaining dates with ETFO and whether members would be in schools in September.
“Since the start of the summer, Minister of Education Stephen Lecce has repeatedly tried to create a crisis where none exists. At a time when educators should be focused on recharging after a stressful school year, they are instead exposed to media interviews where his goals seem to be agitation and division. Educators deserve to be uplifted, not targeted. Put simply; Minister Lecce is needlessly engaged in fear-mongering.”
Several bargaining dates for ETFO have been confirmed; the dates are:
- August 30;
- September 6, 7, 19, 23, and 26.
If you have questions about the bargaining process, please visit etfocb.ca or send your query through the contact us section on the site.
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Make Public Education Better – Run!
Every community needs leaders. As a school board trustee, you can be one - helping to shape Ontario's school system for the next generation.
Running to be a trustee is easier than you think!
To stand for election, apply by Friday, August 19. Learn more.
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Workplace Violence Post-pandemic
The impact of the pandemic on students will reverberate for years. While there is a focus on “learning loss” and “catching up,” as we all hope for a school year without disruption, it’s important to remember that the pandemic also interrupted social and emotional development.
As ETFO advocates for safe working conditions for all education workers, members are encouraged to exercise their rights and to remember that the systems in place to keep us safe only work when workers use them.
Reporting incidents, bringing concerns to the Joint Health and Safety Committee, and understanding the right to refuse unsafe work are all key to eliminating workplace violence in schools. Find out more here.
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In the News
Below are a few highlights of our provincial media coverage; take a read to see where and how your union is in the news. To view all our media releases and statements, visit etfo.ca.
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Professional Learning Events
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Generation Black: You’re Next!
Saturday, October 1
This public symposium will address the urgency of recruiting Black teachers and the necessity of retaining Black educators to improve the representation of Black people in education.
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Union School 2022-2023
We are now accepting applications for Union School. Now in its 16th year, this multi-session program runs from September 2022 – April 2023.
This is an intensive program focusing on leadership development within ETFO. Participants will strengthen their skills and knowledge in areas such as building capacity at the local level, communications, history and the labour movement, equity and social justice, health and safety, and member support in professional situations. Learn more here.
To apply, members must be on a local committee or their local executive to be considered. Applications are due September 8.
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Refresh of etfopley.ca
We are thrilled to announce that the etfopley.ca site has undergone a refresh!
With a new look and incredible resources, the site provides members with a rich source of professional learning materials in a layout that is user-friendly and easy to navigate.
Explore a wide range of videos, the photo gallery, classroom tours, and much more at etfopley.ca.
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ETFO AQ is A Winner
ETFO AQ is the recipient of the 2022 Canadian Association of Labour Media (CALM) Award, #15 Best Hard Copy Promotional Material for our Environmental Education ad. This is our second CALM award.
CALM received hundreds of entries from 33 unions across Canada. We are honoured to receive this award as this recognition keeps ETFO AQ courses top of mind for new candidates and members.
Registration for our fall session closes on September 13 at 11:59 p.m. EDT. To register, visit etfo-aq.ca.
If you have forgotten your username or password, please call 1-877-325-7778.
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Opportunity for Women Members
A unique, virtual program from Credit Canada that will help you make lasting, sustainable and impactful changes in your financial life. This program for women aims to help participants get out of debt and address financial stress.
Consisting of six two-hour group sessions led by a personal finance expert, the program runs from September 13 to October 18. This is a free service but you must register by August 26.
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Follow your union online!
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The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario
represents more than 83,000 teachers and education workers.
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