2021 ETFO Annual Meeting Resolutions



2021 ETFO Annual Meeting Resolutions Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario Equity Statement It is the goal of the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario to work with others to create schools, communities, and a society free from all forms of individual and systemic discrimination. To further this goal, ETFO defines equity as fairness achieved through proactive measures, which result in equality, promotes diversity, and fosters respect and dignity for all.ETFO’s Equity Initiatives ETFO is a union committed to social justice, equity and inclusion. The Federation’s commitment to these principles is reflected in the initiatives it has established as organizational priorities, such as: ETFO’s multi-year strategy on Anti-Black Racism; Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning education; and addressing First Nations, Métis and Inuit issues. ETFO establishes its understanding of these issues within an anti-oppressive framework. The Federation ensures its work incorporates the voices and experiences of marginalized communities, addresses individual and systemic inequities, and supports ETFO members as they strive for equity and social justice in their professional and personal lives. Using the anti-oppressive framework is one of the ways that ETFO is operationalizing its Equity Statement.Definition of An Anti-Oppressive Framework An anti-oppressive framework is the method and process in which we understand how systems of oppression such as colonialism, racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, classism and ableism can result in individual discriminatory actions and structural/systemic inequalities for certain groups in society. Anti-oppressive practices and goals seek to recognize and dismantle such discriminatory actions and power imbalances. Anti-oppressive practices and this framework should seek to guide the Federation’s work with an aim to identify strategies and solutions to deconstruct power and privilege in order to mitigate and address the systemic inequalities that often operate simultaneously and unconsciously at the individual, group and institutional or union level.PRIORITIES1. Executive THAT the 2021-2022 Priorities of the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario be: “? To protect the local and provincial collective bargaining rights of all members. ? To defend publicly-funded public education. ? To serve the needs of the membership. ? To provide for the professional development of members. ? To advocate for social justice in the areas of peace, anti-poverty, non-violence, equity and anti-racism. ? To fight against anti-Black racism. ? To advocate for the economic and labour rights of all workers. ? To support international assistance and co-operation. ? To advocate for the care and protection of the environment and actively engage in climate action. ? To actively engage members in the Federation and labour movement. ? To advocate for and protect the health and safety of members, both physically and psychologically.” Rationale: The Priorities were updated last year and are relevant for the 2021-2022 year.CONSTITUTION2. Executive THAT Article IV, Membership, Section 2, Associate Membership, be amended by the addition of a new subsection to follow 4.2.3.10 to read: “1.0 certified teachers who are not currently employed by a District School Board; and” Rationale: Associate members receive Federation publications and may serve by invitation on task forces, committees and work groups. They may also by invitation attend Federation functions such as Annual Meeting in a non-voting capacity. Under the QECO guidelines, an individual who has an Associate Membership with an affiliate may apply for a QECO rating. Each year, ETFO generally receives approximately 200 applications for an Associate Membership from certified teachers who are not currently working with a DSB seeking a QECO certification. Historically, ETFO has always granted these Associate Memberships but our constitution should be revised to explicitly provide for it.3. Waterloo Region DECE Local THAT Article V, Rights and Privileges of Active Membership, Section 1, Rights and Privileges of Active Membership, 5.1.2.7 be amended to read: “5.1.2.7 to request Federation support in an investigatory or disciplinary procedure undertaken by the Ontario College of Teachers and/or the College of Early Childhood Educators.” Rationale: This is present practice. By adding the College of Early Childhood Educators, it affirms, for all members, as an organization that represents members in more than one college, that support is provided when applicable, regardless of the college involved.4. Durham Teacher Local THAT Article V, Rights and Privileges of Active Membership, Section 1, Rights and Privileges of Active Membership, be amended by the addition of a new subsection to read: “1.0 To participate in all-member town hall meetings regarding potential changes to the Employee Life and Health Trust (ELHT). This meeting shall include identified “risk factors” challenging the sustainability of the plan. These meetings shall be scheduled if the claims fluctuation reserve falls below 15% for the ELHT.” Rationale: The board of trustees for the ELHT made a commitment at the ELHT Annual Meeting to consult with ETFO if changes need to be made to our plan to ensure its sustainability. It is important for ETFO to gather information from all members before making recommendations to the trustees regarding a course of action to stabilize the trust.5. Executive THAT Article VII, Disciplinary Procedures, Section 7.1, be amended to read: “7.1 A complaint alleging violation of the Code of Professional Conduct shall be submitted by a member, in writing, to the general secretary of the Federation within 60 calendar days of the date of violation or within 60 calendar days of when a member ought reasonably to have become aware of the violation. 7.1.1 For the purposes of complaints arising from job action including a strike, the 60 calendar days commence at the conclusion of the job action or strike.” Rationale: This change would update Bylaw VII, Section 7.1 and clarify the 60-calendar day provision with respect to the filing of disciplinary complaints that arise during job action including a strike. The long standing ETFO practice has been that the 60 calendar days commences once the job action concludes. The Constitution should be changed to clarify.6. Executive THAT Article VII - Disciplinary Procedures, 7.2, be amended to read: “7.2 The complaint shall state the facts, shall include evidence to support the alleged misconduct and shall indicate that a copy has been provided to the member about whom the complaint has been lodged.” Rationale: By amending Article VII of the Constitution to include a reference to the requirement to submit evidence in support of the complaint, a member who may be contemplating the filing of a complaint would have a better understanding of what materials to include.7. Annual Meeting Committee THAT effective 2022, Article IX, Annual Meeting, 9.8.3, be amended to read: “9.8.3 Time will be scheduled at the end of the second, third and fourth day of the Annual Meeting to consider new business motions; and” Rationale: Each year, the number of new business resolutions increases (10 in 2008, 23 in 2019). 2019 was the first year new business resolutions were heard on the first day of the meeting. This change, in practice made it next to impossible to operationalize editing, cross-checking with the resolutions booklet, production for distribution to delegates and screening. The Committee respectfully requests that we go back to a practice that worked for 19 out of ETFO’s 20-year history.8. Annual Meeting Committee THAT Article IX, Annual Meeting, 9.16 be amended to read: “9.16 The Annual Meeting agenda shall include a period of up to thirty (30) minutes for questions and answers to a panel of the released Executive members, through the president during non-election years.” Rationale: The stem, “That effective 2018” is unnecessary. The inclusion of “shall” provides some consistency throughout. 9. Ottawa-Carleton Occasional Teacher Local THAT Article X, Provincial Organization, Section 2, Representative Council, be amended by the addition of a new subsection to follow 10.2.7.3 to read: “1.0 reviewing the language presented at the central teacher and occasional teacher bargaining table, at the next Representative Council Meeting, after the language has been tabled.” Rationale: This would provide more transparency to the central bargaining process by having the local presidents informed of ETFO’s initial bargaining position. This could be done in an in-camera meeting to preserve the confidentiality of the bargaining process.10. Ottawa-Carleton Occasional Teacher Local THAT Article X, Provincial Organization, Section 2, Representative Council, 10.2.7, be amended by the addition of a new subsection to follow 10.2.7.9 to read: “1.0 electing five (5) Teacher Council members and five (5) Occasional Teacher Council members to the Central Bargaining Advisory Council, at the same Representative Council meeting where bargaining goals are approved, to serve for that round of bargaining.” Rationale: The Central Bargaining Advisory Council was created by a task force that was formed to address concerns raised at Representative Council. This was a positive step. We feel that the members of the Central Bargaining Advisory Council should be elected by local presidents and other Representative Council members. 11. First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) Education Committee THAT Article X, Provincial Organization, Section 3, Committees, 10.3.1.11, be amended to read: “10.3.1.11 Indigenous Education Committee.” (Mutatis mutandis) Rationale: Indigenous nations in Canada are diverse, including identity, culture, language and knowledge. The term Indigenous comes from the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples’ (UNDRIP) which recognizes the relationship between colonialism and Indigenous oppression, and the necessity to protect Indigenous cultures and languages. In order for the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) to demonstrate its ongoing commitment to the reconciliation process, it must eliminate language that is reflective of colonial terms such as “Aboriginal” and “FNMI”. These terms create binaries for exclusion. ETFO will acknowledge the diverse richness of Indigenous Peoples in connection to Turtle Island.12. Durham Teacher Local THAT Article X, Provincial Organization, Section 3, Committees, be amended by the addition of a new subsection to read: “1.0 Anti-Poverty” Rationale: Advocating for social justice in the area of anti-poverty is one of ETFO’s priorities. The establishment of a provincial standing committee would further demonstrate our commitment to advocacy in this area and would create increased opportunities for member participation. 13. Waterloo Region DECE Local Article XI, Local Organizations, be amended by the addition of a new Section to read: “1.0 Stewards 1.1 Each bargaining unit local may choose to have a steward representative at each location they deem appropriate. 1.2 All stewards, regardless of which bargaining unit they represent, shall be afforded the same rights and responsibilities.” Rationale: ETFO’s website states: “Each school or site where ETFO members work has an ETFO steward who is the eyes and ears of the local and provincial offices. Stewards are responsible for monitoring the implementation of the collective agreement and making ETFO members aware of ETFO services and programs. ETFO stewards receive training through ETFO provincial programs to assist them in carrying out their work. Your ETFO steward will be your workplace contact for information about your local and provincial ETFO.” This proposed amendment assures representation from every bargaining unit ensuring each steward the same rights and responsibilities.14. Status of Women Committee and Upper Grand Teacher Local THAT Article XI, Local Organization, be amended by a new Section to read: “1.0 Programs for Women 1.1 Each local shall endeavour to allocate a percentage of their budget to programs for members who identify as women.” Rationale from Status of Women Committee: Our organization is over 80% women and yet they continue to be underrepresented in leadership positions. Having these funds allocated in local budgets is vital to support women’s programs and initiatives at the local level, providing opportunity for women members to develop the skills and confidence required to fully participate in their union and pursue leadership positions. Some locals already allocate 6% of their local budgets to programs for women. The language of this motion allows locals to support women’s programs and initiatives that reflect the needs of their members, without compromising their own autonomy. Rationale from Upper Canada Teacher Local: The 6% budget for women’s programs is a cornerstone of our organization. The funding ensures programs for women provincially. Having a commitment to designate funds enshrined in local constitutions is vital to support women’s programs locally. The language “shall endeavour” and “a percentage” allow for flexibility and local autonomy. 15. Waterloo Region DECE Local THAT Article XI, Local Organizations, Section 2, 11.2.8 be amended to read: “11.2.8 Each local shall endeavour to include members with less than five (5) years experience in their delegation to the Annual Meeting.” Rationale: The proposed language is inclusive of all types of bargaining units within the Federation.16. Niagara Teacher Local and Occupational Health and Safety Committee THAT Article XI, Local Organizations, Section 2, Governance, be amended by the addition of a new subsection following 11.2.12 to read: “1.0 Each local should have an Occupational Health and Safety Committee and/or Officer.” Rationale from Niagara Teacher Local: Occupational health and safety committees are integral parts of any union. Currently there are similar ETFO bylaws for a Status of Women Committee, Human Rights Committee and an Environmental Committee. Health and safety representatives will have an opportunity to meet outside of the board’s Joint Health and Safety Committee to engage in discussions regarding systemic concerns and develop strategies that support and enforce the rights of workers as outlined in the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act. Rationale from Occupational Health and Safety Committee: There are currently similar bylaws for a Human Rights Committee, a Status of Women Committee and an Environmental Committee. Occupational health and safety is an integral part of any union. It’s important for health and safety representatives to meet outside of the school board’s Joint Health and Safety Committee(s) to discuss systemic concerns and develop strategies, especially in school boards with site-based committees. This infrastructure will help to mobilize members to enforce the rights of workers as outlined in the Occupational Health and Safety Act. At minimum, each local should have a point of contact for health and safety issues. 17. New Members Committee THAT Article XI, Local Organizations, Section 2, Governance, be amended by the addition of a new subsection following 11.2.12 to read: “1.0 Each local shall endeavor to have a New Members Committee.”Rationale: Particularly in our current education climate, it is crucial that our new members connect with the Federation. A local New Members Committee creates opportunities to bring those members in and make them aware of supports and resources early in their careers. As well, involving new members will also give them opportunities for mentorship, which could help increase retention. 18. Halton Teacher Local THAT Article XI, Local Organizations, Section 2, Governance be amended by the addition of a new subsection following 11.2.12 to read: “1.0 Each local shall be encouraged to have a Climate Justice Committee.” Rationale: Climate change will be an increasingly important issue in the lives of members, students and communities. A dedicated committee to develop policies and actions for the climate justice movement will be important. 19. Human Rights Committee THAT Article XI, Local Organizations, Section 2, Governance, be amended by the addition of a new subsection to read: “1.0 Each local shall read the ETFO Human Rights Statement and a Land Acknowledgement at all local Federation sponsored events.” Rationale: Reading these statements is a long-standing practice provincially and within many locals. The ETFO Human Rights Statement and the Land Acknowledgement Statement are the essential components of ETFO’s commitment to building a just society and supporting local members and leaders. Making a public statement about what we believe as a union sends a message to our own members and sets the tone for a safe and equitable environment.20. Greater Essex County Occasional Teacher Local THAT Article XI, Local Organizations, Section 5, Financial Report, Sections 11.5.3 and 11.5.4 be amended to read: “11.5.3 Where the membership of the local or joint local is fewer than 300 full-time equivalent (FTE) members, the annual audited financial statement shall be prepared by members of the local who are not on the local executive or by a chartered accountant or accounting firm. 11.5.4 Where the membership of the local is 300 full-time equivalent (FTE) members or more, the annual audited financial statement shall be prepared by a chartered accountant or accounting firm.” Rationale: Locals have a responsibility to their members to use their fees responsibly. Using fees for programs that benefit members is important. Currently, locals between 200 and 300 FTEs are using a variety of processes to review their financial statements and these have been approved. The average rebate for the affected locals is about $50,000. To have to use 10%+ of their rebate to pay for a formal Review Engagement (minimum $4,000 - $5,000) can cause a financial burden on a local with a small budget. This motion gives a choice as to which process works best for a smaller local.BYLAWS21. Executive THAT Bylaw I, Fees, Section 1.1.1, be amended to read: “1.1.1 A fee of 1.41% of gross annual salary to be allocated on the basis of 1.300% to the General Fund and 0.1100% to the Defense Fund.” Rationale: Inclusion of this motion in the 2021 Annual Meeting Workbook will enable the Executive to introduce it should the need for a fee increase become apparent. 22. Executive THAT Bylaw I, Fees, Section 1.1.3, be amended to read: “1.1.3 There shall be an additional fee for each active member of 0.0854% of gross annual salary for a political action and public relations fund to promote public education.” Rationale: Inclusion of this motion in the 2021 Annual Meeting Workbook will enable the Executive to introduce it should the need for a fee increase become apparent.23. Executive and Simcoe County Occasional Teacher Local THAT Bylaw I, Fees, Section 1.3.2, be amended to read: “1.3.2 Where the bargaining unit member at issue is an occasional member, active membership will only cease if, after the last fee payment, no fee has been received for 120 working days.Rationale from Executive: This amendment would clarify that it is one-hundred and twenty (120) working days, not 120 calendar days, where active membership for occasional members would cease if, after the last fee payment, no fee has been received for 120 days. This was the intent of the original motion which was adopted by delegates to the 2016 Annual Meeting. Rationale from Simcoe County Occasional Teacher Local: This language aligns with the current practice and will clarify active membership and protection for occasional members. 24. Executive THAT Bylaw II, Duties of the Executive, Section 4, Executive, be amended by the addition of a new Section to read: “1.0 Central Bargaining Advisory Councils 1.1 To appoint members to ETFO Central Bargaining Advisory Councils. 1.2 To appoint, when necessary, a successor to complete the unexpired term of a member on Central Bargaining Advisory Councils.” Rationale: The addition of this bylaw would enable the Executive to appoint members to the Central Bargaining Advisory Councils as required. 25. Executive THAT Bylaw II, Duties of the Executive, Section 4, Executive, 2.4.4, be amended to read: “2.4.4 To employ two (2) deputy general secretaries, a chief financial officer, a human resources officer and in-house legal counsel who shall be administrative officers.” Rationale: This change would update the bylaw to permit the employment of personal services contracts with an in-house legal counsel in keeping with current practice26. Executive THAT Bylaw II, Duties of the Executive, Section 4, Executive, 2.4.6, be amended to read: “2.4.6 To negotiate and ratify personal services contracts with the general secretary, the deputy general secretaries, the chief financial officer, the human resources officer and in-house legal counsel.” Rationale: This change would update the bylaw to permit the negotiation of personal services contracts with an inhouse legal counsel in keeping with current practice. 27. Executive THAT Bylaw II, Duties of the Executive, Section 4, Executive, 2.4.26.1, be amended to read: “2.4.26.1 at the written request of the president of the local to the general secretary with a copy to the local executive.” Rationale: This amendment will ensure that the local executive is apprised of any such request by the local president in order to maintain transparency. 28. Executive THAT Bylaw II, Duties of the Executive, Section 4, Executive, 2.4.28.3 and 2.4.28.4, be amended to read: “2.4.28.3 to appoint members to the LTD Plan Governance Board and the Benefits Advisory Committee. 2.4.28.4 to appoint, when necessary, a successor to complete the unexpired term of a member on the LTD Plan Governance Board or the Benefits Advisory Committee.” Rationale: This Bylaw revision would enable the Executive to appoint members to the Benefits Advisory Committee in addition to the LTD Plan Governance Board as required29. Peel Occasional Teacher Local THAT Bylaw II, Duties of the Executive, Section 4, Executive, be amended with the addition of a new subsection to read: “1.0 to uphold the Constitution and Bylaws of the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario.” Rationale: Most locals have this language in their constitutions. The provincial Executive must uphold the constitution and bylaws of ETFO. 30. Durham Teacher Local THAT Bylaw II, Duties of the Executive, Section 4, Executive, be amended by the addition of a new subsection to read: “1.0 That members of the Executive be ineligible to apply for any ETFO staff or consulting positions during the period of their term on the Executive.” Rationale: This eliminates any real or perceived conflict of interest for Executive members when conducting the business of the union. It is standard practice in many large organizations and governments to prevent this type of transition to ensure proper governance. 31. Ottawa-Carleton Occasional Teacher Local THAT Bylaw II, Duties of Executive, Section 4, Executive, be amended by the addition of a new subsection to read: “1.0 to present to the Representative Council Meeting the language presented at the central teacher and occasional teacher bargaining table, in camera, at the next Representative Council Meeting, after the language has been tabled.”Rationale: This would provide more transparency to the central bargaining process by having the local presidents informed of ETFO’s initial bargaining position. This could be done in an in-camera meeting to preserve the confidentiality of the bargaining process. 32. Durham Teacher Local THAT Bylaw II, Duties of the Executive, Section 4, Executive, be amended by the addition of a new subsection to read: “1.0 to hold a roll call vote for all motions in open and executive sessions of the Executive.” Rationale: In an open and democratic body, elected leaders should be accountable to their members for the decisions they make and the votes they cast. Currently within ETFO, there are very few, if any, ways to evaluate a provincial Executive member’s voting record and decisions. The result is that it is incredibly difficult for a member to assess how well they feel their interests are being represented by each elected individual. To correct this, provincial Executive votes must be recorded and the minutes made easily accessible to all members. 33. Executive THAT Bylaw II, Duties of the Executive, Section 4, Executive, be amended by the addition of a new subsection to read: “1.0 To recommend to local presidents a list of matters to be presented initially to parties at a central table.” Rationale: This change enables the existing process for central list approval. The delegates to the 2018 Annual Meeting approved the central list approval process. This change enshrines the necessary Executive responsibility in the Constitution.34. Executive THAT Bylaw III, Elections, Section 3.2.3.2 and 3.2.3.3, be amended to read: “3.2.3.2 one (1) of the positions shall be only open to women members who are also First Nations, Métis or Inuit (FNMI), members with a disability, two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, plus (+) (2SLGBTQ+) members or racialized members; and 3.2.3.3 one (1) of the positions shall be only open to members who are First Nations, Métis or Inuit (FNMI), members with a disability, two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, plus (+) (2SLGBTQ+) members or racialized members.” Rationale: The Executive recently approved the use of a more inclusive self-identification term of 2SLGBTQ+, to replace the acronym LGBTQ. 2SLGBTQ+ stands for: two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, plus (+). The plus (+) represents other genders and sexual identities not articulated in the acronym. This “housekeeping” motion seeks to amend Bylaw III, Elections, 3.2.3.2 and 3.2.3.3 to be reflect the new self-identification to be more inclusive and consistent. 35. Annual Meeting Committee THAT effective 2023, Bylaw III, Elections, be amended by the addition of a new subsection following 3.13.5 to read: “1.0 Notwithstanding the above, should an acclamation occur for an elected position, the Annual Meeting shall move to the next set of elections.” Rationale: The Bylaws articulate specific times when elections occur. When a candidate is acclaimed, it would be time-efficient to move up the next set of elections.BUDGET36. Arts Committee and Grand Erie Teacher Local THAT ETFO provide incentive funding for the total amount of up to $20,000 that locals can apply for to host art events for members. Arts Committee Rationale: Throughout the pandemic we have witnessed how the Arts can help to restore and sustain health and wellness. ETFO is in a unique position to incentivize the Arts to support members’ mental health and emotional well-being. We could encourage locals to provide events that promote creation, appreciation or application in Music, Visual Arts, Media Arts, Dance and/or Drama. *The Arts includes but is not limited to, Dance, Drama, Visual Arts, Media Arts, Music and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics). Grand Erie Teacher Local Rationale: Throughout the pandemic, we have witnessed how the Arts can help to restore and sustain health and wellness. ETFO is in a unique position to incentivize the Arts to support members’ mental and emotional well-being. We could encourage locals to provide events that promote creation, appreciation or application in Music, Visual Arts, Media Arts, Dance and Drama. 37. Durham Teacher Local THAT ETFO provide single room accommodation at all ETFO events where child care is provided on-site at no cost to members who have sole parenting responsibilities for children 13-17 years of ageRationale: The current wording of the Single Room Accommodation Supplement only allows for single room accommodation (at no expense to the delegate) if a member’s child is using the on-site child care services, however on-site child care is offered only up until the age of 12 years. As such, those single parents of children ages 13-17 are excluded from this benefit. This is an equity issue and would allow for the participation of all members in the business of the union. 38. Greater Essex County Teacher Local THAT effective for the 2023-2024 school year, ETFO provide and pay for a Friday evening/Saturday biennial conference with a focus on labour council involvement to a maximum of 100 participants, ten of whom will be members newly affiliated with their local labour council. Rationale: The purpose of this conference would be to encourage more locals to become involved in their labour councils and to increase solidarity in the labour movement. Many ETFO locals are now actively engaged in labour councils. Members sit on labour council executives, work with community groups through labour councils and are involved in Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) and Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) campaigns. A conference would enable members to come together to learn, share and discuss the strengthening of ETFO’s active participation in labour councils. 39. Durham Teacher Local THAT a task force of the Annual Meeting be established to evaluate and investigate the elimination of letter-grade reporting with a report to the February 2022 Representative Council and the 2022 Annual Meeting.Rationale: The current practice of reporting using letter grades does not align with the Ministry’s leveled system outlined in Growing Success. If the Ministry standard is a level 3, then this should be reflected in the report card, to avoid confusion for both parents and students alike. Additionally, a letter-graded report does not take into consideration the whole child nor their emotional well-being. A report to Representative Council and to the Annual Meeting outlining reporting best-practices will enable ETFO and ETFO members to take an educated position on this important issue. 40. Ottawa-Carleton Teacher Local THAT ETFO provide funding and resources to each local for hosting a meeting at the beginning of each school year to provide an overview of how the union works, based on ETFO’s webpage entitled How the Union Works. Rationale: The purpose of such a presentation would be to review union members’ rights and responsibilities, how to get help, and give an overview of opportunities for involvement throughout the year. It would also allow members to better understand how the union functions and how members can have a say, including participation in the Annual Meeting, resolutions, professional learning committees, etc. 41. Greater Essex County Teacher Local THAT a task force of the Annual Meeting be established to investigate the implications of ETFO merging with OSSTF with a report to the May 2022 Representative Council. Rationale: By putting this motion forward, we are not suggesting endorsement of a merger. We are bringing this motion to the floor because in order for us to have any discussions around the topic of merging with OSSTF, we the membership need to understand exactly how that would impact us. What has been clear during bargaining is our members want more cooperation among the union affiliates and believe this will lead to success.42. Grand Erie Teacher Local THAT ETFO commission an independent study to determine the health impacts on educators from online teaching with a report to the 2022 Annual Meeting. Rationale: There is evidence that teaching synchronously online for prolonged periods contributes to physical and mental health problems, negatively impacting members. To respond appropriately and effectively, ETFO must have reliable evidence from an independent source regarding the impacts that online teaching has on educators. 43. York Region Teacher Local THAT ETFO establish a task force of the Annual Meeting that includes classroom educators, to examine ways to enhance the advocacy, well-being and support provided to members facing discipline, harassment, and/or workplace violence with a report to the May 2022 Representative Council. Rationale: Members, who are dealing with the trauma associated with the discipline process, harassment and workplace violence feel especially vulnerable and isolated despite current levels of support from ETFO. A proactive response involves examining additional initiatives and supports that would enhance member advocacy and well-being. 44. Health and Physical Education CommitteeTHAT ETFO host a provincial symposium of key stakeholders focused on issues of member mental health, working conditions and wellness. Rationale: The global pandemic has had a major impact on marginalized members, as well as the larger education community. The lack of government support and commitment to public education has resulted in strain placed on Ontario’s education system. Our members need mental health and wellness resources now. ETFO can continue to show a leadership role by bringing key stakeholders together, who value public education and recognize the significant rise in mental health and wellness needs. This institute will create a forum to discuss and facilitate actions that will support our members and their working conditions into the post-pandemic world. 45. Durham Teacher Local THAT effective the 2022 Annual Meeting, ETFO provide the option of on-site childcare to all delegates and alternates at the Annual Meeting. Rationale: On-site provincial childcare is presently only available to registered delegates. This rule excludes those alternates that are also volunteering their time to conduct the business of the union. By allowing registered alternates to avail themselves of on-site childcare, we would be more inclusive and equitable in our practices. 46. French as a Second Language Committee THAT ETFO create and present a workshop to help French Second Language (FSL) teachers acquire authentic language (e.g., anti-oppressive language) for teaching equity issues in the FSL classroom. Rationale: Creating French resources is not a simple matter of word-to-word translation; cultural context is important and it should not be the job of FSL teachers to be doing this translation work. Not all FSL teachers speak French in the community and therefore could benefit from guidance on authentic language use on equity issues and equity specific language. 47. Peel Teacher Local THAT ETFO return to the practice of providing lunch for delegates and alternates on the last day of in-person Annual Meeting.Rationale: This would allow delegates to remain in the meeting and continue with minimal disruption to business on the last day of the ETFO Annual Meeting. It would also take the burden off of locals who may not be able to maintain a full delegation while their delegates leave the floor to find food elsewhere in the surrounding area. 48. Upper Grand Teacher Local THAT a task force of the Annual Meeting be created to review all aspects of the Annual Meeting including but not limited to: representation ratio, timing, dates, venue, agenda, process of voting on resolutions, ways to accommodate the requirements of business completion and accessibility with a report to the May 2022 Representative Council. Rationale: We are an organization that is using structures determined over 20 years ago based on a previous organization’s format. It is time to review who attends our Annual Meeting, how the meeting is run, when it is run, etc. Reviewing our practice keeps it fresh and relevant. 49. Durham Teacher Local THAT ETFO engage an external consulting firm to conduct an independent review of ETFO’s current internal communication and transparency practices and make recommendations based on the best practices of organizations of comparable size and structure and that a task force of the Annual Meeting be established to use this review to recommend ways to optimize internal communication and transparency with a report back to the May 2022 Representative Council and the 2022 Annual Meeting. Rationale: Member engagement and solidarity are the keys to ETFO’s strength. It is critical that we use the most effective and efficient communication strategies and methods available to engage every ETFO member. To combat misinformation, every member must trust the information they receive from their union; and transparency fosters a culture of trust. Having a task force and an external organization review our practices and make recommendations provides ETFO with an excellent opportunity to continue ensuring we are doing everything possible to increase both engagement and solidarity.ACTION50. Executive THAT the firm Grant Thornton Chartered Accountants be approved as Auditors for the Federation for the 2021-2022 Federation year. Rationale: The Federation has received good service from the firm Grant Thornton Chartered Accounts. It would be appropriate to recommend to the 2021 Annual Meeting that this firm be the Federation’s auditors for the 2021-2022 Federation year. 51. Peel Teacher Local THAT ETFO lobby all public district school boards to ensure that all content on their websites meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0, Level AA compliance. Rationale: While all large private and non-profit organizations and all public-sector organizations are required to make content after 2012 on their websites accessible under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, (AODA) in accordance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0 (WCAG), all public sector school boards should ensure that all content on their websites, and not just content after 2012 is accessible to everyone.52. Grand Erie Teacher Local THAT ETFO provide a dedicated space in VOICE magazine to highlight work being done in northern and rural locals. Rationale: ETFO represents teachers across Ontario who work in diverse circumstances and communities. Yet the challenges and successes of our members who teach and live in rural and northern communities are not showcased often enough in VOICE magazine. By sharing their stories, all ETFO members will learn of the work in rural and northern locations. 53. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning Members Committee THAT ETFO include gender-neutral terms when addressing members at all ETFO events. Rationale: This motion builds on ETFO’s priorities of social justice and inclusion. Just as gender-neutral washrooms create physical space for transgender and non-binary people, this proposed inclusion of gender-neutral language creates social space for them. Transgender and non-binary people regularly face erasure and misgendering - the weight of which is oppressive. Misgendering is also a violation of ETFO’s Human Rights Statement. The terms “brothers” and “sisters” have a proud, strong history in unions that convey unity, connection and solidarity. This motion does not advocate eliminating these, but rather adding other terms such as “friends,” “members” and “educators” to encompass all ETFO members.54. Political Action Committee THAT ETFO lobby the provincial government to establish a provincial teacher tax credit without the need to document and collect receipts. Rationale: Due to a lack of funding or unequal distribution of funding, teachers often have to spend their own money on teacher resources and classroom supplies. Establishing a provincial teacher tax credit can reduce teachers’ financial burden and offset employment costs. 55. Grand Erie Teacher Local THAT ETFO declare opposition to the Ministry of Education to the hybrid teaching models by district school boards, that require educators to engage with students in class and virtually simultaneously. Rationale: The ‘hybrid’ model, which requires members to teach in-person students and students learning virtually at the same time, undermines the quality of public education and results in member stress and exhaustion. A member delivering the ‘hybrid’ model experiences a workload that exceeds 100% of their assignment. ETFO must oppose any measure that puts members in this entirely unacceptable position. 56. Peel Teacher LocalTHAT the Annual Meeting Committee provide locals with the tentative visual seating plan for their delegation at least one week prior to the Annual Meeting. Rationale: Locals may require special seating arrangements and individual accommodations for accessibility for their delegates. Having the tentative visual seating arrangement in advance of the meeting will allow time prior to the ETFO Annual Meeting to ensure that locals are able to arrange seating accommodations for their members.57. York Region Teacher Local THAT ETFO provide quarterly updates to locals regarding the Bill 115 Charter challenge remedy. Rationale: It has been a number of years since the Bill 115 Charter challenge. It has also been the expectation of many members that this matter would have been resolved long before now. Other federations’ unions have received an outcome, however ETFO has not despite being predominantly involved in forwarding the challenge. 58. Labour Committee THAT as part of the affiliation with district and/ or regional labour councils, each ETFO local be encouraged to declare to the district and/or regional labour councils their total number of full-time equivalent (FTE) members residing in the district and/ or regional labour council area(s) found within the local’s geographic boundary. Rationale: In 2019, ETFO demonstrated its commitment to engaging in the broader labour movement by approving AMR 114, providing incentive funding to cover costs associated with affiliation to district and regional labour councils for locals with 500 or fewer local members. This motion would help ensure that ETFO is able to engage to its fullest capacity in the work of each regional and district labour council while contributing its fair share of the financial resources needed for this crucial, solidarity-building work. 59. Grand Erie Teacher Local THAT ETFO use electronic voting for ETFO election vote counting. Rationale: Two years ago, the manual counting for the elections took an unusually long time. There were multiple recounts and close vote counts. This could have been avoided had electronic voting been used. While there are members at the meeting who are affected by WIFI, accommodations could be made for their health and safety while ensuring timely and efficient elections. 60. Ottawa-Carleton Teacher Local THAT when changes to certain practices within a school board or within the Ministry are being imposed or discussed, ETFO ask for a briefing paper containing the academic research upon which the change is based and share the information with the affected local(s). Rationale: There are many changes imposed either by the government or individual school boards. It is important for decision makers to justify their decisions based on academic research, and it is important for members to know what information decisions are based on. 61. Greater Essex County Teacher Local THAT ETFO lobby the Ministry of Education to promote student mental health and physical safety alongside student achievement. Rationale: Optimal conditions for success in student achievement require that issues of health and safety are viewed as necessary and integral to the vision for public education. Ministry documents such as Caring and Safe Schools, School Code of Conduct, Student (and Staff) Well-Being, Bills 157 and 168 speak to health and safety as foundational to good learning. Student achievement is the singular focus currently in classrooms and in all district school boards. This focus needs to be broadened to support the mental and physical health and well-being of our students. This is to address the increasing violence in our classrooms today.62. Greater Essex County Teacher Local THAT ETFO lobby the Ministry of Education to ensure that district school boards designate a space in each worksite that can be used for medical care. Rationale: Designating a private and secure space not only supports privacy, it ensures that medical procedures and treatment are completed safely, with dignity and are appropriately addressed. 63. Halton Teacher Local THAT ETFO lobby the Ministry of Education to include climate change in the curriculum at every grade level. Rationale: Climate change will impact the future of children. We need to give them the information and tools necessary to support themselves on a changing planet. 64. Peel Occasional Teacher Local THAT ETFO engage in discussions with the Ministry of Colleges and Universities and the Faculties of Education to develop a course component on occasional teaching for the Faculties of Education. Rationale: Most graduates will become occasional teachers prior to obtaining permanent positions. 65. Thames Valley Teacher Local THAT ETFO investigate the method of electing the Executive, including expanded remote voting to the full membership with a report and recommendations to the February 2022 Representative Council. Rationale: Technology exists and allows for remote voting such that the voice of the entire membership can be reflected in the ETFO Provincial elected officers. The elected officers are responsible to all members; it follows therefore, that every member should be afforded the opportunity to vote. One member, one vote, should be our standard.66. Greater Essex County Teacher Local THAT ETFO lobby the Ministry of Education to ensure that all district school boards be required to give teachers two consecutive teacher-directed school days, without students, to prepare when switching teaching platforms (e.g., in-person to virtual, virtual to in-person). During any transition/ preparation period, teachers will not be required to attend or take part in any meetings or professional development. Rationale: To assist teachers in the delivery of curriculum-based rich programming, time is needed to gather resources in order to make themselves platform ready. When given this time to prepare, teacher confidence increases which translates to a more successful pivot. Teachers need time to prepare and educate themselves about the various programs available based on their prior knowledge and new needs. This also assists teachers that may have had possible grade changes during the transition. 67. Upper Grand Teacher Local THAT any local with two (2) or more released officers and no constitutional provisions to ensure that at least one (1) released officer self-identify as a woman: “i. at their next local general meeting that considers constitutional amendments, put forward a constitutional amendment to ensure at least one (1) released officer self-identify as a woman; and ii. have members vote on the issue.” Rationale: The purpose of this Constitutional Amendment is to make space for women on the Released Executive of larger locals. This resolution establishes a forum for a conversation about representation. As an organization comprised of a majority of women, it is important that there is a leadership role for women reflected in locals.68. Peel Teacher Local THAT ETFO and locals, ensure that content on all websites meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0, Level AA compliance. Rationale: The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) sets requirements for web content created after 2012 in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0 (WCAG) for all large private and non-profit organizations and all public-sector organizations. ETFO should ensure that all content on their websites, and not just content after 2012 is accessible to all members. While not required under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act, ETFO locals should ensure that all content on their websites meets the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines to be accessible for all members. 69. Halton Teacher Local THAT ETFO join the Trade Unions for Energy Democracy (TUED) initiative. Rationale: Established in 2012, the current list of participating organizations includes Canadian labour organizations (CLC, CUPW, CUPE, BCTF, UNIFOR), and international teachers’ unions (Education International, UK National Union of Teachers, UK University and College Union). Goals of TUED include helping to build and strengthen a global trade union community for energy democracy. TUED is a platform for trade unions from all sectors and countries to debate, develop, and promote real solutions to the climate crisis, land grabs, energy poverty, and pollution generated by fossil fuels - solutions that can build unions, worker and community power, and advance social and environmental justice.70. Political Action Committee THAT ETFO, through CTF, lobby the federal government to modify the educator supply tax credit such that every educator can automatically receive a $1,000 federal tax credit at their current marginal tax rate without the need to document and collect receipts. Rationale: Currently, teachers can claim up to $1,000 federal tax credit at 15% (lowest marginal rate). Teachers are required to meticulously keep track of all their expenses in order to be eligible for the tax credit. It is an unreasonable burden for teachers to collect all receipts for classroom supplies or teaching resources and retain them for seven years in case there is a tax audit. Implementing a flat tax credit will make it easier to claim the credit for all teachers and lessen their financial burden. 71. Peel Occasional Teacher Local THAT ETFO encourage district school boards to develop partnerships with community organizations to promote the use of community services. Rationale: Education is about lifelong learning. Part of this involves teaching students how to access, utilize and appreciate their community institutions. We have a responsibility to make students aware of the value of community institutions such as libraries and museums. We take them for granted, and hence they are not utilized to their fullest capacity. Community institutions are intended to be used by community members of all ages. Use of community institutions when they are children will most likely promote their use when they become adults. They will be lifelong learners.POSITION72. Human Rights Committee THAT Position Statements be amended by the addition of a new Section, Human Rights, to read: “1.0 Human Rights 1.1 That ETFO encourage locals to post the Human Rights Statement and a Land Acknowledgment Statement on local websites. 1.2 That all locals shall endeavour to address, promote and support topics of social justice and equity pertaining to human rights.” Rationale: All locals promote awareness of and respect for human rights issues. Whether through a committee under the name “Human Rights” or “Social Justice” or another name, all locals should adopt a proactive approach in addressing social justice, human rights and equity issues. 73. Ottawa-Carleton Teacher Local THAT Position Statement, 6.0, Environmental Responsibility, be amended by the addition of a new subsection to read: “1.0 That ETFO integrate an environmental component into all provincial and local workshops, conferences and meetings.” Rationale: ETFO already has similar Position Statements regarding an FNMI component and an Arts and Culture component in these meetings. With the ever-increasing importance of our need to take care of the environment, it is vitally important to incorporate environmental concerns into every meeting, whether by educating participants at those meetings or by structuring the meeting with the environment in mind.74. Environmental Committee THAT Position Statement, 6.0, Environmental Responsibility, be amended by the addition of a new subsection to read: “1.0 That ETFO model and encourage locals to highlight any environmentally friendly action taken in preparation of and/or delivery of, provincial and local workshops, conferences and meetings.” Rationale: It has become increasingly more important to acknowledge our impact on the environment. Every small action we take will help. When planning a workshop, conference or meeting be mindful of the impact it has on the environment. When the action is named, it demonstrates to others that the care of the environment is at the forefront of everything we do. 75. Halton Teacher Local THAT Position Statement, 10.0, Political Action, be amended by the addition of a new subsection to read: “1.0 ETFO shall ensure that any companies with which it does business, or in which it invests, follow fair labour practices and environmentally sustainable practices.” Rationale: As a union, the question of how workers are treated by their employers should always form part of the collective investment decision or the decision to enter into a contract with that employer. The Fair Labour Association is one group that seeks to promote, protect and enhance workers’ rights through its Workplace Code of Conduct that participating organizations must follow along with a robust monitoring methodology to ensure compliance.76. Political Action Committee THAT Position Statement, 10.0, Political Action, be amended by the addition of a new subsection to read: “1.0 That ETFO actively support organizations that promote the enactment of proportional electoral voting both provincially and federally across Canada.” Rationale: Canada’s “first past the post” electoral system most often elects majority governments with less than 50 per cent of the popular vote. As a result, elected governments often do not represent the views of large portions of the electorate. In Ontario, winning parties often take 35 to 40 per cent of the vote but elect large majorities of seats in the legislature with only five to 10 per cent of the popular vote more than the second place challenger. When proportional electoral systems are enacted, governments are more accountable to electors and encourage a more engaged and less cynical electoratePOLICY77. Executive THAT Policy Statements be amended by the addition of a new Section to read: “1.0 Anti-Black Racism – General 1.1 That the word Black be used to describe all people whose ancestry is rooted in African Diaspora. 1.2 That public education in Ontario be based on a commitment to students, parents, and educators to support the intellectual, social, physical and emotional development of each child in the most enabling environment regardless of race. 1.3 That ETFO members who are Black have the right to an inclusive and respectful working environment that adheres to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom and the Ontario Human Rights Code.1.4 That the racial identity of an ETFO member not limit their aspirations for social, economic and political opportunities in the education and labour sector. 1.5 That all Black ETFO members have the right to work in environments that are free of bias, racism and prejudice. 1.6 That district school board professional development related to anti-Black racism be available and accessible to all students, educators and support personnel. 1.7 That the Ministry of Education update curriculum expectations to include Black Canadian content, and provide education on anti-Black racism and the effects of institutional and systemic racism on students, ETFO members and communities. 1.8 That district school boards update current policies and procedures to ensure the safety and prosperity of Black educators, students and parents/guardians. 1.9 That district school boards ensure that recruitment, employment and promotion practices and policies are free of systemic barriers that discriminate against Black educators.” Rationale: As a part of ETFO’s multi-year anti-Black racism strategy, an Environment Scan (2019) was conducted. During this process, ETFO staff reviewed the anti-racist and anti-discriminatory policy statements utilized by ETFO since 1998 and it was determined that a new policy statement highlighting ETFO’s commitment to anti-Black racism was required. The new policy statement will demonstrate ETFO’s commitment that Black members and students are supported and protected by the union.78. Occupational Health and Safety Committee THAT Policy Statement, 39.17, Health and Safety, be amended to read: “39.17 That all district school boards adopt the Multi-Workplace Joint Health and Safety Committee (MWJHSC) structure and include all bargaining groups.” Rationale: ETFO policies currently include the preference for Multi-Workplace Joint Health and Safety Committees. The best practice for a Joint Health and Safety Committee structure is to include all bargaining groups in an inclusive, cohesive and collaborative approach. Each bargaining group has unique challenges that need to be addressed, such as DECEs and occasional teachers. It is important to involve all workplace parties to provide the diverse knowledge and expertise to effectively address health and safety issues, including violence. 79. Executive THAT Policy Statements, 39.0, Health and Safety, be amended by the addition of a new subsection to read: “1.0 That the Ministry of Education and district school boards take every reasonable precaution to prevent heat-related illness by developing heat stress guidelines, hot weather plans for each worksite, budgeting for retrofitting existing buildings and constructing new buildings with efficient heating and cooling systems.” Rationale: The concern about extreme heat in classrooms has been a regular topic at the ETFO Annual Meeting and in the media since 2016. The number of school days affected by extreme heat events has been increasing over recent years. This is a concern for the health and safety of staff and students, and studies have shown that high temperatures are affecting student learning.80. Executive THAT Policy Statement, 47.0, Managing and Responding to Violent Behaviour be amended by the addition of new subsections to read: “1.1 When students have been harmed as a result of a serious student incident, the parents or guardians will be notified by school administrators. 1.2 School administrators will arrange for supports to be provided to students who have been harmed as a result of a serious student incident. 1.3 When school administrators notify the parents or guardians of a student that has been harmed as a result of a serious student incident, they will share information with the parents or guardians about the supports that will be provided to the student.” Rationale: 2018 AMR 32 sought to amend Policy Statements by the addition of a new statement, Managing and Responding to Violent Behaviour, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4 and 1.5. Concern was expressed regarding wording of 1.4, 1.5. These clauses introduced requirements above those in existing Ministry policy/legislation. Delegates severed AMR 32 which resulted in 1.1 (amended), 1.2, 1.3 Carried, and 1.4, 1.5 referred to Executive. 1.4 and 1.5 could place members in vulnerable situations. Modified versions of 1.4, 1.5, plus an additional statement, were introduced/carried. These modified versions reinforce that responsibility lies with school administrators to deal with these issues not ETFO members. 81. York Region Teacher Local THAT Policy Statement, 54.0, Negotiations, be amended by the addition of a new subsection to read: “1.0 That ETFO declare opposition to red circling of salary grid(s) or any form of a differentiated salary grid or lesser working conditions that would establish lower salaries or lesser working conditions for future members at any bargaining table.”Rationale: The temptation to reduce the future compensation and working conditions of employees doing the same job as current employees is a real and present danger that has been embraced by other unions. ETFO must remain united in opposing the erosion of any facet of future member compensation by opposing the philosophy of red-circling. Allowing the creation of two tiers of educators doing the same job will destroy the solidarity of ETFO and begin a downward spiral of concession bargaining which will ultimately hurt all members. 82. Halton Teacher Local THAT Policy Statement, 57.0, Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan be amended by the addition of a new subsection to read: “1.0 That ETFO shall declare that investment partners in the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan invest only in companies that follow fair labour practices and have implemented a plan for environmental sustainability.” Rationale: As a union, the question of how workers are treated by their employers should always form part of the collective investment decision or the decision to enter into a contract with that employer. The Fair Labour Association is one group that seeks to promote, protect and enhance workers’ rights through its Workplace Code of Conduct that participating organizations must follow along with a robust monitoring methodology to ensure compliance. 83. Executive THAT Policy Statement, 68.0, Provincial Report Card, be amended to read: “68.0 Provincial Report Card and Kindergarten Communication of Learning Report. 68.1 That no more than two (2) report cards (K-8) be prepared in each school year.68.2 That teachers use their professional judgement regarding evaluation and the content, length, voice and format of Provincial Report Card and Kindergarten Communication of Learning Report comments to ensure that the comments reflect the specific strengths and needs of their students. 68.3 That district school board reporting policies be consistent across the province and based on ministry policies. 68.4 That the equitable distribution and use of computer hardware, software and web-based access for the completion of the Provincial Report Card and Kindergarten Communication of Learning Report be adequately funded through the funding formula by the Ministry of Education. 68.5 That teachers be consulted by their district school boards and the Ministry of Education in the development of computer software and web-based applications for the preparation of the Provincial Report Card and Kindergarten Communication of Learning Report. 68.6 That teacher training within the instructional day on the use of computer and web-based technology to implement the Provincial Report Card and Kindergarten Communication of Learning Report be adequately funded through the funding formula by the Ministry of Education. 68.7 That teachers be provided with safe and healthy work environments to complete the Provincial Report Cards and Kindergarten Communication of Learning Reports. 68.8 That teachers be provided with additional preparation time during the instructional day for the completion of the Provincial Report Card and Kindergarten Communication of Learning Report. 68.9 That teachers be provided with adequate time during the instructional day for revising and editing Provincial Report Card and Kindergarten Communication of Learning Report comments.68.10 That additional professional activity days within the existing school year for the purpose of reporting to parents be provided to teachers by the Ministry of Education. 68.11 That a cyclical review of the Provincial Report Card and Kindergarten Communication of Learning Report, including feedback from elementary teachers, be implemented by the Ministry of Education. 68.12 That all Kindergarten teachers have access to the same report card technology as all elementary teachers within their district school board. 68.13 That the Ministry of Education de-strand various subjects such as Language, Math, French and the Arts on the Provincial Report Card.” Rationale: Policy Statement 68.0 should be revised to ensure that it is reflective of professional judgement and includes references to the new Kindergarten reporting process. This change reinforces the professional judgement of the teacher, particularly in the areas of evaluation (grade/level) as well as the type of comment. The updated policy also reflects the new Kindergarten reporting process. 84. Library Committee THAT Policy Statements, 75.0, School Library Programs, 75.4, 75.5, 75.6, 75.7 be amended to read: “75.4 That each elementary school library learning commons be fully accessible to all students during the entire instructional day. 75.5 That educational materials and resources available in each elementary school library learning commons be appropriate to the instructional needs of the school and consider such factors as grade levels, developmental needs of students, language of instruction and additional individualized school-based programs. 75.6 That each elementary school library learning commons be equipped with current and adequate digital resources and technology and access to the internet.75.7 That each elementary school library learning commons has an up-to-date, relevant collection that reflects diversity, social justice in the areas of peace, anti-poverty, nonviolence, equity, anti-racism and anti-Black racism and includes a focus on Canadian content and Indigenous worldviews and perspectives.” Rationale: The existing policies, last revised in 2005, feature outdated terminology around the physical library space and technology. They also do not reflect ETFO’s current priorities in equity, anti-racism and anti-Black racism. The revised policies correct these issues to reflect current library terminology and ETFO’s updated priorities. 85. Executive and Greater Essex County Teacher Local THAT Policy Statement, 75.0, School Library Programs, be amended by the addition of a new subsection to read: “1.0 That the provincial government provide dedicated, enveloped funding for educational material and resources, technological or otherwise, in elementary school library learning commons.” Rationale Executive: To lobby for dedicated library resource funding is a logical extension of ETFO’s commitment to teacher-librarians and the programs they deliver. Teacher-librarians need a high quality library collection to be able to do their jobs effectively and that collection needs to be upgraded constantly to maintain the interest of students. There is also a need to continually evaluate the technology that is available in library learning so this aspect of resource procurement cannot be ignored.Rationale Greater Essex County Teacher Local: Lobbying for dedicated library resource funding is a logical extension of ETFO’s commitment to teacherlibrarians and the programs delivered. Teacher librarians, indeed all teachers, need a high-quality library collection to be able to do their jobs effectively. That collection needs to be upgraded constantly to maintain the interest of students, to represent Canada’s diversity, to be current, free of bias, to include Canadian content and to support curricular connections. Funding for library resources is already granted to school boards. However, because it isn’t enveloped, school boards and/or administration may spend it otherwise. This motion speaks to accountability of public funds.OTF86. Niagara Teacher Local THAT ETFO, through OTF, lobby the Ministry of Education to change the format and timing of the Progress Report to a one-page checklist with comments highlighting a few strengths and a next step, to be issued mid-October. Rationale: The original intent of moving to two terms and issuing a Progress Report in the fall was to provide parents with a snapshot of their child’s progress in the first few weeks of the school year. It has turned into a full report card in conjunction with parent-teacher interviews so we are writing two expansive report cards in Term One. 87. English as a Second Language Committee THAT ETFO, through OTF, lobby the Ministry of Education to ensure that funding provided for English as a Second Language (ESL) and English Language Development (ELD) be used by district school board employees to directly support settlement and programming for English Language Learners (ELLs).Rationale: Funding for ESL/ELD is limited and does not reflect current research and needs of ELLs. District school boards and/or schools have flexibility in how the funding is used and sometimes it’s not used for programming for ELLs. For example, ESL funding gets used for extracurriculars and sports, to buy new technology. 88. English as a Second Language Committee THAT ETFO, through OTF, lobby the Ministry of Education to ensure that district school boards are implementing the English Language Learners/ ESL and ELD Programs and Services: Policies and Procedures for Ontario Elementary and Secondary Schools, Kindergarten to Grade 12. Rationale: Presently there is much confusion and diversity on how and if the policy gets implemented in various school boards/schools. This has led to some English Language Learners not getting the correct supports and being placed on IEPs. 89. Ottawa-Carleton Teacher Local THAT ETFO, through OTF, lobby the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan (OTPP) to allow for buyback of pension for partial leaves where there is no break in service. Rationale: This is an equity issue. Some members choose to take partial leaves, often to stay home and care for their small children. These teachers should be able to buy back their pensions just as teachers who may work part of a year are able to buy back their pensions.90. French as a Second Language Committee THAT ETFO, through OTF, lobby the Ministry of Education to replace the paper and pencil French card with a digital version that is completed online, printed and placed in the Ontario School Record (OSR) with an eventual goal of having hours of French instruction recorded on the Kindergarten Communication of Learning and Provincial Report Card. Rationale: The practice of completing paper and pencil French cards is quite outdated and cumbersome. Each year, French teachers spend hours outside their instructional day completing these cards. Core French teachers could be completing hundreds of them. Moving to a digital card that is completed online and placed in the OSR would save time for French teachers and increase accuracy. The eventual goal would be that the hours of French instruction would be indicated on the Kindergarten Communication of Learning/Provincial Report Card.2021 Election Candidates PresidentKaren BrownElementary Teachers of Toronto LocalIn 1997, as the Bill 160 picket captain, with only four years of teaching experience, I engaged my colleagues in the largest work stoppage in North America. It was a fight to protect publicly funded Public Education against the Harris Tory government’s proposed destructive changes. Although the workplace issues we face today may be different, the players, and purpose remain the same: governments bent on eroding Public Education and undermining the work of Unions. I am both honoured, and humbled to put my name forth to serve as your next ETFO President. Over the last 28 years, I have gained the skills, knowledge, expertise, and political acumen to lead this organization. As ETFO First VP, I worked alongside members to defend our right to bargain through Bill 115, the Contract Extension and in our last bargaining round. For all most three decades I have engaged in the working-class struggle on picket lines and protests. Members displayed an unwavering resolve to improve their working conditions despite an oppressive government in our last round of bargaining. Through this determination, we protected FDK, our Benefits Plan, and refused concessions on Reg 274. We must mount an aggressive member mobilization campaign to defeat this government which is determined to capitalize on this pandemic by: ? legislating permanent virtual learning; ? advancing school privatization through “parental choice;” ? issuing charter vouchers and divesting public funds to private institutions.Together we will effect the necessary changes to create a Public Education system rooted in social justice and equity. We will continue to oppose temporary teaching certificates that allow unqualified individuals to be compensated as daily ETFO OT members. We will continue to ensure that our classes are staffed by our DECE, PSP and ESP members, so students can thrive. This pandemic has exposed deep inequities in our economic system and has disproportionately impacted Black and Indigenous communities. We’ve witnessed the horrific rise of xenophobia, misogyny, anti-Black, anti-Indigenous and anti-Asian racism. In the face of this systemic racism, ETFO must continue to lead the charge for inclusive workplaces. We must vehemently oppose using race, religion, ancestry, gender, or sexual orientation to build a wedge among members or within our communities. Our work doesn’t stop here. To effectively confront this government’s agenda, we must strategically build Community Power that puts People First, not corporations. We must partner with like-minded organizations on issues of climate justice and working green. I pledge to expand and strengthen our work with parent groups, communities, and our labour and education partners from the childcare sector to postsecondary. Through effective organizing, we can powerfully mobilize coalitions to defend our daily working lives. As President, I will lead with the passion and resolve necessary to defeat this government and negotiate a fair collective agreement for all 83,000 ETFO members. My leadership has been defined by trust, strength, and unity during times of crisis. I have the right experiences; I am the right choice, and I am committed to serving you! I ask for your vote for ETFO President.First Vice-PresidentDavid MastinDurham Teacher LocalThe last 2 years have been tumultuous at best. September 2019 brought intense central bargaining against the most regressive government Ontario has ever known. At both our Ed Worker and Teacher tables, when this government had a desire to impose significant contract strips, ETFO members fought to maintain FDK and protect a vulnerable benefits plan. This fight came at a cost: six days of lost wages. This fight also came with a reminder: nothing is ever freely given to workers. In March 2020, while the ink on our new agreement was not yet dry, COVID shut down schools across the province. Early Childhood Educators, Support Personnel, Teachers and Occasional Teachers all feared for their security, safety and health. When only the government could help, Doug Ford mishandled almost every decision along the way. This crisis came at a cost: more than a year of fear and anxiety accumulated in our members’ lives. This crisis also came with a reminder: public education is political, government ideology is important and elections matter. The next 2 years will be crucial for ETFO. We must: ? defeat Ford in the 2022 provincial election ? stifle any movement towards privatization ? fend off an imminent austerity agenda post-pandemic ? create conditions for our success at the 2022 bargaining tableTo achieve this, we must continue to: ? educate, inspire and mobilize our 83,000 ETFO members ? think and plan strategically, encouraging input from all levels ? build lasting alliances with parents, community organizations, and the broader labour community. I have been honoured to represent ETFO members both locally and provincially since 2002. I bring a strategic focus to the table that is grounded in labour rights, and a passion to fight for the working conditions you need to do your job effectively. Remember, elections matter. I ask for your support.Vice-President Open Shirley BellKawartha Pine Ridge Teacher LocalThe Conservative government is eroding our public education system and using the pandemic as a screen to hide their agenda of privatization. We know from our latest round of collective bargaining how the government undermines our educators by dismantling our working conditions. We need a plan to move into the next round of bargaining, that not only continues our member mobilization but also harnesses parent and community support. Our vigilance is essential! Working as your Vice-President Open, I will focus our efforts to create a public swell of opposition against the current PC government and work to develop a meaningful plan going into our next round of bargaining. An important aspect of my leadership, as local President, has been to create a local that values collaboration, respect and teamwork. I’ve worked hard to nurture a strong relationship with our sister OT local. We consistently work together to ensure that we are addressing education concerns collaboratively. I have also worked to foster a relationship with both OSSTF and CUPE. Regular communication among affiliates creates space for us to share and openly discuss our individual concerns while at the same time working together to address issues. I will bring this same approach to the Executive table. I believe in honest, collaborative relationships. I value and appreciate the importance of listening when advocating. I know how important it is to have trust and honesty when speaking for and with others. I support my local membership with compassion and integrity. We have the power of membership, the capacity of diverse educators and as a leading defender of public education it is important for us to continue to demand better, be extra vigilant and purposeful in our work. Vote Shirley Bell, Vice-President Open. An authentic, committed, and strong voiceVice-President Open Gundi BarbourUpper Grand Teacher LocalWhat a year this has been! Colleagues, these are unprecedented times. The past two years have seen a pandemic which upended our work following on the heels of long, hard days of labour action. The demands placed on educators and the sacrifices we have made could not have been imagined! In 2021, educators face danger in the workplace in the form of disease and violence. We must work to ensure a safe workplace for all members! Politically, we are dealing with the merciless regime of Doug Ford. A party and a leader that fails to respect educators and continues to hurl insults and contempt at us – mandatory on-line instruction, lack of sick days for our daily educators, new curriculum with neither training nor resources, constant underfunding of education and the list goes on. In June 2022, the Ford Tories must be defeated in order to reclaim public education in Ontario! ETFO cannot make gains without strong, effective, committed leadership. Together through collaborative work we can achieve goals while defending attacks on social justice and public education. There must be clear communication with parents and community partners to develop understanding and alliances; within Labour to ensure collective actions that build on shared issues and most importantly, with you so that all ETFO members are kept informed. I am a principled, innovative thinker, a Local President and past Executive member. As your Vice-President I will be an authentic, seasoned and passionate voice. I ask for your support.Vice-President OpenRobert MillardElementary Teachers of Toronto LocalRobert Millard for ETFO Vice-President ETFO needs to change.It needs to be restructured to meet external challenges like Pandemics, Virtual School and Public Bargaining. It needs to be restructured to become more responsive to the needs of our classroom teachers. It must become more democratic and accessible and it must find the right balance between provincial power and local autonomy. The last central agreement and this pandemic have left front-line teachers I have spoken to feeling abandoned by their union, when they should feel empowered and supported. I plan to change that. I come directly from the virtual classroom and will bring essential, up-to-date classroom experience into the inner circle of ETFO to inform decisions. I bring with me 20 years of active ETFO experience as Steward and elected Councillor. I know what it’s like for you at school to challenge administrative authority or to go toe-to-toe with superintendents when defending members. As chair of my local’s Governance Committee, I have developed the communication skills needed for the VP position and I have honed my knowledge of legislation and constitutional law. You have seen me bringing this to bear here, as a delegate. For example, last summer I advocated for a mass work refusal and Charter challenge over your right to consent to workplace conditions. I also have experience negotiating at a provincial level. I was a founding member and Representative of the Osaka-Fu Special English Teachers Union in Japan, where I successfully negotiated a contract with the Prefectural (Provincial) Government. Over the years, ETFO has faced opportunities to get ahead of issues and shape the future, but instead merely reacts to government initiatives. The Pandemic and Virtual Schools are the latest examples of this failure to act boldly and to significantly improve teachers’ lives. I will change this.Vice-President Female Monica RusnakOntario North East Teacher LocalEducation is a profession that fills your soul and fills your day. You juggle multiple responsibilities as you guide your students to reach their full potential. You teach, engage, encourage, create, collaborate, observe, record, organize and inspire. Far from an exhaustive list and yet you have spent the past 15 months fighting a regressive government determined to undermine publicly funded, public education and a global pandemic that has upended your working and private lives. Through these tumultuous times you have demonstrated your resiliency, your courage and your compassion and I am inspired to continue to serve you, the members of ETFO, as your Vice-President Female. My dedication and passion for ETFO has spanned many years at the local and provincial level. When I reflect on this political longevity, I know that it can be attributed to my principled approach to decision-making, my strong union values, my independent decision making and my strength and conviction during tough times. These traits have served me, and you by extension, very well. After 11 years at the provincial executive table, the past four as VP Female, I know that strength in leadership is imperative. That strength will be needed to dismantle the Ford government and their privatization schemes. That strength will be relied upon when we protect and enhance our rights as workers at the bargaining table. That strength will be imperative as we battle the climate of austerity sure to be imposed on Ontarians in a post-pandemic era. I want to be a member of a leadership team that has the strength required to challenge each other, to make bold decisions, and to utilize the power of 83,000 ESP, PSP, DECE, OT and teacher members. I want to continue as your Vice-President Female.OTF RepresentativeNathan CoreWaterloo Region Occasional Teacher LocalTwo years ago, the Annual Meeting provided me with an additional mandate to sit at the Ontario Teachers’ Federation’s executive table and advocate for our profession, pension and public education. While working with affiliates, OTF was one of the first organizations to ring the warning bells regarding privatization. Furthermore, we have begun to address the expanding mandate of the Ontario College of Teachers as well as the self-regulatory issues that have been created by governance changes. These are long-term problems and have required strategic solutions to mitigate or reverse the actions of the current government. I have also heard loud and clear about pensionary issues, specifically recognizing the balance between the need for significant returns and responsible investing. Although the Ontario Teachers’ Federation works with the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan at an arms length, we have still been able to utilize our position to “push the needle” and attempt to hold the OTPP accountable to its own environmental, social and governance standards. The educational landscape has changed significantly and the government continues to use the pandemic crisis as a smokescreen to implement drastic changes behind the scenes. My sophomore experience at the OTF executive table, in conjunction with my three-term experience on the ETFO executive, is a combination that significantly benefits our members and ensures that actions continue to be taken. I have worked hard for all members across this province and ask for your support in returning to the role of OTF Representative. Sincerely, Nathan Core.Executive Open Amy ChevisSimcoe County Occasional Teacher LocalI believe in an open, honest and progressive path forward for all 83,000 ETFO members! I am a proud and dedicated ETFO member since 2007 and have consistently been active and engaged in the work of our union. I am eager to continue to advance our professions today, tomorrow and in future challenges as we confront this hostile Conservative government together. We have stood strong in solidarity through a contentious round of bargaining that rolled straight into a pandemic. You deserve a profession to be proud of and I look forward to representing you again. Since 2019, I have avidly sought input, shared your voice and communicated your concerns with the provincial Executive. I am professional, proactive and proud to engage in the conversations necessary to mobilize and prepare for the challenges ahead. I am approachable. I am articulate. I am assertive. As a provincial Executive member, I have welcomed hearing from educators across the province. I believe in the power of collaboration and working with our affiliates to build community relationships that are critically important in our fight to protect public education. Engaging with you and understanding your perspectives guide me in making decisions to achieve the best outcome for all. I am proud of our accomplishments. This experience has been eye opening and empowering, yet there is more to be done! I am thankful for this opportunity and look forward to continuing in this role, with your support. Together, we will thrive! Amy Chevis. Approachable. Articulate. Assertive.Executive OpenAndrew ChittkaBluewater Occasional Teacher LocalI wish to acknowledge the current ETFO Provincial Executive, for the exemplary dedication they have shown this term, with hundreds of hours of extra meetings spent dealing with the chaos in education caused by a global pandemic and destructive Provincial government. While elections often bring calls of substantial change and re-thinking organizational operation, this is not a call I will make. Has ETFO been perfect as an organization over the past two years? We have not. I challenge you to identify an organization that has. To the Membership of ETFO, I offer my candidacy for a position on the ETFO Provincial Executive, in support of continuing and broadening the courageous conversations already happening within our organization around anti-Black racism, anti-Asian racism, making space for people from under-represented groups, systemic discrimination, and leaving no member behind, among others. I support local autonomy, programs for women and people from designated groups, and optimal allocation of members’ dues to ensure best possible working conditions through Collective Bargaining and lobbying efforts. I am a strong advocate of succession planning and the grassroots development of future leaders, encouraging those who aspire to leadership positions. As a Local President, I am vocal at Annual Meetings and Representative Council. I commit the same conviction to the betterment of the lives of our members from the Provincial Executive table, raising diverse possible solutions, while collaboratively prioritizing Collective Bargaining, defeating this Conservative government, and upholding the Priorities of the Federation -- if that is the will of the Membership.Executive Open Kim DouglasKeewatin-Patricia Teacher LocalThirty-one years ago, a female colleague took my hand and said, “The union needs you. You are union material”. I never looked back. My passion and dedication have been unwavering. Eagerly, I watched and learned from the strong union leaders who came before me. I’ve held most positions in the Keewatin Patricia TL. As president for the last five years, my knowledge has grown through supporting members and developing relationships with parents, communities and labour groups. I have worked collaboratively with KP OT and DECE members. I listened, mobilized and advocated, while keeping social justice and equity at the forefront of my actions. The experience I’ve gained over many years as a union leader will serve me well as I make decisions that benefit all ETFO members. I experienced the power of the collective strength and diversity of our members. That strength will be tested as we recover from the global pandemic and continue to challenge a government whose agenda tears at the core of our beliefs. As your executive member, I will be your voice at the table and away from it. I am committed to working beside members across the province, listening, engaging and acting to prepare for the unprecedented challenges ahead. I am passionate, dedicated and a team player. The skills I have will complement our leadership’s vision and beliefs. I have integrity. I am accountable. I am committed to advancing ETFO’s priorities. I am Kim Douglas and I am asking for your support.Executive OpenCory JudsonGrand Erie Teacher LocalDear Colleagues, I am a proud ETFO member, local leader and activist. I have dedicated a large part of my life to fighting for working people, human rights and public education. Early in my almost 20-year career, I was tapped on the shoulder and asked to play a greater role in our federation. Since then, I have spent well over a decade chairing committees, mobilizing educators, establishing relationships and advocating for all ETFO members. My experience in politics is vast; campaigning for educationfriendly candidates, running for office at municipal and provincial levels and managing political campaigns. As a political commentator on local television, I have provided a progressive perspective on the issues. At all levels, I have worked to ensure that the rights of working people and public education are front and center. With over four years of experience as a local Vice President and Released Officer, I have worked closely with members and other leaders to advance the interests of all education workers. In my role as Treasurer of the Grand Erie Teacher Local, I ensured that membership dues were well managed. As a member of our local collective bargaining committee, I have been a strong and effective voice for the membership. We have faced big challenges together and we know stormy waters lie ahead. Our Federation requires strong, experienced and principled leadership. The needs of our members must come first. I want to work as YOUR representative on our Provincial Executive! In Solidarity, CoryExecutive Open Carolyn Proulx-WoottonGrand Erie Teacher LocalOne of the best things about being a teacher, a local leader and a unionist is the ability to speak the truth. We are compelled to use our voice and have courageous conversations about what is happening in our classrooms, with our students, with our colleagues, in our boards and in our communities. Thanks to the pandemic and the Ford government, our public education system is now on a roller coaster ride through disaster capitalism. This is the time to move beyond a traditional approach and deeply organize our members. I believe in the grassroots of our organization. As a union, our diversity and our unique perspectives unite us. We must build the power of our membership one conversation at a time. We must act proactively, and not reactively, to develop strong relationships with like minded community and labour organizations. The time is now to build grassroots relationships across the province. We need to come together more than ever as teachers, DECEs, PSPs, ESPs and all of our occasional workers, to unite in our shared resolve to defeat the Ford Conservative agenda, successfully negotiate our next collective agreement and protect our publicly funded education system for generations to come. That is our responsibility. I will use my voice, my background and relationships with local leaders across the province to represent our membership. I am Carolyn Proulx-Wootton and I am humbly seeking your support for Executive Member Open.Executive OpenMario SpagnuoloGreater Essex County Teacher LocalColleagues, As I write this, Ontario has reached a record daily case count of COVID-19. The Premier spins a narrative that he had no idea that ICU beds would exceed capacity and the Minister of Education has abdicated responsibility for our schools. With the support of medical experts, parent groups and the labour movement, ETFO has stood strong in advocating for safe classrooms, proper investments and respect for professional judgement. This global pandemic is changing every aspect of our lives. It will be our collective responsibility, as ETFO members, to stand up against the erosion and privatization of our public schools. We must be prepared for a two-front war; both through political action and collective bargaining in 2022. The work doesn’t start today, nor tomorrow. The work has already begun with the current executive. All the planning, strategizing, mobilization and engagement must continue and accelerate into the next school year. There is one principle that cannot change, nor bend, nor compromise - our solidarity. There is too much at risk with Doug Ford and Stephen Lecce - not just for our 83,000 members but for the 14 million people of this great province. As a first generation Canadian, the public education system, through its caring and committed educators, had a profound impact on my life. Now, it is my unwavering ambition to ensure that every child has no less of an opportunity. With my dedication, perseverance and passion, it would be my privilege to continue in this role.Executive OpenJulie StanleyBluewater Teacher LocalMember engagement is vital to the strength of ETFO and I strive to encourage all members to actively participate in our Union! To do so, we must value our diversity and make certain that our equity work is embedded in all that we do. Having been a local leader in Bluewater for almost two decades I benefited from the opportunities ETFO afforded me to hone my leadership skills. Now it’s time to use these skills to empower and engage members as we continue to fight attacks on public education. With an upcoming provincial election, ETFO requires strong leaders who will motivate members to become involved in local campaigns to guarantee an elected government that will: ? positively support public education not privatize it; ? properly fund class sizes and special education; ? address staffing shortages and working conditions; and ? ensure the health and safety of all education workers protecting them against COVID-19 and violence in the classroom. I am no stranger to challenging and difficult work while advocating for members. My extensive collective bargaining and benefit administration experience will be an asset as we enter the next round of provincial negotiations. It’s time for me to give back to an organization which has strongly influenced my development as a leader. Through open, collaborative conversations, and transparent decision-making at the Executive table, I am committed to continuing our work to protect member rights and to improve and secure quality public education in Ontario.Executive OpenJenn WallageWaterloo Region DECE LocalIn 2010, I became involved in ETFO at the grassroots level, building one of the first DECE locals and becoming its first President. Since joining the largest education union in Canada, I have been, and continue to be, an authentic voice for education workers; a role that tends to be overlooked and forgotten. I am very aware that what works for one local or employee group, does not necessarily work for others. I fight hard for what’s best for all, not what’s best for some. This can be seen in the work I have done, as a member of the provincial collective bargaining committee, budget committee, Representative Council steering committee, ELHT benefits advisory committee, as well as the collective bargaining advisory council - education worker. Within ETFO, with my board and as a public citizen, I advocate for others, amplifying voices that need to be heard. I am passionate and strong, engaging members, allies and the community. I am diligent, tenacious, and persevere to get the job done. ETFO has always spoken for education worker members, yet has not had a consistent representative of the sector on its provincial Executive. It’s time to meet the needs of all members, by having a provincial Executive that is truly representative of the membership it serves.Executive OpenGreg WeilerWaterloo Region Teacher LocalIt has been my honour to represent and work on behalf of members at the provincial level as executive member since 2015 and at the local level as released officer since 2006. The challenges we face as a membership and as a union with the current government grow larger with each passing moment. The current government is relentless in its attacks on educators and on the public education system in Ontario. Our actions and success over the next two years will be critical as in the fight against cuts to education. The ongoing pandemic, another round of bargaining and a provincial election lie ahead of us, and our efforts must be focused and sustained. ETFO must continue to be a voice, an advocate, and an actor in the face of government attacks on educators and publicly-funded public education. We must continue to build and support the coalitions we have worked with in labour and in the community as we work towards common goals. I strive to ensure that all members are considered when dealing with issues. This means listening and giving consideration to multiple viewpoints. It means being able to understand and articulate the complexities and histories of issues so that decisions serve the best interests of all members and the organization. I seek your continued support for the position of Executive Member - Open. I offer strong and balanced leadership grounded in over a decade dealing with issues and concerns both locally and provincially.Executive FemaleYvette BlackburnElementary Teachers of Toronto LocalRe-elect Yvette! Colleagues, I seek your continued support. As a current Executive member, I bring a critical voice to this table that ensures Executive works as a cohesive unit for the collective good of our members. I bring a voice of courage that champions members' rights, advocates for our health & well-being, professional integrity and to reclaim our working conditions. As a proven conscientious and committed executive member, I believe in unwavering advocacy for members. This round of bargaining will require shrewd tactics against this demonstrated enemy of Public Education who has mounted an onslaught of attacks against teaching. We must halt this run of privatization and the dismantling of Unionism. Lecce and Ford have a deficit mindset and understanding of our profession and have gone after our practices, pensions, salaries, working conditions and Collective Agreements. Our OT members are battling the effects of Reg. 176/10 and PPM 165 both producing adverse effects. Public Education is the bedrock of our children's learning and is the hallmark institution that enhances the lives of future generations. I will not sit in indifference on issues, whether controversial or routine, to protect our jobs and profession. In these trying times, it is paramount that ETFO prove itself as a formidable opponent. Online learning has created unparalleled stress and anxiety in the working lives of our members. ETFO must continue with its indomitable voice in addressing the opening of schools and vaccination protocols that prioritize member health and safety. Vote BLACKBURN. Integrity, Advocacy and Commitment!Executive FemaleGail Bannister-ClarkePeel Teacher LocalThe challenges experienced by educators in this province over the last year cannot be understated. I have heard it said that we are all in the storm, but in different boats. As we have learned to weather the storm, words like pivot, unprecedented, and physical distancing now have a more personal meaning. So much has changed. While navigating this storm, we have collectively fought against a repressive government that has failed Ontarians with their non-plan for the reopening of schools, disastrous COVID response, and disorganized vaccine roll out. We have witnessed the devastating effect of the pandemic on marginalized communities and the real consequences of the lack of paid sick leave. This storm has amplified the inequities and racism embedded in societal systems and has compounded the preexisting disparities experienced in Black and Indigenous communities. While our boats are worse for wear because of this storm, we have witnessed the solidifying of a community that formed pre-pandemic. During our strike action we experienced the power of collective action in working with our education affiliates, community organizations, and parent groups. These focused alliances continue to be the united voices fighting for safer schools and stronger social supports, and will be the collective voice demanding change heading into the next provincial election. We must collectively mobilize for the change we need. By building solidarity, and bringing our boats together we will build a fleet that will weather this storm. Vote Gail Bannister-Clarke, Executive (Female) and let’s mobilize for the change we need.Executive FemaleMary FowlerDurham Teacher LocalColleagues, the last 2 years have been the hardest in our union’s history. Our principled defense of public education, coupled with the personal and professional challenges of the pandemic, have led to an understandably exhausted membership. The political and societal challenges that we will face in the next two years can be overcome, but only if we energize our depleted members to join us in this fight. We will not successfully defend public education, or seize this moment to create a more just society, solely with the power of our provincial organization. We must engage in intentional conversations with our members - region by region, we must amplify our message, our vision, through the strength of their 83,000 voices. Our members build the bridges and connections with parents and community partners. We must also assist locals in continuing their work building grassroots networks of labour unions and like-minded organizations. We must commit to remaining united against a government that is determined to divide educators, frontline workers and families, as a means of forwarding their regressive agenda. Over the past four years on the provincial Executive I have used my principled approach and conviction as a unionist to help connect members to our union, build labour and community coalitions and lay the groundwork for the path before us. We know how to do this work, and now we must get it done. To continue this fight, and to support others in doing the same, I am humbly asking for your support.Executive FemaleSylvia van CampenUpper Canada Occasional Teacher LocalThe past two years have presented us with one of the biggest educational disruptions in history. Extraordinary times require extraordinary action and exemplary leadership. Your ETFO Provincial Executive provides that leadership and I have been honoured to represent you at the Executive table for the past two years. I have used my critical thinking and organizational skills, collaborated in problem solving, presented creative solutions, asked challenging questions, and communicated with transparency. I have called for action to support all ETFO members. The pandemic, and a government with an agenda of privatizing education and funding cuts, require action. ETFO must lead in the defense of the safety and well-being of our members, and in protecting our world class education system. This requires purpose, vision, values, communication and extraordinary action. I am up for that fight. I have worked on behalf of members locally and provincially since the beginning of my teaching career. I have served on local and provincial committees and have volunteered many hours in service to help educators across the province. As Local President, and as a member of your Provincial Executive, I have continued that dedication to support the work you do in the classroom. I am prepared to act on your behalf. I would be honoured to continue to serve you. Thank you for your support.Executive Member of Designated Group OpenJuan (Yahya) GaireyPeel Teacher LocalWe are not just teachers but barrier breakers against privatizing our public funded education, systematic racism and advocating against the most marginalized in our society. I am dedicated to these values as an ETFO and PETL union activist for equity and inclusion. I have been a delegate member, local steward at primary, junior and intermediate school worksites for over a decade. Breaking down barriers in the name of justice has always been rooted in my family legacy. My ancestors came from the underground railroad towards freedom in Canada. I learned from their tenacity and spirit to always speak truth to power and bring the voices of the voiceless to life. My experience as co-chair of our AGM Black Caucus and current Chair of the Standing Committee on Disabilities has shown me that working collectively as ETFO is necessary and invaluable for positive workplace and societal change. ? I will promote human rights, equity and social justice causes in our work environment and our communities. ? I will advocate for equity and fairness to end systemic discrimination that result in equity for all. ? I will represent in ETFO'S Campaign calling the Ford Government to end their prioritizing cost-cutting over the safety and well-being of students and education workers. ? I will continue to defend a safe, healthy working and learning environment for my ETFO members and students. ? Lobby for sufficient access to asymptomatic testing for all educational staff to reduce the active COVID -19 cases in our schools.Executive Member Designated Group FemaleJulius Elementary Teachers of Toronto LocalWhen public education is under attack, what do we do? Stand up, fight back! As an educator, an experienced provincial organizer, grassroots activist, ETFO Labour Standing Committee member and ETT member, I am committed to advocating for our public education system. The issues are no surprise to educators on the front lines of our struggling system: a government that refuses to heed our lived experience, a relentless workload, increasing class sizes, poor decision-making, minimal safety, our worn-down schools and little to no supports/resources for students & educators. All while the government continues to diminish the heart & skill that we, as educators, bring into our schools each day. The only way to fight this is through the strength of our union empowered by our locals. By working in solidarity with families and communities who share in our belief that a strong education system can transform our province for all, we can challenge the false premise of austerity used by the Ford government. I believe leadership must come from the front lines of teaching. Change doesn’t happen in the back rooms of power, but when we courageously claim our power as educators. When we take up the work of challenging injustice, we honour our ancestors. Please be courageous with me; vote for JULIUS as your ETFO Executive Member so that we can keep building collective power together with a vision for classrooms, schools and communities where we all feel we belong and have the tools to succeed. In solidarity, Julius#ETFOAM2021etfo.ETFOprovincialoffice@ETFOeducators ................
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