Toronto, ON – L’Association des enseignantes et des enseignants franco-ontariens (AEFO), Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO), Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA), Ontario School Board Council of Unions (CUPE-OSBCU), and Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF/FEESO) have issued the following joint statement calling on the Ford government and Minister of Education Paul Calandra to start the bargaining process as soon as possible, to best support students, families, teachers, and education workers.

“Ontario’s students are our future. The bargaining process is an opportunity to work together, collaboratively and meaningfully, to secure that future – and to build on the success of our world-class publicly funded education system.

To ensure that our students have the resources and supports they need to thrive, Ontario’s teachers and education workers urge the government to come to the bargaining table as soon as possible.

Our thoughts are with the families, students, educators, and community members who are grieving the heartbreaking loss of life in British Columbia. Our hearts are with the Tumbler Ridge community.

During difficult times like this, it is important to look after ourselves and one another. Resources are available to members through employee assistance programs. Please reach out if you need support.

Our deepest condolences to all affected by this tragic act of violence.

The following is a statement from David Mastin, President of the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO):

“ETFO is once again raising urgent concerns about the Ford government’s escalating and unjustified takeovers of democratically elected school boards across Ontario. These interventions represent egregious government overreach, a troubling centralization of power, and a direct threat to local democracy in Ontario’s public education system.

There is growing concern that these takeovers are part of a broader plan to seize control of school board finances and real estate across the province. This treats public education as a profit‑making enterprise rather than a vital public service meant to serve every child. Parents and communities must join us and act now to prevent lasting damage to our high-quality public education system.