ETFO responds to American tariffs

TORONTO, ON – The following is a statement from the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) on tariffs imposed by the U.S. government on Canadian products:

“The imposition of American tariffs is having far-reaching consequences for working families, students, and ETFO members. These measures, which violate the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, are beginning to impact key sectors of the Canadian economy, deepening the affordability crisis, creating financial uncertainty, and exacerbating food insecurity. As a result, many families are experiencing rising financial instability due to job losses and growing economic challenges.

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ETFO responds to OHRC report on anti-Black racism, discrimination in Ontario schools

The following is a statement from the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) on the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s (OHRC) report Dreams Delayed: Addressing Systemic Anti-Black Racism and Discrimination in Ontario’s Public Education System:

“ETFO welcomes the OHRC’s efforts over the last few years to address systemic anti-Black racism in education, including its release of Dreams Delayed: Addressing Systemic Anti-Black Racism and Discrimination in Ontario’s Public Education System. All stakeholders, including unions, are complicit in the way anti-Black racism has been embedded into the fabric of the education system. 

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ETFO responds to appointment of Paul Calandra as Ontario’s new Minister of Education

TORONTO, ON – The following is a statement from the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) on today’s Cabinet announcement:

“ETFO welcomes Paul Calandra as Ontario’s new Minister of Education. We are ready to work together to restore and strengthen Ontario’s public education system after years of damaging budget cuts and policies that have failed to prioritize students and education workers.

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Joint Statement on Publicly Funded Education in Ontario

A high quality publicly funded education system should be the priority of any government. It has a direct correlation to how to succeed as a society, province and country, and how we compete in an increasingly global economic environment. Publicly funded education is fundamental to
the maintenance and support of a democratic society that informs and engages all students in becoming active and well-informed citizens of Ontario and of Canada.

Organizations representing partners for publicly funded education in Ontario have come together to share concerns, discuss various issues and collaborate on strategies to ensure that our publicly funded education system remains a model of excellence.

Joint Statement on Publicly Funded Education in Ontario (PDF, 831 KB) Joint Statement on Publicly Funded Education in Ontario (PDF, 831 KB)
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ETFO Scholarships and Bursaries

The ETFO Scholarships and Bursaries Program offers financial incentives to: members and non-members entering faculties of education; members studying at the graduate level; and members upgrading their qualifications at publicly funded universities/institutions in Ontario. This includes bursaries for members of designated groups, including Black and Indigenous educators, and bursaries for children of ETFO members.

The application window for ETFO Scholarships and Bursaries is now open. The deadline to apply is April 30.

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ETFO calls for action to dismantle systemic barriers facing Black educators and students

Toronto, ON – As Black History Month begins, the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) celebrates the many achievements and lasting contributions of Black Canadians. Black history is woven into the fabric of Canadian history—past, present, and future. The accomplishments, strength, and excellence of Black individuals and communities deserve recognition this month, as well as celebration, respect, and reflection every day of the year.

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First Five Member Town Hall

If you are in your first five years of ETFO membership, you are invited to a special online event with President Karen Brown.

Register in advance for an online forum on Zoom. You will learn about membership services, how the union works for you, and upcoming events for new members. Plus, you’ll also have a chance to ask questions.

There are two dates:

Wednesday, February 12 or Thursday, February 13
Sessions are 75 minutes and start at 7:00 p.m. (EST)

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Awards Deadline – February 1

ETFO Awards recognize individuals, groups, and ETFO locals for their distinguished achievements and outstanding contributions to education and the Federation in a number of categories.

Member can nominate themselves, their colleagues and/or community members, as applicable, to acknowledge distinguished academic achievements, service, and outstanding contributions to education and the Federation. ETFO distributes over $120,000 annually through the program.

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Poll clerks needed for the 2025 Annual Meeting

Members are encouraged to apply for appointed duties during the ETFO Annual Meeting, which will take place at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel from August 11-14, 2025.

Complete the application form and submit today!  Deadline is March 1.

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