Elementary Educators

What exactly do school trustees do? Are they important to the delivery of #onted? Should we throw out the entire level of governance? Watch to hear what David Mastin, @ETFOpresident, has to say. #onpoli

#onted funded below inflation....again.

Ontario’s Education Unions United: Budget Underscores Need for Early Bargaining. #onpoli #onted etfo.ca/news-publicati…

Across the province this Saturday, March 28 there are ‘Fight Ford’ protests planned in dozens of Ontario communities. One organizer said, rallies are happening because residents are “tired of his policies that ignore the input of experts and thousands of diverse citizens.” Locations are below. #onpoli insidehalton.com/news/fight-for… via @InsideHalton

In February, we kicked off our member mobilization campaign. Our first action was a petition. Over the span of one month, we gathered more than 50,000 signatures! This week, MPPs have been reading our petitions in the legislature, delivering our message directly to the government. Together, we are sending a clear message that we are mobilizing to defend publicly funded education. Join us - add your voice at buildingbetterschools.ca/take_action #onted

Ontario education minister vows to 'root out' bad teachers, ruffles feathers at reception with unions David Mastin, @etfopresident, said the event was set up to discuss challenges and improvements to the #onted system. “From my perspective, it is unbelievably offensive ... to focus on the negative. We felt it was a sweeping generalization on arbitrary percentages — and our members deserve respect in this moment,” Mastin said. #onpoli thestar.com/news/canada/on… via @torontostar

The minister’s speech was “received with absolute shock and a deep sense of disappointment in the apparent disconnect that was evident between the minister's vision and perspective of who our members are and who their union representatives are and who the government is,” said @ETFOpresident David Mastin, who added that the “arbitrary assessment of 5% of our membership (not working in the best interests of students) is deeply, deeply offensive.” “#ETFO members work extremely hard in a system that is underfunded, that is understaffed, that is under-respected by this government, and they're doing everything they can to keep delivering for students in their care.” “I am a teacher who has been elected to carry the voice of elementary teachers from around this province … we're elected to these positions, we shouldn't be referred to as stumbling blocks.” Unions need to be consulted and engaged with when trying to better the system for #onted students. #onpoli

OTF and its Affiliates' paper: Teacher Recruitment, Retention, Supply and Demand in Ontario: Towards a Long-Term Solution is available. Read the full paper 👉🏻 bit.ly/4rYwyKB @AEFO_ON_CA @ETFOeducators @OECTAProv @osstf

March 25 is the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade. It is a time for education, reflection, and action. We add our voices to say it is vital that we confront the history of slavery and racism if we are to advance equity with dignity and empower the futures ot others. #cdnpoli #onpoli

“Unions also took issue with Calandra’s tone, with #ETFO saying it is another example of ‘this government’s growing pattern of overreach and its willingness to undermine our professional judgment.’” #onted #onpoli

In response to Minister Calandra’s March 20, 2026, letter to #onted educators and board staff, ETFO is deeply concerned by the tone and content. This letter represents yet another example of this govt’s growing pattern of overreach and its willingness to undermine our professional judgement. Read our statement below👇#onpoli

ETFO local presidents and members of the provincial Executive joined parents, students, education workers and the @OntAutism to send a united message to the government. Together we demand more for students and student supports - it's time to invest in the future! #onted #onpoli

TODAY, the ETFO released officer team will be joining the @OntAutism rally at Queen's Park. There is a crisis in public education in this province. We are coming together to raise our voices in defence of #onted schools, defend democracy and defend our children. #onpoli

Our statement for today:

Today is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. While we remember the group of anti-apartheid activists that marched in 1960 to their local police station to protest against the country's “pass law” in Sharpeville, South Africa, we renew our commitment to teach and build a world that ends all forms of racism. #IDERD #cdnpoli

March 21 is World Down Syndrome Day. For many people with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities, loneliness common and painful experience. To feel truly included, we all need real inclusion, welcoming spaces, and meaningful relationships. Let's make a difference! #WDSD26 #onpoli

Join this important conversation #onted

Trade wars aren’t just politics; they cost real people their jobs. When governments cut deals behind closed doors, workers pay. We’re done with that. Tell your MP to step up and back a workers-first approach: 🔗workerstogether.ca/trade-pledge-a…

PROTEST ALERT: Bill 33 is a disaster. Local school board democracy is under attack. Power is being centralized. Community voices are being silenced. Join us 3/23/2026, 11:30 AM at Queen’s Park. Defend our schools. Defend democracy. Defend our children. #onpoli #onted #70KIsNotOK