April 5, 2006

Emily Noble, president of the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario, today welcomed the new Minister of Education, Sandra Pupatello.

“Elementary teachers wish you well in your new portfolio,” Noble said, “and we hope to build on the strong working relationships we established with you in the past.” ETFO participated in the ministry’s initiative to address domestic violence last year.

Noble added, “Your predecessor Gerard Kennedy is leaving a strong legacy of commitment to public education. We look forward to working with you to ensure that education continues to be a major priority for this government.”

“Mr. Kennedy made a real difference in education in Ontario. We know he will make a difference federally as well.

“Elementary teachers felt they had a minister who understood and cared about their issues. He has been willing to meet with us at any time. He listened to our concerns, he visited our schools and he spoke at our meetings.

“We will miss him at Queen’s Park,” Noble said. “We wish him well in his pursuit of the federal Liberal leadership.”

The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario represents 70,000 public elementary school teachers and education workers across Ontario and is the largest teacher federation in Canada outside of Quebec.