Protecting Public Services

March 29, 2011

As President of the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario and as a teacher, I've been greatly disturbed by the attacks on public sector workers and their collective bargaining rights in Wisconsin, Ohio, Indiana and numerous other states.

It has become obvious that these attacks are not about managing a deficit, but have more to do with an anti-union political ideology.

There is no doubt that we could face similar challenges in Ontario, especially as we head into a provincial election this October.

While events in the United States are disturbing, let's remember that currently, things are different here in Ontario.

Along with high quality teachers, we have been fortunate to have a provincial government that believes in the importance of a strong education system; one that respects our members and our fundamental right to bargain collectively. That's helped make our system one of the very best in the world.

But make no mistake. The upcoming provincial election could result in a profound change in the quality of life in Ontario. There will be those who want to cut public services and take away the rights of public service workers instead of exploring other viable options to address the province's deficit.

I'm asking you to think about the kind of Ontario that you want for your children and grandchildren. Like me, I'm sure you want a future where they have a decent quality of life that includes strong public services like our current education and health care systems.

As we head into the provincial election this fall, you can make a difference.

You can support your local and your provincial federation as we work to build better schools and defend a quality public education system for the children in our classrooms.

And you can also volunteer to work for the candidate or party that you believe will move Ontario forward, not tear it down.

Over the next few months, check the ETFO website for tips on being an effective advocate for high quality public education.

If all of us speak up, if all of us vote in October, we'll help maintain Ontario as a fair and just society.