Challenging Homophobia

The Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario has formulated a strategy for challenging homophobia and championing safe workplaces to assist its LGBT members. The strategy includes development of a video resource to assist LGBT ETFO members to promote safe and inclusive workplaces; development of a local leaders' LGBT information and action kit; update of the Free from Fear resource; an LGBT member's package; and outreach strategies with other groups including Proud Rainbow Voices, EGALE Canada, and Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLG). The initiatives will address the ongoing need to ensure that ETFO's LGBT members have safe workplaces that are free of homophobia.

Online Survey

ETFO will conduct an online survey of local presidents on incidents of workplace violence, identified by the Ministry of Labour as a major hazard in schools. The survey will investigate factors such as the quality of workplace violence training programs, specific barriers to reporting the violence, and how members are protected from and informed about its risks. The survey is part of a process to formally collect and track statistics on issues of violence against teachers and will assist ETFO in its ongoing lobbying with the Government on workplace violence. 

ETFO Support for Aboriginal Communities

ETFO will donate up to $5000 to the Attawapiskat First Nation and investigate other ways to support the troubled community, which is in crisis due to poor living conditions. The Federation will study the development of a sustainable, comprehensive campaign to support Aboriginal communities in Ontario.

ETFO will also support the February 14, 2012 annual memorial marches for missing and murdered indigenous women across Canada, by publicizing the event through the website and other means.

Student Assessment

The Executive approved the development of an updated, strategic position paper on the issue of student assessment. The new position paper will take into account the significant changes in EQAO assessments that have taken place over the years, as well as the changes in government policy for assessment and reporting incorporated in Growing Success 2010.
 
Memorial to Jack Layton

ETFO will donate $5000 for a memorial to honour the late New Democratic Party leader Jack Layton. The memorial will recognize and support initiatives designed to benefit the working people.

Project Overseas

The Executive approved forwarding the names of 18 members to the Canadian Teachers' Federation for its consideration in the appointment of members to serve on Project Overseas during the summer of 2012

Education Support Personnel Committee

This committee has been inactive for some time. The Executive appointed five members to serve on the committee for a two-year term concluding in August 2013.