FEATURE
The visit came in the heat of a national debate over the SNCLavalin affair, so the Prime Minister also faced questions from OECTA members about his relationships with female colleagues and the influence the scandal might have on his party’s prospects in the upcoming federal election. He used the opportunity to defend his actions and talk about the need to “continue learning.” He also criticized the divisive discourse currently taking shape in our country, particularly the rise of racist rhetoric and closed-minded populism, and said the election will represent an important choice about our future. Although the logistical details and additional security demanded hard work and extra patience from staff and delegates, this special experience will not be soon forgotten. Minister of Education Lisa Thompson
Members should hear about the government’s education agenda directly from the source, so it is the Association’s practice to invite the Minister of Education to attend the Annual General Meeting in any non-election year. Minister Lisa Thompson congratulated OECTA on our anniversary, saying we “have to appreciate our history.” She also reiterated the government’s support for publicly funded Catholic education, and said that Ontario’s education system is “a beacon, a standard” around the world. She then went on to say that she wants teachers to join her in moving forward to “enhance global competitiveness” and create “second-to-none learning environments and working conditions.” After her speech, the Minister took questions from delegates on issues such as full-day Kindergarten, class size, and the fair hiring process, with teachers demanding to know how the government has incorporated teachers’ perspectives in their decision-making, and how the cuts that are being made will help to move the education system forward.
OCT Chair Nicole van Woudenberg
OCT Chair Nicole van Woudenberg
Although it is customary for the Chair of the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) Governing Council to address the AGM, it was particularly important this year for members to be able to discuss the monumental changes on the horizon at the College, particularly the move away from self-regulation. OECTA member and current OCT Chair Nicole van Woudenberg offered her perspectives, saying the College plays an important role in raising teacher professionalism, which requires the input of teachers and non-teachers alike. She defended the OCT’s governance review as being in line with current discussions taking place among groups such as nurses and lawyers, and argued that all decisions were made based on “vigorous, enlightening debate.” Delegates asked how the Governing Council could justify taking teachers’ fees while upending the long-standing principle of self-regulation, to which Ms. van Woudenberg responded that Council members take an oath of public interest and have no mandate to advocate for teachers. Members also asked about the prevalence of frivolous and vexatious claims, and expressed concerns that these could increase as the government attempts to use the College to control and intimidate teachers. Education and Labour Partners
As the government’s attacks on labour and cuts to education take shape, it is more important than ever for Catholic teachers to join with colleagues and allies across the province and around the country. With this in mind, a number of education and labour partners addressed the AGM not only to bring greetings on our anniversary and thank OECTA for our contributions, but to talk about their work, and pledge strength and solidarity in the face of the government’s cuts and clawbacks.
Hassan Yussuff, President of the Canadian Labour Congress
Guests included: Cassandra Hallett, Secretary General of the Canadian Teachers’ Federation; Diane Dewing, President of the Ontario Teachers’ Federation; Hassan Yussuff, President of the Canadian Labour Congress; and Chris Buckley, President of the Ontario Federation of Labour.
MAY 2019 | CATHOLIC TEACHER 13