Submission to the Standing Committee on Social Policy – Bill 98, Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act – May 2023
On May 8, 2023, OSSTF/FEESO made an oral presentation and presented an oral submission to the Standing Committee on Social Policy regarding the Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act. Improving student success and strengthening public education is something OSSTF/FEESO and its members have been advocating for over 100 years. Despite its misleading title, Bill 98 offers very little in terms of supports or resources for students and seems primarily focused on assuming control over school board decision making, and not on how we can better support students and make up for the learning loss experienced during the pandemic.
Submission to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs – Budget Hearings – April 2023
On April 26, 2023, OSSTF/FEESO made an oral presentation and presented an oral submission to the Standing Committee of Finance and Economic Affairs regarding the 2023 Ontario Budget. The Ford government continues to shortchange the Ontario public education system. All of OSSTF/FEESO’s 31 recommendations contained in its pre-Budget submission were ignored by the Ford government. In addition to reiterating the 31 recommendations, new suggestions for improvement were provided in the April submission and presentation.
OTF Position on the Right to Read Report of the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC)
Ontario Teachers’ Federation (OTF) affiliates have been meeting for several years regarding the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) Right to Read Inquiry, and the resulting OHRC Report. The key findings and recommendations from the Inquiry were presented within the OHRC Report under five main areas:
- Scientific approach to teaching reading;
- Universal early screening;
- Appropriate interventions;
- Effective accommodations; and,
- Professional assessments.
Through in-depth review of the OHRC report, all OTF affiliates were in agreement with several key messages and cautions, resulting in an OTF position paper.
Submission to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs – Pre-Budget Hearings – February 2023
OSSTF/FEESO is very concerned that public education continues to be underfunded. The government continues to shortchange Ontario’s students. In its 2023 Pre-Budget submission to the Ontario government, the Federation included thirty-one recommendations, all of which focused on strengthening publicly-funded education and rebuilding the province. Now is the time to invest in our greatest asset, the students in Ontario’s public education system. The economic payoff is indisputable.
Submission on Bill 36, Progress on the Plan to Build Act - November 28, 2022
OSSTF/FEESO calls on the government to invest in our future—the many diverse students in Ontario’s public schools and postsecondary institutions. Our submission proposal includes six recommendations that will protect and build up one of the province's most valuable assets: Ontario's world-class publicly-funded education system.
Submission to the 2023-2024 Education Funding Consultations – November 15, 2022
OSSTF/FEESO is very concerned that public education continues to be underfunded. The government continues to short-change Ontario’s students, with the Financial Accountability Office of Ontario projecting annual shortfalls in education funding totalling $6.0 billion through 2027-28. Our submission is contained in two parts. Part A responds directly to the Funding Engagement Guide and the questions posed by the Ministry of Education, and Part B, which provides additional submissions on education funding.
OSSTF/FEESO Submission to the Ministry of Education on Modernizing Education – March 1, 2022
OSSTF/FEESO recognizes the need for publicly funded education to evolve to meet the needs of all who rely on it and is committed to working with families, community leaders, elected leaders, and various stakeholders who seek to strengthen and enhance publicly funded education in Ontario. Our submission provides various suggestions focused on building a better future that moves beyond the status quo and was made in response to questions asked at the Ministry Initiatives Committee (MIC) meeting on February 10, 2022.
OSSTF/FEESO Submission – Policy/Program Memorandum No. 81 (PPM 81), Provision of Health Support Services in School Settings 2021-22 Review
Policy/Program Memorandum (PPM) No. 81 provides a framework for the delivery of health supports/services in schools, and outlines responsibilities for the administration, training/direction, and related consultation of these supports/services. The Federation believes the draft revisions in PPM 81 do not improve or build upon the current and successful examples of direct school-based rehabilitation service delivery by school boards. If implemented, the government proposed revisions will privatize public services and result in a less efficient use of resources and a reduction of service for all students.
OSSTF/FEESO Submission to the Finance and Economic Affairs Committee on Bill 43 - Build Ontario Act
OSSTF/FEESO presented its submission on Bill 43 - Build Ontario Act to the Finance and Economic Affairs Committee on January 21, 2022. Education is the cornerstone of economic growth. OSSTF/FEESO strongly believes Bill 43 will lead to less funding for public education and further exemplifies the provincial government’s inadequate investment in Ontario’s future.
OSSTF/FEESO Submission to the Finance and Economic Affairs Committee on 2022 Pre-Budget Consultations – January 20, 2022
OSSTF/FEESO is pleased to provide its submission to the Finance and Economic Affairs Committee on 2022 Pre-Budget Consultations. The global pandemic has revealed the deep levels of inequities in society and highlighted the crucial role education plays in maintaining a strong and vibrant community. OSSTF/FEESO strongly believes that now is the time to invest in and enhance Ontario's publicly-funded education system in order to rebuild the province and the people living in it.