Provincial Council Meeting

Last week we held our second Provincial Council meeting of the year. Thank you to all the local Councillors and EDI reps who attended and contributed to our important work around governance, strategic planning, local negotiations and policy development. Highlights of the meeting will be sent to all Members later this week.

Our Protective Services Team – Here for You

When should you call the OPC to seek advice and representation? Members are encouraged to contact our OPC Protective Services Team (PST) whenever you need consultation, or have doubts about your rights with respect to feelings of vulnerability in the workplace. Specifically, calls to the PST should be made in the following circumstances:

• Internal workplace investigations (workplace harassment, human rights)
• External agency investigations (OCT, HRTO, CAS, police)
• Meetings with school board officials (OTRs, potential for disciplinary action)
• Meetings following an Unsatisfactory performance appraisal rating (Improvement Plans, Out-of-Cycle PPA)
• Return to work meetings following a short- or long-term medical leave (discussions regarding limitations, restrictions and accommodations).

You can contact the PST by calling 416-322-6600 or 1-800-701-2362.

Prioritizing your Health and Wellness

Feeling overwhelmed at work or generally unwell? Our PST tip sheet on OPC Health and Wellness offers support options, including EAP counselling, Starling Minds for stress management and information on Short-Term and Long-Term Disability insurance. It also covers WSIB benefits for work-related injuries or illnesses. Please check it out!

Quote to Ponder

“Even in a time of fiscal austerity, education is more than just an expense.” – Arne Duncan, former U.S. Secretary of Education 

Media

• Tariff reprieve makes room for health and education in campaign
• Ford aims to keep focus on tariffs, NDP and Liberals tout health and education
• Is the election about Trump or about Ontario?
• What parents need to know about early reading screening
• Decolonizing education bit by bit
• Black educators part of unique University of Guelph exhibit
• Principals say lack of teachers is a daily problem
• The shifting educational funding landscape
• Parents turn to social media to find permanent teachers

Queen’s Park Update

Last week the NDP released its education platform, focussing on capital investments, more staff and student nutrition. 

The House has been dissolved until after the February 27 election.