Public Education Statement for Election

In partnership with our P/VP colleagues, teacher unions and education workers, we released a statement highlighting the importance of investing in education as the foundation to a thriving and resilient economy. While much of the debate during the current provincial election has focused on tariffs and challenges in the U.S., we wanted to remind all candidates and parties that a high quality publicly funded education system must be a priority, since it has a direct correlation to how to succeed as a society, province and country. This statement was an important undertaking to work with our education partners in advocating for the importance of our sector.

Peer Support Program for Members

We are partnering with Peer Support Canada (PSC) to develop a peer support program, starting with a pilot for two groups: individuals Assigned to Home (ATH) and Members from a specific region (TBD). To ensure the program meets your needs, we invite you to complete a brief anonymous survey (10-15 minutes) to share your input. PSC is also hosting one-on-one conversations, particularly for those with ATH experiences, to better understand their unique challenges. Your insights will help shape a supportive, confidential space for OPC Members.

EDI Update

We are partnering with Chris D'Souza of Diverse City Strategies to host a conference on Supporting Educators and Administrators Engaged in Equity Work, May 22-23 in Mississauga. Themes will include retention, mentorship and recruitment of under-represented identities into leadership and related human resources practices. Registration will open on February 26.

Affinity groups for Members are continuing. Information and links to meetings can be found on the Affinity Groups for Members page. Upcoming meetings include

  • Persian Administrators: March 5 
  • East Asian Administrators: March 26

 2024 Tax Receipts – Membership Fees

In compliance with a new Canada Revenue Agency regulation, the OPC will no longer issue tax receipts to Members employed by boards where the fees are reported in Box 44 of the T4 slip. Tax receipts will only be available to Members who

  • are employed by the Renfrew County District School Board
  • paid their fees as a lump sum
  • paid retroactive fees as a lump sum
  • hold a Term Assignment membership.

If you meet any of these criteria, your 2024 membership tax receipt can be accessed on our website under My Profile, Member Tax Rec, 2024. If your board pays the membership fees on your behalf, these fees are not tax deductible.

Quote to Ponder

“Voting is not only our right – it is our power.” – Loung Ung 

Media

Queen’s Park Update

The Green Party of Ontario released its election platform. For education, the plan includes increasing per pupil funding, establishing an independent review of the funding formula, speeding up the capital repair backlog, eliminating EQAO testing, expanding access to student nutrition programs, removing the requirement for e-Learning credits and establishing an Education Task Force. 

The Ontario Liberal party released its election platform. Education highlights include clearing the school repair backlog; building 90 new schools; establishing a lower student-to-teacher and education-worker ratio; hiring more mental health professionals, EAs, ECEs, social workers and CYWs; closing the funding gap of $1,500 per student; clearing spec ed waitlists and assessments; committing to mutual respect and collaboration between the Ministry of Education and education partners; providing free and healthy lunch to students; re-introducing a one-year teaching degree; and expanding access to STEM, robotics, coding, skilled trades, entrepreneurship, economics, financial literacy and civics courses.

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