In case you missed it the Liberal Federal Government has put into place a cap on the number of international student visas they will allow. They are also going to control what parts of the country visa students are allowed to study in.
For more information go to: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/international-student-visas-1.7092512
Karen Littlewood , president of OSSTF/FEESO has spoken out about this cap and the impact it will have on post-secondary institutions and students. In addition OSSTF/FEESO has put out a statement in response.
The link to President, Karen Littlewood’s radio interview this morning with 900 CHML (Hamilton) on underfunding in the post-secondary sector (starts around 13:50 mark): https://twitter.com/AM900CHML/status/1749822661297930345
https://wlusa.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/PSAT_UpdateGraphic-e1649104910681.png128300Tracy Cochranehttps://wlusa.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/wlusa_logo_large-300x53.jpgTracy Cochrane2024-01-24 13:03:432024-01-24 13:03:44Federal Government Institutes Cap on International Students
November 15, 2023 Ministry of Colleges and Universities
TORONTO — Today, Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities, issued the following statement in response to receipt of the blue-ribbon panel’s report:
“Our government created the blue-ribbon panel of experts to provide advice and recommendations for keeping the postsecondary education sector financially stable and focused on providing the best student experience possible.
Over the past few months, the panel conducted research and consultations with key stakeholders. Their work was guided by the following principles:
enhancing student experience and access;
rewarding excellence and financial sustainability;
improving labour market alignment;
promoting economic growth and prosperity; and
keeping education affordable for lower and middle-income families.
The blue-ribbon panel’s report with their recommendations is now available online. This is a major milestone on the path to supporting the quality, accessibility and sustainability of the postsecondary sector, now and for years to come.
Our government is carefully reviewing the panel’s recommendations to create a path forward that will continue to strengthen the postsecondary sector. It’s my expectation that we will work with postsecondary institutions to create greater efficiencies in operations, program offerings and sustainability of the sector. Before agreeing to any tuition increases however, we need to ensure that colleges and universities are taking the necessary steps to ensure that they are operating as efficiently as possible. I look forward to working with postsecondary institutions in the weeks ahead to determine how best to achieve these shared objectives.
I would like to thank the panel members, and everyone who took the time to share their valuable perspectives with the panel.
I would also like to express my gratitude to Dr. Harrison for acting as the chair of the panel and lending his leadership and extensive knowledge in the finance, governance and operations of postsecondary institutions.
By continuing to work together with our partners, I am confident we will build on the solid foundation of the postsecondary system and protect it for current and future students, so they continue to receive the world-class education Ontario’s institutions provide.”
Media Contacts Liz Tuomi Minister Dunlop’s Office Liz.Tuomi@ontario.ca
Ivo Felipe Communications Branch 416-325-2746
https://wlusa.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/blue-ribbon-award-clipping-path-8752325.webp900598Tracy Cochranehttps://wlusa.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/wlusa_logo_large-300x53.jpgTracy Cochrane2023-11-16 09:25:252023-11-16 09:26:47Ontario Receives Report to Support Financial Sustainability of Postsecondary Education System
unlearn.® uses an approach that explores the mechanisms that can interrupt bias, stereotypes and discrimination by challenging the societal norms that marginalize others.
Workshops for all our members as we live in and work in a richly diverse community.
ETFO joins OSSTF/FEESO arbitration process for Bill 124 wage remedy
TORONTO, ON — The Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF/FEESO) is proud to announce that 3,500 education workers represented by the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) are joining with OSSTF/FEESO in their fight to reclaim wages unjustly lost under the Ford government’s disastrous and unconstitutional Bill 124.
“Today, we celebrate labour solidarity in the face of the Ford government’s continued attacks on our members and all workers who provide the vital public services that Ontarians rely on every single day,” said OSSTF/FEESO President Karen Littlewood. “Our solidarity is our strength, and I am encouraged to have ETFO’s education worker members join us as we stand up to Doug Ford and his government’s heavy-handed attempts to undermine public education in Ontario.”
Added ETFO President Karen Brown, “With the strength and solidarity of our members behind us, ETFO is prepared to work alongside OSSTF/FEESO to challenge Bill 124 during the binding arbitration process. Since its unconstitutional inception, ETFO has denounced Bill 124 and challenged the Ford government’s interference and overreach. We’re confident that by joining OSSTF/FEESO, ETFO members will benefit from a strong, united front that will result in a fair and just remedy.”
In September, OSSTF/FEESO’s Membership voted to approve a proposal guaranteeing that Members will receive a financial remedy for wages lost under Bill 124, which unfairly capped public sector wage increases to one per cent a year, causing severe staffing shortages and unnecessary disruptions to student learning.
Earlier this month, ETFO’s 3,500 education worker members ratified a four-year deal with the provincial government that included a similar agreement to ensure those members submit the Bill 124 wage remedy to binding arbitration.
The decision to bring ETFO members into the voluntary binding interest arbitration process, negotiated between OSSTF/FEESO and the Crown, will mean that the two unions will present a united front during the Bill 124 arbitration dates on January 15 and 16, 2024. Both groups will present evidence and arguments in support of a fair and just remedy for Members who had their wages unconstitutionally suppressed by the Ford government.
“It’s been nearly four years since the Ford government’s ill-fated decision to pass Bill 124, and the consequences of this devastating legislation have been felt by every education worker, student, and parent in Ontario,” concluded OSSTF/FEESO President Karen Littlewood. “Severe staffing shortages caused by Bill 124 have undermined student learning conditions and placed
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significant burdens on staff who work in public education. The ripple effects of this bill extend beyond the classroom, affecting all our public services, our economy, and most importantly students in Ontario. It’s well past time to right this grievous wrong and restore justice to our dedicated members.”
Noted ETFO President Karen Brown, “Earlier this year, instead of ending its attack on workers and moving to remedy, the Ford government doubled down on violating workers’ rights by moving forward with an appeal. This move, done in the midst of negotiations with ETFO and other education unions, undermined collective bargaining and wasted taxpayers’ money. Not another public dollar should be spent on their ill-advised attempt to violate workers’ rights. The premier and education minister must refrain from overreach, support all education workers and public education, and focus on reaching fair agreements in good faith.”
OSSTF/FEESO, founded in 1919, has over 60,000 members across Ontario. They include public high school teachers, occasional teachers, educational assistants, continuing education teachers and instructors, early childhood educators, psychologists, secretaries, speech-language pathologists, social workers, plant support personnel, university support staff, and many others in education.
ETFO represents approximately 83,000 members, including public elementary teachers, occasional teachers, designated early childhood educators, education support personnel, and professional support personnel. Details about ETFO collective bargaining and bargaining dates are available at etfocb.ca.
https://wlusa.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Picture1-e1699654778699.png125300Tracy Cochranehttps://wlusa.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/wlusa_logo_large-300x53.jpgTracy Cochrane2023-11-10 17:19:502023-11-10 17:20:20ETFO joins OSSTF/FEESO arbitration process for Bill 124 wage remedy
https://wlusa.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Liberal-Logo-e1632275131200.png349349Tracy Cochranehttps://wlusa.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/wlusa_logo_large-300x53.jpgTracy Cochrane2023-11-10 16:55:182023-11-10 16:56:49Ontario Liberal Leadership Event – Leading the Liberal Way Co-hosted by the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation(OSSTF/FEESO)
Egale is Canada’s leading organization for 2SLGBTQI people and issues. Egale improves and saves lives through research, education, awareness, and by advocating for human rights and equality in Canada and around the world. Their work helps create societies and systems that reflect the universal truth that all persons are equal, and none will be othered.
Egale will facilitate a free virtual workshop for OSSTF/FEESO Members. The workshop will be a fusion of their Introduction to 2SLGBTQI Inclusion: Building Inclusive Schools and Affirming Adults webinars.
Applications to fill a co-option and a term appointment for the Parliamentary and Constitution Council are currently being sought to fill vacancies for the current year (2023-2024). Applications can be completed by downloading the Application Form, the Confidential Recommendation Form, and the Voluntary Self-ID form. Documents must be saved and sent to pcapplications-temp2022@osstf.ca by October 16, 2023, for your application to be considered for the co-option and no later than November 3, 2023 for term consideration.
https://wlusa.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/OSSTF-Logo_en-e1654719813628.gif104279Tracy Cochranehttps://wlusa.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/wlusa_logo_large-300x53.jpgTracy Cochrane2023-10-16 11:20:332023-10-16 11:20:33Parliamentary and Constitution Council Co-Option and Term Appointments
OSSTF/FEESO resoundingly rejects statements made by Premier Doug Ford and Minister of Education Stephen Lecce that attempt to manufacture false divisions between parents, educators, and students over issues of student privacy and gender expression.
https://wlusa.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/progress-pride.png8151280Tracy Cochranehttps://wlusa.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/wlusa_logo_large-300x53.jpgTracy Cochrane2023-10-16 11:12:322023-10-16 11:12:33OSSTF/FEESO Rejects Ford Government’s attack on 2SLGBTQI+ students
