Our Blogs - Wilfrid Laurier University Staff Association

Orange Shirt Day

September 29, 2025/in Did you know?/by Tracy Cochrane

By wearing an orange shirt on September 30th, you commit to the enduring truth that EVERY CHILD MATTERS, every day and everywhere.

https://orangeshirtday.org/orange-shirt-day/

Equity Advisory Work Group—Call for Applications DBU#028/2025-2026

September 26, 2025/in OSSTF/by Tracy Cochrane

The Provincial Executive is seeking to fill two vacancies on the Equity Advisory Work Group (EAWG) for the 2025-2026 Federation year. The EAWG is a permanent advisory body to the Provincial Executive.

https://osstfupdate.ca/2025/09/17/equity-advisory-work-group-call-for-applications-dbu028-2025-2026/?link_id=27&can_id=421920a8bb72e89bf500e64256eaa29c&source=email-osstffeeso-update-world-education-support-personnel-day-get-involved-and-provincial-pride-4&email_referrer=email_2890767&email_subject=osstffeeso-update-back-to-the-grind-and-celebrating-franco-ontarians

Update Your Member Contact Information!

September 26, 2025/in OSSTF/by Tracy Cochrane

Make sure you get the OSSTF/FESSO info you need.

We—members, our students, our communities—are being pushed to our limits. But we have a plan to win better. Make sure your contact info is up-to-date so you can join us every step of the way.

https://www.osstf.on.ca

Kick off the new school year recharged and ready

September 5, 2025/in Uncategorized/by Tracy Cochrane

Welcome back to another school year! We hope you’re feeling revitalized and inspired after the summer break. Now is an ideal time to reflect on your accomplishments and plan for the future, both personally and professionally. We want to reassure you that our team is committed to supporting your health, wellness, and financial security so you can thrive in your pivotal role within the education community.

Read more at www.otip.com/article194. #OTIPUpdate

Summer is over, but the fun continues with OTIP!

Get a car, home or leisure insurance quote in September for your chance to win $1,000 cash to start the school year off right.

PLUS: Receive a $20 gift card of your choice when you get a quote! Get a quote or call 1-888-892-4935 and mention this offer.

Ed Weidinger Memorial Labour Day Picnic

August 22, 2025/in Did you know?, Social, WRLC/by Tracy Cochrane

Hello Friends & Community!

Mark your calendars! The Ed Weidinger Memorial Labour Day Picnic is coming up fast, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you! 🥳

The best part? It’s now less than a month away! Get ready for a day of fun, food, and community spirit. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Join us for: 🍔 Food & Drinks 🎶 Live Music 🎠 Kid’s Area 🎨 Face Painting

📅 Date: Monday, September 1, 2025

⏰ Time: 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM

📍 Location: Waterloo Park (Westmount Road Entrance)

Everything at the picnic is just $1, and the best part is that all proceeds go to a great cause: the United Way Waterloo Region Communities. ❤️

Bring your family, friends, and neighbours and let’s make this year’s picnic the best one yet! We can’t wait to see you there!

Bill 33: What is it?

August 22, 2025/in Did you know?/by Tracy Cochrane

Bill 33 will not only impact our children but it also our jobs.

Here is what it is:

https://www.ola.org/en/legislative-business/bills/parliament-44/session-1/bill-33

In the press:

https://thevarsity.ca/2025/08/20/proposed-ontario-bill-33-grants-government-more-power-in-education-sector

Possible Ontario College Strike Looming

August 22, 2025/in Did you know?, Labour Movement/by Tracy Cochrane

Here are a couple of articles about the impending labour disruption at our colleges across Ontario.

https://www.durhamradionews.com/archives/201208

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/opseu-support-staff-ontario-colleges-vote-authorize-strike-1.7611088

Rebuilding Canadian post-secondary education

July 23, 2025/in Education in Politics/by Tracy Cochrane

Canada has a chance to lead the world in higher education, if it can fix its own long-neglected system first

https://canadiandimension.com/articles/view/rebuilding-canadian-post-secondary-education

Wilfrid Laurier University’s Centre for Indigegogy has permanently closed

July 17, 2025/in Did you know?/by Tracy Cochrane

The centre promoted Indigenous ways of knowing, teaching and learning, including through hands-on workshops that incorporated traditional medicines, circle work and ceremonies.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/centre-for-indigegogy-laurier-closed-why-1.7575076

United Way Waterloo Region’s March of 1,000 Umbrellas

July 17, 2025/in Did you know?, Social, WRLC/by Tracy Cochrane

We are excited to announce that registration is now open for one of the most inspiring events of the year, United Way Waterloo Region’s March of 1,000 Umbrellas, launching our 2025 Campaign!

Mark your calendars and register early to be part of this powerful demonstration of community solidarity. Together, we will march down King St. from Waterloo to Kitchener, in support of the hundreds of thousands of people in Waterloo Region who rely on vital services funded through United Way.

Event Details:
Date: September 18, 2025

11:00 AM: Gather at Waterloo City Hall (100 Regina St S, Waterloo)
11:30 AM: March departs for Kitchener
12:15 PM – 1:00 PM: Arrive at Carl Zehr Square, Kitchener City Hall — enjoy entertainment & lunch as we celebrate community spirit and kick off this year’s United Way campaign.

This event continues to grow year after year, and in 2025, as the need for unity and support is greater than ever, we’re setting our sights on 1,000 participants!

Join us to show your support for those facing housing and food insecurity, mental health challenges, and other pressing issues in our region.

Register

United is the way we strengthen our community and help those in need. We can’t wait to see you there.