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For Black History Month OSSTF/FEESO has created over the last couple years some resources to celebrate and invite members to learn about the diversity and accomplishments of Black Canadians across the country. Please see the following two links to access the information: 365 Days of Black Excellence and Celebrating Black Intersectionality.
For more information, read below in the "Current News" section.
Welcome to the second semester of the school year! Are you wondering what it means to be part of the OSSTF OTBU? Join us on February 25th at 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm to learn about your membership, as well as some tips for a successful school year. You don't need to be a new member to join!
Registration Link: Google Form to Register
Locally, your executive is thinking about next steps in negotiations. About 25% of you responded to the Central Survey. We’d like to beat that for our local survey! As some of you know, we can negotiate a variety of items at the local level. Last round, we were successful in removing the 5-year cap on OT experience, allowing all LTO and casual days worked to count fully towards experience for grid placement, and gaining recognition for Cont. Ed. Experience for grid placement. While your Executive may have some ideas as to what Occasional Teachers are most concerned with, we want to hear from you directly. Click here for Local Bargaining Survey.
The prize draws are over, and the last winners will be announced in the upcoming February Newsletter. The survey will continue to be open until the end of the month.
OSSTF District 25 members will join our elementary teacher colleagues in wearing #Red4Ed on the first Friday of each month. We'll build solidarity within our worksites and across the country as we protect and enhance public education. Keep your eyes open for an order for a new red t-shirt.
Visit here for more information: District 25 Political Action Committee
OTBU members who are interested in political action should contact Susan.Rab@d25.osstf.ca
Only 15 spots in total available!
For the 2025-2026 school year's Federation PD day, we are pleased to offer you an opportunity to take a Mental Health First Aid course for supporting youth ages 12-24. This is a 10-hour course that normally costs $250, but free for you as the OTBU will be funding the course. Certificates will be provided upon successful completion. More information is on the sign-up form here.
Click on the heading to be directed to the Professional Development Opportunities Page.
Current and Upcoming Opportunities:
Celebrating Brilliance BHM
Mental Health First Aid Workshop: Supporting Youth
Beyond the Screen: Understanding and Preventing Incel Radicalization of Male Youth
OTF Connects Webinars
Walking In Our Truth Together
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Each February, Black History Month celebrates the experiences, achievements, and lasting contributions of Black communities in Canada, while deepening our understanding of their history and impact on society. This year marks a significant milestone—30 years of Black History Month in Canada. The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture, announced the theme: “30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations-From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries.” This theme recognizes the leadership, creativity, innovation, and resilience of Black Canadians who have shaped the past, influenced the present, and inspired the future. The Federal government announced the theme at the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia, a hub that showcases and preserves, promotes and celebrates the history, culture and contributions of African Nova Scotians. Also, the government will be funding more than $280,000 for nine projects in the Atlantic Region that will highlight Black History Month.
In addition, the Canadian Labour Congress Canada’s unions are marking Black History Month by calling for an end to environmental racism. The federal government’s first National Strategy on Environmental Racism and Environmental Justice is a historic opportunity to address systemic inequities. It must include meaningful consultation, funding for community-led solutions, strong job protections, and race-based data collection. Send a letter today to the government to urge swift action for equity, sustainability, and climate resilience.
For Black History Month OSSTF/FEESO has created over the last couple years some resources to celebrate and invite members to learn about the diversity and accomplishments of Black Canadians across the country. Please see the following two links to access the information: 365 Days of Black Excellence and Celebrating Black Intersectionality.
This is a reminder that all daily OTs are responsible for making a payment to OCT in order to keep their membership in good standing.
OCDSB will automatically deduct the OCT renewal fees from active LTOs depending on the time period of your LTO assignment. If you are unsure, please consult with your admin.
If you are a Daily OT, you will need to pay your annual fee to OCT manually. LTO teachers will have their dues automatically deducted from their paychecks.
Click the button below to navigate to the Provincial OSSTF/FEESO website.