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.

Bargaining plans are moving forward. Education Minister Calandra is using the legislature's three month break to clarify his plans to eliminate parent voices and make it easier to underfund Ontario schools. 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.

The Ontario government is seeking information regarding the provincial budget. Fill out the survey and share the link with others who support the education sector. DEADLINE: January 30.

OTBU members who are interested in political action should contact Susan.Rab@d25.osstf.ca

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

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. 

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.

Virtual Town Hall: Hands Off Our Schools on Tuesday, February 17 at 7:00pm @ Heron Road Community Centre

From Ontario NDP: "Doug Ford’s government has stepped in to take over more school boards using powers expanded under Bill 33. Instead of addressing chronic underfunding, the province is centralizing control at Queen’s Park and cutting local communities out of decisions about their own schools.

These takeovers don’t fix the real problems facing education. They shift blame, reduce transparency, and weaken local governance while student supports, staffing, and services remain under pressure.

We'll be hosting an in-person townhall at Heron Road Community Centre on February 17th at 7:00pm so that ONDP MPP and Education Critic Chandra Pasma can hear from parents, students, and educators about the crisis in our schools. 

If you care about well-funded schools and democratic local oversight, this conversation is for you. Please share this invite in your local parents' group, with others in your school community, family members, and friends."

RSVP: https://www.ontariondp.ca/education-emergency-townhall-in-ottawa