March 31, 2020 — Today, the Minister of Education announced that elementary and secondary schools will remain closed until at least May 1 for education staff and May 4 for students. 

We share the government’s concern for the safety of students, education staff, and all Ontarians, and we understand the difficult decisions that this government must make during these unprecedented times.

As we all work to provide ongoing learning opportunities for students, OSSTF/FEESO remains committed to an open dialogue with the Minister of Education and Ministry officials. Through that dialogue, our goal is to ensure that our teacher and education worker members are able to apply their skills and expertise as appropriately, and equitably, as possible under these extraordinary circumstances. OSSTF/FEESO members look forward to working with students in a more formal way in the coming days and anticipate clear direction from their school boards.  At the same time, they expect school boards to collaborate with their union representatives in order to implement solutions in the most effective way. 

We encourage the Ministry of Education and the Ford government to continue to seek the advice of OSSTF/FEESO and the other education affiliates. We are the voice of the frontline workers in our education system. Working together, we will strive to provide the most positive learning experience possible while our schools are closed.