Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario Releases a Statement in response to the re-appointment of MPP Stephen Leece as education minister

BY PAUL JUNOR

The announcement on Thursday, June 23^rd, 2022, that Stephen Leece was re-appointed as Ontario Minister of Education triggered mixed reactions from diverse education stakeholders after he was re-elected in the riding of King-Vaughan.

MPP Leece was first sworn in on June 20^th, 2019, as Ontario’s Minister of Education. He has faced many challenges over the years. One of the greatest was the labour disputes between the provincial government and the four largest teachers’ unions: ETFO, OSSTF, OECTA, and AEFO. This subsequently resulted in rotating strike action and a joint strike by all four unions on February 21^st, 2020.

This was a significant occurrence as it was the first Ontario-wide shut down of schools since 1977 when a strike occurred when the PC-led government of Mike Harris was in power. It was Minister Leece who announced that public schools would be closed on March 12^th, 2020, for a two-week duration when the COVID-19 pandemic was raging. Subsequently, he faced widespread criticism from the teachers’ union with respect to the back-to-school plan.

As Education Minister, he was directly involved in the assignment of a supervisory officer for the embattled Peel District School Board (PDSB), the introduction of a new elementary math curriculum, and a destreamed Grade 9 Math curriculum. Most recently he apologized for participating in a Sigma Chi “slave fraternity” event in 2006 at Western University. This prompted many to call for his resignation.

EFTO released a press release on Friday, June 24^th, 2022, to express its reservations about the reappointment of MPP Leece as Minister of Education. It notes that they are not surprised that MPP Leece was re-appointed because one of the biggest challenges the provincial government faces is bargaining with education workers. It states further,

“Over the four years, education unions and other partners have been excluded from critical ministry decision-making processes that impact students and education workers in Ontario. Moving forward, ETFO is hoping to see a change in approach. Minister Leece and staff in the Ministry of Education must work to restore positive working relationships with all education stakeholders.

This begins by valuing the expertise of education professionals and respecting their professionalism and professional judgment. A genuine commitment is needed to ensure stability and a public education system that supports uplifts, and celebrates every student.”

The four teachers’ unions have already served notice that they are poised to start contract negotiations. It notes,

“As we head into bargaining, it is imperative that Minister Leece provide ETFO members with the respect they deserve. ETFO is ready to work with this government to improve public education but we are also fully prepared to challenge, if necessary, to secure the funding, support, and resources student need.

ETFO also remains vigilant in its advocacy to defend its members’ rights.”