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Protecting Public Education Across Canada

Saskatoon, May 28, 2025 – Canada’s teacher organization presidents met in Whitecap, Saskatchewan, May 25 and 26, 2025, to discuss protecting public education across Canada. The discussion focused on two critical concerns: the ongoing challenges with teacher retention and recruitment, and the rising incidents of violence and aggression in schools.

The presidents affirmed their shared commitment to public education and called for governments to invest in teachers, student supports, and safer school environments.

The presidents’ stance is reinforced by recent findings from the Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF/FCE). Results of the CTF/FCE 2024 Parachute Survey highlight the seriousness of the situation:

Nearly 80 percent of teachers report difficulty managing unpredictable and increasing workloads; and 70 percent identify poor working conditions as a significant factor.
95 percent of educators observe that staff shortages are negatively affecting students, with the most serious impacts being unmet academic needs and reduced access to specialized supports.
55 percent of educators report having experienced violence or aggression in the past year.
Of those who reported incidents, only 25 percent indicate that appropriate action was taken by safety committees or officers, while school administrators report being overwhelmed.

These findings reflect mounting pressure on teachers and the broader public education system. Teachers and students across Canada deserve safe, supportive environments for working and learning. Yet many continue to face difficult conditions and challenges that affect both student well-being and learning outcomes. Without immediate action, the profession risks losing more qualified, experienced teachers, making it challenging to recruit and retain new educators. Current challenges are pushing educators out of the profession and making it less appealing to those considering it.

It’s not too late to turn this around but growing issues like school violence need urgent attention.

Together, the presidents are calling on all provincial and territorial governments as well as the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada to take immediate action for the good of students across this country.

The presidents and the organizations they represent stand ready to collaborate with government to improve public education. Key priorities include:

Reducing class sizes to allow for meaningful instruction and student support.
Increasing numbers of education specialists and support staff in schools.
Addressing class complexity and ensuring safer learning environments.
Transparent reporting of violent incidents, including actions taken.

Together, these priorities reflect what’s urgently needed to create conditions where students and teachers can succeed. Access to high-quality public education for all students is a cornerstone of Canadian culture and values and contributes to a strong economy and democracy.

Signed by:
Jason Schilling – The Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA)
Gabrielle Lemieux – Association des enseignantes et des enseignants franco-ontariens (AEFO)
Stéphanie Babineau – Association des enseignantes et des enseignants francophones du Nouveau-Brunswick, New Brunswick Teachers’ Federation (AEFNB/NBTF)
Clint Johnston – British Columbia Teachers’ Federation (BCTF)
Heidi Yetman – Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF/FCE)
Mona-Élise Sévigny – Éducatrices et éducateurs francophones du Manitoba (ÉFM)
Karen Brown – Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO)
Lillian Klausen – The Manitoba Teachers’ Society (MTS)
Peter Lagacy – New Brunswick Teachers’ Association, New Brunswick Teachers’ Federation (NBTA/NBTF)
Trent Langdon – Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association (NLTA)
Peter Day – Nova Scotia Teachers’ Union (NSTU)
Justin Matchett – Nunavut Teachers’ Association (NTA)
Rita Mueller – Northwest Territories Teachers’ Association (NWTTA)
René Jansen in de Wal – Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA)
Karen Littlewood – Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF/FEESO)
Mike Foulds – Ontario Teachers’ Federation (OTF)
Andy Doran – Prince Edward Island Teachers’ Federation (PEITF)
Samantha Becotte – Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF)
Ted Hupé – Yukon Association of Education Professionals (YAEP)

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About the CTF/FCE

Founded in 1920, the CTF/FCE is a national alliance of provincial and territorial teachers’ organizations that represent over 370,000 teachers and education workers across Canada. The CTF/FCE is also an affiliate of Education International, which represents more than 33-million educators.

Media Contact

Nika Quintao, Director of Public Affairs
Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF/FCE)
[email protected]  
Mobile: 613-688-4319

International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) 2025 – CTF/FCE and CSQ denounce Canada’s absence

Montreal and Ottawa, March 21, 2025 – On the eve of the International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) 2025, the Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF/FCE) and the Centrale des syndicats du Québec (CSQ) denounce the decision of the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC) not to send a Canadian delegation.

CTF/FCE president Heidi Yetman and CSQ president Éric Gingras point out that Canada is currently experiencing an unprecedented teacher retention and recruitment crisis and that no province or territory has been spared.

“Canadians recognize the importance of public education as the foundation of a healthy and prosperous society. Education is the key to fighting disinformation and protecting democracy. We think the absence of a Canadian delegation at the ISTP will not go unnoticed and will certainly provoke negative reactions,” said Heidi Yetman.

The main causes of this crisis include a lack of ministerial support, unsustainable working conditions, and an increase in violence and aggression in the workplace.

“One might think that responsibility for education rests solely with the provinces and territories, but there’s an undeniable link between a healthy democracy and the quality of public education. That’s why we’re deeply concerned about the erosion of both if Canada is conspicuously absent from key international gatherings such as the Summit,” said CSQ president Éric Gingras.

A necessary forum

The ISTP, co-organized by Education International (EI) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), is the only forum that brings together ministers of education and spokespersons for national education unions from “top performing” countries according to PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment). All organizations take advantage of the ISTP to address the priorities of the teaching profession and share promising practices.

Not surprisingly, the United States will not participate in the ISTP 2025 either.

“Since the Trump administration came to power, it has become clear that we must break free from our dependence on the United States. Choosing to participate in discussions on stage and in international forums, even as the United States takes pride in not doing so, is a clear step in this direction and allows us to distance ourselves from an increasingly aggressive partner that tends to isolate itself,” added the CTF/FCE president.

Lastly, Eric Gingras noted that Canada will host the 51st G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta in June 2025: “It’s clear to us that education needs to be part of the discussion. This will be an opportunity for the Canadian government to demonstrate its leadership and its ability to engage in constructive dialogue, work with the other G7 countries, and propose innovative solutions to serve the interests of all peoples,” concluded the CSQ president.

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About the CTF/FCE

About the CSQ

The CSQ represents more than 225,000 members, including some 125,000 education employees. The CSQ has 11 federations that unite some 240 affiliated unions and it is affiliated with the AREQ, le mouvement des personnes retraitées CSQ. The CSQ is also active in health and social services, educational childcare services, as well as municipal, recreational, cultural, community and communications services.

Media Contacts

Nika Quintao
Director of Public Affairs
Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF/FCE)
613 688-4319
nquintao@ctf-fce-ca

Maude Messier
Press Officer
Centrale des syndicats du Québec (CSQ)
514 213-0770
[email protected]

Each and every day, students, teachers, and education workers throughout our country head to class without much regard for who sits in the Prime Minister’s office, but the occupant certainly makes a difference in their lives.

This is why the Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF/FCE) is committed to working with governments of all political stripes to strengthen public education. This non-partisan position is strongest when governments share a commitment to education, which has been our experience with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Following his decision to step down, the CTF/FCE sincerely thanks the Prime Minister for his leadership, including his steadfast commitment to ensuring that the federal government contributed to quality inclusive public education for all, at home and abroad.

During the COVID-19 pandemic when most school buildings were forced to close and education was upended, Prime Minister Trudeau showed a determination to problem solve. While respecting provincial/territorial responsibility for education, he helped many schools safely re-open and stay open.

More recently, the Prime Minister, along with various key Ministers, again demonstrated real leadership by funding, and developing policy for, a much-needed national school food program; for too long, Canada has been the only G7 country without one. This is life-changing for many young people and their families, and the CTF/FCE applauds the government’s initiative. We will continue to advocate for the full implementation of this program in all provinces and territories.

Long before the pandemic and after, the Prime Minister has been very generous with his time for the CTF/FCE, engaging in dialogue on the issues that matter most to the over 370,000 teachers and educators we represent. Unlike other federal leaders, Justin Trudeau consistently made time to meet with the CTF/FCE, and members across the country, to listen to our concerns on many issues important to Canadians.

The CTF/FCE looks forward to continuing our collaboration with the Prime Minister and we wish him and his family the very best. We hope we can count on continued dialogue and partnership with his successor, the next Prime Minister of Canada, and the federal government because education is the foundation of healthy communities and thriving democracies. In fact, it is the bedrock of Canada’s future.

Thank you, Prime Minister. You have made a very positive difference.

Heidi Yetman, CTF/FCE President
Cassandra Hallett, CTF/FCE Executive Director

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About the CTF/FCE

Founded in 1920, the CTF/FCE is a national alliance of provincial and territorial teachers’ organizations that represent over 365,000 teachers and education workers across Canada. The CTF/FCE is also an affiliate of Education International, which represents more than 32-million educators.

Media Contact

Nika Quintao, Director of Public Affairs
Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF/FCE)
[email protected]  
Mobile: 613-688-4319

MEDIA ALERT: Elected Leaders to Talk Teacher Recruitment and Retention Crisis on World Teachers’ Day

OTTAWA, October 3, 2023 – The Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF/FCE) welcomes Members of Parliament (MPs) and education stakeholders to its World Teachers’ Day town hall event in Ottawa, “The Empty Classroom: Challenges and Solutions to the Teacher Recruitment and Retention Crisis.”

This celebration of the teaching profession will include a panel discussion, moderated by CTF/FCE President Heidi Yetman. The panel will be a unique opportunity for MPs and education stakeholders to listen to teachers’ voices, address their questions, and share possible approaches and strategies to improve working conditions and thereby address recruitment and retention challenges facing Canada’s entire education community.

Q & A will follow the panel discussion.

Speakers include:

Martin Shields, MP for Bow River
Jenica Atwin, MP for Fredericton
Niki Ashton, MP for Churchill–Keewatinook Aski
Carol Sarich, President of the Canadian Association of Principals
Kristina Salciccioli, Department Head, Cathedral High School, Hamilton, Ontario, and Instructor and Ph. D Candidate, Faculty of Education, Brock University.

Date

October 5, 2023

Time

5:30 p.m. ET

Location

The event will be held in person at La Nouvelle Scène Gilles Desjardins, 333 King Edward Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

The town hall will also be livestreamed via Zoom (The Zoom link will be shared with registered participants two days prior to the event). A recording of the event will be available after.

Bilingual Event: This event will be conducted in both English and French with simultaneous interpretation.

Registration: Media must register for the event in advance through the event webpage.

About the CTF/FCE

Media contact

Nika Quintao, Director of Public Affairs
Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF/FCE)
Contact
Mobile: 613-606-7809

The Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF/FCE) is alarmed by the rise of organized hate across the country. Along with the teachers’ organizations we represent in every province and territory, the CTF/FCE opposes any agendas that aim to intimidate vulnerable people, spread misinformation, and propagate hate. We stand in solidarity with students, families, educators, and the vast majority of Canadians in the protection of 2SLGBTQQIA+ rights.

Over one million Canadians identify as members of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community. Attacks on them are an attack on our collective freedom and peace. We urge all Canadians, regardless of your political or religious affiliation to reflect on how intimidation poisons the wellsprings of our national identity. We thrive as a nation due to our inclusivity and ability to embrace change. Canadian farmers understand this logic better than anyone: a field with diverse crops yields the richest soil. A country is no different.

The CTF/FCE is disturbed by various provincial governments across this country changing policies in education that cause harm to already vulnerable populations, particularly sexual and gender diverse students and school staff. We are equally troubled by maligned and misinformed groups organizing aggressive hate-filled events.

The CTF/FCE represents over 365,000 teachers from coast to coast to coast, and our policy is clear. The CTF/FCE advocates for educational systems that are safe, welcoming, inclusive, and affirming for people of all gender identities.

We are seeing a disturbing trend emerging that defies common sense:

On June 8, the New Brunswick government revised an education policy which would forbid New Brunswick teachers from using students’ preferred pronouns if they are under 16 years of age, without parental consent.

This summer, during their Manitoba election campaign, Conservatives promised to expand parental rights by changing the Manitoba Public Schools Act.

On August 22, 2023, the Saskatchewan Minister of Education announced a near identical policy to New Brunswick’s.

On August 28, 2023, the Ontario Minister of Education told reporters he believes parents should be told if their child chooses to use a different pronoun at school.

Now, in Alberta, a hate group is organizing an anti “sex-education” convoy targeting teachers and their association in that province.

These actions are not coincidences, and their perpetrators seem to ignore the fact that many teachers are in fact parents.

The CTF/FCE recognizes the immeasurable role most parents play in their children’s upbringing and safety, and safe schools are at the foundation of a peaceful country. To ensure this, teachers need to be trusted as the professionals they are to do what is best for students while in their care.

On October 5, we celebrate World Teachers’ Day and recognize the monumental and noble work of educators everywhere.

Join the celebration HERE.

About the CTF/FCE

Media contact

Nika Quintao, Director of Public Affairs
Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF/FCE)
Contact
Mobile: 613-606-7809

Quebec’s Heidi Yetman begins her term as President of the Canadian Teachers’ Federation

Ottawa, July 14, 2023 – Heidi Yetman, former President of the Quebec Provincial Association of Teachers (QPAT), began her two-year term as President of the Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF/FCE) following the Annual General Meeting in Ottawa.

Yetman succeeds outgoing President Sam Hammond.

“I am truly humbled to be stepping into Sam Hammond’s shoes as President of the CTF/FCE,” says Heidi. “Sam has been an extraordinary leader and a strong voice for the Federation, and I am honoured and excited to be able to continue the incredible work. Education across this country is facing significant challenges and our Federation will have an important role to play in ensuring that quality publicly funded public education becomes a true priority. I look forward to working with this talented Executive and amazing staff team to provide the best possible representation for teachers from all provinces and territories of Canada.”

Before becoming QPAT President, Heidi was president of the Pearson Teachers’ Union in Montreal after teaching Science and Art for 23 years at the high-school level. She has served as a Vice-President of the CTF/FCE from 2018 to 2019 and again beginning in 2021 before being elected as President-Designate in July 2022. From 2021-2023, she held dual roles of Executive liaison for the CTF/FCE’s Advisory Committee on the Status of Women and Advisory Committee on French as a First Language.

In addition to various committee work, Heidi attended the Education International (EI) 2019 8^th World Congress in Bangkok, Thailand where she facilitated a women’s caucus session. Her journey has also led her to moderate the 2019 AGM Women’s Caucus and a women’s panel at the CTF/FCE Women’s Symposium. In 2020, Heidi was a keynote speaker at the Manitoba Teachers’ Society Women’s Symposium.

The following newly elected CTF/FCE Vice-Presidents will join President Heidi Yetman and Executive Director Cassandra Hallett to form the Executive team:

Anne Vinet-Roy, Vice-President (Association des enseignantes et des enseignants franco-ontariens)
Connie Keating, Vice-President (New Brunswick Teachers’ Association)
Jenny Regal, Vice-President (The Alberta Teachers’ Association)
Justin Matchett, Vice-President (Nunavut Teachers’ Association)
Karen Littlewood, Vice-President (Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation)

In addition to the newly elected slate of Vice-Presidents, Shelley L. Morse, a member of the Nova Scotia Teachers Union and a former president of the CTF/FCE, was elected as the CTF/FCE candidate for the EI’s Executive Board at next year’s 10^th World Congress in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

About the CTF/FCE

Media contact

Nika Quintao, Director of Public Affairs
Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF/FCE)
Contact
Mobile: 613-606-7809