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Founded in 1920, the Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF/FCE) is a national alliance of provincial and territorial teachers’ organizations, representing more than 370,000 teachers and education workers across the country. The CTF/FCE is also a proud affiliate of Education International, the global federation that represents more than 33 million educators worldwide.

What We Do

The CTF/FCE makes lives better for teachers and education workers on the ground through supporting Member and Associate Organizations, federal advocacy and public engagement, national programs and research, and more. This includes advocating for changes that will improve public education in Canada and internationally through:

Advocacy: Engaging with the federal government, the public, and other organizations to secure adequate funding, to recognize the work and value of teachers and education workers, and to protect and improve teaching and learning conditions;
Collaboration: Partnering with Member and Associate Organizations as well as national and international organizations to drive change to strengthen public education;
Public Engagement: Leading bold campaigns and events that inspire collective action and contribute to systemic change;
Research: Researching and publishing evidence-based studies and reports that bring attention to issues important to educators while contributing to the strengthening of public education;
Solidarity: Supporting Member and Associate Organizations as well as public education unions around the world, through Education International, through capacity building, professional learning, and response in times of crises.

We believe that education is the foundation of democracy and that every child in Canada deserves and has the right to equitable access to high-quality, publicly funded education.

Our vision

A Canada where every child has equitable access to quality public education.

Our purpose

To unite Canada’s provincial and territorial teachers’ organizations, as the strong national advocate for and defender of public education, labour rights, and social justice in the education sector.

Our Values

Human Rights Statement

The Canadian Teachers’ Federation is committed to:

Providing a workplace in which all people are treated with respect and dignity;
Fostering an environment of cooperation and confidence to protect the rights of all persons;
Rejecting and condemning behaviour that undermines the dignity and self-esteem of individuals or the integrity of relationships;
Promoting mutual respect, understanding and cooperation as the basis for interactions between all individuals;
Supporting a member or delegate’s democratic right to vote free of harassment and intimidation.

Historical timeline

2020

The CTF/FCE begins a new century with a new look

100th anniversary

2019

Launch of FEM•LEAD•FÉM

2018

Implementation of land acknowledgement and Indigenous welcome whenever possible at CTF/FCE meetings and events

Official bilingual name “CTF/FCE” launched

The Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF/FEESO) returns as a CTF/FCE Member Organization

2017

First recognition of an Indigenous Elder

2016

The British Columbia Teachers’ Federation (BCTF) returns as a CTF/FCE Member Organization

2015

Launch of Speak Truth to Power Canada

Dianne Woloschuk

Education International (EI)’s Executive Board Representative (2015–2019 and 2019–present)

The CTF/FCE hosts the 7th Education International World Congress in Ottawa

The CTF/FCE co-hosts the ISTP in Banff, Alberta

VISION 2020 strategy adopted

Cassandra Hallett

First woman to be appointed in the role of Secretary General at the CTF/FCE

2014

Creation of the Advisory Committee on the Teaching Profession

Vox/Hear My Voice and Vox 3.0

PELF launched

Series of Student Voice launched

2013

First National Staff Conference

Creation of the National Teacher Research Network

Vox/Hear My Voice and Vox 2.0

The Syndicat des enseignantes et enseignants du programme francophone de la Colombie-Britannique (SEPF) becomes the first CTF/FCE Associate Member

2012

50th anniversary of Project Overseas

2010

The CTF/FCE takes part in the first International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP)

First Women’s Symposium

Imagineaction launched

2009

Creation of the President’s Forum (renamed Canadian Forum on Public Education in 2016)

2008

Recognition of an Outstanding Indigenous Educator

2007

Emily Noble

Education International (EI)’s Executive Board Representative (2007–2011 and 2011–2015)

First Teacher Collective Bargaining Conference

Launching of the Members’ Only site

2006

Creation of the Ad Hoc Committee on the Status of Women (which later became the Advisory Committee on the Status of Women)

2005

The Ontario Teachers’ Federation (OTF) becomes the first CTF/FCE Affiliate Member

Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA)

Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO)

Association des enseignantes et des enseignants franco-ontariens (AEFO)

2001

Creation of the Ad Hoc Committee on Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, Transgender and Two-Spirited Issues (BGLTT) (which later became the Advisory Committee on Diversity and Human Rights)

Marilies Rettig

Education International (EI)’s Executive Board Representative (2001–2004 and 2004–2007)

Public Education Advocacy Award

Creation of Services to francophones (which later became the Francophonie Program)

First inter-action overseas team Ghana

The CTF/FCE moves to its current Ottawa address (2490 Don Reid Drive, Ottawa, Ont.)

1999

Creation of the Ad Hoc Committee on the Aboriginal Voice in CTF (which later became the Advisory Committee on Indigenous Education)

Nunavut Teachers’ Association (NTA)

1996

Administration of the Mathieu Da Costa Awards Program, in partnership with Canadian Heritage

1994

Creation of World Teachers’ Day

1993

Creation of the Ad Hoc Committee for National Issues in Education

The CTF/FCE joins newly formed Education International

1992

Launch of the CTF/FCE “Hit the Books!” Program

1990

Protecting teacher rights

1988

Creation of the Advisory Committee on Services Involving French as a First Language (which later became the Advisory Committee on French as a First Language) and of the Network of Francophone Liaison Officers