About Us

Land Acknowledgement

A land acknowledgement is a public declaration of our responsibility and our commitment to seeking truth and reconciliation.

The Canadian Teachers’ Federation recognizes the contributions of all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples. In honour of truth and reconciliation in education, we acknowledge and give gratitude to the Indigenous peoples whose lands we are on today. The office of Canadian Teachers’ Federation is located on the traditional unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishnaabeg People. The Algonquin peoples have lived on this land since time immemorial.

Our vision

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

Our mission

As a federation of Member Organizations, the CTF/FCE promotes and supports quality inclusive publicly funded public education, in all its forms. We uphold teaching as a profession and advocate for adequate resourcing, labour rights, and social justice, across Canada and around the world.

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