Queen’s Park Reception and Advocacy Day—The Power of Publicly Funded Education

On March 25, 2026, L’Association des enseignantes et des enseignants franco-ontariens (AEFO), the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO), the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA), and the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF/FEESO) jointly hosted a Queen’s Park reception and advocacy day.

Held under the theme “The Power of Publicly Funded Education: Building a Prosperous Future for Ontario,” the event created a valuable opportunity to engage Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) and their staff in meaningful dialogue about the vital role publicly funded education plays in strengthening communities, supporting student success, and driving long-term economic prosperity across the province.

Five core advocacy priorities and corresponding commitments were emphasized throughout the event:

1. Ontario’s Economic Prosperity Starts in Our Classrooms
   A commitment to real, sustained, and prioritized investment in publicly funded education.
2. Smaller Class Sizes and Classroom Complexity
   A commitment to reducing class sizes and addressing the growing complexity of learning environments.
3. Safe and Modern Schools for All
   A commitment to ensuring schools are safe, modern, and fully resourced.
4. Helping Every Student Thrive
   A commitment to strengthening mental health and well-being supports, enhancing Special Education services, and addressing the recruitment and retention crisis facing education workers.
5.  Investing in French-Language Education Strengthens Ontario’s Economy
   A commitment to sustained, equitable investment in French-language education, recognizing its constitutional importance and economic value.

Remarks were delivered by the presidents of all four education affiliates, as well as the following MPPs:

• MPP John Fraser (Ottawa South)
• MPP Chandra Pasma (Ottawa West-Nepean)
• MPP Marit Stiles (Davenport)
• Paul Calandra, Minister of Education (Markham-Stouffville)
• MPP Aislinn Clancy (Kitchener-Centre)

This first-ever joint advocacy day involving all four affiliates highlighted unprecedented collaboration across the education sector. Strong cross-party participation and meaningful dialogue reinforced the collective strength of publicly funded education advocates and positioned the affiliates well for continued advocacy moving forward.