Ministry of Education
McGuinty government launches Provincial Stability Commission in education
Elementary teachers, school boards and ministry agree to new means of
problem solving
QUEEN'S PARK, ON, March 22 - Ontario public elementary students
will be the first to benefit from a new tripartite body to promote good
relations and solve issues between teachers and school boards, Education
Minister Gerard Kennedy announced today.
The creation of the Provincial Stability Commission follows successful
discussions with the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO) and the
Ontario Public School Boards' Association (OPSBA). The body was agreed to in
principle as part of the provincial dialogues last spring with Ontario's
teacher federations and school boards which resulted in unprecedented four-
year teacher contracts.
"This is the new way of doing things in education. Peace and stability
for students requires an ongoing best effort by all parties," said Kennedy.
"This commission is another concrete step in building an education partnership
that can deliver progress for all students."
Additional new co-operative advisory and problem-solving bodies to
expedite progress in other parts of the publicly funded education system will
be announced shortly.
Under its mandate, the Provincial Stability Commission will:
- Maintain a goodwill environment within education by proactively
addressing any issues that may arise from the implementation of the
four-year agreements
- Promote problem solving over formal or adversarial dispute resolution
- Problem-solve and develop best practices concerning supervision to
ensure student safety is paramount at all times.
Kennedy has appointed former Ontario deputy minister of Labour Jim Thomas
to chair the Provincial Stability Commission. Thomas is a respected mediator,
facilitator and labour relations advisor in the public sector, who most
recently helped school boards and teacher federations implement the provincial
framework agreement.
The commission includes equal representation from ETFO and OPSBA and will
begin work immediately, supported by Ministry of Education staff.
"I am confident that the commission will benefit students by contributing
to a safe and secure learning environment," said Thomas. "I look forward to
assisting the parties to develop a stronger working relationship over the next
few years to ensure success in the next round of bargaining."
"We welcome the establishment of the Provincial Stability Commission,"
said OPSBA president Rick Johnson. "Our association is committed to working
with ETFO and the Ontario government to ensure the effective implementation of
the negotiated settlements to the benefit of students and staff."
"The welfare of students has always been a priority of elementary
teachers and this union, the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario," said
ETFO president Emily Noble. "I see the commission as an innovative approach to
supporting teachers and ensuring student success."
"OPSBA and ETFO are to be commended for developing better ways of working
together on behalf of students," Kennedy added.
Disponible en français.
www.edu.gov.on.ca
www.resultsontario.gov.on.ca
Contact Info
For further information: Contacts: Amanda Alvaro, Minister's Office,
(416) 325-2632, (416) 509-5696 (cell); Tanya Blazina, Communications Branch,
(416) 325-2746; Public Inquiries: (416) 325-2929 or 1-800-387-5514; TTY:
1-800-263-2892
