Opening Statement



Friday 6 February 2015

Teacher February News + Views!

Hello newbies! Everybody else: Welcome back! See the categories below for your latest Ontario Teacher Free Speech News + Views links. Updates are later included in larger type. The 2011-15 Archives are located for easy reference top left of your screen. My Blogsite Acronym Guide is @ Here! 



Snow! Snow! Everywhere snow! I just got back from a short trip to Cuba. Met the teachers. Got to the beach. Photos: top left slide show! Story to follow soon ....

TEACHER + UNION

A cellphone video of two teenage females assaulting a police officer outside of a local high school goes viral amid much amusement. Listen: when it's okay to swear, and hit teachers at will with virtual impunity nowadays, what sort of message do you think young people are getting about respect for authority figures in general? See my blog @ School Safety?. The news story + video is @ Funny eh?

Ontario's new sex ed curriculum is released. The provincial government says it will not be "cowed" by social conservative critics, this time. The program will be implemented at school beginning this fall. It is the first overhaul since 1998. See "Party Politics" below. A separate easy access Sex Ed blog, has been posted for your teacher free research, resource, erudition and discussion purposes has now been posted on my site @ Guide. News story @ Sex Ed

5 myths about the new sex ed curriculum are refuted. What do the MOE documents really say? @ Huffington

The times they are a changing: For contrast, the CBC digital file archives from "Take 30" show us how the sex ed debate unfolded in Canada during the 1960-70's @ CBC

MOE adamant new sex ed curriculum, due within weeks for implementation this fall, won't be pulled off the table this time around unlike in 2010 Sex Ed

Boo hoo hoo! We can't add. We have a deficit. Oh no! We have to negotiate new teacher contracts! TCDSB @ How Covenient?

TCDSB faces 2 unpalatable plans for cutting suddenly discovered $16.9 million deficit. Program cuts are pending. The MOE has appointed a consultant to work with the troubled Catholic board. Trustee Rizzo stresses under funding is also a big issue @ Rizzo

Trustee Rizzo alarmed + feels betrayed by board staff over $10 million accounting "estimation error" in benefit payments @ Hard to Count?



TCDSB Trustee Rizzo not impressed!

BTW it was great seeing local OECTA TSU/ TECT Presidents Dave Sollosy + Mario Bernardo respectively on CP24 news during the meeting last night eloquently keeping close tabs on TCDSB accountability @ Needs to be Done!

Q+A on Toronto measles outbreak, vaccinations, autism, school etc @ Measles!

Fear vaccines can cause autism high despite medical assurances to the contrary @ Autism?

The case against vaccine causing autism in children is explained @ Measle Parties?!?

Toronto Public Health says students will need to be immunized to attend school @ Proof Needed!

100's of inoculated London Ontario students face suspension @ Measles

MOE Sandals cheesed with TDSB response to directives: Principal hiring process, Quan provisos and school repairs found wanting @ Not Far Enough!

PC's accuse OLP of using crisis to shut out community leaders and fast track school closings. Sandals claims new guidelines for parent input will be in place in about a month. Interesting: no mention of teachers. Also, how'd the NDP miss this one Andrea?!? PC's

Axe hangs over 48 TDSB schools as trustees scramble to meet MOE's "Directive 9" cut deadline @ Star

Advocates argue changes to funding formula could save schools. Some are of the schools also used as Community Centres for Adult Ed and Daycare. BTW: Differences in Catholic and Public land development taxes distribution vary too. Article @ Global

Local Schools are "community assets" @ Globe

MOE Sandals claims the the province knows "schools are more than just buildings". However, critics argue they still aren't adjusting the funding formula to acknowledge their use as "community hubs" @ Inside Toronto



Liz: Bad school numbers! Bad! Bad!

ETT president John Smith speaks out against closings @ Toronto Elementary

Local Neo Cons must be gritting their teeth over this one: Survey shows 69% of Toronto residents would approve of a tax hike to keep the schools open as Community hubs @ Survey

60 local TDSB schools are being targeted for possible closing as the MOE cracks down on the scandal plagued board @ Yiikes!

How do our politicos decide which schools are closed? Sometimes they might just be playing the number's game @ Star

NIMBY? Majority of school closures would be in city's poorer neighbourhoods @ Star

Mapping the school closures @ Torontoist

Meanwhile know that many TCDSB Catholic schools are currently over capacity. An aggressive international students recruitment program with fees of $3500+ is underway. This could get very nasty!

Pay Back Time: What to do when you are caught red handed?!? Senior TDSB staff scramble as their pay hike violations are rolled back. For many it boils down to a question of whether they should quit or pay back the money @ TDSB

Educators Matter is seeking stories about teachers and staff who have selflessly helped others in a significant, and meaningful way @ You Matter!

Alberta teachers possibly face up to 2,500 layoffs as province's oil industry tanks with the world market. Controversial Oil Sands Project now a pig in the poke? Hmmm. Story @ Alberta Bound

Quebec MOE unfazed by marijuana strip search of 15 year old female student. Ontario MOE says it would be a no go here @ School Strip Search

OECTA's Catholic gay teachers continue to be the only group in Canada who can be legally discriminated against contrary to our Constitutional Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The OECTA TSU Human Rights Committee hosted a well attended + very constructive social for the union's LGBTQ members, allies and friends on Feb 5. Provincial President James Ryan and local president Dave Szollosy were in attendance. A handout on the teachers' existing CB rights as well as the text for a motion to be forwarded at the March AGM creating a new working group was presented. Notice will be forthcoming for the next gathering this spring. I will repost the handout on a separate blog in solidarity for your erudition. Guest blogs are also most welcome of course. Stay tuned for updates!



Code of Silence Alert? Tight!

"Observed at this month's OECTA COP"/ or "The Mystery of the "My OECTA includes Marshall Jarvis" T-shirts!": Objectively speaking Marshall was one of our top Catholic teacher union warriors during the good fight against the Ontario Harris Eves Neo Conservative government. Marshall deserves this recognition. The honour is due whatever political differences now exist years later. As a retired OECTA political activist and a fighter on our front line classroom and picket lines, I don't doubt this. 

However, during my OECTA years I saw 2 different management styles of delivery for General Secretariat service; Marshall's political one, and the more arms length administrative style of Greg Pollock before him. Putting aside the obvious politics of the moment, I have to wonder if the deeper problem facing OECTA right now is a question of which approach is best for the organization, and hopefully not one of personal allegiances. As such, the t-shirts timing is certainly questionable to say the least!

Do the t-shirts presence at an OECTA COP the month before the OECTA Provincial Presidential election at March AGM smack of a power play? The very thought makes me wince. Is there a move a foot to manufacture consensus for a Hawkins, O'Dwyer Jarvis triad at the head of OECTA after the March presidential election? Or to make sure whatever way it goes, that the union continues to be managed in the same way as it is now, without the deeper and more open discussion that should entail? 

more important question of direction in governance is what needs to be resolved to clear the air and help OECTA get it's mojo working again. At such, the mystery t- shirts regretfully seem quite disturbing and distasteful considering the more recent controversy's since the 2012 MOU, Marshall's other considerable and noteworthy contributions to the association notwithstanding. See my Teacher + Union in the January Teacher Free Speech News + Views for more info @ Here



You can easily make a cone o' silence too! Or something like that!

MOE admits inconsistencies in tracking info on "violent incidents" at school boards across province. Great! Also note how the info only includes attacks on students. Meanwhile the boards are playing innocent. However, my experience in Toronto was that everybody has got one of those them there darn "Cones of Silence" [see above] on, when it comes to disclosure. The public has no idea of how bad it really! Read @ Sun

Parent transfers her autistic child from a Catholic school in Algonquin and Lakeshore citing the board's inaction on a violent incident involving a death threat and bullying @ Inaction 

Toronto parent carries a sign advising others her son is autistic for when she has to deal with a meltdown in public @ Idea


Expect some details finally on what the province is offering teachers at this month's Collective Bargaining talks. If the OPSEU negotiations are any indication, it's very slim pickings indeed! Teacher union affiliate updates continue to be posted on a separate blog. The OPSEU details as well as some upcoming provincial CB + OLRB meeting dates are posted here. More news continues to follow as it comes to my attention. Please feel free to provide Comments + info in the space below the blog @ Ontario Teacher Free Speech Contract Guide! 

Solidarity forever? USW Toronto Crown Plant cannery strike enters month 17!!! Please check your beer and pop cans to see where they are made and BOYCOTT!!! Pass it on!!! News article @ Star and my first hand blog coverage of the strike from Oct 2013 is of course still @ On the Lines!

A new Supreme Court ruling might've just struck a major blow across Canada against the neo conservative war against our union movement when it comes to limiting our right to strike @ Precedent?

PARTY POLITICS

Queen's Park legislature resumes: 6 big issues for the Wynne government @ OLP

Useful: Visit the Queens Park website for orders, notices, committee meeting dates and more details etc. etc. etc. @ Here!

Behind the scenes with Pat Sorbara; Premier Wynne's controversial Deputy Chief of Staff and allegedly one of the most powerful unelected figures in the government @ Sorbara

Pat Sorbara sits tight while police investigation mounts into Sudbury election scandal @ Globe

Former NDP MP/ Liberal candidate Glenn Thibeault handily wins the Feb 5 Sudbury Ontario provincial by election. BTW, he had the mine workers' endorsement. Would seem like another wake up call for our "well, we're not a socialist/ union party anymore" Fed + provincial NDP to me, but hey ..... @ OLP


PC McNaughton breaks party ranks to wade into sex ed debate.

Premier Wynne accuses some sex education protesters of being homophobic @ Wynne

PC Leadership Race Schism: McNaughton + Brown appeal to anti sex ed protesters, Elliot plays coy. Meanwhile party supports the new curriculum @ Split

PC MPP Rick Nicholls advocates students opting out of evolution studies @ Dinosaurs?

No to evolution + sex ed? Social conservative pandering threatens effort to reform PC's into a moderate governing party @ Leadership Race

5 spectacular PC leadership meltdowns @ Issues

PC's wrangle with their spectacular knack for clutching defeat from the jaws of victory during the the past 4 provincial elections. Possibility of rapprochement with teachers also discussed Leadership Race

Dept of Do As We Say: The OLP majority government continues to preside over a new QP legislative season unfazed by the opposition protests over yet another patronage scandal. Why don't the PC's and NDP get any traction? Don't Ontarian's care? Or, is it more an incredulous question of them usually being guilty of the same unsavoury patronage politics of which they doth protest so loudly Cohn 

IN THE NEWS



Bill C-51: Canada's New Terrorism Act, is to be passed into law asap!  News story now moved and incorporated into my Feb 23 blog: Is Canada Under Attack 2! @ Here!

Obama's recent speeches on terrorism and Islam avoid the jingoism of Harper + Bush. Indeed, one might want to consider promoting better development and growth throughout the Muslim world rather than continue waging tragic wars we don't win. [Saaay: wasn't the US victorious in the Iraq War 13 years ago?!?] However, Obama still continues to publicly ignore that the west and it's allies do not have a good track record, to say the least, in the Muslim world. 

The US and it's western allies continue to prop up corrupt, oppressive regimes [ie: We like the Arab Spring. Oh wait -no we don't!] and exploit the region for natural resources [read oil]. That has created a historic and ongoing void where terrorists can readily spread hatred and recruit extremist followers. 

The real truth of the "terrorist threat" actually lies much deeper than the usual usual platitudes and glittering generalities we constantly hear in the media both in the US and now in Canada. Are the "terrorist attacks" really being mainly fueled by terrorist hatred of "freedom" and "democracy"? These might help manufacture consent for dubious adventurist wars but alas, quite frankly, folks in the middle east often have historically much more profound reason to hate us! See how! More @ No Justice No Peace!

Canada's "Fox News North" goes the same direction as US "Target" stores: out of here! Yes, "Sun News" went off the air for good early Friday the 13th! Sun blames the low viewership for it's neo con rants on being denied access to Basic Cable TV Packages here in Canada. No more nasty attempts to Manufacture Consent for their right wing agenda on the public dime by blaming unions, pinko's, ne'er do wells and Muslim extremists for the nations ills @ Going Going Goon!



Raoul Castro to retire! Calls presidential election!

Cuban President Raoul Castro has announced that he will be stepping down! Cubans will be going to the polls in 2 years to choose a new leader. I haven't seen any coverage of the announcement in the mainstream news. Find out more soon here about local reactions to this and the recent announcement of efforts to normalize Cuba US relations. A separate blog on my recent February Cuban School Project visit to Santiago de Cuba is forthcoming. I'm still just trying to readjust to the deep freeze back home here in Canada. Brrrrrrrr! Stay tuned! 

Here's an odd sign of the times: police in Pakistan are instructing teachers on how to use firearms against terrorists @ School Attacks

How well do Prime Minister Harper's Federal Conservatives understand or care about the needs of the average Canadian working family? Not very, according to these revealing charts @ No way!?

After Pride survey finds only 16% of London Ontario LGBTQ feel safe with their same sex partner in public @ No holding Hands?!?

In Canada we love to brag about just how cold it is and how much snow we get! No doubt this recent "snow train" video is a klassic @ Toot! Toot!

Harper Weed Control: Go ahead given for growing 9000 more medical marijuana plants in Halton Region @ Agri-Business High!

Up in smoke: Ontario's "Peace Natural" Co. required to recall legal marijuana that's too strong. What BS! Word is street boo is stronger + cheaper. What to do Hi Low!



Justin T on Flag Day: Casual + Calculated = Cool?

Fed Lib's Justin Trudeau + Jean Chretien attended a packed rally at U of T Mississauga Campus Feb 16th to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Canadian flag. Justin pointed out the Maple Leaf Ensign was very controversial at the time. Many British Canadians still wanted us to fly the Union Jack! [Indeed you will still see it on our Ontario provincial flag today!] Jean pointed out the PET Liberal government was "building diversity" to the largely well healed + educated ethnic audience. The auditorium was packed with potential voters from the Toronto 911 riding's, no doubt central to the festivities! 

Justin was casual but calculated, a chip off the old block? Dunno what the old man would've thought about his stand, or lack thereof, against Bill C-51; the Harper "Anti-Terrorist" Act [see above]. Of course, that leaves the NDP's Tom [We're not A Socialist Party Anymore!] Mulcair alone in the anti-"Anti Terrorist" Bill bull pit but with little or no chance of toppling the Harper Conservatives once and for all in this year's federal election. All is certainly not well in our true north weak + cold! 

Goon but not forgotten: Rob Ford fishes around for pocket change for charity by auctioning off memorabilia from his recent fiasco as Toronto's mayor @ Ebay

KULTURE  KULT INK



Leslie Gore: Now it's Judy's turn to cry?!

60's Teen Dream Queen Leslie Gore dies of cancer at age 68! "It's My Party" [1963], she could cry if she wanted, aaaaaand you'd cry too -if it happened to you! Sorry! Loved it! Couldn't resist! Hey! Did you know Leslie was also a 60's proto-feminist. Yup! Life was not ALL "Sunshine Lollipops" [1965]! Check out her grrrrrrl klassic "You Don't Own Me!" [1964]. Tres rad! Not something a "nice girl" should think or say at the time! Seriously! Obit + music videos @ It's My party!


No! It's Bryan's Party: Johnny Bi Bye!

BTW: Ever heard Bryan Ferry's straight faced cover version of "It's My Party" [1973]?! Well, it's the early seventies now .... and so was "Ferry"! Very! Get it?!? Heh Heh Er...... most folks on our side of the Atlantic missed the point about "Johnny" . Still Bryan was a hit in the UK, where even Elton John could publicly admit that ..... Gasp! No! Really?!?! He's what???? ...... C'mon! Next thing you know somebody will be claiming that Liberace was actually gay!!!!! ...... well anyway, it's @ Youtube



Get it: Liberace = Liberation?!? Never mind ...

17 dirty reasons why Apple is NOT as trez kool as many folk might think @ Apple sucks?

My Youtube Bar below this main column presently features a selection of Gorillaz videos. My fascination lies in the groups fabulous combo of klassic 21st century pop music and graphic materials fueled by my rediscovery of the band's albeit pre-existing recordings on glorious vinyl. Nice big gate fold covers! Yummy warm vinyl sounds! You will find a selection of their trez kool videos there! Enjoy!



COMMENTS:

56 comments:

Anonymous said...

OECTA's Provincial Executive could set a Term Limit of 5 years to the position of General Secretary.

Anonymous said...

How about some T-Shirts at COP that say " My OECTA includes OECTA members"? What Unit Presidents were wearing those pro-GS T-Shirts? Why is there a division?????? MOU fallout????

Anonymous said...

Or My OECTA does not include the MOU?

Kulture Kult Ink said...

Or My OECTA included Bob Boyle?

Anonymous said...

Or Fred Springer...or Richard Brock. Where's the forensic audit on the GS staying on despite the ELECTED Provincial Executive wanting the opposite? There's Trouble! Trouble in River City! Trouble! We need Heroes of Democracy and Transparency to rescue us! Angelo.......HELP!

Anonymous said...

Hey I want my sick days banked by my new employer even though I threw yours in the garbage! Maybe Oecta needs to screen its "leaders" better next time. With friends like that who needs enemies? What candidates running for Provincial Executive voted YES on the MOU?

Anonymous said...

OECTA should include all members. i THINK THAT WE FORGOT THAT EVEN RICHARD BROCK PAID DUES AND THEN HIS CHARACTER WAS DRAGGED THROUGH THE MUD AND THE PRESIDENT HE SUPPORTED WOULD NOT SUPPORT HIM. THAT IS DISGUSTING. WE NEED TRANSPARENCY. HOW DID MARSHALL MANAGE TO SHUT THE PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE? THEY HAD EVIDENCE OF MARSHALL'S DECEIT. BTW, IN THIS DAY AND AGE OF FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY I wonder how much did the general secretary spend on the Richard Brock issue? I also wonder why GS is still running Halton unit. And mostly I wonder how president Nina March can live with herself.

Anonymous said...

Hey, rumour has it that Anne Hawkins is not Catholic. Should that not be a reason to disqualify her from running for presidency?

Anonymous said...

YES...... Angelo...... help!

Anonymous said...

Time to answer the question for all OECTA members-Is Ann Hawkins Catholic? If yes, run for OECTA Provincial President. If not Catholic, run for OSSTF. The "C" in OECTA stands for Catholic doesn't it?

Anonymous said...

Who invited General Secretary Marshall Jarvis to act as the Chair/Speaker of a recent Halton Oecta Elementary Unit meeting where a vote on accepting OTIP as the new insurer passed? GS Jarvis is on the OTIP Board of Trustees/Directors. Conflict of Interest? Maybe that vote should be done again?

Ms. Chievious said...

My OECTA includes people like Richard Brock who tried to protect OECTA members. My OECTA does not include Marshall Jarvis who persecuted Richard Brock for exposing the truth about the self serving actions of Jarvis and OECTA, at the expense of members. Jarvis has and will continue to do whatever it takes to remain in power. If there ever was a time to march against injustice it's now. Show OECTA and MJ that we are not going to take being treated this way any longer!

Ms. Chievious said...

The fact that Ann Hawkins is not Catholic is problematic for those foolish enough to believe it won't be another nail in the anti-Catholic coffin. However, the fact that she is a MJ supporter is far more disconcerting to me.

Anonymous said...

If René united Toronto unit, imagine what he could do for provincial.... The bonus: no MJ

Anonymous said...

Dear anonymous on Feb 18,
Halton president does not function without MJ. Also President James was at a meeting speaking about Mr. Brock, part of the settlement was that they could not talk about it. Why is it ok for them and not Richard, Bob and Fred? BTW Fred and Bob were appointed by executive, still don't get to this day why they were sued for doing their job. Also the unit voted unanimously to give Richard the funds. And yes, unanimously means everyone.

Ms. Chievious said...

Dear Anonymous-y the double standard for Brock et al vs Pres et al? For the same reason all of the rest of the madness and injustice continues to occur-Marshall said so and no one has the balls or the integrity to stop him.

Anonymous said...

Imagine a world where James Ryan was remembered for ending the OECTA-MOU reign of error/terror run by our beloved GS Jarvis/G.I.Joe and Kevin (I want my sick days back) O*Dwyer???
Yes, Virginia, James could be OECTA`s Santa and give us all a General Secretary who remembers he works for the members, not the other way around.
Some may say we are dreamers...but we aren't the only ones...

Anonymous said...

As an ETFO member can we trade our GS for OECTA's (even with all of Marshall's faults) and we will throw in draft picks!

Anonymous said...

What does ETFO's General Secretary make per year?

Ms. Chievious said...

Dear ETFO,
You can have MJ. No trade or draft picks necessary. Didn't you hear? He's a free agent. Everyone but him know that his contract ended and wasn't renewed.

Anonymous said...

IF THE "CONE OF SILENCE" A TERM YOU COINED, IS REMOVED, WILL WE FIND MOST UNIONS ARE MORE ABOUT UNION LEADERS THAN ABOUT UNION MEMBERS!
WHOSE INTERESTS ARE THE MOST PROTECTED AND WHOSE SALARY AND BENEFITS HAVE BEEN ADVANCED THE MOST, IN THE LAST DECADE???
WHY IS MEMBER MONEY BACKING THE LIAR LIBERALS MORE THAN THE NDP IN THE LAST DECADE? BECAUSE LIBERAL LEGISLATION ENABLES THE UNION LEADERS WHERE AS NDP POLICIES ARE MEMBER CENTRED.
THEREFORE THE TRUE TEST IS TO ELIMINATE THE RAND FORMULA AND HAVE ALL LEADERS SALARY AND BENEFIT PACKAGES PUBLISHED ANNUALLY!

Anonymous said...

So is Marshall still General Secretary after the end of February? And maybe it is time for Kevin ODwyer and Marshall to VOLUNTARILY Disclose how much money the get paid??? Wow that would be OECTA Members First!

Anonymous said...

And Anne Hawkins....guest speaker this Feb. 26 at 4:30pm in Halton...is she Catholic or not? Inquiring minds want to know.

Kulture Kult Ink said...

I am wary of arguing the Rand Act is to blame for the problems discussed. Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater!

Kulture Kult Ink said...

I contacted OECTA Prov Presidential Candidate Rene Jansen to offer him the option of a guest blog or interview. Others from provincial have done so in the past + I am happy to provide the option for my readers. The same would go for the other candidates or campaign managers if they wish to approach me.

Although there are many active OECTA readers here I don't intend to press the issue by chasing after anybody, especially those who have declined/ refused in the past to communicate openly with those of you who might benefit from the free speech discourse. I am sure you can guess who they are. You can see my Feb March 2013 Archives, top left screen, for other interviews in the past.

Rene and I had a good chat in which he emphasized his skills in finding ways to work with rather than get involved in fights and attacks on other people. Also, his emphasize on fairness, and due process. I have worked with Rene for many years at OECTA TSU and know he has lots of integrity and always looks at the big picture in trying to do what is right and just.

I asked him about some estimates that he is within 40 votes of a win. He wasn't aware of that figure, and said he doesn't pay attention to polls. If true he wouldn't let it influence him, he has to do all that he can to put forward his case and then let the delegates decide on election day.

I truly have no qualms in recommending Rene, though I have not been involved in any way with his campaign or vice versa. Best wishes at March AGM Rene! OECTA needs you!

Solidarity!

David C

Anonymous said...

What OECTA needs is to clean out their house-Goodbye Jarvis, Good Bye ODwyer and Good Bye Ann Hawkins who voted YES to the MOU. Start fresh with new faces dedicated to putting OECTA members first!

Anonymous said...

I , too question whether or not Ann Hawkins is catholic? if not, she should not be the President representing the Catholic Teachers of Ontario. Let's settle this once and for all.

Ms. Chievious said...

For the Love of God people, I can state, emphatically, Anne Hawkins is NOT CATHOLIC. As mentioned, that doesn't concern me. What does is the fact that she is a notorious MJ supporter and it is reciprocal. Why don't we start an "Ask Renee" section?

First question: Renee, if you are elected OECTA Provincial President, how do you plan to handle enforcing the Executive's democratic decision to remove MJ as GS?

Anonymous said...

Or an ask the OECTA General Secretary section? Like how much do you get paid? Or, who is really running OECTA?

Anonymous said...

Hello David!

Could someone kindly provide a list of salaries that we OECTA members pay to the folks at St. Claire Avenue, including The General Secretary on down?

Try as we might, we have never been provided this list even though it is our money and these people work for us!

Inquiring mind want to know! If any information is available, please post!!!

Thanks!

Hopeful in Halton

Kulture Kult Ink said...

When you are told that the secretariat + office staff salaries are available, that means you can request to see their collective agreement at the OLRB. Pretty sneaky?

Anonymous said...

Can someone provide a link to that Union Staffers Sunshine List of salaries and benefits please?
There was one released by the Teamsters Union in 2002. It listed the Oecta General Secretary salary in 2002 as $143,000 per year.
Wonder how much the General Secretary of Oecta was paid in 2015 by your union dues?
Why doesn't Oecta publish a Sunshine List every year like a Shareholders' Annual Report? Before retirement most teachers will have paid almost $30,000.00 in union dues. Getting the most answers for your money? Enough Secrecy. Let the sun shine in!
Transparency and Accountability to all dues paying union members.
Did your salary climb as fast as the Union Bosses/Staffers? Check the Sunshine List and see!
If you can't get it ask your Unit Executive to get you one or publish it to all unit members.

Anonymous said...

Hello David,

Anne Hawking showed up at yesterday's OECTA Halton Elementary general meeting, ostensibly to update the membership on bargaining at the provincial level.

The membership were treated to a 30 minute campaign speech by Ms. Hawking who then left abruptly, after a limited number of questions.

Someone asked the Chair, Horst Schwienbenz, and the president, Nina March, why Hawking was invited to come and campaign WHEN RENE NOT!

I repeat, Rene was not invited to the meeting and therefore not provided an equal opportunity as far as our membership is concerned.

Since our AGM delegates were there, at the prompting of the president by the way, Hawkins had free and unchallenged advertising for her own campaign. How convenient!

Neither Horst or Nina provided any reasonable explanation for this blatant favouritism and electioneering! In fact, Horst was asked before the meeting why Hawkins was going to be there. Response: " Just to update you on the negotiations."

Some update! "There is really no news that I can tell you, but vote for me because ....." And on it went!

Funny, our unit executive just finished weeks of discussing and amending bylaws to make our own elections more fair and transparent. So sad that our president didn't apply the same ethical standards in her dealings with Hawkins!

Thanks for reading.

I remain ...
Hopeful in Halton

Anonymous said...

At that meeting in Halton Oecta Provincial President candidate Ann Hawkins was asked by an informed astute Oecta member that given Oecta has implemented electronic voting on contract negotiations with the test vote, would she be in favour of every single member being allowed to vote on Oecta Provincial President? She answered NO! When asked why not she answered it would be impossible to run.
Ann Hawkins didn't let you vote on the MOU. Ann Hawkins doesn't want you to vote EVER. Pay her SALARY but no vote.
Please AGM Delegates save us from more years of cutbacks under the Ann Hawkins+Kevin O'Dwyer+Marshall Jarvis Team.

Vote for Rene for change and cleaning up this mess!

Praying for Change in Oecta Provincially and in Halton.

Anonymous said...

If the fact that Ann Hawkins is Not Catholic is not an issue why has it never been brought forward. I mean in all the years of elections and campaigns I have never heard it mentioned. If there is nothing to hide should she not have been forthcoming about it. I mean wouldn't most members assume she was Catholic when she is on the executive?

Anonymous said...

I would assume OECTA members will be voting out anyone associated with the MOU? What a disgrace that any of these people who sold out ALL teachers are involved in any future negotiations. Wake up OECTA members.

Anonymous said...

Marshall jarvis attendance at Halton OECTA meetings was never sanctioned by the Halton executive. He is not a member of OECTA. He is hired help (read thug). While James Ryan has a right to come to the meeting under handbook rules, non members do not automatically have that right. But not to worry, neither of those 2 follow the rules of the handbook anyway.
Yes the mess at provincial should be cleaned up. But it will take a very strong executive which does not exist presently. The present executive allowed the Brock fiasco to play out against a member who did nothing wrong. That was led by James Ryan by the way. Now, if you elect Ann Hawkins (pro Jarvis) with the added support of Kevin O'Dwyer do you really think you will fix things or just make it worse. This OECTA does not deserve to be a teacher affiliate given its behaviour.
As for Halton, March can't run a meeting or she would do it and Horst isn't even a speaker. And non members show up and/or are invited and it seems to be just fine. I wonder if they would allow the press in.

Anonymous said...

Much has been said lately about Ann as to whether or not she is catholic. To me it does make a difference as I feel that the president of OECTA should indeed be Catholic. But just as important as this issue may be..there is another one that must be settled once and for all. The issue of Marshal and his status within OECTA. Right now it is a house divided that will only become healed once he is gone. Jarvis is NOT the man for the job of GS. My OECTA does not include Marshal Jarvis.

Anonymous said...

Clean house OECTA. Get rid of the MOU. Bring back local bargaining.

Ms. Chievious said...

Dear Hopeful in Halton,

The explanation that your so called President, Nina and Chair Horst, should have provided when asked as to why Ann Hawkins was granted strategic access to Halton Elementary members and AGM Delegates and her running mate Rene was not: "Because Marshall said so. And a victory for Ann means that Marshall Law continues at OECTA."

While you may be Hopeful in Halton, I remain Outraged at OECTA,

Ms. Chievious

Anonymous said...

At a recent Halton OECTA James Ryan is quoted as saying that Halton was one of the best run units in the province.
That was said by the auditors during Richard Brock's reign as president and certainly not during Nina March's time. Just another attempt by Jimmy to throw the light in a different direction.
Oh, and who used the term "forensic" on the sham audit that was done by provincial on Halton. That term is not used anywhere in that document. This is likely not going to die and the press will have lots of fun with this stuff. Lots out there.

Anonymous said...

Horst is a man of much knowledge and wisdom. Is he training anyone else in Halton Elementary to take over as Speaker? Who is paying him to be Halton's Speaker? The unit...or Provincial? Is he guiding the unit to emulate all the best run Oecta units out there? Will his great reputation as an impartial Speaker/Parliamentarian remain unchanged as he fulfills his mission of guiding the Halton Elementary Unit?

Hoping For More in Halton

Anonymous said...

It should be noted that there are some Halton Elementary Unit Executive Members fighting for accountability and the unit membership.
At that same Ann Hawkins meeting, a notice of motion was introduced demanding a Term Limit of 4 years maximum on anyone holding the office of Unit President. Unit members need to come out to the next unit general meeting to vote in favour of this Term Limit Motion. Term limits keep leaders focused on serving their unit members, and develop a pool of trained service based leaders, not just one in power for ever.

Anonymous said...

I am not a fan of Richard Brock but I do know that he believed in his members , fought for his members and he did not just talk the talk but he also walked the walk . He was indeed railroaded by MJ . The whole investigation was a sham ! If MJ says so then that is so..no one else should question his Marshal Law. OECTA would be better served without MJ and his minions.

Ms. Chievious said...

From the commentary above,it is clear that a large faction is more than disappointed with OECTA's Leadership. The question is who among us has the courage to publicly share the facts and demand accountability from OECTA.

I am ready to share my story and tell my facts......anyone else out there care to join me?

Anonymous said...

I just received a registered gag letter from our dear president. I dared imply that Jm has his own interest at heart and not the members'. I also made it clear that the Brock affair was a disgusting vendetta. So now I wonder how many more people have been put under "the cone of silence" by being threatened. I will speak if I am not alone. I've already been through the " discipline board" If they want to go to court I have boxes full of documents. I think CBC would love to get a hold of those. Halton OECTA is dead!!!

Anonymous said...

Who is JM?

Kulture Kult Ink said...

A nom de plume? Perhaps best unless one wishes to sign.

Ms. Chievious said...

Or MJ backwards??????????

Anonymous said...

My mistake, it is MJ not JM. Ok folks, nom de plume? um....
Former Idealist

Anonymous said...

Are the following candidates Christian? Due they all pay OECTA dues? Are they committed to protecting Catholic Education?

Ann Hawkins Yes
Rene Jansen In de Wal Yes

Liz Stuart Yes
Barb Dobrowlowski Yes
Andrew Donihee Yes

Sonia DiPetta Yes
Warren Grafton Yes

Antonio Rochio Yes
Michel Derikx Yes
Michael Wozniak Yes

Chris Cowley Yes

Do the following OECTA candidates a) cheat on their spouses? b) go to mass every Sunday? c) practice unconventional sex? d) drink alcohol excessively or use crack cocaine? e) use profanity? e) visit questionable internet sites?

I have no idea nor does anyone else, so STOP GOSSIPING!

Anonymous said...

So that post above answered the question that has become VOLDEMORT Like. Is Ann Hawkins Catholic? It appears not. And she voted YES to the MOU. The C in OECTA stands for Catholic. Does being Catholic count for nothing anymore? OECTA speaks for CATHOLIC TEACHERS. Ann could stop the "gossip" by answering the question once and for all.

Anonymous said...

As they would say in the X Files' the truth is out there somewhere'

Ms. Chievious said...

Dear Anonymous,

I'm Catholic and scored 3/6 on your quiz-potentially 4-please define unconventional sex. Regardless, I am not running for President of a Catholic Organization as a non-Catholic. That's not gossip. It's a fact.

Anonymous said...

Will this AGM be one of Peace or Chaos ??? Only time will tell !!

Ms. Chievious said...

I see that, as usual, the OECTA Provincial Presidents carefully selected AGM delegates who would pay homage and give a standing O to our GS, the same man who took us from "We will not back down!" to "How far would you like us to bend over?" I'd pay good money to see MJ trapped in a room with rank and file teachers, not those continuously feeding at the union trough. Something tells me the reception wouldn't be quite as warm. Keep up the facade OECTA since that is after all what you excel at. If only you could put forth a quarter of that energy into actually doing what members pay you to do-protect them and not yourselves.

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