OPC’s Indigenous Leadership Circle

As part of the ongoing work to reimagine how we can better serve members of traditionally underserved communities and to honour our obligations as part of the Truth and Reconciliation’s Calls to Action, we are inviting Members who identify as Indigenous to submit their interest in participating in the new Indigenous Leadership Circle. To get to this point, we have been engaging with an Indigenous Advisory group made up of Elders and Knowledge Keepers from different Indigenous communities and with some OPC Members who are Indigenous. Learn more about the purpose of this committee and the process for application to the committee.

OPC Membership Fee Update

Provincial Council has approved a shift for OPC fees to a percentage-based structure, which will be 1.1% of annual salary. This change will be effective July 1, 2025, or September 1, 2025, depending on your board's pay schedule. The calculation excludes allowances and short-term contractual earnings such as summer school and Continuing Education. A number of factors went into the decision to make this change.

• A percentage fee rate is consistent with the way that fees are calculated by both ETFO (1.6% of salary) and OSSTF (1.6% of salary).

• There will be fewer fee increases as percentage changes are less likely to be needed annually.
• It eliminates the link to an outdated 2003 fee increase motion. 
• It will support the financial stability and long-term growth of the OPC.
• It will adjust with inflation (as salaries increase, so does revenue).
• The lowest paid Members will have the lowest fee and the highest paid Members will pay higher fees, promoting equity.

• Historical coverage is reflected, as those in the role longer benefit more.

Federal Election – April 28

The federal election will be held on Monday April 28. Polls will be open from 9:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. EDT or 8:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. CDT. Bring accepted ID with you to the polling station. If you haven't registered yet, you can do so at your assigned polling station. Check your voter information card or use the online Voter Information Service to find your assigned polling station. We encourage everyone to exercise their right and responsibility to vote.

Quote to Ponder

“The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.” – B.B. King

Media

• Education Minister concerned about vaccination rates amid measles outbreak
• Donna Skelly chosen as first female Speaker of the Ontario Legislature
• Trillium Lakelands welcomes Swedish educators through OPC study tour
• Spend more on public colleges as part of tariff response strategy
• Reading, writing and revolution in Ontario schools
• Canadian university teachers warned against travelling to the U.S.
• Report urges raising age for social media access (subscription required)

Queen’s Park Update

The House resumed sitting last week with a Speech from the Throne, which outlines the priorities of the government for the upcoming session.