Make a difference at the ballot box, says CTF

With the federal election fast approaching, the Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF/FCE) is urging teachers to make their voices heard at the ballot box. The CTF/FCE says that the teachers and education workers it represents through teachers’ organizations across Canada can make a difference by voting for candidates who will prioritize Canada’s children and youth.

“Together, we form a group of 370,000 voters that can seriously impact the outcome of the upcoming election and ensure a government that supports children, youth and their families as well as teachers and educators across the country,” said CTF/FCE President Heidi Yetman.

A non-profit organization and national alliance of provincial and territorial member organizations and associate organizations, the CTF/FCE advocates for policies that will directly impact the future of Canada’s students. Rather than endorsing a specific political party, the CTF/FCE instead works with all parties to advance policies that benefit teachers, students and the public education system. It is calling upon teachers to help shape public policy by supporting leaders committed to strengthening public education and addressing critical social issues.

“We are asking our members and the public to vote for a government that’s going to eliminate child poverty by keeping the National School Food Program and the Canada Child Benefit; address mental health crises with significant investment in the form of a Canada mental health transfer; and strengthen our societies and economies to fight climate change with retraining, retrofitting and investments in new technologies,” Yetman said.

To support voters, the CTF has compiled a range of election resources, including public opinion polling on education, educational tools, and shareable social media content designed to engage and inform. These resources aim to ensure teachers — and all voters — are equipped with the knowledge they need to make informed choices on election day.

For more information and to access election-related resources, including tools teachers can use in the classroom to teach about the federal election and democracy, visit the CTF website. ❚