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  • Lock Talk #5: Dates Confirmed

    Click here to download the PDF.

    Your bargaining team has secured December 18 and 19 to meet with the Employer to exchange opening statements and proposals.

    The Correctional bargaining team will be supported by labour lawyer Nini Jones of Jones Pearce LLP throughout this round of negotiations. Nini brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in public safety personnel negotiations and has acted as legal counsel for our bargaining unit during the last two rounds of bargaining.

    The team will release our next LockTalk update after these meetings with the Employer, with the intention of sharing our opening statement and any further updates that we are able to provide.

    Our mobilizers are hard at work, connecting with members in all Regions to ensure we have the most up-to-date member information and identifying contacts in all departments, institutions, facilities and offices.

    If you have not done so, it is vital that you provide a secure personal email address when asked to do so by a mobilizer or your Local. You can also provide this using the Member Portal.

    In solidarity,

    Janet Laverty, Bargaining Team Chair
    Adam Cygler, Bargaining Team Vice-Chair

    kmahabir

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  • Sector 3 Board of Education and Cultural Institutions Newsletter: December 2024

    Greetings Sector 3 boards of Education and Cultural Institutions!  

    It’s hard to believe that it is already December – before we know, it will be 2025!

    As we end 2024, we would like update you on some sector news.

    Save the Date!

    Local Presidents/Highest Ranking members within Boards of Education will be invited to join the Sector 3 executive virtually on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 to discuss local issues and upcoming events.

    Watch for the Call Out in January to register.

    Cultural Institutions’ Presidents/Highest ranking officials will be invited to join us in May.  More details to follow.

    Did You Know? – Proof of illness & medical documentation

    As outlined in the Central portion of the Collective Agreement, C 10.00 I) Proof of Illness, medical documentation may be requested by the employer.

    1. A Board may request medical confirmation of illness or injury and any restrictions or limitations any Employee may have, confirming the dates of absence and the reason thereof (omitting a diagnosis). Medical confirmation is required to be provided by the Employee for absences of five (5) consecutive working days or longer.
    2. Where an Employee does not provide medical confirmation as requested, or otherwise declines to participate and/or cooperate in the administration of the Sick Leave Benefit Plan, access to compensation may be suspended or denied. Before access to compensation is denied, discussion will occur between the Union and the school board.  Compensation will not be denied for the sole reason that the medical practitioner refuses to provide the required medical information. A school Board may require an independent medical examination to be completed by a medical practitioner qualified in respect of the illness or injury of the Board’s choice at the Board’s expense.

    If you are experiencing difficulties with your employer, please contact your Local Union representative.

    Did You Know? – ROM discounts

    OPSEU/SEFPO members get discounts at the Royal Ontario Museum!

    Save 15% off Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) admission. Buy your timed tickets online and use promo code OPSEU.

    OPSEU/SEFPO members now SAVE 15% on select new one-year* ROM memberships.

    ROM members receive unlimited free admission to galleries and special exhibitions all year long. Plus, enjoy exclusive previews of exhibitions and galleries, advance booking opportunities, discounts, and so much more. Join today online and save 15% with promo code OPSEU. Offer expires March 31, 2025.

    Royal Ontario Museum Bargaining Update

    Congratulations! OPSEU/SEFPO Local 543 ROM (Full-Time) has ratified a new Collective Agreement!

    After a hard round of bargaining, a deal was reached in late August which included the highest wage grid improvements ROM has seen in over 20 years, improvements to many aspects of the benefits plan, further Bill 124 remedy, additional leave days, and a signing bonus.

    Don’t delay! Sign up to the Member Portal today

    The basic building blocks of collective power is each one of us! Your local and sector want to connect with you! We’re committed to building participation in the sector.

    Please take a minute to:

    Sign a membership card: If you don’t have an OPSEU/SEFPO membership number of card  sign a membership card and encourage your colleagues to sign one as well!

    Sign up for the OPSEU/SEFPO Member Portal: The Member Portal gives you secure online access to services and member information. It’s where you’ll find important information about your union! Be sure to update your contact info on the Member Portal so we can connect with you about the things that matter most to you!

    Stay Informed

    Visit opseu.org where you’ll find the latest news, campaigns, educational opportunities, event postings, information from your sector, and so much more!

    On behalf of the Sector 3 Boards of Education and Cultural Institutions executive, we want to wish all of you a happy and healthy holiday break.  We encourage you to take some time to rest and enjoy your time with family and friends.  We are looking forward to a successful 2025 and wish you Happy New Year.

    In solidarity,

    Your Sector 3 Division Executive

    Melody Hurtubise, Acting Chair

    Susan Richarz, Secretary

    Donna Caissie, Treasurer

    Rebecca Bailey, Member at Large

    Kelly Martin, Member at Large

    Bonnie Eddy, Member at Large

    Follow us on Facebook to stay up to date on what’s happening in OPSEU/SEFPO Boards of Education and Cultural Institutions – Sector 3!

    kmahabir

  • Job Opportunity – Regional Secretary, Thunder Bay R.O. – 24.051

    Title: Regional Secretary (57-21)
    Location: Thunder Bay Regional Office, Local Services and Member Organizing Division, 326 Memorial Ave, Thunder Bay, ON, P7B 3Y3
    Reporting to: Supervisor, Regions 6 & 7
    Search Type: Open to all OPSEU/SEFPO members
    Salary: $1,602.00 to $1,803.00 per week (Range 7 – Support)
    Working Conditions: As provided in the OPSSU/OPSEU/SEFPO Collective Agreement

    Principal Duties:

    Provides administrative, secretarial and clerical support services to a Regional Office:

    • Responds to enquiries
    • Liaises with staff in other areas of the organization, locals and with outside contacts to facilitate work of the office
    • Receives, takes messages and directs incoming calls and transmits to proper individual
    • Takes minutes or recordings of meetings
    • Maintains and updates records from filing systems and/or databases
    • Determines needs and orders supplies
    • Trains and assigns work to other support staff in the office as required
    • Compiles summary reports from information and internal databases
    • Reconciles office budget (Accountable Warrants)
    • Tracks, codes and processes invoices and members expenses
    • Tracks grievance files as required
    • Monitors and recommends possible updates to procedure manuals
    • Types reports, agreements, composes letters and acknowledgements
    • Proofreads and corrects prepared materials for correct grammar, format, completeness and content
    • Plans and coordinates regional meetings and member educationals
    • Negotiates with hotels for meeting conference rooms
    • Organizes materials for distribution
    • May make travel arrangements and accommodations for staff
    • Sets up and organizes office systems
    • Performs other related duties as assigned

    Qualifications:

    • One year Community College Diploma and five years of related work experience (or an equivalent combination of education and experience)
    • Knowledge of general principles regarding office management
    • Knowledge of OPSEU/SEFPO organization, structure and policies
    • Understanding of and commitment to labour movement and social democratic philosophy
    • Understanding of and commitment to the principles of anti-racism, equity, diversity and inclusion
    • Requires intermediate PC skills and knowledge of relevant software packages
    • Requires numeracy skills
    • Requires tact and diplomacy skills

    OPSEU/SEFPO supports employment equity. Racialized workers, women, Indigenous workers, LGBTQ2S+ workers and workers with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For the purpose of statistical data collection, applicants are strongly encouraged to voluntarily self-identify. OPSEU/SEFPO’s diverse workplace also supports Francophone workers and young workers.

    A total of 60% or greater must be achieved in the competition process to obtain the position.

    Please advise should you require any accommodation to participate in this competition.

    Expression of Interest – 2-step process:

    1. Submit your resume with cover letter in Word or PDF to competitions@opseu.org quoting “24.051 – Regional Secretary (57-21), Thunder Bay R.O.” by 5:00 pm (Eastern Time) on January 3, 2025;
    2. Complete OPSEU/SEFPO Job Applicant Survey – Please click the link below: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=ntqy3vmHp0WKvIeSS54XACSzxUJfqY5Ehbkv7jfWaYpUNlBRWkVJU0RNVVFNWExOUjY2MlpaREw4OSQlQCN0PWcu

    To be considered in the job competition, it’s essential to complete both steps of the two-step submission process. Failure to do so may result in disqualification from consideration.

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  • International Human Rights Day 2024: Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now

    December 10 is International Human Rights Day. This marks the anniversary of the United Nations adoption and proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. The Declaration of Human Rights enshrines the inalienable rights that should be protected and sets the standard for all peoples and nations.

    The OPSEU/SEFPO Provincial Human Rights Committee recognizes that promoting awareness and education about human rights within our union empowers our fellow members and benefits our communities. Armed with this knowledge, we are empowered to motivate, advocate and protect human rights in our province, country, and around the world.

    We encourage you to take a moment today to celebrate International Human Rights Day and familiarize yourself with some of the information linked below:

    “Our rights, our future, right now.” Human Rights Day 2024

    Human Rights Day 2024 | OHCHR

    Human Rights Day – Canada.ca

    News — John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights

    International Human Rights Day: Stand up for someone’s rights today and every day! | The Ontario Federation of Labour

    Homepage | Ontario Human Rights Commission

    In Solidarity,

    Your Provincial Human Rights Committee

    Davis, Tyrone

  • Job Opportunity – Secretary (Education) – 24.047

    Title: Secretary – Education (40)
    Location: Campaigns, Policy Research & Education Unit, Political Action and Education Division, OPSEU/SEFPO Head Office, 100 Lesmill Rd, Toronto, ON M3B 3P8
    Reporting to: Supervisor, Campaigns, Policy Research & Education Unit
    Search Type: Open to all OPSEU/SEFPO members
    Salary: $1,520.00 to $1,587.00 per week (Range 5 – Support)
    Working Conditions: As provided in the OPSSU/OPSEU/SEFPO Collective Agreement

    Principal Duties:

    Provides secretarial and clerical support services to the Unit:

    • Responds to general enquiries
    • Takes minutes or recordings of meetings in the absence of an administrative assistant
    • Receives and takes messages and refers to proper individual
    • May organize large mail out of resource materials as requested
    • Books appointments and meetings for the Unit and coordinates special conferences as required
    • Produces agenda and minutes for Unit meetings
    • Maintains and updates records for filing systems and/or databases
    • Compiles summary reports from information as requested
    • Prepares documents, reports, briefs, composes letters and acknowledgements
    • Proofreads and corrects prepared materials for correct grammar, format, completeness and content
    • May make arrangements for meetings and may assist in organizing conferences including registration
    • Assists in organizing materials for distribution
    • Maintains and updates procedures manuals of own position
    • May train others in their area of responsibility
    • Perform other related duties as assigned

    Qualifications:

    • 2 year Community College Certificate and two years of related work experience (or an equivalent combination of experience and education)
    • Knowledge of office management principles
    • Knowledge of OPSEU/SEFPO organization, structure and policies
    • Understanding of and commitment to labour movement and social democratic philosophy
    • Understanding of and commitment to the principles of anti-racism, equity, diversity and inclusion
    • Requires intermediate PC skills and knowledge of relevant software packages
    • Requires tact and diplomacy skills

    OPSEU/SEFPO supports employment equity. Racialized workers, women, Indigenous workers, LGBTQ2S+ workers and workers with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For the purpose of statistical data collection, applicants are strongly encouraged to voluntarily self-identify. OPSEU/SEFPO’s diverse workplace also supports Francophone workers and young workers.

    A total of 60% or greater must be achieved in the competition process to obtain the position.

    Please advise should you require any accommodation to participate in this competition.

    Expression of Interest – 2-step process:

    1. Submit your resume with cover letter in Word or PDF to competitions@opseu.org quoting “24.047 – Secretary – Education (40), Campaigns, Policy Research & Education Unit” by 5:00 pm (Eastern Time) on December 5, 2024;
    2. Complete OPSEU/SEFPO Job Applicant Survey – Please click the link below: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=ntqy3vmHp0WKvIeSS54XACSzxUJfqY5Ehbkv7jfWaYpUNEZBWDlJMDFJVUVDSVA2QTAzSlZFQlNKRyQlQCN0PWcu

    To be considered in the job competition, it’s essential to complete both steps of the two-step submission process. Failure to do so may result in disqualification from consideration.

    webpublisher

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  • Job Opportunity – Health and Safety Officer – 24.042

    Title: Health and Safety Officer (92-03)
    Location: Worker Safety Unit, Contract Enforcement Division, OPSEU/SEFPO Head Office, 100 Lesmill Rd, Toronto, ON M3B 3P8
    Reporting to: Supervisor, Worker Safety Unit and Pension and Benefits Unit
    Search Type: Open to all OPSEU/SEFPO members
    Salary: $1,994.00 to $2,215.00 per week (Range 4 – Pro-Tech)
    Working Conditions: As provided in the OPSSU/OPSEU/SEFPO Collective Agreement

    Principal Duties:

    Provides Health and Safety research and knowledge to the organization, staff and locals:

    • Develops strategies, proposals, arguments and concepts relating to Health and Safety matters
    • Evaluates and analyzes Health and Safety legislation/regulations and develops appropriate proposals
    • Develops and presents Health and Safety briefs and position papers on legislation and in negotiations for OPSEU/SEFPO, external organizations and affiliates
    • Develops and delivers Health and Safety educationals and seminars in consultation with the Education Unit
    • Represents OPSEU/SEFPO on various external committees
    • Provides advice and information to members and staff
    • Performs other Health and Safety related research and educationals as assigned
    • Prepares Health and Safety strategies for Health and Safety litigation
    • Instructs outside counsel and acts as a resource for Health and Safety litigation
    • Produces reports and materials for OPSEU/SEFPO publications
    • Performs other related duties as assigned

    Qualifications:

    • Undergraduate degree and four years of related work experience in the Health and Safety field (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
    • Certified Health and Safety Training
    • Knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety Act and relevant regulations
    • Knowledge of OPSEU/SEFPO organization, structure and policies
    • Understanding of and commitment to labour movement and social democratic philosophy
    • Understanding of and commitment to the principles of anti-racism, equity, diversity and inclusion
    • Requires intermediate PC skills and knowledge of relevant software packages
    • Requires tact and diplomacy skills

    OPSEU/SEFPO supports employment equity. Racialized workers, women, Indigenous workers, LGBTQ2S+ workers and workers with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For the purpose of statistical data collection, applicants are strongly encouraged to voluntarily self-identify. OPSEU/SEFPO’s diverse workplace also supports Francophone workers and young workers.

    A total of 60% or greater must be achieved in the competition process to obtain the position.

    Please advise should you require any accommodation to participate in this competition.

    Expression of Interest – 2-step process:

    1. Submit your resume with cover letter in Word or PDF to competitions@opseu.org quoting “24.042 – Health and Safety Officer (92-03), Worker Safety Unit” by 5:00 pm (Eastern Time) on November 27, 2024;
    2. Complete OPSEU/SEFPO Job Applicant Survey – Please click the link below: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=ntqy3vmHp0WKvIeSS54XACSzxUJfqY5Ehbkv7jfWaYpUMUFMRzY0QkQ1UDc4UllWSkE4TldRQTRVViQlQCN0PWcu

    To be considered in the job competition, it’s essential to complete both steps of the two-step submission process. Failure to do so may result in disqualification from consideration.

    webpublisher

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  • College Faculty bargaining update: Progress & security aren’t possible while concessions remain

    Bargaining Bulletin 15

    Over December 6 – 8, we entered non-binding mediation with the College Employer Council (CEC).

    While mediation has now ended, the parties have agreed to meet again in non-binding mediation on January 6-7, 2025. At this point in time, we have allowed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) regarding no-escalation to expire.

    While we encourage the CEC to engage productively in January, encouragements have not moved concessions off the table. If we want different results, we need to take a different approach.

    We’ve always had to fight to make the changes we need for our colleagues and ourselves. It’s no different now – we need to be prepared to fight on all fronts against cuts, concessions, and the austerity sweeping several colleges.

    We are carefully reviewing our options to determine all available paths forward to securing a new collective agreement that reflects members’ priorities: no concessions, better wages, improved working conditions, and enhanced job security.

    Concessions and Cuts Go Hand in Hand

    As members have made resoundingly clear, and as we have stated from the outset: we cannot in good faith accept a collective agreement with concessions that erode our working conditions, which may make cuts from the colleges easier. 

    Despite nearly 30 days of bargaining, 4 days of conciliation, a historic strike mandate, and 3 days of mediation, the CEC has maintained their concessions – all while manufacturing a crisis that threatens cuts to frontline workers.

    We now know how much work members are doing without recognition or compensation. If we had a collective agreement that reflected the realities of our workload today – not 40 years ago – it would cost the college system $24,500 per member. That’s $24,500 of free labour being skimmed off each of us, according to our costing.

    From 2024 through to 2025, our shared demands remain the same: no concessions, better wages, job security, and no free labour.

    A Better System Requires New Leadership

    Workers should never pay the price for the failures of college executives and various governments in mismanaging Ontario’s post-secondary education.

    The same managers who got us into this mess, cannot steward us through a crisis they helped manufacture. Their legacy has left the college system starved of public funding, fueled by an overwhelmingly precarious work force: some three quarters of all faculty are precarious. For more than a decade, the college system has raked in historic surpluses, while adding 1500 administrators and only 500 full time faculty.

    The heads of the college system and bad-faith politicians will attempt to capitalize on the current crisis to instill fear and uncertainty, and pit workers against each other: full-time faculty against non-full-time faculty, department against department, college against college.

    Letting uncertainty win only serves one agenda – and it’s not the agenda of a well funded, public college system with students and communities as the focus. Now more than ever, unity and solidarity are the antidote. We cannot allow our futures and the futures of the students we work with day in and day out to be compromised by bad decisions made at the top.

    A better college system is possible – and so is a contract that respects the work of 15,000 members across the province, training graduates for meaningful work in the communities we live in and serve.

    It will not come for free. We win when the employer looks across the table and sees each of us standing behind our bargaining team, ready to step up to the plate and fight for our futures.

    Solidarity,

    Your CAAT-A Bargaining Team:

    Ravi Ramkissoonsingh, L242, Chair (he/him)
    Michelle Arbour, L125, Acting-Chair (she/her)
    Chad Croteau, L110 (he/him)
    Bob Delaney, L237 (he/him)
    Martin Lee, L415 (he/him)
    Sean Lougheed, L657 (he/him)
    Rebecca Ward, L732 (she/her)

    Stay Informed, Stay Engaged, Get Involved

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  • Temporary Assignment – Job Competition – Staff Representative, Hamilton R.O. – T24.017

    Title: Staff Representative (56-08)
    Location: Hamilton Regional Office (Region 2), Local Services and Member Organizing Division, 505 York Blvd, 2nd Floor, Hamilton, ON, L8R 3K4
    Reporting to: Supervisor, Regions 1 & 2
    Search Type: Open to all OPSEU/SEFPO members
    Salary: $1,994.00 to $2,215.00 per week (Range 4 – Pro-Tech)
    Start Date: To be determined
    End Date: Up to one year
    Working Conditions: As provided in the OPSSU/OPSEU/SEFPO Collective Agreement

    Principal Duties:

    Represents members and locals as Bargaining Agent in bargaining or dispute resolution forums in a resource, advocacy or spokesperson role. Represents members in grievance handling and delivers educational programs:

    • Provides advice to members and staff regarding bargaining/dispute resolution issues etc.
    • Negotiates contracts and other agreements
    • Develops and writes contract/dispute settlement language
    • Develops new, innovative bargaining/dispute resolution strategies and positions
    • Researches and prepares arguments and proposals for collective bargaining
    • Provides servicing support to organizing/re-organizing campaigns
    • Provides leadership and advice to members in strike preparation and strikes
    • Provides leadership in development of strong active locals and positive links within the labour community
    • Prepares for and facilitates educational programs
    • Attends and assists in general membership meetings and elections and votes as required
    • Performs other related duties as assigned

    Qualifications:

    • Undergraduate degree and four years of related work experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
    • Knowledge of bargaining trends, settlements, labour and other related legislation, arbitration awards
    • Knowledge of OPSEU/SEFPO organization, structure and policies
    • Requires labour and or community activism experience
    • Demonstrated commitment to and understanding of the labour movement, social democratic principles, and strategies to create change
    • Demonstrated commitment to and understanding of the principles of anti-racism, equity, diversity and inclusion
    • Requires excellent facilitation, advocacy, numeracy, analytical and problem-solving skills
    • Requires intermediate PC skills and knowledge of relevant software packages and internal databases
    • Requires initiative, self-direction, tact, and diplomacy skills
    • Requires excellent written and oral communication skills

    OPSEU/SEFPO supports employment equity. Racialized workers, women, Indigenous workers, LGBTQ2S+ workers and workers with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For the purpose of statistical data collection, applicants are strongly encouraged to voluntarily self-identify. OPSEU/SEFPO’s diverse workplace also supports Francophone workers and young workers.

    A total of 60% or greater in the competition process must be achieved to obtain the position.

    Please advise should you require any accommodation to participate in this competition.

    Expression of Interest – 2-step process:

    1. Submit your resume with cover letter in Word or PDF to competitions@opseu.org quoting “T24.017 – Staff Representative (56-08), Hamilton R.O.” by 5:00 pm (Eastern Time) on December 16, 2024;
    2. Complete OPSEU/SEFPO Job Applicant Survey – Please click the link below: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=ntqy3vmHp0WKvIeSS54XACSzxUJfqY5Ehbkv7jfWaYpUNkgyVFVKOEk0UzUzRzROSTY1WFlHNVlZMCQlQCN0PWcu

    To be considered in the job competition, it’s essential to complete both steps of the two-step submission process. Failure to do so may result in disqualification from consideration.

    webpublisher

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  • Convention 2025 on-site child care registration

    Convention 2025 on-site child care registration

    Welcome to Convention 2025’s Kids Kamp!

    Throughout Convention – from 7 pm on Wednesday, Apr 23 to 12:30pm on Sunday, Apr 27 – we’ll be providing fun and engaging high-quality child or dependent care for infants up to teens younger than 17. 

    There are two ways to register:

    1. The online form below
    2. This printable and/or fillable form. Email completed forms back to us at kidskamp@opseu.org.

    Please note: you will need to complete a separate form for each child or dependent.

    To complete the form, you’ll need to provide the following information:

    • An emergency contact name and cell number
    • Specific information about allergies, medical conditions or other needs and requirements
    • Your child’s or dependent’s OHIP number
    • The name and phone number of your child’s or dependent’s doctor

    If you have any questions or are encountering technical problems, please write to us at kidskamp@opseu.org

    Thank you

    Registration

    Printable / fillable form

    Online form

    apedersen

  • On-site child care – register another child

    apedersen

  • Auditor General Report sheds light on Ford’s reckless waste of public dollars: OPSEU/SEFPO

    Toronto, ON – OPSEU/SEFPO is once again calling out the Ford government for its shady handling of public dollars, following a 2024 Auditor General Report that highlighted government misspending and ‘irregular’ decision-making processes.

    “The Auditor General’s 2024 report put in writing what we already know about Doug Ford: he throws public dollars at his already-wealthy corporate friends, with no transparency to the public and no regard for government accountability,” said JP Hornick, OPSEU/SEFPO President.

    Notably, the report questioned the Ford government’s decision to permanently close the Ontario Science Centre and relocate it to Ontario Place, citing safety concerns with its roof. This was despite the government’s own internal report stating that the closure was unnecessary. Now, the Auditor General’s report has brought to light that the cost of relocating and building a new Science Centre is $1.8 billion higher than anticipated, making it more expensive to relocate than to repair the existing facility.

    Further to this, the report found that the procurement process for Ontario Place was ‘irregular’ and did not follow best practices.

    “The closure of the Science Centre is another example of Greenbelt-level corruption by a Premier who doesn’t respect Ontarians enough to be open and transparent about his government’s decisions,” added Hornick.

    The Auditor General’s report further highlighted the PC government’s funding allocation inefficiencies in areas including healthcare, education, mental health and addictions, and addressing homelessness. This comes in the wake of Ford doling out $3 billion dollars on a tax rebate to hand out $200 cheques ahead of an early election in 2025.

    “We’ve had six years of the PC government treating public dollars like it’s a free-for-all for their rich friends, while public services that actually support Ontarians are chronically underfunded,” said OPSEU/SEFPO First Vice-President/Treasurer Laurie Nancekivell. “Enough of the corruption. Enough of the shady deals. Enough starving public services of funding and trying to buy votes. Ontarians deserve better, and OPSEU/SEFPO will keep fighting to demand better!”

    For more information:

    Kelsea Mahabir, OPSEU/SEFPO Communications, (416) 458-9477
    opseucommunications@opseu.org

    kmahabir

  • Auditor General Report sheds light on Ford’s reckless waste of public dollars: OPSEU/SEFPO

    Toronto, ON – OPSEU/SEFPO is once again calling out the Ford government for its shady handling of public dollars, following a 2024 Auditor General Report that highlighted government misspending and ‘irregular’ decision-making processes.

    “The Auditor General’s 2024 report put in writing what we already know about Doug Ford: he throws public dollars at his already-wealthy corporate friends, with no transparency to the public and no regard for government accountability,” said JP Hornick, OPSEU/SEFPO President.

    Notably, the report questioned the Ford government’s decision to permanently close the Ontario Science Centre and relocate it to Ontario Place, citing safety concerns with its roof. This was despite the government’s own internal report stating that the closure was unnecessary. Now, the Auditor General’s report has brought to light that the cost of relocating and building a new Science Centre is $1.8 billion higher than anticipated, making it more expensive to relocate than to repair the existing facility.

    Further to this, the report found that the procurement process for Ontario Place was ‘irregular’ and did not follow best practices.

    “The closure of the Science Centre is another example of Greenbelt-level corruption by a Premier who doesn’t respect Ontarians enough to be open and transparent about his government’s decisions,” added Hornick.

    The Auditor General’s report further highlighted the PC government’s funding allocation inefficiencies in areas including healthcare, education, mental health and addictions, and addressing homelessness. This comes in the wake of Ford doling out $3 billion dollars on a tax rebate to hand out $200 cheques ahead of an early election in 2025.

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    “We’ve had six years of the PC government treating public dollars like it’s a free-for-all for their rich friends, while public services that actually support Ontarians are chronically underfunded,” said OPSEU/SEFPO First Vice-President/Treasurer Laurie Nancekivell. “Enough of the corruption. Enough of the shady deals. Enough starving public services of funding and trying to buy votes. Ontarians deserve better, and OPSEU/SEFPO will keep fighting to demand better!”

    For more information:

    Kelsea Mahabir, OPSEU/SEFPO Communications, (416) 458-9477
    opseucommunications@opseu.org

    kmahabir