​​​Last updated: February 24, 2021, 4:15 pm

Note: Useful occupational health and safety references are posted on www.etfohealthandsafety.ca.  

As we all pull together to try and slow the spread of COVID-19, ETFO is working to keep our members, employees and others safe.
 
Arrangements have been made for our staff to work from home until further notice. In the interest of reducing the possible impact of COVID-19 ETFO has cancelled all in-person meetings and restricted visitors to the office until further notice.

In light of developments and recent Government decisions pertaining to organized events and social gatherings, ETFO will be cancelling events scheduled for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year.

ETFO has reached out to the Ministry of Education and will continue to work with them as necessary to ensure that our schools are safe places for our students, and for the educators who work with them. We are also working to ensure that our members’ rights are upheld during these unprecedented times.

We will continue to respond to our members’ needs as promptly as possible, and remain ready and able to serve you as best we can. Our current on-call system will remain in operation. Members are asked to leave a voice mail in the general mail box and staff will return calls promptly.

Please contact your local ETFO representative with any questions related to the impact of COVID-19.

We are grateful for your patience and support during this period of rapid change.

Canada Emergency Response Benefit vs Employment Insurance

The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) is a new benefit to support people who have lost their income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This benefit is not intended to replace Employment Insurance (EI), but rather to support workers who may not be eligible for EI. Please visit our page Canada Emergency Response Benefit vs Employment Insurance for more information, or our FAQ page.

Members who have questions about accessing employment insurance can visit this Government of Canada website: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) – Employment and Social Development Canada.

Emerging Equity Issues in a COVID-19 World

Equity and Women’s Services (EWS) has provided an overview of some of the ways in which different groups have been impacted by COVID-19. In the following documents, members will learn more about these issues and community partners who are working towards solutions while also providing useful resources for members.

1. Keeping 2SLGBTQ+ Youth Safe in a Virtual World:PDF | Word
2. Supporting Students with Disabilities and Distance Learning:PDF |Word​
3. The rise of anti-Asian racism during the COVID-19 pandemic:PDF​ |Word​​ 

Mental Health Resources

ETFO has created a list of mental health resources to support educators:PDF |Word

For specific resources supporting conversations about anti-Black racism from School Mental Health Ontario: 

1. Supporting The Mental Health And Well-Being Of Students Who Will Return To School Remotely
   
2. Supporting Mentally Healthy Conversations About Anti-Black Racism With Students

Webinar

We are living in unprecedented times. The pandemic and other world issues have us watching the headlines and wondering “When is this going to end?” As a result of this uncertainty, on some days we may feel positive and hopeful while on other days we might feel overwhelmed, tired, anxious and impatient. In this twelve-minute webinar, mental health educator Sue-Ann Maislin provides practical tips on how to stay resilient during these challenging times.

In these two short videos, created in partnership with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Dr. Donna Ferguson shares tips and resources that support the mental health and well-being of ETFO members:

More Video Resources on Mental Health:

Mental Health with Dr. Donna Ferguson: Maintaining optimal mental health, particularly during the pandemic

Mental Health with Dr. Donna Ferguson: Talking about stress, anxiety and panic:

Health Resources

​Ontario Ministry of Health

The 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Le nouveau coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19)

Ontario Public Health Units

Ontario Public Health Units List and Links
Services de santé dans votre collectivité - Emplacements des bureaux de santé
 
Social Media
Twitter - @ONTHealth
Facebook - @ONThealth

Public Health Ontario

Public Health Ontario
Santé publique Ontario
 
Social Media
Twitter - @PublicHealthON
Facebook - @PublicHealthON

Public Health Agency of Canada

Public Health Agency of Canada
Agence de la santé publique du Canada
 
Social Media
Twitter - @PHAC_GC
Facebook - Public Health Agency of Canada

World Health Organization

World Health Organization (WHO)
Organisation moniale de la Santé
 
Social Media
Twitter - @WHO
Facebook - @WHO

Ministry of Education

Ministry of Education
Ministère de l’Éducation

Social Media
Twitter - @ONeducation
Facebook - @OntarioEducation

Supports

OTIP

Coronavirus (COVID-19) : Information for plan members
Coronavirus (COVID-19) : Information pour les membres

Employee Assistance Program

All employees are encouraged to access the resources and supports provided in your local Employee Assistance Program.

Telehealth Ontario

Telehealth Ontario
ConnexOntario

24/7 Free and confidential health services information for people experiencing problems with alcohol and drugs, mental illness and/or gambling.  Funded by the Government of Ontario.
 
Social Media
Twitter - @ConnexOntario
Facebook - ConnexOntario

Labour Resources

The Canadian Labour Congress COVID-19 Resource Center
COVID-19 Information from the Ontario Federation of Labour